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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-15 NURB minutes NURB Meeting – May 5, 2015 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 5, 2015 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Tom Noble, Chair Daniel Doehring (arrived at 6:40 p.m.) Erik Nelson Robert Pavlic Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: John Usher Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff: Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Kevin Jacobsen, Morrison-Maierle John How, KLJ Dustin Johnson, KLJ Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue Call to Order – Chair Tom Noble called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item. Consent Items – Approve minutes from April 7, 2015 meeting. It was moved by Jeanne Wesley- Wiese, by Erik Nelson, that the minutes of the meeting April 7, 2015, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Discussion/Action Items – Discussion/set budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Recording Secretary Sullivan distributed copies of the draft budget and work plan for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. NURB Meeting – May 5, 2015 2 Chair Noble expressed interest in funding the balance of the Front Street trail project, but stated he does not support funding for a kiosk. He noted that the shortfall is currently estimated at just under $20,000. Erik Nelson suggested the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) may be willing to install a sign with the donation, even if it doesn’t fund a kiosk. He then asked where the budget shortfall lies and when the trail is to be completed. Chair Noble stated he does not have a breakdown of the GVLT’s costs for the trail, so does not know where the shortfall lies. Economic Development Director Brit Fontenot stated the GVLT is currently negotiating with Kenyon-Noble regarding removal of their encroachments into the street right-of-way. He noted that a corner of the building may actually be at or in the edge of the right-of-way. Erik Nelson asked if the Board could stipulate its monies are to close the funding gap for the project. Chair Noble stated he would like to make the trail a priority, stating he feels it would be a benefit to this tax increment financing district. In response to questions from John Usher, it was noted that the budgeted monies would not be expended until the project moves forward. Economic Development Director Fontenot noted that the kiosk would be located inside the district boundary if the Board chooses to fund one. He then stated the Board could budget monies as a donation of the final monies needed to complete the project. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated information from the GVLT revealed the bridge across the creek will cost just over $62,000, with $3,000 of that to cover the costs of removing debris from the streambank. In light of that information, she suggested that with the addition of $20,000 for the pedestrian bridge project, there would be sufficient monies in the budget to complete that project during this fiscal year. Responding to Chair Noble, the Economic Development Director stated this project could be included in the term contract for engineering services. Dan Doehring noted that, if any streambank restoration is needed in conjunction with installation of the pedestrian bridge, monies in the budget for that purpose could be used. Erik Nelson noted that the draft work plan and budget are the result of Board work over an extended period of time, and he feels the result is sound and should be forwarded to the Commission. NURB Meeting – May 5, 2015 3 Chair Noble voiced his agreement, noting that there is nothing in the work plan that has not been discussed several times. It was moved by Erik Nelson, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the Board adopt the draft work plan and budget as amended to include an additional $10,000 from the undesignated reserve fund for the Front Street trail and eliminate funding for a kiosk in conjunction with that project. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Economic Development Director Brit Fontenot announced that this budget presentation will be made to the Commission at its June 1 meeting and asked Board members to attend that meeting if possible. Miscellaneous discussion. John How, KLJ Engineering, announced that the firm has been selected to look at the conservation overlay districts in the community. As part of the public outreach component, the firm is meeting with as many neighborhood groups and tax increment financing boards as possible to determine what should possibly be added or changed. He then expressed an interest in making a presentation at the Board’s June 2 meeting if it chooses not to cancel that meeting. Economic Development Director Brit Fontenot stated the RFQ for engineering services has been released; and he has received several questions and input about the services to be provided under the contract. He then stressed the City has a specific process to be followed for choosing a firm, which includes a selection committee that is involved at all steps in the review and selection process. He asked that two Board members be included, noting they will serve with someone from the Engineering Department, David Fine and himself. He noted Chair Noble has expressed concern that he may not be able to attend all of the selection committee meetings, but that Erik Nelson has indicated a willingness to serve. Responding to the Director, John Usher voiced an interest in participating on the selection committee. Set agenda for June 2, 2015 meeting or cancel meeting. Chair Noble asked that the presentation from KLJ Engineering be placed on the agenda, along with an update on street lights. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she would like to talk about the railroad crossing, expressing concern about pedestrian safety in light of the Story Mill Park improvements and the new trail connection. Responding to Erik Nelson, Director Fontenot stated he can research possible federal funds for improving the crossing. He cautioned, however, that railroads tend to have a different view of crossings. He suggested one option is to invite Matt Jones, public relations with BNSF, to come to a Board meeting to discuss the crossing concerns. NURB Meeting – May 5, 2015 4 Chair Noble noted the first step may be to engineer the street right-of-way at the railroad crossing to determine how much space may be available. Economic Development Director Fontenot indicated he will be prepared to give an update on the RFP process at next month’s meeting. Chair Noble asked for an update on engaging bond counsel. Director Fontenot responded that the City Attorney has given approval for engaging Dorsey Whitney when the Board is ready to do so. Neighborhood News. Dan Doehring stated more wood chips are needed around the boulder in depot park. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated the depot trail needs to be mowed; and there is a lot of garbage in the trail. Chris Nixon announced the NENA meeting is to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in the Commission Room. He then distributed neighborhood newsletters to Board members. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Director Fontenot stated the Commission expressed some concerns about the survey process that Director of Public Service Woolard has been using as the first step in possibly creating a special improvement district. As a result, he is fine tuning the process he is using to receive property owner feedback. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted a lot of misinformation is floating around the neighborhood about the potential special improvement district and the street improvements to be made. Adjournment – 7:15 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Noble adjourned the meeting. Tom Noble, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman