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MANAGER REPORT February 1, 2017 TENTATIVE MOVING DATES FOR CITY HALL I am working with Merganthaler Whitefish moving company on the move into the new City Hall and we have tentatively scheduled that move to be April 19-21. The April 17th City Council meeting and an April 18th Planning Board meeting would be held in the Interim City Hall and then the May 1st City Council meeting would be the first meeting in the new City Hall. UPCOMING WORK SESSIONS Right now, work sessions are scheduled through the May meetings. We will skip a work session on February 6th as an item that was scheduled for then asked to move to another date. Here is the current schedule: February 6th – Discuss the North Valley Music School’s interest in leasing the snow storage lot February 21st (Tuesday) – Discuss future options for financing Fire apparatus March 6th – Whitefish Legacy Partners – Closing the Loop project update Whitefish Lake Institute – AIS program for FY18 March 20th - Habitat For Humanity: Opportunities to partner on projects April 3rd – Annual goals setting session April 17th - Whitefish Convention Visitors Bureau request May 1st - Interviews May 15th - Interviews June 5th - Interviews (if needed) (Time to reduce the number of committees!) APPLICATION FOR LEASE WITH BNSF – BICYCLE PROMENADE AND UNDERPASS We are applying to BNSF for a lease of some of their land north of the O’Shaughnessy Center for the future pedestrian-bicycle path/promenade west of Depot Park. It will include room for a ---PAGE BREAK--- bus pullout on Central Avenue and a location for a possible pedestrian-bicycle underpass under Baker Avenue to connect to the existing trails west of Baker Avenue. A copy of my letter and the diagrams are attached to this report. QUARTERLY UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL GOALS I try to provide a quarterly update on the status of each of the City Council Goals. The goals were adopted on May 2, 2016 via Resolution No. 16-20. Implement Downtown Master Plan (including viaduct enhancements) – We are working on a Transportation Alternatives grant application to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in order to construct a Baker Street pedestrian underpass near the O’Shaughnessy Center. There is a $50,000 budget in the FY17 Tax Increment Fund to continue implementation of the Downtown Master Plan, especially for the zoning overlay and other possible zoning issues. Downtown Parking (including this summer) – The parking structure is under construction. The City Council approved the lease rates in the Parking Structure in December, 2016 via Resolution No. 2016-63 and we are working on implementing those rates, the on-line payment system, and the license plate recognition system. Depot Park Phase II Redevelopment – The City Council awarded the sale of Depot Park office building to the North Valley Music School and the moving of that office building will occur after we vacate the building in April and after we test the building for any asbestos. After that, the Parks and Recreation Department will contract to remove the concrete foundation and restore the landscaping. Hire New City Manager – Adam Hammatt is planning to begin work on February 16th. New Cemetery Development – As noted in my transmittal letter to the FY17 budget, with a drawdown of the year-end cash reserves budgeted, I did not feel that I could budget $20,000 for the beginning of the layout of a new Cemetery south of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. PUD Process Re-write – The committee to rewrite the Planned Unit Development (PUD) section of the City Code continues to meet. The moratorium on blended PUD’s was extended until August 15, 2017. Update Extension of Services Plan for Utilities and Annexation – We held another work session with the Mayor and City Council recently to get direction on areas to change the urban growth boundary. Now the Planning Director and Public Works Director will work on editing the Extension of Services Plan to conform to the new Urban Growth Boundary. Then we will bring that back to a work session for review before scheduling it for adoption. ---PAGE BREAK--- Wisconsin Avenue Corridor Study – The steering committee is meeting regularly. They held an open, public meeting at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake on November 9th. Riverside Park protection and improvement for erosion – There was no budget approved for this work. There is talk that there may be some in-kind work or private donation to start this work. Evaluate possibilities of new TIF Districts – Right now, this item would just be some conceptual brainstorming. In the future, if the general fund budget allows (can’t use the current TIF funds for a new district outside the boundaries of the current TIF District), the City could hire a consultant (example given – Janet Cornish) to help set up one or two new districts. I tend to think the next district(s) will be smaller and in different areas of the City rather than one big district encompassing many areas. We would have to identify areas with blighted conditions. Open Space Funding – no work is being done on this topic currently. Climate Action Plan – There is a citizen committee, with two City Council members, meeting and working on this plan. The City Council recently created a Climate Action Plan Committee