HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-24 Minutes, City Commission, WORK
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
October 24, 2005
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The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session in the Commission Room, Municipal
Building, on Monday, October 24, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Andrew Cetraro, Commissioner
Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Lee Hietala, City Manager Chris Kukulski,
Assistant City Manager Ron Brey, Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell, Director of Finance Anna
Rosenberry, Planning Director Andy Epple, Director of Public Safety-Fire Chuck Winn, Director of Public
Safety-Police Mark Tymrak, City Attorney Paul Luwe, and City Clerk Robin Sullivan. Commissioner Jeff
Krauss was absent.
Sianino of Notice of Special Meetina
Each of the Commissioners, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting.
Work Session - continued review of proposed UDO revisions
Assistant Planning Director Chris Saunders continued review of the proposed revisions to the unified
development ordinance, beginning with No. 128. Under this proposal, measuring of offset streets would
be centerline to centerline rather than right-of-way to right-of-way. He noted that the functional difference
would be to allow streets closer together which, in most cases, would not be an issue but could be in other
cases. He forwarded staff's suggestion that a cross reference to the existing illustration might help to clarify
this issue. A majority of the Commissioners concurred with the clarification but not the revision.
The Assistant Planning Director turned his attention to No. 129, which pertains to the naming of
streets. The Commissioners concurred with the staff and Planning Board recommendation.
On No. 130, the Assistant Planning Director noted that the proposal is to remove the requirement
for a public street access easement on private streets, and staff is not supportive of the amendment.
City Manager Kukulski noted that, in his previous places of employment, the Cities have deeply
regretted allowing private streets because the typical result is a request several years down the road that
the local government assume maintenance of a non-standard street.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders stated staff is not supportive of the proposed change; following
discussion, a majority of the Commissioners concurred.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders stated that No. 134 has been proposed by staff. It is designed
to make the access standards more user friendly, but no specific language has been proposed; a majority
of the Commissioners agreed with the change.
The Assistant Planning Director turned his attention to No. 138, noting that it addresses a conflict
in the UDO; a majority of the Commissioners agreed with the proposed revision.
The Assistant Planning Director identified No. 143 as the next revision to consider, noting it pertains
to the measuring of the vision triangles for driveways and streets. He noted that staff supports the proposed
revision; the Commissioners concurred.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders noted that No. 152 pertains to parking stalls within structures.
He noted that in a parking lot, a 9-foot by 20-foot parking stall is typical; however, it is also possible to share
some of that space when opening car doors. However, there is a potential that once one is parked inside
a structure, it is not possible to open the door. To avoid potential problems from increased parking density,
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this revision would establish minimum enclosed parking stall sizes to ensure a functional space. A majority
of the Commissioners indicated support for the proposed revision.
Turning to No. 186, the Assistant Planning Director indicated that this revision would clarify the use
of one term that is being used two different ways. Under this revision, staff recommends the language of
the code be revised to reference arrangements of plants versus quantity of plants; a majority of the
Commissioners agreed with the revision.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders stated that No. 218 is forwarded by staff. Under this revision,
the section on non-conforming uses is to be revised to allow for change from one non-conforming use to
another that has the same intensity. A majority of the Commissioners voiced support for moving the staff
recommendation through the process.
Assistant Planning Director Chris Saunders characterized No. 219 as a policy change, noting it has
been forwarded with no comment from the advisory boards. This revision would change the review process
so that the Design Review Board would act solely as an appeal board for decisions of the ADR staff, and
not as an initial review board. The staffs recommendation is to leave the process as is, particularly in light
of the recently adopted design review guidelines.
Commissioner Youngman expressed her support for possibly fine tuning the section as suggested
by staff but leaving the process as it is; a majority of the Commissioners agreed.
The Assistant Planning Director stated that No. 219a was proposed by the City's Engineering
Department, and would modify current language to ensure certain improvements are in place and functional
prior to occupancy, e.g., disability access, fire protection, and water and sewer services. He stated the
Planning Board did not recommend moving this amendment forward. A majority of the Commissioners
expressed support for moving the proposed amendment forward.
Responding to comments from Commissioner Hietala about the lack of continuous sidewalks in new
subdivisions, Planning Director Epple acknowledged the changes in philosophy about required infrastructure
improvements over the years. He then noted that allowing the installation of streets without curbs and
gutters has resulted in subsequent problems, citing the Gallatin Center and Sundance Springs as examples.
