HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Board - 04-05-2016 MinutesSPECIAL Joint Planning/Zoning Meeting
Tuesday, April 05, 2016 6:00 PM
City Commission Chamber – 121 N. Rouse Ave.
A. 06:02:34 PM Call meeting to order – Zoning Commission and
Planning Board
Dan Stevenson – Present
Brianne Dugan – Present
Laura Waterton – Present
Paul Spitler – Present
Julien Morice – Present – Zoning Commission
Jordan Zignego – Present
Paul Neubauer – Present
Erik Garberg – Present – Zoning Commission
George Thompson – Present – Planning Board
Henry Happel – Present – Planning Board
Chris Mehl – Present – Commission Liaison
B. 06:03:10 PM Changes to the Agenda – no changes to the agenda.
C. Public Comment
06:03:29 PM Blake Maxwell – 516 W. Lamme Street – with regards to the zone map change for
Midtown – states that his home and many others have been there before the rise and fall of North 7th.
He states that rezoning it will take away from the workforce housing in that area.
06:05:50 PM – Vikki – 601 N. Willson – She wanted to reiterate what the previous commenter stated.
She knows she bought in a conservation overlay district, but was not aware of zoning at the time.
When buying her home she bought it for the walk ability to downtown. The area has a mix of single
family homes and duplexes and quads. She does not want to see the density increase, she wants to
see the density decreased. She thinks the board needs to consider the effects of changing the density
on the neighborhood.
D. Action Items
1. 06:10:59 PM Text amendments to the Wetlands Review Board and Plan Review
procedures.
A text amendment to amend the Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC) to revise provisions relating to the
Wetlands Review Board and Plan Review procedures.
06:11:38 PM Tom Rogers begins presentation on Action Item #1 – Text amendments to the Wetlands
Review Board and Plan Review procedures.
Mr. Rogers states that this does not change the way development takes place in wetland areas – it
simply changes the way that Wetlands are reviewed.
Mr. Rogers explains the changes being proposed in Plan Review.
06:18:31 PM Mr. Rogers completes his presentation on Action Item #1.
06:18:48 PM – Questions for staff opened.
06:19:02 PM Paul Spitler questions if there is currently a Wetlands Review Board. Mr. Rogers states
that there was, but it has been dissolved. Mr. Spitler questions if there has been any adverse effects
to removing the board. Mr. Rogers explains that since it has been dissolved there have not been any
projects that would have gone to the board. However, if there were, they would have gone to a
consultant for review. Also, any projects that required Wetlands Review are required to include a
Wetland Re
06:21:31 PM Erik Garberg questions if the text being presented tonight is the same as last time or if it
includes suggestions from the last meeting. Mr. Rogers states that it is the same text, and their official
recommendations from tonight will be incorporated.
06:23:03 PM Commissioner Mehl questions whether a Conceptual Review has to happen before an
Informal Review. Mr. Rogers offers clarification.
06:24:09 PM Open for public comment on Action Item #1.
06:24:42 PM Motion by George Thompson – Having reviewed and considered the application
materials, public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings
presented in the staff report for application 15320 and move to provisionally adopt Ordinance 1945
to WRB text amendment
06:25:10 PM Second by Julien Morice
06:25:18 PM Mr. Thompson states he appreciates Paul Spitler’s comments that he is aware that it
may be hard to find individuals to staff the Wetlands Review Board, so he supports leaving it to
professionals to review.
06:26:20 PM Julien Morice stated that he thinks the process was redundant and that perhaps the
individuals were not necessarily qualified. This new process will keep individuals more qualified and
less open to opinions from the public for an issue that is more technical and not necessarily
something that should be subjective.
06:26:55 PM Mr. Garberg states that he agrees with Mr. Morice.
06:27:13 PM Board votes unanimously to approve the motion.
06:27:29 PM Motion by Julien Morice – Having reviewed and considered the application materials,
public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 15320 and move to provisionally adopt Ordinance 1944 the Plan Review
text amendment.
06:27:49 PM Second by George Thompson
06:28:00 PM Mr. Garberg states that he received public comment that feedback from staff to
applicants should be directly tied to code, and thinks that it should be included in the motion
06:28:21 PM Mr. Morice agrees that it is a good point.