and made some appointments to that Committee at the last meeting. Birch Point Quiet Zone – The City Attorney, Public Works Director, and I recently met to go over the status of this project. After checking out options a little more, we may bring forward a proposal to abandon doing an expensive quiet zone and propose a Wayside horn instead, but we are still investigating a couple of funding ideas for the quiet zone. Begin review of zoning code – district by district – This project is a very big project and the Planning and Building Department has not begun any work yet. Economic Development – Public Private Partnerships and targeted business assistance – It was a busy, commercial construction season, but that is all private activity that we weren’t involved in other than helping with site improvements (sidewalks, street trees, and promenade) at the Firebrand Hotel. No new discussion are occurring, but the Planning Department often gets contacted about new construction projects. BNSF – cleanup of CECRA site, maintain good relationship on all issues, work on disaster preparedness – no recent news on these areas. Water Quality Improvements and projects (AIS, Septic Leachate, Stormwater pond improvements) – Whitefish Lake Institute built an addition on to the hovercraft garage at City Beach for the AIS inspectors – this project was funded with a donation. A future work session is scheduled to work on the AIS issue for the next season. Affordable Housing – The Housing Needs Assessment was completed during the last quarter We were approved for a $60,000 CDGB planning grant to provide funding for the second phase of the project – implementation tools, options, and plans. Implementation of that project is beginning. ---PAGE BREAK--- Growth Policy Implementation Items – The Hwy 93 West Corridor Plan was adopted and the Wisconsin Avenue Corridor study is underway. There are occasional text amendments to the zoning code which the planning staff works on when there is time, but development is booming right now, so there is not much time for other projects. Code Enforcement – The new Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector is Dave Perry and he began work in September. He has worked a lot on signs and snow shoveling complaints in addition to work as a Building Inspector. City Beach Parking – in the last quarter, TD&H Engineering was hired to prepare a design for a parking lot on the property we bought last year at 55 Woodland Place. The Skye Park Bridge opened completely earlier this summer and that can help avoid the need for more parking at City Beach. Ped-Bike Master Plan Update – the update was approved at the January 17th City Council meeting. Explore extent of waivers for utility contracts (aka annexation) – The West Lakeshore area was annexed last summer and the annexation of the Ramsey area and isolated parcels was approved on January 17th. Long Term Financial Planning and Sustainability – an ongoing project that will become more important as the Tax Increment District sunset in July, 2020 gets closer. Consider a General Obligation Bond for Fire Equipment and precinct station – We are planning a work session on February 21st on this topic. Ambulance Fee evaluation – The City Council approved the Ambulance Fee increase on December 5, 2016. Maintenance Programs for City Facilities – Jeff Brown is the Parks and Recreation Department facilities director. We have budgeted for another facilities technician position for City Hall and the Parking Structure when those buildings open. If that position has extra time, he or she could assume some of the ESC maintenance issues in the future. That position is currently being advertised. Planning in-house priorities and text amendments – these are done as time allows. City Hall – finish and move in – construction continues. The first week of April, 2017 is the targeted completion date and moving is tentatively set for April 19-21. Water and Wastewater Rate increases – The water and wastewater rate increases were approved on September 6th. Hwy 93 South Access Study – Public Works has contacted the Montana Department of Transportation about this project. ---PAGE BREAK--- JIM KELLY’S APPRAISAL/VALUATION UPDATE FOR 2016 In appraiser Jim Kelly’s annual report, there is a good chart of Whitefish median (and average) home values that is very interesting, so a copy is attached to this report. The entire report can be reviewed at http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf. MEETINGS Mostly internal meetings or Parking Structure retail lease negotiations occurred in the past two weeks. UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Winter Carnival Parade – February 4, 2017 REMINDERS City Hall closed on February 20th for Presidents’ Day Holiday. City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21st. