Belgrade City Council

BELGRADE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers June 7, 2021 7: 00 PM This meeting was open to the public and attended both in-person and via the Zoom video conference platform. Mayor Russell Nelson called the meeting to order. Other Council Members in attendance were: Brad Cooper, Mike Meis Jim Simon, Kris Menicucci, Jim Doyle and Ken Smith. City staff in attendance were City Manager Ted Barkley, City Clerk Sue Caldwell, City Attorney Rick Ramler, Planning Director Jason Karp and Library Director Gale Bacon. City Staff in attendance via Zoom were City Engineer Tom Eastwood and Finance Director Diane Eagleson. Others in attendance were Eric Holton, Connie Holton, Shawn Arnold, Lorraine Ekegren, Colleen Karls, Pam Knowles, Robin Long, Barbar Crowe, John Rosa, Jason Guffey, Roberta Guffey, Chris Hildebrandt, Marla Hildebrandt, John Bognar, Anna Bognar, Brandon Iman, Cynthia Cheney, Karen Rickert, Jeff Lusin, Ali Vasarella, and Chase Rose. Others in attendance via Zoom video were Judy Doyle, Coleman Zauner, Diana Setterberg, Elizabeth Marum, Eric Reinhardt and Martha Sellers. PUBLIC FORUM Mayor Nelson opened the public forum and called 3 times for public comment. There was none and the public forum was closed. PUBLIC HEARING Consider Resolution 2021- 16 Library and Community Center— Special Bond Election City Manager Barkley reviewed the proposed location of the new Library and Community Center which offered a" One Building Solution" by using the existing property at Lewis & Clark Park. He discussed how this would allow other movement and expansion by other City department in need of space due to growth. Ali Vasarella, architect, reviewed proposed designs and drawings. 7: 20pm Mayor Nelson called for a brief recess to allow those in attendance an opportunity to look at the various drawings set out for display. 7: 30 Mayor Nelson called the meeting back to order. Chase Rose, representing Bannock Group, noted efforts over the past 2 years in completing the feasibility study and fundraising with the goal of approximately $2 million. He announced that $2.2 million had been secured and they were now reaching out for the goal of$ 2. 5 million. He noted unprecedented support that was occurring in Belgrade in regard to this project. Donors had expressed Page 1 of 8 strong support to partner with the City and the Library in order to support the community in this capacity. Mayor Nelson opened the public hearing and called for comment. Robin Long, residing on N. Davis Street, spoke in opposition to the chosen location at Lewis & Clark Park. He noted concerns for birds and loss of older trees due to construction, He suggested use of the back portion of the park where the old Tennis Courts were located, or one of the empty buildings along Frontage Road. City Manager Barkley noted plans were still in the preliminary stage. The City also planned to work with Montana Rail Link to acquire usage of the area near New Day Bakery for public parking. Ali Vasarella discussed the planned footprint of the new Library. Elizabeth Marum, residing in Belgrade, spoke in support of the location in Lewis & Clark Park. Mayor Nelson called 2 more times for public comment. There was none and the public hearing was closed. City Manager Barkley noted that City staff would continue to look for grants and other assistance for funding and that interest rates were favorable at this time. City Attorney Ramler noted the wording of the resolution allowed for" up to $ 14 million" in case the full amount was not required so it was flexible. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to approve Resolution 2021- 16 to submit to the electors the question of issuing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed fourteen 14M) dollars for the purpose of designing, constructing and equipping a new million ($ community library and community center, demolition, site improvements and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of said bonds, with a date of September 14, 2021. Council Member Simon seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Roll Call vote) PUBLIC HEARING Consider Resolution 2021- 17 to Adopt the Four Graces Plan as an amendment to the Belgrade Growth Policy Planning Director Karp explained that with adoption of this resolution, the next step would be to set residential zoning of the property. He noted that the Gallatin County Commission would also be considering this designation at their next meeting because this property was currently located within the County, but also inside the City' s planning jurisdiction. Mayor Nelson opened the public hearing and called for public comment. Eric Holten, residing on David Drive near Collins Road was in support of the interim zoning to avoid having a gravel pit come in. He was in support of R-2 zoning but was opposed to R-4 zoning. Page 2 of 8  Chris Hildebrant, residing on Isaiah Trail, was in support of interim residential zoning and did not want to see any more density than R- 3 zoning would allow. Mayor Nelson called 2 more times for public comment and then closed the public hearing. Discussion followed about next steps in the process on this property for future development and the need for another regional lift station due to growth in this area. ACTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution 2021- 17 adopting the Four Graces Plan and contiguous future land use map amendments as an amendment to the Belgrade Growth Policy as recommended by the Belgrade City- County Planning Board. Council Member Doyle seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. At 8: 38pm Mayor Nelson called for a short recess. At 8: 48pm Mayor Nelson called the meeting back to order. REPORTS Mayor' s Report Mayor Nelson had commented on a report about ransomware issues and inquired if the City was prepared for such an occurrence. City Manager Barkley noted that the City maintained a firewall and had active coverage against such losses if they were to occur. He acknowledged that such threats were taken very seriously by the agencies that