06:29:07 PM Mr. Garberg moves to amend the motion to include that staff should include language
within the site plan revision process that ties comments back to specific code elements.
Second by Julien Morice
06:29:38 PM Board unanimously approves the amendment.
Clarification by the board on the original motion and the amendment.
Discussion between Erik Garberg and Chris Mehl regarding the amendment to the motion.
06:34:00 PM Board re-votes unanimously to approve the motion.
2. 06:34:43 PM Midtown Text Amendment, Entryway Corridor text amendment, and
Midtown Zone Map Amendment.
A text amendment to amend the Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC) to create new zoning districts to
implement the Midtown/North 7th Avenue Corridors plans, amend the City zoning map, and modify
the Entryway Corridors. Application 15-320.
Tom Rogers begins presentation on Action Item #2 – Midtown Text Amendment, and Midtown Zone
Map Amendment.
Mr. Rogers discusses the proposed zoning for the North 7th/Midtown area and intersection with the
Historic Overlay District.
06:42:25 PM Mr. Rogers discusses the block frontage proposal and the proposed block frontages on a
map. The three block frontages are storefront, landscape and mixed. He provides examples of each.
06:47:26 PM Mr. Rogers discusses parking – location of parking and amount of parking required. He
states the code decreases the required parking in residential and the parking incentives for
commercial properties in the area.
06:48:52 PM Mr. Rogers discusses changes in building height – and that increases in height require
step backs.
06:49:37 PM Mr. Rogers discusses changes to density with the new zoning codes being proposed.
06:50:18 PM Mr. Rogers discusses that block frontages for each block can be changed by suggestion
from the community.
Mr. Pape enters the meeting.
06:51:41 PM Mr. Rogers completes his presentation and opens to questions for staff.
06:52:35 PM Mr. Pape states that the DOP and NCOD will stay in effect until this plan goes into effect.
He questions if this change is approved, will it retire the DOP and NCOD. Mr. Rogers explains in detail.
06:54:21 PM Mr. Spitler questions the pocket of B-3 and why it is there. Mr. Rogers explains in detail
that it is a portion of the downtown area, so they are keeping the zoning consistent.
06:55:39 PM Mr. Thompson questions the landscaped frontages for residential areas. He feels the
landscape frontage is to maintain the character of the residential areas. He is concerned about the
roof height of 45-55’ for the landscaped areas. He questions how this works. Mr. Rogers states that it
is a greater intensification. He responds in detail what the goals of infill is for the City of Bozeman.
06:58:20 PM Mr. Neubauer questions the parking regulations being proposed and whether the
parking regulations will be prohibitive. Mr. Rogers responds in detail about the goals with the new
parking regulations being proposed. There is a community goal to decrease the dependence on the
automobile.
Mr. Neubauer states that he thinks the changes are good and that community members should see
that there is a lot of positive investment going into this area.
07:02:28 PM Mr. Zignego recommends that Mr. Rogers presents examples of what the goal of 8
dwelling units per acre looks like. Mr. Rogers offered more information and states that essentially it
looks more like townhomes. Mr. Zignego states that he feels that perhaps density should be higher
than the 8 units per acres and that the building height limits should be higher.
07:07:06 PM Mr. Spitler questions if the goal of Midtown is make it look more like downtown. Mr.
Rogers explains in more detail what the goals are.
07:08:50 PM Mr. Rogers begins presentation on the Action Item #2 - Entryway Corridor.
07:11:36 PM Mr. Rogers completes presentation – No Questions for staff.
07:12:04 PM Public Comment – John How – KLJ – He states that he is working with two property
owners in the area. He feels Tom Rogers has done a good job with Makers and the Economic
Development team. He wanted to raise a few things that may need to be fixed. He feels that Chapter
44 suggests encouraging more walkability – and that the reductions in parking are not enough yet. He
feels there should be more reduced parking. He feels that there needs to be some clarification on
residential on ground floor. He thinks that there should be an option for cash-in-lieu of parkland in
that area. He likes the step back for commercial store front properties. However, if your building is set
back already, there should not be that step back.