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stearns, City Manager ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- EXHIBIT 1A 1 LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 31 NORTH, RANGE 22 WEST, P.M.,M. CrTY OF WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA \ \ \ \ Legal Description - Sidewalk: and Path Lease - BNSF Railway Company A sidewa1k and path lease, being on BNSF Railway Propoerty and a portion in Lot 1, Amended Plat of Lots 1A & 1B of the Amended Subdivi&ion Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, rcoords of Flathead County, Montana, and located in the Northeast Quarter of Section 36, TOWDBhip 31 North. Range 22 West, P.MM., Flathead County, Montana, being more particularly described 88 follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Lot 1, Amended Plat of Lots lA & lB of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, records of Flathead County, Monmna; thence along the east boundaiy of said lot, South 00"00'03" West J 50.00 feet to the northeast comer of Lot 2, Amended Plat of Lots IA & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, records of Flathead Co1mty, Montana; thence a1ong the north boundary of said lot, West 228. 79 feet to the northwest comer of said lot; thence South 9°25'1 l" West 101.54 feet; thence South 74°52'14" West 34.84 feet; thence North 15"07'46" West 20.00 feet; thence North 9°25'11nEast87.43 feet; thence South 73°32'21" West 165.00 feet; thence North 75°04'14" West 70.35 feet; thence North 46°23'06" East 95.00 feet; thence North 73°32'21" East 150.00 feet; thence South 58°13'34" East 92.50 feet; thence East 190.00 feet; thence North 0°00'03" East 123.00 feet to the north of the above said Lot l, Amended Plat of Lots IA & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Park, records of Flathead Cotmty, Montana; thence along the north boundary of said lot, East 15.00 feet to the point of beginning of said Jease, containing 30570 square feet of land, more or less. Railway Street 50 0 50 THE PURPOSE OF THIS LEASE EXHIBIT IS TO SHOW PROPERTIES AND LEASES O'NNED BY BNSF, MDT, AND THE CITY OF WHITEFISH, AND TO DELINEATE NEW LEASE AREAS AND 1EMPORARY CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AREAS FOR DEPOT PARK SIOEWALKS AHO PATHS, CfTY OF WHnEFISH, A.ATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA 100 - - (SCALE IN FEET) 2' 0 Ii ~ SHEET Ex ---PAGE BREAK--- I § 5 a Q I ~ I EXHIBIT LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 31 NORTH, RANGE 22 WEST, P.M.,M. CITY OF WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA THE PURPOSE OF THIS LEASE EXHIBIT rs TO SHOW PROPERTIES AND LEASES OWNED BY BNSF, MOT, ANO THE CITY OF WHllEFISH, AND TO DELINEATE NEW LEASE AREAS AND 1EMPORARY CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AREAS FOR DEPOT PARK SIDEWALKS ANO PATHS, CITY OF WHllEFISH, FlATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA \ Existing Easement, Document No. 200609610320, Records of Flathead County, Montana EAST 15.00' \ Lot 1, Amended Plat of Lots lA & lB of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square Sidewalk and Path Lease 8 ~ - !:LI ~ Q ~ 2' Temporary EAST 190.00' BNSF Railway Property I / I / - Existing 10' License for Bicycle Patb/Pedestrial Walkway (Tracking No. 05-28015) \ \ Legal Description - Sidewalk and Path Lease - BNSF Railway Company AREA2 A sidewalk and path lease, being on BNSF Railway Propoerty and a portion in Lot 1, Amended Plat of Lots IA & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, records of Flathead County, Montana, and located in the Northeast Quarter of Section 36, Township 31 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the northeast comer of Lot 1, Amended Plat of Lots 1A & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, records of Flathead County, Montana; thence along the east boundary of said lot, South 00°00'03" West 150.00 feet to the northeast comer ofLot2, Amended Plat of Lots IA & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square, records of Flathead County, Montana; thence along the north boundary of said lot, West 228. 79 feet to the northwest comer of said lot; thence South 9°25'11" West 101.54 feet; thence South 74°52'14" West 34.84 feet; thence North 15°07'46" West 20.00 feet; thence North 9°25'11" East 87.43 feet; thence South 73°32'21" West 165.00 feet; thence North 75°04'14" West 70.35 feet; thence North 46°23'06" East 95.00 feet; thence North 73°32'21" East 150.00 feet; thence South 58°13'34" East 92.50 feet; thence East 190.00 feet; thence North 0°00'03" Bast 123.00 feet to the north boundazyofthe above said Lot 1, Amended Plat ofLots IA & 1B of the Amended Subdivision Plat ofLot 1, Depot Park, records ofFlathead County, Montana; thence along the north boundary of said lot, East 15.00 feet to the point of beginning of said lease, containing 30570 square feet of1and, more or less. 50 AREA1 WEST 228. 79' Lot2, Amended Plat of Lots lA& lBofthe Amended Subdivision Plat of Lot 1, Depot Square Railway Street 0 50 100 - - (SCALE IN FEET) b Q g - ~ a Q ~ ~ AREA TABLE AREA1 8425 sq. ft. AREA2 19660 sq. ft. AREA3 1243 sq. ft. AREA4 1242 sq. ft. TOTAL 30570 sq. ft. ~ IL Cl ~ C> g~ n il .D ct t; E j~ w z ID ii: Ill E 1- 13 Ill ~ SHEET Ex ---PAGE BREAK--- Whitefish Area(Within 3.5 Miles of the City Limits): The total number of sales within 3.5 miles of the Whtefish City limits represents 17.3% of the total number of residential properties sold. The median price increased by 7.0% to $334,500, which is equal to the high in 2007. This January, there are 250 homes that are on the market in this Whitefish area compared to 272 in January of 2016. With 250 current listings, this represents 10.4 months of inventory compared 6.1 months of inventory in Flathead County. Last year at this time there was 11.2 months inventory in this same area. Bank-owned and distress sales were lower than what they were in 2015. Page 24 of 37 - Kelley Appraisal