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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-05-29 . ). MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE'efT'{ COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONT ANA May 29, 1990 ************************ The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, May 29., 1990, at 3:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Hawks, Com- missioner Goehrung, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Knapp, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Becker and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. None of the Commissioners requested that any of the Consent Items be removed for discussion. Minutes - May 21, 1990 It was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, that the minutes for the regular meeting of May 21, 1990 be approved as submitted. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Goehrung and Mayor Hawks; those voting No, none. on Rodeo Nibbler" - ommi ttee City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission a request submitted by the Col- lege National Finals Rodeo Site Selection Committee for permission to close Main Street from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a "Chuck Wagon Rodeo Nibbler." The City Manager stated that the applicants have requested this item be withdrawn from the agenda because their plans have been revised to limit the proposed activities to the sidewalk area only. for fundin The City Manager submitted to the Commission a memo from the City-County Plan- ning Board requesting funding for completion of the design objective plans. Mr. Ralph Johnson, member of the City-County Planning Board, noted that the memo outlines the proposal; and an outline of the scope of work, a section of the Funda- mentals of Urban Design, as published by the American Planning Association, and A Com- parative Analysis of Three Towns in Montana, as prepared by students at Montana State University, have been attached as background information. He stated that the Board is not formally requesting funding at this time, but is simply providing an update on this 05-29-90 ----~_.- . . - 2 - step in the process of adopting new planning and zoning documents. Mr. Johnson reminded the Commission that the new zoning ordinance includes the recommendation that design objective plans be established to address issues such as entry- way corridors and the sign ordinance. He noted that through this process, rather than adopting a set of rules that would apply to virtually every place in the community, a set of concepts specific to a specific area is adopted. He stated that through this process, landscaping and signage along North 7th Avenue, West Main Street and East Main Street can be addressed in a more specific manner. He noted that each entryway corridor and each district within the community can be addressed through different specific criteria. Mr. Ralph Johnson then addressed the scope of work to be completed, briefly high- lighting the format of the completed document. He noted that a narrative description would be completed, followed by abstract diagrams, rendered illustrations demonstrating specific means of achieving the design objectives, and a specific example utilizing an unde- veloped property in each of the entryway corridors to illustrate the desired aesthetic qual- itles. He stated that an alternate to be considered is development of a schematic street plan and elevation which shows an entryway corridor meeting the design objectives. Mr. Johnson stated that the excerpt from A Comparative Analysis of Three Towns in Montana illustrates the narrative and abstract diagrams. He noted that the excerpt from Fundamentals of Urban Design illustrates the rendered illustrations for achieving the design standards that would be completed on a more specific basis. Mr. Ralph Johnson stated that the schematic drawing that would be provided through Alternate No. 1 would be nice, but it is not a requirement. He noted that the type of drawing has not been done on the scale anticipated. stating that the scale draw- ings would include each lot and development located within an entryway corridor as it cur- rently exists. He noted that when a developer makes a proposal, his drawing would be compared to the existing drawing to see if it would improve the corridor. He stated that if the drawing is accepted and the project completed, the drawing would be inserted as an as-built and would become a part of the schematic. He noted this provides a method of reviewing proposals as well as providing a development history of each lot. Mr. Johnson then reviewed the procedure for implementation of the design objective plans, noting they would be developed by a consultant or by staff personnel. He stated that public hearings would be conducted to gather input for each entryway corridor and district; and that information would be reviewed by the Planning Board and staff. The preliminary concepts would then be prepared and presented in public forums to receive publ ic input. The draft documents would then be prepared and presented to staff, with the documents to be finalized and submitted to the Planning Board and then to the City Commission for adoption after public hearings have been conducted. He stated that after 05-29-90 -- . . - 3 - passage, the documents would become supplemental to the new zone code. Mr. Johnson stated that a local consultant, who has not done this type of docu- ment, estimated ninety days to compfete the basic plan, at a cost of $12,000, and an addI- tional $4,000 for Alternate No.1. He noted that an out-of-state consultant who has com- pleted this type of document estimated the cost at $16,000 for the basic plan with an addi- tional $8,000 for the alternate. Mr. Ralph Johnson stated that he talked to the Planning offices in three cities where design objective plans somewhat similar to the proposed plan were completed by in- house staff--Tempe, Arizona; Pasadena, California; and Kent, Washington. He stated the Tempe plan was begun in 1979 and adopted in 1982, and includes parks, bicycles, walk- ways and a major redesign of an old downtown area. He stated it took one urban designer working on it continuously for three years, and two to three working off and on, to com- plete the project. In Pasadena, California, it took one urban designer nearly one and one-half years