provided coverage for the City through the Montana Municipal Interlocal Agency( MMIA) and their affiliates. City Attorney' s Report— the City Attorney had nothing to report. City Manager' s Report City Manager Barkley reported plans to bring a surplus equipment list to a future meeting for Council' s approval. He noted plans to bring a preliminary plat application for the Davis Property in the near future. He reported on several inquiries about the possibility of creating a dog park and noted that the proposal was not ready yet as staff was still working on costs in regard to fencing and other funding information. Council commented that emails had come through from citizens who were opposed to a dog park, possibly because they were worried about parking concerns and such. Barkley noted there would be a public process to allow for input from residents. Barkley noted plans to attend training on allowed uses for American Recovery( ARPA) funds. He noted projects falling under the category of allowed uses such as water and sewer projects, the next water well, extension of water services to the south of the Davis property, or along Jackrabbit south of Stockman Bank for example. He noted there were several categories of funds to apply for, but they were all federal funds. The application process would start sometime in July 2021. Barkley reported that 13 applicants had submitted their resumes for the position of City Manager thus far and more were expected as the deadline of June 20th got closer. Page 3 of 8  Barkley reminded Council of the press conference to be held tomorrow in regard to the Library project on the west side of the City Annex building at Lewis & Clark Park, at 10: 00am. DISCUSSION AGENDA Consider Approval of Credits for Impact Fees on oversized infrastructure for (a, Home Properties City Manager Barkley noted that having the developer install upsized lines in these circumstances was to the City' s advantage so the capacity was built in. He noted that other developers down the line would also have to pay their fair share. Planning Director Karp noted that the City would typically pay the developer a refund out of the Impact Fee fund as this was considered the best way to account for the amount. Public Works Director Klotz noted this was the preferred way to account for the refund and credit. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Meis moved to approve the recommended impact fee credit in the amount of$ 287, 153. 40 for upsized water system improvements installed by @Home Properties. Council Member Cooper seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Resolution 2021- 18 providing for Primary and General Election for 2021 City Manager Barkley noted that this resolution was required in order conduct the general election every other year. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Meis moved to approve Resolution 2021- 18 to notify the Gallatin County Election Administrator of the City' s desire to conduct the 2021 City Primary if held, and the 2021 General Election by mail ballot. Council Member Simon seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Resolution 2021- 19 Intent to Annex Lot A2 Minor Subdivision on Bolinger— Sorensen Planning Director Karp noted the Sorenson Veterinary Clinic was located on this property and they wished to be annexed for future development possibilities. The next step would be to set a public hearing on July 19th and staff would develop an Annexation Service Plan for Council' s consideration. Karp noted that Doctor Sorenson was present at the meeting and available for questions. City Engineer Tom Eastwood noted that staff would be considering water/ sewer prelim inary planning for properties on the west side of Bolinger. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. Page 4 of 8  ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to adopt Resolution 2021- 19 intent to consider annexation of Lot A-2 of Minor Subdivision No. 293 into the City of Belgrade and set a date for public hearings to consider the Service Plan and Annexation for July 19, 2022. Council Member Smith seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Resolution 2021- 20 Intent to Annex Lot 31 Belgrade North Business Park— Reed Planning Director Karp reviewed the location of the Reed property which was zoned as BP Business Park and right next to the new Gallatin Insulation business. The owner intended to construct commercial buildings for lease. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Doyle moved to adopt Resolution 2021- 20, intent to consider annexation of Lot 31 of Belgrade North Business Park Phase 3 into the City of Belgrade and set a date for public hearings to consider the Service Plan and Annexation for July 19, 2022. Council Member Meis seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Resolution 2021- 21 Intent to Annex Lot 27 Belgrade North Business Park— Guffev Planning Director Karp noted this lot was adjacent to existing residential, on the corner of Beeker and Happy Lane. He noted that the applicant owned Belgrade Sales and Service with plans to build on the lot to provide warehouse space for their business. Roberta Guffey, applicant, noted that her family had been operating their Belgrade business in the same location for 45 years. This lot under discussion had been advertised as if inside City limits, but they had found it was actually not inside City limits and that other area lots had their own well and septic systems. She felt that they were so close to City water service that putting in another well did not make sense, however, the expense of connecting to City water service was of major concern. City Manager Barkley suggested moving ahead with scheduling the public hearing and in the meantime, staff would review and discuss their options for serving the property. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Simon moved to adopt Resolution 2021- 21 intent to consider annexation of Lot 27 of Belgrade North Business Park Phase 3 into the City of Belgrade and set a date for public hearings to consider the Service Plan and Annexation for July 19, 2022. Council Member Doyle seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Improvements Agreement for Bridger Heights Subdivision Phase 2D Planning Director Karp reviewed two improvements agreements for sidewalks and street improvements in regard to the Bridger Heights Subdivision Phase 2D. The sidewalks agreement required a Letter of Credit in the amount of$ 114, 056. 27 with a 3 year term set to expire on or around June 7, 2024. The street improvements agreement required a Letter of Credit in the amount of 56, 829. 40 with a 1 year term set to expire on June 7, 2022. Karp noted that the Letters of Credit had already been issued. Page 5 of 8  Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Menicucci moved to approve the Improvements Agreements for Bridger Heights Subdivision Phase 2D subject to be accompanied by Letters of Credit acceptable to the City in the amounts of$ 114, 056. 27 and $56, 829. 40 and complying with the terms of the Improvements Agreements. Council Member Cooper seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Final Plat Approval for Bridger Heights Subdivision Phase 2D Karp noted that this phase included 27 lots. Discussion followed about ongoing work to backfill and repair points in and around Golden West Drive. City Engineer Tom Eastwood noted discussions held about coordinated efforts between Williams Construction and NorthWestern Energy in order to reestablish open access. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Simon moved to approve and grant final plat approval to the Bridger Heights Subdivision Phase 2D subject to the transmittal of the signed Improvements Agreements and Letters of Credit that are acceptable to the City, finding that all conditions of preliminary plat approval have been met and the subdivision complies with the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and the Belgrade City Code. Council Member Meis seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider Ordinance 2021- 2 ( 1st Reading) Request Zoning Map Amendment— Garibaldi Group Planning Director Karp noted that the Garibaldi Group owned the Outpost Building and other buildings in Belgrade and Bozeman. This property was located on the corner of 10th Street and Main at the outermost corner of Belgrade' s Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. The developer' s plan included a 3- story building. The ground level for short term rentals similar to the Outpost. The second and third floors would be slated for longer- term rentals. The Conditional Use Permit process would allow furtherer review of detailed plans. Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. ACTION: Council Member Meis moved to approve Ordinance 2021- 2 upon first reading to rezone Lots 6- 17 of Block 31 of Armstrong Addition from B-2 to B-3 and set date for public hearing for June 21, 2021. Council Member Simon seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider 2021- 2022 Preliminary Budget Items City Manager Barkley reviewed data related to projected expenses and planned projects. He reviewed the schedule for reviewing the preliminary budget document at the meeting scheduled on July 19, 2021, with second review and approval of the Final budget document planned for the 2" d meeting in August. Page 6 of 8  Mayor Nelson called for public comment. There was none. Consider setting Public Hearing on 6/ 21/ 2021 for a Resolution to Amend the FY20- 21 Budget City Manager Barkley noted that details on the requested adjustments would be provided at the time of the public hearing on June 21, 2021. ACTION: Council Member Cooper moved to set a public hearing on June 21, 2021 to consider a resolution to amend the Final Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2021. Council Member Doyle seconded motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. Consider City Manager Recruitment Status City Manager Barkley noted that applications would be accepted through June 20, 2021 and then a list could be brought back to Council for review. CONSENT AGENDA Pledged Securities for May 2021 ACTION: Council Member Cooper moved to approve the consent agenda items as presented. Council Member Simon seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously. FOR YOUR INFORMATION Council Member Cooper reported receiving several complaints about vehicles blocking the street while waiting in line for McDonald' s drive- through and asked the police to look into this problem. Council Member Meis reported that the Triangle Plan was available for review and he would send the link to whoever wanted it. He noted that Sanderson Stewart' s firm had done the work on this project. Council Member Simon requested that the trees and shrubs at the public parking lot across from the Mercantile Building on Main Street be trimmed. They were starting to grow and block some of the park slots which made it hard to get in and out of the vehicle in a few places. Council Member Menicucci reported that the Gallatin Water Quality District Board was reorganizing and working on the yearly plan and Belgrade' s nitrate plan. She inquired about the status of installing the gazebo/ band stand at Lewis & Clark as many musicians had expressed interest. Barkley noted that Debra Youngberg had intended to pursue installation of this feature for quite some time, but he was not sure of the status. Council Member Doyle had nothing to report. Council Member Smith inquired about Central Avenue and why it stopped and started another block down the way. He wanted to see if continued as a through way if possible. Barkley said he Page 7 of 8 would have to research why it was constructed this way and he would bring more information back to Council. Smith noted that he would not be in attendance at the next scheduled meeting in June. City Manager Barkley reported that a Transportation Alternatives Grant application had been submitted for a trail between Cameron and Cruiser. ADJOURN Council Member Smith moved to adjourn the meeting at 9: 59pm. Russell C. Nelson, Mayor Susan Caldwell, City Clerk Page 8 of 8