07:16:57 PM Motion by Dan Stevenson having reviewed and considered the application materials,
public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 15320 and move to provisionally adopt Ordinance 1942 to create the R-5
(Residential High Density Mixed District) and B-2M (Community Business Mixed District) text
amendment.
07:18:22 PM Second by George Thompson
07:18:31 PM Mr. Stevenson states that he feels the plan is very well thought out and that there are a
number of opportunities for the community and ability to promote non-vehicular traffic. He feels it
will be beneficial to the surrounding community on property value. He agrees that 55’ is a great
height, and agrees that perhaps we should go a little higher.
07:19:44 PM Mr. Morice states that he agrees that any relaxation to parking would be the biggest
impact on getting commercial in that area. He agrees with the comment about having the option for
cash-in-lieu of parkland. He would like to see a plan for bikes and trails and pedestrian connectivity.
07:22:14 PM Mr. Garberg states that he is torn on the proposal. He’s concerned it does not go far
enough and that we have been tacit on parking. He questions the TIF’s position on the proposal.
David Fine states that the TIF board has not commented on this, but has had an opportunity to
comment along the way in a public form.
Mr. Garberg states that some issues hinge on phase 2. He will probably vote in favor, but hopes to go
further.
07:24:01 PM Mr. Thompson states that with respect to R5 and roof height – with a small low rise
neighborhood abutting. He states that this is a long process. The growth will happen over time and
happen within context. He expresses that the issues with parking for Bozeman is that individuals have
boats and trailers – that perhaps we need to look to store those items in other places. Mr. Thompson
questions the park requirements – and thinks we need to look into the affordability of adding the
parkland and that there’s only so much money that can go into the local park.
07:27:13 PM Mr. Pape states that we should interact with the undeveloped properties. Simply
creating policy will not change those undeveloped withholdings. He also feels we need to be proactive
about creating parking in advance.
07:30:34 PM Mr. Garberg adds that one does not necessarily have to come before the other.
07:31:12 PM Zoning Commission votes to approve – 4-1
In favor: Erik Garberg, George Thompson, Jordon Zignego and Dan Stevenson
Against: Julien Morice
07:31:44 PM George Thompson moves: Having reviewed and considered the application materials,
public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 15320 and move to provisionally adopt Ordinance 1943 to Midtown
zone map amendment.
Mr. Pape leaves the meeting.
07:32:05 PM Second by Dan Stevenson
07:32:41 PM Zoning Commission approves the motion – 4-1
In favor: Erik Garberg, George Thompson, Jordon Zignego and Dan Stevenson
Against: Julien Morice
07:32:58 PM Discussion among board regarding whether or not Julien Morice can abstain from voting.
Decision by Julien Morice was to vote nay to the two motions. He expresses concerns with the
proposal for parkland, setbacks, building height, parking, etc. He would like additional discussion on
the proposal. (change in vote has been reflected in the minutes – originally he abstained from voting)
07:38:31 PM Dan Stevenson moves: Having reviewed and considered the application materials,
public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 15320 and move to provisionally adopt Ordinance 1946 modifying the N
7th Entryway Corridor classification.
07:38:54 PM Second by Julien Morice
07:39:17 PM Board unanimously approves
07:39:41 PM E. Close meeting of the Zoning Commission. Planning Board takes a recess.
07:47:09 PM Meeting of the Planning Board brought back to order and roll call.
Jerry Pape reenters the meeting.
07:48:09 PM Mr. Thompson calls for any public comment – no public comment.
1. 07:48:35 PM Elect Officers for the Planning Board
07:48:50 PM Mr. Neubaurer states that he would like to be the Board Chair.
07:49:19 PM Mr. Pape states that he appreciates Mr. Thompson being the board chair and that Mr.
Neubauer taking on the role.
07:49:46 PM Mr. Pape moves to elect new officers.
07:49:59 PM Mr. Zignego moves to elect Mr. Neubauer as the board chair.
07:50:07 PM Mr. Happel Seconds.
07:50:15 PM Board Unanimously approves Paul Neubauer as the Board Chair.
07:50:30 PM Mr. Neubauer questions if anyone would like to be the Vice Chair – Mr. Neubauer
moves to elect George Thompson as Vice Chair
07:50:56 PM Mr. Happel seconds.
07:51:25 PM Board unanimously approves George Thompson as the board Vice Chair.
07:52:12 PM Mr. Pape states that he thinks the board should gauge what people from the community
are here for, and to adjust the agenda as they see fit – not just for this meeting, but for future
meetings with a lot of public attendance.
Board discussion over how to itemize the agenda – agreement to keep the agenda as it is for this
meeting.
2. 07:54:20 PM Four Points Phase II Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat, Application
15526
Four Points Phase II Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat application to allow the subdivision of two lots
of approximately 36.1 acres into twelve lots for multi-household development, one parkland corridor
lot and associated streets and infrastructure southwest of the intersection of Davis Lane and Cattail
Street, Application 15526
07:54:28 PM Brian Kreuger begins presentation of the Four Points Phase II project.
Presents the layout of the project, discusses wetlands and park space and public comment received.
In addition he discusses the feedback from the Development Review Committee. The staff
recommends approval of the project.
08:07:04 PM Open for questions for staff.
08:07:30 PM Mr. Spitler questions how the application got to this stage. Mr. Kreuger explains in detail
the history of this particular area and the proposal for this project and the steps following the
approval of this application.
Further discussion between Mr. Kreuger and Mr. Spitler about what they are voting on within the
context of this application.
08:12:19 PM Mr. Spitler questions on where the Wetlands information came from. Mr. Kreuger
responds in detail.
08:13:33 PM Mr. Spitler questions the deed restrictions placed on the Wetlands. Mr. Kreuger
responds. Mr. Spitler rephrases the question with regards to the Wetlands – he questions the
protection of the wetlands if there is an opportunity for home owners to change them. Conversation
between Mr. Spitler and Mr. Kreuger continue conversation about restrictions on the wetlands.
08:16:45 PM Mr. Thompson questions the lighting requirements. Mr. Kreuger clarifies the lighting
requirements – that currently there is no requirement for LED’s by the city, so it was recommended
by the commission to include that as a condition on all applications.
08:17:54 PM Mr. Thompson questions if there are any other public accesses to the wetlands. Mr.
Kreuger indicates where another shared use path in the area is and possible future access.
08:21:34 PM Mr. Happel questions the R4 zoning and developable land, he questions how many units
they are looking to build. Mr. Kreuger stated he will defer the question to the applicant, but that
typically density is driven by parking.
08:22:36 PM Ms. Dugan requests more information on the Kimberwickee/Davis intersection. Mr.
Kreuger explains that Kimberwickee must be developed before further development can take place.
08:23:38 PM Mr. Budeski begins applicant presentation on the Four Points project. He states that they
agree with the conditions of approval in general.
08:24:55 PM Mr. Budeski opens up to questions from the board. Board chair recommends that he
address the density question previously presented.
08:25:08 PM Mr. Budeski states that it’s hard to determine at this time. He states it is 52 acres (phase
1 and phase 2) and when the project is complete, that there will be a combination of apartments,
condos, etc. There will be a total of about 400 units between the two phases.
08:26:36 PM Mr. Thompson states that there is a lift station being proposed, he questions about the
noise associated with that for adjoining properties. Mr. Budeski states that it is underground and
should not
08:27:44 PM Mr. Spitler re-questions the wetlands and whether Mr. Budeski is comfortable putting
more stringent guide lines on what can be done to them.
08:28:42 PM Discussion between Mr. Budeski and Mr. Spitler about what may or may not happen
with regards to wetlands
08:29:18 PM Mr. Pape states that this is an innovative way to use this property with three wetlands.
08:30:07 PM Mr. Budeski questions the impact on the wetlands. He states that was mitigated with the
first Phase.
08:30:38 PM Mr. Mehl questions which conditions Mr. Budeski will contest. Mr. Budeski clarifies his
concerns with regards to trail construction.
08:31:18 PM Mr. Neubauer states that he likes this project and thinks it’s a good place for density and
accommodates the wetlands. He states that infrastructure improvements will rely on SID’s. He thinks
the way that infrastructure improvements are financed is backwards. He is not comfortable with a
new homeowner being hit with an SID within the first few years. He feels that new homeowners
should be immune to SID’s within the first 5 years. New development should not be hit with SID’s. He
states that he will vote against this project simply because he does not agree with the roads being
underdeveloped and then being developed and putting that cost on the home owner.
08:34:16 PM Mr. Budeski states to some extent he agrees. The streets are not being developed with
complete roads – even though they are paying full price for the land
08:36:03 PM Mr. Budeski states there was a questions about street lights – he states that there is only
one additional street light and it will match existing street lights.
08:36:45 PM Public Comment – Rob Pritzborn expresses interest with connecting the trail from this
site to the trails in the Cattail subdivision as well.
Mr. Thompson moves: having reviewed and considered the application materials, public comment,
and all information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for
application 15526 and move to recommend approval of the preliminary plat with conditions and
subject to all applicable code provisions.
08:38:35 PM Second by Mr. Pape
08:38:41 PM Mr. Thompson states he likes the development of this awkward parcel. He agrees with
Mr. Neubauer’s concerns with the SID’s and things the board should address that in the future.
08:39:53 PM Mr. Pape states that as a realtor, they often try to determine if there will be an SID, but
they are hard to determine the cost of them. It’s important to disclose to the homeowner. He feels
that the city should provide
08:41:36 PM Mr. Spitler agrees that the design is great and has interest in preserving the wetlands
and thinks this is being done. He does think there should be tightening up of the deed restrictions.
Board
08:43:08 PM Mr. Neubauer states that he does like this project and does not want to derail it for his
reasons – he just has a history of voting against these large projects with possible SID’s and wants to
keep bringing that to attention.
08:43:51 PM Board approves the motion – 8-1
Against – Mr. Neubaurer
In favor – George Thompson, Henry Happel, Jerry Pape, Jordan Zignego, Brianne Dugan, Paul Spitler,
Laura Waterton, Chris Mehl
08:44:33 PM Board Recesses between projects.
08:51:22 PM Meeting brought back to order.
3. 08:51:35 PM Pine Meadow Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application. 16041
A Preliminary Plat Application to subdivide 4.104 acres into 18 single household residential lots, one
(1) common open space lot, and one (1) park with the extension of West Villard Street and
improvements to Valley Drive.
Mr. Rogers begins presentation on the Pine Meadows Major Subdivision. He states he will keep his
comments to the purview of the planning board.
Mr. Rogers states that the property has been annexed and the new owner is looking to develop it.
08:53:28 PM Mr. Rogers discusses access of the property.
Mr. Rogers states that the development is meeting minimum density. Reducing density will not meet
density standards. Mr. Rogers displays the proposed layout of the lots. Mr. Rogers indicates that there
is currently a home on one of the lots that can maintain its large lot.
08:57:08 PM Mr. Rogers displays the park plan. They are just shy of their park land and have proposed
improvements to the park to bring it above city standards.
08:58:42 PM Mr. Rogers discusses the criteria that the project is ranked against.
Mr. Rogers discusses density in surrounding areas to provide context for the proposed density of the
project.
09:03:50 PM Mr. Rogers completes presentation and opens it up to questions for staff.
09:03:57 PM Mr. Spitler questions why it is zoned R1 vs. R3 or R4. Mr. Rogers states that the
neighborhood requested a lower zoning classification and the city commission approved that.
09:05:08 PM Mr. Thompson questions how water and sewage will be addressed with the adjacent
county property. Mr. Rogers states that there will be a new water and sewer line developed that will
connect to city services. Mr. Thompson questions if the county properties would be able to connect to
the city services. Mr. Rogers explains that they would have to go through the annexation process, but
yes, it would be an option.
09:06:33 PM Mr. Thompson questions the basketball court and it being a public nuisance – and
whether there will be time limits. Mr. Rogers responds that there will not be lights, so it would be
limited to day light hours by default.
09:07:10 PM Commissioner Mehl questions whether Mr. Rogers agrees with the park proposal. Mr.
