Missoula City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers (in person) or TEAMS (virtually)
Attend in person: City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, Missoula MT
Members present:
  • Mirtha Becerra, 
  • Daniel Carlino, 
  • John P. Contos, 
  • Sierra Farmer, 
  • Gwen Jones, 
  • Kristen Jordan, 
  • Mike Nugent, 
  • Amber Sherrill, 
  • Sandra Vasecka, 
  • and Heidi West 
Members absent:
  • Stacie Anderson 
  • and Jennifer Savage 

1.

  

The meeting was called to order at 1:45 p.m.

1.1

  

Amanda Vermace called the roll.

1.2

  

2.

  

There was no public comment for items not listed on the agenda.

3.

  

Informational Item, No Action Required.

Eran Pehan, Director for the Community Planning, Development and Innovation department (CPDI) introduced the subject item and stated they would discuss topics they're looking to tackle in the next phase of code changes. The focus has been on state mandated changes along with other areas that were identified needing work. She stated they would be seeking confirmation that the team is on the right track with the recommendations presented.

Ben Brewer, Planning Supervisor with CPDI covered the presentation on the recommended near term code changes. Mr. Brewer went over the agenda that covers the background and context of the Our Missoula project.  He also outlined the changes to state law and provided the timeline for implementation. He provided the sideboards that were the focus of the amendments and the goals being met through the proposed amendment recommendations. Mr. Brewer then went over the current rules, the proposed code changes and the impacts of the amendments being recommended on each state bill that effected the project.  These recommendations would create changes for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and duplexes, affordable housing development, redefining Vertical Mixed-Use, administrative adjustments, parking mandates, codify zoning determinations and other updates to address the new state mandates. 

The committee sought more information regarding ADUs height requirements, clarification on the duplex and ADUs updates, and the desire to make the process easier for all involved. They also requested the presentations be shared as they were helpful. Additionally, they talked about changes to parking mandates and other regulations around ADUs and duplexes. 

Public comment came in regarding a Planned Unit Development (PUD) that restricts home occupation licenses. Staff was able to provide some clarification about the concern but there were other factors that wouldn't fall under the city's jurisdiction regardless of the code amendments. 

City Council discussion and informational meeting only. No motion until final consideration on December 18, 2023.

Cassie Tripard, Planning Supervisor with the Community Planning, Development and Innovation department (CPDI) confirmed there were no updates and no additional public comments received since the public hearing opened.

The committee had an elaborate discussion around the deed restrictions that were established back in the early 1990's when the property was sold to the Missoula Youth Home by the City of Missoula. Mary McCrea, Land Use and Planning Manager with (CPDI), City Attorney Ryan Sudbury and Colin Lane, representative of Youth Homes with MW Architects weighed in on the conversation. 

This item has been scheduled for Final Consideration at City Council on Monday, December 18, 2023.

City Council discussion and informational meeting only. No motion until final consideration on December 18, 2023.

Charlie Ream, Associate Planner with the Community Planning, Development and Innovation department shared that additional protest petitions were received and being verified by the county clerk and recorders office. If valid, it would meet the 25% threshold for council to have a super majority vote at final consideration. Ms. Ream also followed up on a question from the public hearing regarding a legislative bill allowing sororities or fraternities within a half mile of a college.  

The applicant, James Sage provided details on the planned development for the property. He asked council for their support and approval of the proposed rezone. 

There was no comments from members of the public.

This item has been scheduled for Final Consideration at City Council on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Mary McCrea - Land Use and Planning Manager with the Community Planning, Development and Innovation department, presented on the subject item. She explained this was regarding the conditional approval of the 2014 phasing plan amendment for the Millsite PUD Subdivision. Ms. McCrea provided some visuals of the property location that is located in the riverfront neighborhood council. She also covered the history of the Phasing Plan Amendment Conditional approval negotiations and cost shares of traffic signals and the Common Area Green Scapes (CAGS) of the project.

The committee inquired about the consideration of a roundabout instead of a traffic signal. Jeremy Keene, Director for the Public Works and Mobility department provided some details why a roundabout was not feasible. They discussed traffic signal coordination in the surrounding area and if the need for any traffic signal is warranted. Crash data was requested but not available. Mr. Keene planed to obtain that information and provide it to council members. Committee members inquired if Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) supported the proposed agreement.

Public comment:

Bob Jordan with Azula Institute for Sustainable Transportation expressed support in traffic control for safety reason but sought an edit in the agreement to allow flexibility in the type of traffic control installed.

Tom Berg, Attorney for developer expressed appreciation to staff's time with the process and shared support for the development agreement. He also wanted to provide clarification on the purpose of the development agreement.

City Attorney, Ryan Sudbury, Ms. McCrea and Ryan Salisbury, with WGM group reiterated the proposed agreement being based on the language of the condition of approval. They also stressed the impacts of making amendments to the agreement.

  • Moved by:Sandra Vasecka

    Authorize the Mayor to sign the Development Agreement between Millsite Revitalization Project, LLC and the City of Missoula regarding the Mill Site PUD Subdivision.

    AYES: (8)Gwen Jones, Amber Sherrill, John Contos, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Daniel Carlino, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
    ABSENT: (4)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Heidi West, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results:Approved (8 to 0)

4.

  

The meeting was adjourned at 3:41 p.m.

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