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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-15 TOPS MinutesMINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING, JANUARY 15, 2015 Page 1 of 5 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Hawks, Chair Don Beeman Sandy Dodge, Vice-Chair Doug Chandler Cyndy Andrus, Commission Liaison Tom Starner COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: COMMITTEE MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENCE: CITY STAFF PRESENT: Mitch Overton, Parks & Recreation Director Carolyn Poissant, Manager Trails, Open Space and Parks Design & Development Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary A. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hawks at 10:00 a.m. B. Committee member Chandler motioned to approve the meeting minutes of December 4, 2014 as submitted. Committee member Beeman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. C. Changes to the Agenda – none. D. Public Comment – 4:02 – Brad Ehrnman, is a resident of Turtle Way, the five home development that shares a border with the East Gallatin Recreation Area. The parcel of property of concern is north of Turtle Way, which is the main access for the park. There is a permanent easement road that transects the property and serves as the entrance to the park. This property is currently zoned for light manufacturing. There is a contract on the property at this time. The master plan for the City of Bozeman shows this parcel of land as parks and open space. Residents have received notice from the county that the developer has proposed a 177 mini storage unit plan for this property. This access does matter to the park experience. Bozeman Fire has concerns that this entrance is the only entrance in and out of the park. There is a safety issue with access. Residents MINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING, JANUARY 15, 2015 Page 2 of 5 of Turtle Way are interested in the possibility of using TOP money to purchase the property. 14:48 – James Blackburn, 270 Turtle Way. Interested in TOP program and filling out an application. Property is listed for $600,000 for 6.49 acres. Thinks that buyer is probably interested in approval of R-1 from city. 18:06 – Ed Adamson, 291 Turtle Way. He developed the lots at Turtle Way. Mr. Adamson stated that when he was first made aware of the project, it was projected as R-3 (town homes & condos). When Sunfish Park was developed he was required to stay with R-1. This development will have an impact on the wildlife in the area (ducks, deer, muskrats, sandhill cranes, foxes, beavers, pheasants). There is habitat especially in the spring for these animals that would be disturbed. 24:57 – Kelsey Sather, 257 Turtle Way. Purchased home here because it symbolized ecological relationship with the landscape for them. It is vital wildlife habitat. It is a major corridor for migratory birds. There is an opportunity for citizens of Bozeman to connect with nature. Cherry Creek preserve is across the street and there is a potential for a habitat corridor. Storage units would be a huge detriment to the wildlife and to the safety of the watershed quality. Ms. Sather has been researching ways to raise funds to complement anything that the public servants can offer. Ms. Sather’s mother works as a fund raiser and would be willing to assist. There is a party involved willing to donate a sizeable amount. Committee member Starner felt this would be a potential good use of TOP funds. Director Overton stated that leveraging would be a key as there are already five major projects with over 14 million in costs. He likes the idea of connectivity to Cherry Creek. PROST plan does show two trail corridor connections. Chair Hawks mentioned that timing is of the essence. Committee member Dodge suggested that the group might contact GVLT. Mr. Dodge was concerned about the improvements to the road and if this would come out of the TOP bond monies. He also mentioned that “not storage sheds” is not a check point on the TOP scoring. 39:30 – Mr. Ehrnman mentioned that one of the things that the homeowners association would add to a potential deal would be the water rights for the ditch that comes out of the lake, which is spring fed. It is a substantial water way leading into the East Gallatin. They would be interested in potentially signing these over to the city. E. Disclosures: :10 – Carolyn Poissant; Manager Trails, Open Space and Parks Design & Development (TOP Manager) announced that she had spoken with several of the individuals in attendance some of whom may want to give public comment on the East Gallatin Recreation Area entry parcel that is currently up for development. MINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING, JANUARY 15, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Committee member Starner stated that he has had continuing conversation with Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) pertaining to Painted Hills Trail Triple Tree connector regarding land owners. Director Overton mentioned he had also heard from GVLT regarding their desire to pursue the Front Street Right of Way on the east side of Rouse (where Oak meets Rouse) from the west and on the east starts Front Street, the ROW links over onto Wallace and would connect to the Story Mill Spur. GVLT will likely come forth with an application to TOP to construct that trail and a bridge across the creek. Mr. Overton also heard from Mr. Blackburn expressing concern and interest in land that is for sale (6 acres) on both sides of the easement into the East Gallatin Recreation Area. Committee member Beeman disclosed that he had made a donation to the Soccer Field Development. F. Discussion 42:15 - Ms. Poissant informed the committee that there will be legislative action brought forward that would allow the state to transfer the East Gallatin Recreation Area property to the city. If the easement to the property were vacated, it would go back to the property owner. State will hold onto the easement for the city. i. TOPs Projects Updates Carolyn Poissant, Trails, Open Space and Parks Design & Development Manager reported on the following TOP projects: Bozeman Pond – 48:27 – Moving forward. Consultant is on board (DHM & partnered with Allied) and very proactive. Will be completing site plan and preliminary cost estimate to be run through DRC, then to City Commission for final approval of the site plan. Hoping to be under construction by May. Goal is to open park in August. Working with Hyalite School teachers and doing a design day with students to get ideas for an outdoor class room. Bozeman Creek – 50:02 - Have gotten approval of property owners. There will be one meander instead of two meanders. There will be no additional consultant charges. Final design will be completed by March. Construction will start next fall. Focus is on stream re-stabilization. Sports Park – 53:16 – An agreement in consideration of the funding and match of the Sports Park Foundation will be brought to the City Commission on February 9 th . Development will be done in phases as the monies come in from the Foundation. Online survey indicated that people preferred an area to be more park-like rather than just sports fields. They want to see trails, benches, MINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING, JANUARY 15, 2015 Page 4 of 5 shaded area, playgrounds and picnic sites as well as the sport fields. There will be a concession building and a maintenance office. Advertisement for a Request for Qualifications will be released soon. Looking at summer of 2016 to open the first phase. Story Mill Park – 58:16 – Closed on property and executed the MOU and purchase agreement. Will be hiring a consultant and working on scope of work. TPL is raising funds. May start work on park late this summer. This park will not be ready to open until Fall of 2016 or Spring of 2017. Trail to M – 59:22 - Waiting for Federal Land Management project manager and their consultant to finish up the feasibility analysis because three different alignments were reviewed for the trail due to the public input that was received. The most feasible route will be decided upon in a month. Negotiations will need to be done with private landowners for right of way. Possibility of Federal government and Forest Service putting in some funds for the underpass between Drinking Horse and the Trail to the M. ii. Feedback from Bozeman Daily Chronicle Editorial – 1:06:28 – Chairman Hawks received comments from public that it is nice to know what the TOP Committee is doing. In the future a re-admission of progress would be good. Ms. Poissant stated that she will be sending a letter to neighbors in the area of the project before the project begins. She wants to be proactive with the neighbors. There is around $900,000 of TOP bond money remaining. iii. Setting date of next meeting – 1:11:46 – The next meeting is scheduled for February 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room in the Professional Building. iv. FYI – 1:10:40 – Commissioner Andrus mentioned that the City Commission will be working on setting goals for next year. She does not see anything from the TOP Committee concerning urgent needs with the goals. v. 1:14:07 – Committee member Dodge motioned to adjourn the meeting at 11:18 a.m. Committee member Beeman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. MINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING, JANUARY 15, 2015 Page 5 of 5 __________________________ Bob Hawks, Chairperson ATTEST: _______________________________ Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary PREPARED BY: ________________________________ Doreen Olean , Recording Secretary Approved on_______________________