Rogers states that he does agree with it. Mr. Mehl questions whether they should instead request
cash-in-lieu and if this is the best thing for the residents. Mr. Rogers responds that the improvements
are a significantly higher than the cost cash-in-lieu value so, it does appear to be the best value for the
residents.
09:09:16 PM Presentation by the applicant – Rob Pertsborn – applicant begins the presentation.
09:10:01 PM Questions for the applicant – Mr. Neubauer indicates that the properties in downtown
are this size, even though people are concerned this will look squished together. He questions an alley
access to access the back of the properties. Applicant responds that that is open ended.
09:11:50 PM Mr Neubauer questions if there is a benefit to putting in water tie ins in advance for
county properties that border the properties. Applicant responds they do plan to put the tie in there
for future possible access.
09:12:43 PM Mr. Thompson questions how the applicant see the homes being constructed on the lot.
Applicant responds that he is not sure how they will develop.
09:13:55 PM Cindy Kindschi – 505 Valley Drive – Ms. Kindschi states that the proposal is not
consistent and harmonious with the existing character of their neighborhood. She thought the
covenants would protect their homes in the future. She is requesting that the developer not be
required to develop to the city minimum and instead go from 18 lots to 12.
09:17:29 PM Carolyn Powel – 315 Valley Drive – She states they built their home in 1984. She said she
bought their homes here because of the covenants – single family homes on ½ acre lots. She feels it is
the boards responsibility to maintain the covenants
09:21:54 PM Gil Stober – 305 Valley Drive – He is opposed to the development that is taking place –
they were aware that development was taking place eventually, but not to this scale. If the
development takes place, then the homeowner will face a lawsuit for breaking the covenants. He is
OK with development taking place, he just feels it should be reduced to be harmonious that is being
proposed. This would also allow for the setbacks required by the covenants to be honored. He
expresses his distaste with the way that he was approached by the property owner about his needing
to be annexed into the city.
09:27:03 PM Garrett Smith – 777 East Main – on behalf of William Christian Howard – States that the
City is not accountable for his being satisfied, as he is not a City resident, but they would be held
accountable if they continue to pursue this development against the covenants.
09:29:07 PM Greg Kindschi - 505 Valley Drive – States that his home is directly across the street from
the development. He is not against the development, but is against the 18 homes being across the
street from their 8 homes. The lot sizes does not allow for attractive homes being built. He
disapproves of the unfinished road on the county side which will lead to flooding. The paved road
needs to be completed at the time of development. He suggests 12 acres on this property, not the
proposed 18.
09:31:45 PM Eric Staker – 549 Valley Drive – He agrees it’s an overdevelopment for this piece of
property and he disagrees with the unfinished road. He said he has only been in the home for 7
months, but bought the home for the areas look and feel. He said that there would not be a smooth
transition from one property to another to have one side clustered and the other side more spread
out.
09:33:38 PM Rachel Sive – 535 Valley Drive – She requests we grant the developer a variance for
larger lots and that the covenants be respected. She said that she hopes the City recognizes the
absurdity of only installing gutters on one side of the road. She states in terms of annexation that it is
simply not affordable. She also states she was told that the water and sewer tie ins would not be
installed in advance, so there needs to be some clarification there.
09:36:04 PM 301 Valley Drive – States that this is not a meeting about annexation, but that there are
concerns about annexation costs. Their septic is failing and he is aware that they will need to
eventually tie in to city services. He states that the cost for tying in would be too high for it to be
affordable. The City needs to find a way to make it more affordable.
09:37:41 PM Patrice Burr – 301 Valley Drive – She spoke with regards to annexation – the cost is too
high for them to annex and hopes that the City finds a solution for that.
09:39:00 PM Jecyn Bremer - 777 East Main Street – States that the 18 lots are part of the
neighborhood, it would not be a new neighborhood. She states that there would be an issue with the
covenants. She states that the covenants run with the land and developer has proposed more lots
than would be allowed. The neighbors requested to reduce the number of lots. She stated that the
city can enforce covenants if they chose to. The neighbors want assurance that the development
won’t impact their homes.
09:43:11 PM Applicant response – Applicant responds to the comments from the public. He states he
does not plan to pursue a variance and listed reasons why.
09:44:56 PM Matt Meghee from TDH engineering discusses drainage. States that he is aware drainage
could be an issue and they are working on a plan that will work for the site.
09:45:31 PM Mr. Pape questions the applicant reducing the number of lots. Applicant responds that
the minimu
09:46:55 PM Mr. Spitler had a question for staff. Will finish with questions for applicant first.
Mr. Happel questions if he can question the attorney for the homeowners. Commissioner Mehl states
that is not permitted.
09:48:14 PM Mr. Neubauer questions why they chose to do parkland as they did. Applicant responds
in detail.
09:49:32 PM Mr. Spitler asks Mr. Rogers to expand on the covenants and the road design. Mr. Rogers
explains that the city does not enforce covenants on private lands. The City is required to meet the
design standards outlined in their design guidelines, anything beyond that is the property owner’s
responsibility. He states that the covenants were designed a long time ago under a different context.
He states also that the city has certain cross sections for road, and that the engineer is working with
the City to ensure that the design has no impact on the current home owners.
09:51:44 PM Mr. Happel questions if Mr. Rogers is familiar with the covenants. Mr. Rogers states that
he has read the covenants. Mr. Happel states that his understanding of the covenants is that there is
nothing limiting them to ½ an acre. Mr. Rogers agrees that there is nothing outright requiring those
lot sizes. Mr. Happel states that the covenants simply state that it needs to be harmonious.
Discussion continues between Mr. Rogers and Mr. Happel regarding what is required by the
covenants. Mr. Rogers states that the discussion is starting to move away from the purview of the
Planning Board.
Mr. Happel questions if there was ever a discussion about adding an alley. Mr. Rogers responds that
there was awhile ago, but that would have been a discussion/agreement with the lot behind where
the new sites are (to the east) and that application has already been submitted and the site is being
developed.
09:56:04 PM Laura Waterton questions if there are times where only half a street is developed. Mr
Rogers responds that he is not aware of any examples.
09:57:25 PM Commissioner Mehl states that it is rare, but it has happened.
09:57:38 PM Ms. Waterton questions if the board will see the proposed plan for the road or if that
will be left to the city to review. Mr. Rogers states that it is an engineer’s job to propose a plan, and
that storm water will be managed in some fashion.
09:58:51 PM George Thompson moves – Having reviewed and considered the application materials,
public comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 16041 and move to approve the Pine Meadows Park Plan, improvements
in-lieu with conditions and subject to all applicable code provisions.
09:59:50 PM Second by Jerry Pape
09:59:58 PM Mr. Thompson states that having been involved in the development of other properties
in the area, he does not see a problem with the proposal.
10:00:46 PM Mr. Neubauer states there is still a demand for parkland, even though those homes on
Michael Grove have less parkland. That should not be a reason to reduce parkland.
10:01:30 PM Mr. Pape states that he supports improvements in lieu of parkland instead of cash in
lieu.
10:02:07 PM Board approves the motion – 8-1
Against – Mr. Neubaurer
In favor – George Thompson, Henry Happel, Jerry Pape, Jordan Zignego, Brianne Dugan, Paul Spitler,
Laura Waterton, Chris Mehl
10:02:34 PM Mr Happel moves – Having reviewed and considered the application materials, public
comment, and all the information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff
report for application 16041 and move to approve the Pine Meadows Major Subdivision with
conditions and subject to all applicable code provisions.
Mr. Thompson seconds.
10:03:07 PM Mr. Happel states that he appreciates the property owners coming in and expressing
their views. His personal view is that they will find the development a lot less aversive than they think.
He states a lot of properties down near the university have different development across the street
and he doesn’t feel it adversely affects the homes on the other side of the street. He feels it is
consistent with the city growth plan and with the development surrounding. He is optimistic that
what develops there will be favorable.
10:05:19 PM Mr. Thompson states he understands the concerns presented. He states that the home
owners’ current street is inadequate and will benefit from the street improvements that have been
proposed. He states that the cost of annexation and tying in to city services is something that
homeowners have always had to absorb – as discussed previously with regards to the SID’s.
10:07:21 PM Mr. Neubaurer extends the meeting to 10:30
10:07:40 PM Mr Neubauer questions what the side boundary setbacks would be if they had to build
to city standards. Mr. Rogers responds it is 5’. Mr. Neubauer speaks to the public that these could be
nice homes on nice lots. He also states that if they get the road built to city standards, then it could
work out favorably for them.
10:10:12 PM Commissioner Mehl states that the city changed the zoning to R-1 by their request. In
theory, it is being built to their requested density – while still building to city requirements. With
regards to street design, it is required for the applicant to propose a plan and it needs to be approved
by a city engineer. He states that if the homeowners are interested in installing gutters, that the
homeowners can do that. He states that historically, roads are being developed at the expense of
homeowners. He states that he will not require them to install gutters, because they are not city
residents, but if they want it they can install them. Otherwise, the City will address flooding when
developing.
10:14:36 PM Mr. Pape states that this neighborhood has felt the press from the City from some time
now. He said that the neighbors are requesting relief from an institution does not represent them. As
a board member, they are expected to act on behalf of the city – his role as county representative is
to acknowledge the interface between county and City. He states he has encouraged the homeowners
to form a Neighborhood Association and they could have made annexation more affordable so that
they would have an equal voice with the people across the street. Mr. Pape states that could have
formed a HOA and annexed together with an immediate SID to cover annexation costs. He states that
the property owner has the right to develop his property. Mr. Pape said that he has driven own Valley
Drive and seen the muddy mess it can be. He states that he feels a reserve should be kept on behalf of
the builder that if the development affects the water quality, etc. that the City could remedy the
situation. He also states that there could be an increase in property value if the site was developed on
larger lots. He suggests that the City Commission should heavily consider larger lots – 12 lots vs the 18
lots proposed.
Mr. Neubauer requests that Jerry Pape state his unfriendly amendment.
10:21:03 PM Mr. Pape moves that the city commission seriously consider reducing the density in
this area by reducing the number of lots from 18 to 12.
Ms. Waterton seconds
Jerry Pape speaks to his amendment – he feels that the board needs to adhere to the code, but that
the City Commission can stray from the code and he feels this may be a time when the commission
should consider straying from the code.
Ms. Dugan clarifies what the amendment would imply.
10:24:43 PM Mr. Spitler states that he is sensitive to the requests of the public, but that he doesn’t
feel that the density proposed would not be harmonious to the neighborhood. He supports the
reasons the City is encouraging higher density. He also doesn’t think the applicant wants to reduce
the number of lots.
10:25:43 PM Ms. Waterton states that the infill developments are different from expansion, but that
the code does not differentiate them. She is sympathetic to the requests of the public as the City has
grown out to them. She states that the applicant did not request a variance, so she doesn’t support
sending that to the commission.
10:27:21 PM Mr. Thompson states that he agrees with Ms. Waterton, as it’s not something the
applicant has explored. He encourages the homeowners to get together and form an HOA as
suggested by Mr. Pape.
10:28:51 PM Board votes against the motion – 8-1
Against – Mr. Neubaurer, George Thompson, Henry Happel, Jordan Zignego, Brianne Dugan, Paul
Spitler, Laura Waterton, Chris Mehl
In favor –Jerry Pape
10:29:13 PM Mr. Pape retracts his second amendment.
Board discusses further the water quality and flooding issues.
Board goes back to the original motion to approve the application.
10:32:16 PM Mr. Spitler states he is concerned about the runoff, but is comforted that the street
design would not allow any additional runoff.
10:32:56 PM Board approves the original motion – 8-1
In favor – Mr. Neubaurer, George Thompson, Henry Happel, Jordan Zignego, Brianne Dugan, Paul
Spitler, Laura Waterton, Chris Mehl
Against –Jerry Pape
E. 10:33:22 PM FYI/Discussion – Commissioner Mehl states that the City, county and
Belgrade have agreed to create a joint board and that this board needs to appoint
someone.
F. 10:34:08 PM Adjournment
For more information please contact Alicia Kennedy at akennedy@bozeman.net
This board generally meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
Committee meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and require
assistance, please contact our Interim ADA coordinator, Chuck Winn at 582-2307 (TDD 582-2301).