Under No. 222, the Commissioners concurred with the proposal to drop the word "generally" from
the identified section of the UDO.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders noted that under No. 238, the proposal is to change the
definition of yard. Staff has identified some huge ripple effects throughout the code from this proposed
change and suggested that the section be clarified without changing the definition; a majority of the
Commissioners concurred.
The Assistant Planning Director noted that No. 239 proposes items outside the City's purview, such
as landlord/tenant relations. Also, he identified the staffing of enforcement as a budgetary issue rather than
a zone code issue. He acknowledged that some requirements for property maintenance could be imposed,
but suggested those would not be appropriate in the zone code section of the municipal code. A majority
of the Commissioners agreed to not forward this proposed amendment.
Mayor Cetraro thanked the Assistant Planning Director for bringing these revisions forward for
consideration.
Break - 6:55 to 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Cetraro declared a break from 6:55 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in accordance with Commission policy.
Pledae of Alleoiance and Moment of Silence
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
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Authorize absence of Commissioner Krauss from this meetina
It was moved by Commissioner Hietala, seconded by Commissioner Kirchhoff, that the Commission
authorize Commissioner Krauss's absence from this meeting. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Youngman
and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none.
Presentation of plaaue from Mavor of Westminster. Enaland
Mr. David Summerfield, organizer of the annual Ridge Run, stated that, due to the bombings in
London, Mr. Lou Myers, a 78-year-old runner who had planned to participate in this year's Ridge Run, was
unable to do so. As a result, the Mayor of Westminster, England, has sent a plaque to be presented to the
Mayor of Bozeman. He presented the plaque to Mayor Cetraro; Mayor Cetraro presented him with a plaque
of friendship to be sent to Councillor Tim Joiner, Mayor of Westminster.
Public comment
Ms. Les Jones, 2123 Bridger Drive, stated her back yard borders the Rugheimer property, where
the Legends at Bridger Creek, Phase II, is proposed. She noted that the applicants have done an excellent
job of keeping the neighbors in the loop during the process of designing the development; however, she is
concerned that the extension of City services could be done in a manner that makes it difficult for the
existing county properties to connect to those services upon annexation. She asked that the Commission
carefully consider this issue when reviewing the pre-application later in this agenda.
Presentation of national survey results
Previously distributed to the Commissioners' were copies of the national survey results and a copy
of the power point presentation.
In addition to Commissioners were the following members of the Local Government Study
Commission: Loren Olsen and Marilou Turrentine; and the following City Commission candidates: Sean
Becker, Erik Henyon, Kaaren Jacobsen, Jeff Rupp, and Dawn Smith.
City Manager Chris Kukulski stated that this national survey was conducted by the National
Research Center, located in Boulder, Colorado. He noted that, since this firm works with the International
City/County Management Association and conducts surveys for communities across the country, the survey
provides not only an accurate assessment of how the citizens feel about certain services, but comparative
data with other communities. He stressed that the survey is comprised of an array of questions selected
by the local government entity, with the potential of adding up to three local questions, thus providing the
opportunity for accurate comparisons of results.
Dr. Tom Miller, National Research Center, Inc., stated that the firm has conducted over 400 surveys
nationwide and, therefore, has developed a good comparative data base. He stated that in Bozeman, a
sampling of 1200 residents was taken; and it is anticipated the results will be used as a baseline against
which to consider the results of future surveys and by which to identify areas where efforts may need to be
targeted. He characterized this survey as a broad, shallow look at the local government, based on the
results from those who are not responding to an individual situation or issue.
Dr. Miller stated that several of the 1,200 surveys were returned as undeliverable, with slightly over
1,000 being successfully delivered; and, of that number, over 500, or nearly 50 percent, were returned. This
is a high rate of return, particularly in light of the typical 25 to 40-percent return for mail surveys and 30-
percent response to telephone surveys. He indicated that the information received from the surveys was
then reweighted to better reflect the demographic profile for the community, taken from the census.
Dr. Miller highlighted some of the findings from the survey. He noted that most of the ratings for the
various questions were excellent, good, fair, and poor, which converts to 100,66,33 and 0 percent. On the
quality of life issues, Bozeman rated 70 percent overall, with its rating as a place to work being its lowest.
He indicated that the overall rating is above the norm compared to other communities of 40,000 population
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or less. He then noted this is the level with the toughest competition, since the quality of life in larger cities
is less desirable.
Dr. Miller turned his attention to ratings of various community characteristics, noting that recreational
opportunities was the highest, with job opportunities being the lowest. He noted that the top three ratings
in this area were above the norm while the other ratings were at the norm. He then stated that access to
affordable housing was rated extremely low and was, in fact, close to the bottom for all jurisdictions in the
data base. Dr. Miller noted that ease of car travel rated quite low, noting that people's expectations playa
role in the results of the survey.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Dr. Miller stated that he has not looked at the data to
determine how other fast-growing college towns fared on this issue, but acknowledged that information
might be useful.
Dr. Miller stressed that, while the answers to some of the survey questions may seem to be
contradictory, it is important to note that many residents do not pay a lot of attention to their local
governments or understand what they do and don't do. The results of the survey reveal the perceptions of
the citizens and how they feel about a variety of issues.
Dr. Tom Miller turned his attention to the ratings of safety, noting that they are above the norm for
communities of this size but reveal that people feel safer during the day and men feel safer than women.
The pUblic trust was rated on a scale of agree/disagree; and those results were similar to the norm. Under
the quality of safety services provided, half were similar to the norm while half were below the norm. The
results for quality of transportation services were lower, and were generally below the norm. The quality
of leisure services, which tend to get higher ratings, also had some ratings above the norm. On the quality
of utility services, even though many of the ratings were low, they were higher than many of the others in
the data base.
Dr. Miller turned his attention to planning and code enforcement, stressing that the low ratings are
not unique to Bozeman but reflect the typical responses across the country, particularly for attractive and
fast-growing communities. He noted that these survey results reveal that land use and planning rated below
the norm, but suggested that breaking out the fast-growing and attractive communities from the others might
also reflect that trend.
Dr. Miller stressed that no City surveyed has received excellent in all categories, but every
community has areas on which to focus. He noted that Bozeman's average rating was 57 on a 100-point
scale, or between fair and good. This is equal to the norm for jurisdictions of this size. He concluded by
addressing the results from contacts with City employees, noting that the knowledge, courtesy, and overall
impression were similar to the norm while responsiveness was below the norm.
Responding to questions from Dawn Smith, Dr. Miller stated that a large percentage of the
community have opinions about services even though they've had no direct interaction with the City. He
then stressed the importance of distinguishing the results of this survey from the results of a department
satisfaction survey.
Responding to Mayor Cetraro, City Manager Kukulski stated he views these survey results as a great
tool in identifying the perceptions of customers and residents and noted this information can also be used
in budgeting and the setting of goals for upcoming years. He characterized this information as a good
baseline by which to evaluate future survey results, suggesting that one be completed every other year.
He also noted the results reveal areas where there seem to be divergence of results and suggested those
may be areas to carefully study in an effort to determine the reasons for those results and either address
the issues or provide some public education. He stressed the importance of accepting the survey results,
but not reading too much into them. He suggested that, if there are areas where the Commission or staff
feel additional information is needed, possibly a narrow and deep survey could be beneficial in an off year
for this type of broad and shallow survey.
Responding to questions from Sean Becker, Dr. Miller stated the National Research Center does
not have the answers for what makes the highest ranked communities great, although they are beginning
to work with some of those communities, via telephone interviews, in an effort to identify some of those
attributes.
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City Manager Chris Kukulski drew attention to the two local questions and the results contained on
Page 38 of the survey results. He noted that he was pleasantly surprised by the responses to the questions
about support for local sales taxes to help fund various activities, noting the percentages of support ranged
from 58 to 67 percent.
City Manager Kukulski then noted that 19 percent of the respondents indicate they do not reside
within city limits. Staff voiced concern about how this might have impacted the results of the survey, but
a random review of the responses in five critical areas revealed that the difference was less than 1 percent
in the overall ratings.
Eric Henyon observed that, during his door-to-door campaign, he has found that some people do
not know if they reside within city limits while others believe that Four Corners is within the city.
Responding to Sean Becker, Dr. Miller stated he will send the raw data to City Manager Kukulski
in the near future; and he may then distribute it as he wishes.