to complete a plan which Includes principally landscaping and signage. In Kent, Washington, the plan shows less focus on the city and more on landscaping and re- vitafizatlon of the old downtown. That plan took approximately two and one-half years to complete. Mr. Johnson stated that all three offices indicated they would do the plan them- selves again. They noted it is not necessary to hire an outside consultant as long as an individual can be hired to direct the program from its conception through implementation. Mr. Johnson stated that he checked the current salary range of an urban designer, and found the range is $28,000 to $30,000 for someone with a Master's Degree. Mr. Johnson stated the purpose of this agenda item is to remind the Commission of the needs in the Planning Department. He noted that adoption of the new zone code has led to a commitment to complete the design objective plans; and that must be accommodated through hiring of a consultant or hiring of an urban designer. He noted the advantages of hiring a consultant include the fact that the final product would be completed In a much shorter timeframe. He indicated that completion of the plan, which he characterized as a short-term project with long-term planning impacts, is a high priority of the Planning Board's. Mr. Roger Craft, Chairman of the City-County Planning Board, stated it Is the Planning Board's desire to hire a consultant and, at the same time, pursue hiring someone with a design objective background to implement the plan. He stated that at the present time, the issues that would be covered by the design objective plans are being addressed by the Design Review Committee, a citizens' sub-committee of the Planning Board with expertise in this area. He noted this puts a tremendous time demand on those individuals, and leads to concern about the lack of continuity that may be incurred. 05-29-90 . . / ~___~_,___.....r-' - 4 - ----.-. . I n response to a question from the Mayor, Mr. Craft stated the Personnel Sub- committee wi II be prepared to advertise within the next two weeks. City Manager Wysocki asked Mr. Craft to prioritize the design objective plans with other work tasks, particularly from a money standpoint. Mr. Craft stated the design objective plans are extremely important in terms of the zone code; however, there are more important items in the long-range planning aspect, such as the transportation and parks plans. He noted the project can be completed in- house, but wi II take much longer to finalize. The City Manager cautioned the Planning Board that there is only so much money available; therefore, not all of the projects can be funded. Planning Director Andy Epple noted that Ron Brey's former position is yet to be filled; and he had anticipated filling it with a chief zoning administrator, which has time-consuming activities. He cautioned that if hiring of an urban designer is contemplat- ed, he must change the job description as well as the workload in the office. Mr. Craft suggested that one person could possibly accomplish both the zoning en- forcement and enforcement of that portion of the design review dealing with historic pres- ervation. City Manager Wysocki cautioned that if a new job description is prepared, that po- sition must be evaluated and classified within the City's personnel system. He noted that after that is accomplished, the salary range will be determined. In response to a question from Commissioner Frost, Mr. Johnson stated that the ideal situation would be to hire a consultant this summer to develop the design objective plans. He noted the plans could then be implemented within thirty to sixty days after the new zone code has been adopted; and the staff would have a complete package with which to work. Responding to Commissioner Frost, the Planning Director stated that monies for the design objective plans were not included in the preliminary budget, but have been includ- ed as possible additional items. He noted that monies have been budgeted for filling of the vacant position. Responding to the City Manager, Planning Director Epple noted the vacant position is currently a Grade 21; and he plans to upgrade it to a 22. He noted the starting sala- ry, with upgrade will be $22,400, increasing to $25,000 after eighteen months. He noted that, after factoring in the"Montana discount for professional services~ that salary falls in line with the averages presented by Mr. Johnson. In response to Commissioner Swanson, the Planning Director stated it would be im- portant and extremely beneficial to have someone on staff with a design background to re- view proposals in mixed use areas and historic districts. He then highlighted the mixed 05-29-90 . - 5 - use districts. which include Ice Pond Road, the downtown area, and the northeast sector. He noted it is also important to review proposals within each of the eight historic preserv- ation districts as well as the entire conservation district. Mr. Roger Craft reminded the Commission that the new zone code has a strong em- phasis on planned unit developments; and those will entail a substantial amount of design review. I n response to questions from Commissioner Swanson, Mr. Johnson indicated that the abstract drawings for the design objective plans will probably include the West Main Street entryway corridor to Four Corners; however, the site specific drawings and the plans will be applicable only within the City's zoning jurisdictional area. He then indicated that the Planning Board does not plan to approach the County for funding for this proj- ect, since it is a part of the City's zone code. Mayor Hawks noted that early in the master planning process, there was discussion about a shared design concept of the entryways, particularly the U.S. 191 corridor to Four Corners through an interlocal agreement. He suggested that is still a viable option, in addition to the design objective plans. Mr. Ralph Johnson briefly reviewed the process for selecting a consultant for this type of project. He noted that during this process, the City and County could negotiate an Interlocal agreement to address the extended entryway corridors; and that could pos- sibly be included in the overall contract. Mayor Hawks stated that the proposed project would be most appropriately funded through the City's capital improvement program, particularly since it Is a zoning issue. He noted that staff is currently preparing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year; so now is the appropriate time to begin considering funding of this item if it Is to be undertaken before July 1, 1991. It was moved by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, that the Commission acknowledge receipt of the City-County Planning Board's request for funding for completion of the design objective plans and refer it to staff. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Swanson, Commis- sioner Knapp, Commissioner Goehrung, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Hawks; those voting No, none. Consent Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following Consent Items. 1 3, 2: 00 ain, to Ciaims 05-29-90 ~--~----- ~ . - 6 - It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Goehrung, that the Commission approve the Consent Items as listed, and authorize and direct the appro- priate persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Goehrung, Com- missioner Frost, Commissioner Swanson and Mayor Hawks; those voting No, none. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Informa- tion" items. (1) A letter of resignation from the Parking Commission, as submitted by Ray Erickson. (2) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Assistant Ron Brey has met with Fire Department personnel to discuss additional items to be re- viewed during fire Inspections, including conditional use permit requirements, zoning vio- lations and business licenses. He noted any violations will be referred to the appropriate City department for follow-up. (2) Blue Cross/Blue Shield is maintaining its intent to increase the City employees' medical insurance premiums by 33 percent overall. He noted there are some major cases currently in progress; and BC/BS does not intend to change the proposed increase at this time. (3) Staff is working with Montana Power Company and Pizza Hut on maintenance agreements for some of the city's park areas along West Main Street. He noted that staff will approach other businesses along West Main Street after these agreements have been completed. (4) Director of Public Service Forbes will attend a meeting for final review of the plans for expansion of Hyalite Reservoir next week. Con- struction is scheduled to begin this Fall. (5) The May 1 snowpack report reflects 70 to 90 percent of normal in the drainages around Bozeman. The City has realized 2.4 inches of precipitation in May; and it seems a substantial amount of snow has fallen in the moun- tains. It appears that Hyalite Reservoir will fill this summer with no problem. (6) The Director of Public Service went to Helena last week to witness slip lining of a sewer line. He noted this process provides for longer life of the sewer line and decreases the amount of friction, thus keeping the line at basically the same capacity. (7) The "Chuck Wagon Rodeo Nibbler," which was withdrawn from the agenda, will be limited to the sidewalk only and will be accommodated through a revocable permit. The conditions for that permit will include the requirement that a 5-foot pedestrian walkway be maintained, and that those locating in front of Main Street businesses must obtain written permission from the busi- 05-29-90 ~._~ . - 7 - ness owner. (3) Commissioner Frost reminded the Commission of the letter regarding the Mas- ter Plan from the County Commission, which was referred to the City-County Planning Board. He then forwarded the Board's request that City Commissioners submit any items they wish to see addressed by next Monday, so they can address those issues at the City- County Planning Board meeting on Tuesday night. (4) Commissioner Frost stated he met with the Hospital last week regarding a proposed land exchange; and that process is moving forward in a positive manner. (5) Commissioner Goehrung stated he has submitted a memo to the City Manager and department heads regarding the grantwriting workshop he recently attended. He vol- unteered to provide assistance to any staff member who requests it. (6) Commissioner Goehrung noted that a group of bicycle enthusiasts will be arriving in Bozeman next week, including a lady who did some of the design work on Seattle's bikeway system. He stated that a meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, tentatively in the meeting room at the Library. He suggested that Com- missioners and members of the Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee may be interested in attending the meetihg. (7) Commissioner Knapp attended the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting this past week, mainly to discuss the Governor's Conference on Li- braries upcoming in January. She noted she also I istened to an update from the tax re- form coal ition . (8) Mayor Hawks attended the Gallatin County Health Board meeting this morn- ing. Items of business included reducing Dr. King's position from a 1/3 time to a 20 per- cent administrative position; and it will be augmented with a negotiated contract for those individuals needing medical care. (9) Mayor Hawks has received a letter from the State Highway Commission an- nouncing a meeting to be held on June 7 and 8. He noted the City will receive confirma- tion on the meeting and the specific date on which Interchanges will be discussed. (10) Mayor Hawks received a letter from a person with municipal government skills who is interested in obtaining employment in Bozeman. (11) Mayor Hawks received a letter from a Japanese fisherman/sports enthusiast requesting information about the City. He noted the Chamber of Commerce could possibly respond. (12 ) Mayor Hawks distributed 1990 calendars to the Commissioners from the Montana Energy Council. He noted that Ms. Jenny Younger had sent them as a lIthanksll for the Commission's decision to supplement the Gallatin Empire Lions' Club recycling pro- gram. 05-29-90 - - ...- . - 8 - (13 ) Mayor Hawks stated he has received copies of two articles from DarIa Joyner, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce, one from the most recent edition of Sunset Magazine regarding Bozeman and a similar article from the USA News magazine. Adjournment - 4:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Goehrung, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Goehrung, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Knapp and Mayor Hawks; those voting No, none. 05-29-90