The City Manager noted that the survey results have been posted on the City's web page so all
interested individuals may review them, stating he feels it is important to make the information as easily
accessible as possible.
Mayor Cetraro thanked Dr. Miller for his presentation.
Pre-application for Leaends at Bridaer Creek II major subdivision - subdivide 56.84 acres Iyina north
of Bridaer Drive between Leaends at Bridaer Creek I and Creekwood Subdivision - Edaefield, LLC,
and land West Consultina, lLC, for Ruaheimer limited Partnership (P-05051 )
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding the pre-application for the Legends
at Bridger Creek, Phase II, major subdivision, as submitted by Edgefield, LLC, and Land West Consulting,
LLC, for the Rugheimer Limited Partnership under Application No. P-05051.
Associate Planner Jami Morris stated the subject 57-acre parcel is located north of the homes along
the north side of Bridger Drive, between the Legends at Bridger Creek, Phase I, and the Creekwood
Subdivision. She noted that under this proposal, the property is to be divided into 125 lots for residential
development, at an average density of six units per acre. She stated that Bridger Creek bisects the subject
property, and the trail corridor is to be extended through this site, along that corridor.
The Associate Planner identified issues for discussion, including the street sections, street design,
alley layout, and building orientations. She stated the applicant is proposing 24 feet of pavement for the
alleys, with the homes facing the alley rather than the street. Associate Planner Morris noted that, following
review of the pre-application, the advisory boards have expressed concerns about the lack of sidewalks
along the alleys, the proposed cul-de-sacs, and the alignment of Boylan Road, which allows for private lots
to back up to the stream corridor setback, trail corridor, wetlands, floodplain and critical lands. She then
forwarded staff's preference for the realignment of Boylan Road to run adjacent to the sensitive area. Staff
is also concerned about the proposal to front houses on the alley, which could lead to issues with the
addressing of those homes in addition to the orientation issues. She concluded by noting the location of
the water and sewer mains is an outstanding issue, particularly in light of the potential connections of future
developments as well as the existing county properties to those mains. She indicated that the water and
sewer mains are currently located in the Headlands Subdivision and must be extended under Bridger Drive
to provide for looped systems. She suggested that the developer could seek a payback district so that those
homes connecting to the mains in the future would help bear the costs of extending that infrastructure.
Commissioner Kirchhoff identified the proposed cul~de-sacs and providing infrastructure in the
context of other development in the area as two key issues to be addressed.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Kirchhoff, Associate Planner Morris stated that in
Baxter Meadows Subdivision, those homes adjacent to the pocket parks are addressed from the adjacent
street.
Further responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, the Associate Planner stated that if Boylan Road was
relocated to the north, it would provide additional street frontage along the open space, allow for elimination
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of one of the proposed cul-de-sacs, and provide for additional parking adjacent to the open space. She also
suggested that the realignment of Boylan Road could help with reconfiguration of the area where the
applicant is proposing to front the homes on the alley.
Commissioner Youngman expressed concern that allowing lots adjacent to the open space and
parkland could result in encroachment into these public areas.
Mr. Matt Ekstrom, consulting engineer representing the applicant, responded that the wetlands run
along the entire length of the vegetation along this portion of the property; and a 75-foot setback is required
from that. He suggested the Commission has no need to worry about lots being too close to the wetlands,
and suggested that the boundaries of the lots could be delineated with a hedge row, similar to those found
in Legends at Bridger Creek, Phase I.
Responding to Commissioner Hietala, Mr. Ekstrom confirmed that the trail will extend east from
Legends, Phase I, to connect with the Creekwood Subdivision.
Mr. Matt Ekstrom acknowledged the public safety concerns about the proposed alley configuration
and the fronting of homes on the alley rather than the street. He suggested that, to address these concerns,
the alleys be constructed to the same standard as the streets, in the typical 60-foot-wide right-of-way. He
noted this would also allow for ample parking and services in the standard location. He asked, however,
that they be allowed to move the boulevard and sidewalk into the green space corridor, thus allowing the
homes to front on those corridors.
Associate Planner Morris stressed the Fire Department's desire to have the homes addressed from
the street rather than the alley.
Mayor Cetraro expressed an interest in knowing what the backs of the lots would look like_
Mr. Ekstrom showed the Commission pictures of the concept being proposed, noting that it has
worked in other communities. He then recognized that relocating Boylan Road could allow for eliminating
one cul-de-sac; however, he noted, it could result in another cul-se-sac being located along the eastern
edge of the site.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Mr. Ekstrom confirmed that they intend to keep the natural
features of the site to the greatest extent possible.
Responding to questions from City Manager Kukulski, Assistant Planning Director Saunders stated
that when proposed development is adjacent to undeveloped land, the applicant is typically required to
extend infrastructure to the edge of the property.
Responding to the Assistant Planning Director, Commissioner Kirchhoff stated he feels Boylan Road
should be realigned to better protect the critical lands. He recognized that moving the road alignment to the
north will result in the need to engineer its southward extension to connect to the road alignment in
Creekwood Subdivision, but suggested that would be preferable to allowing private lots adjacent to the
critical lands. He then turned his attention to the houses fronting on an interior landscaped area, voicing
his preference for a traditional streetscape. He recognized that in a condominium situation, the type of
development proposed might be acceptable; however, he feels single~family homes should be constructed
in a more traditional manner, with nice pedestrian flow and a typical sidewalk section. He then encouraged
staff and the applicant to identify water and sewer main extensions that provide for future service to other
properties in the immediate area.
Commissioner Youngman voiced her support for realignment of Boylan Road, stating she feels it
would be beneficial for those traveling along the roadway to be able to easily see the stream and sensitive
areas. She is not thrilled about having back yards and garages lining the streets; however, she does not
feel it is appropriate to separate the sidewalk from the street because of safety issues. She acknowledged
that the photos depict an attractive development, but finds the streetscape is weird with back yards adjacent
to those streets.
Mayor Cetraro stated he is open to the possible alignment of Boylan Road. He then indicated he
is confused about the proposed street/alleyway development, noting the pictures did not help clarify how
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that development would occur. He concluded by encouraging that the code requirements be followed in
the extension of infrastructure improvements.
Commissioner Hietala stated he feels the realignment of Boylan Road for a distance of
approximately 600 feet could be accomplished. He then noted the pictures reflect a development similar
to that in Baxter Meadows Subdivision, but cautioned that it seems pretty short on space. He then stated
he feels the sewer should be extended to the boundary to serve the adjacent county residents when they
need to connect.
Commissioner Youngman voiced concern that the restricted size lots seem to be designed and
located in areas where they might attract pricey smaller homes rather than affordable housing. She
stressed that lots located next to green space corridors are typically not affordable and voiced her
discomfort with that proposed layout.
Assistant Planning Director Saunders asked if the Commissioners are willing to consider a payback
or other cooperative funding for the installation of a sewer main along the southern boundary of this
property. City Manager Kukulski cautioned that, if the Commission chooses to allow for paybacks, it is
important to ensure that agreement is properly drafted.
Ms. Lynn Rugheimer stated that Boylan Road is not located adjacent to the creek in either Legends
at Bridger Creek, Phase I, or Creekwood Subdivision. She noted their intent is to protect the stream and
sensitive lands, and that includes keeping the traffic and attendant noise away from that area, preserving
the quiet for both the wildlife and those wishing to visit this peaceful area. She stated that, with the
proposed design, a large park and five or six access points are being provided to this corridor, and
suggested that is adequate.
Mr. Matt Ekstrom stressed the importance of protecting this wildlife corridor, citing many of the
species that use it.
Responding to Assistant Planning Director Saunders, Mr. Ekstrom stated that they have not yet
drafted a restraint policy or limitation on pets within this subdivision but acknowledged the importance of
including such provisions in the covenants to protect the wildlife.
Mayor Cetraro concluded this item by thanking the applicants for the opportunity to review this pre-
application.
Discussion - FYI Items
The following "For Your Information" items were forwarded to the Commission.
(1 ) E-mail from Krista Palagi, dated October 14, forwarding her resignation from the Historic
Preservation Advisory Board.
(2) Invitation from the Montana Transportation Commission to attend their upcoming meeting
scheduled for 1 :00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1.
(3) Memo from Gallatin County to attend the mental health stakeholder meeting scheduled for
5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25.
(4) Memo from Jody May, 4690 Sourdough Road, dated October 21, expressing concern about
the Commission's recent decisions regarding use of its landfill.
(5) Memo from Neighborhood Coordinator Tracy Oulman regarding North Wallace Avenue traffic
calming, Phase II.
(6) Copy of the notice for the public works awareness event, which was held in the Gallatin
Valley Mall parking lot on Saturday, October 22.
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(7) Copy of a memo to representatives of the residents on South Willson Avenue and a copy
of the published notice regarding the public meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on November 9 regarding the
proposed traffic signal at the intersection of South Willson Avenue and West College Street.
(8) Copy of a letter to the Longfellow School forwarding the results of a recent traffic study in
the area and recommended actions to remediate safety issues.
(9) Copy of the New Hyalite View Neighborhood newsletter, dated October 2005.
(10) Listing of planning projects to be considered at upcoming Commission meetings, dated
October 24.
(11 ) Memo from Assistant City Manager Ron Breyforwarding information on the Sourdough fuels
reduction project as submitted by Steve Kelly.
(12) Agenda for the School District NO.7 Board of Trustees meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, October 24, at the Willson School.
(13) Agendas for the County Commission meetings to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October
25, and 1 :30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, at the Courthouse.
(14) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, October 26, at the Professional Building.
(15) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
October 26, at the Professional Building.
(16) City Manager Kukulski encouraged the Commissioners to consider the various ways in which
they might use the information from the survey.
(17) City Attorney Luwe distributed a sheet showing the current municipal code requirements for
seating of the new Commission as well as the statutory provisions. He noted that a question has arisen
because of the first Monday in January being a holiday and suggested that a revision could be made to the
existing code provisions to give the Commission flexibility on when the new Commission is seated, thus
alleviating the uncertainties that exist. The Commission could then choose to cancel the January 3 meeting
and seat the new Commission on January 9 if it wishes.
(18) Director of Finance Anna Rosenberry distributed copies of the approved budget books. She
identified two problems with the information, noting that a one-page summary of those corrections will be
distributed for inclusion in the books.
(19) Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell submitted the following. (1) Reminded the
Commission of the Transportation Coordinating Committee meeting to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
noting that discussion on updating of the transportation plan is one of the agenda items. (2) Noted that the
Commissioners have been invited to meet with the Montana Transportation Commission at 2:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 1, in Helena and asked if any of the Commissioners plan to attend. (3) Reminded the
Commission that Sanitation Superintendent Mark Kottwitz will end his employment with the City on Friday.
(20) Dawn Smith, Chair of the Design Review Board, asked for Commissioner comment on the
Gateway Subdivision project, in light of the commission's action on the StoneRidge Square Planned Unit
Development. She noted that the applicant is proposing a 146-foot-tall building in a zone where the height
limitation is 44 feet. Also, the applicant is proposing a false wall behind the rear of the buildings, with all
utilities being located in that space. The biggest issues revolve around the proposed grocery store at the
intersection of Fowler Avenue and Huffine Lane, particularly since its back wall would be visible to those
entering town from the west. She also identified franchise architecture as a possible issue, given some of
the anticipated uses within that development.
Assistant Planning Director Chris Saunders noted that a planned unit development allows for
development outside the parameters of the unified development ordinance in exchange for a superior
design. He then reminded the Commission of its discussion on franchise architecture during review of the
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proposed revisions to the unified development ordinance two weeks ago. Also, he compared the height of
the proposed building to Hedges Hall, which is 120 feet tall.
Dawn Smith also noted that the Commission has previously identified the need for modulation of
facades for large expanses, citing the Lowes building as an example. She asked for any possible insight
on these issues, noting that the Design Review Board will be conducting its second review of this application
at its meeting on Wednesday and will be conducting a third review only if it has a specific reason for doing
so.
(21 ) Commissioner Hietala stated he attended the citizen jury panel discussion for the Local
Government Study Commission and was impressed by it. He noted that a second panel has been
scheduled and suggested that, if it is also successful, this may be an alternative mechanism for addressing
certain issues.
Adjournment - 9:55 D.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by
Commissioner Kirchhoff, seconded by Commissioner Hietala, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner
Hietala, Commissioner Youngman, and Mayor Cetraro; t ose ting No, none.
AN ~. CETRARO, Mayor
ATTEST:
~J~
IN L. SULLIVAN
City Clerk
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