HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 06.21.2021
MINUTES
CITY OF LAUREL
LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021
11:00 AM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Public Input: Citizens may address the committee regarding any item of business that is not on the agenda. The duration
for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the committee
will not take action on any item not on the agenda.
1. Roll Call
The Planning Director called the Meeting to order at 11:02AM.
Mardie Spalinger
Janice Lehman
Daniel Klein
Michelle DuBois
Don Smarsh
Nick (City of Laurel)
Linda Frickel (arrived at 11:05)
Dianne Lehme (BSEDA)
Richard Herr
Marvin Carter
General Items
2. Approve Meeting Minutes: April 19, 2021
Members Reviewed the minutes from April 19, 2021.
Don Motioned to approve the Minutes from the meeting on April 19, 2021.
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
New Business
Nick presented a brief overview of the grants. Discussed the grant for High Plains Brewing and his
recommendation for inclusion.
Daniel motioned to remove the grant application for High Plains Brewing from consideration.
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
Nick presented the Large Grants and his recommended amounts of approval. Members discussed the
length of time for the grants and eligibility.
Daniel asked Don whether he would be okay with holding off on approval on the grant for Dynamic
Designs as he is a voting member and recusal would negate the quorum of the meeting.
Could we hold an additional meeting to amend the Large Grants to include Dynamic Designs?
The Applicant approved of waiting until a full meeting of the LURA Board to have his grant
approved.
Members asked if there are options for providing options for attending digitally (via Zoom or otherwise)
3. Large Grant Application: Laurel Auto Clinic
Members reviewed the grant request and the spreadsheet.
Daniel Motioned to approve the Large Grant Application for Laurel Auto Clinic totaling $75,894.00.
Don Seconded.
Motion Carried.
4. Large Grant Application: Fraternal Order of Eagles
Members reviewed the grant request and the spreadsheet.
Discussion of the grant with the Applicant Marvin Carter on timeline and contractors.
Hope to get it started after the Fourth of July holiday.
Mardie said that the Eagles have done good work on the outside.
Marvin Carter said that the internal ceilings need to be fixed. There are a couple of ceilings that need
replacing and improving. This grant would assist with that work.
Mardie Motioned to approve the Large Grant Application for the Fraternal Order of Eagles for $11,640.
Daniel Seconded.
Motion Carried.
5. Large Grant Application: Laurel Ford
Members reviewed the grant request and the spreadsheet.
Discussion of Electric Chargers and if they are allowable.
Nick treated them as Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure improvements.
Discussion of site ownership and leasing for receiving grant funds.
Nick provided additional information on who is eligible to receive funds.
Daniel Motioned to approve the Large Grant Application for Laurel Ford totaling $145,832.00.
Don Seconded.
Motion Carried.
5. Large Grant Application: Rapid Tire
Members reviewed the grant request and the spreadsheet.
Members discussed that the Rapid Tire Grant fits the need for the district, landscaping, site work, and
blight removal. This grant will make a big difference in aesthetics.
Mardie Motioned to approve the Large Grant Application for Rapid Tire totaling $11,905.00.
Don Seconded.
Motion Carried.
Members discussed the Railroad Overpass. Is the State done with the restoration work on the sidewalls?
The Stucco work?
The project appears to be completed at this time. It was meant to strengthen the walls and
structurally improve it.
7. Large Grant Application: Emerald HVAC
Members reviewed the grant request and the spreadsheet.
Don Motioned to approve the Large Grant Application for Emerald HVAC totaling $6,450.00.
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
8. Large Grant Application: Dynamic Designs
Daniel suggested Tabling the application for Dynamic Designs until a proper quorum can be convened.
The Members agreed.
The Large Grant Application for Dynamic Designs has been tabled until the proposed meeting on June
28th.
9. Large Grant Application: High Plains Brewing
Members removed the Large Grant Application for High Plains Brewing from consideration. The
applicant has been notified that he will be able to re-apply during the next large grant cycle.
Old Business
Other Items
Dianne Lehme of BSEDA was present. She suggested having Laurel consider the ARPA funding that is
coming out. This is specifically for Water and Sewer Projects. TIFs and TEDD districts are eligible to
receive funding. They do not require specific matching funds but they would prefer to see it. The
applications are not as detailed as other ones are. The Largest amount able to be requested is $25
million. Eligible projects include drainage systems and storm water.
Nick remarked that they have been working with KLJ to come up with projects.
Richard Herr said it would be important to look westward by the interchange and to expand
westward.
The City could apply for multiple projects (WL Interchange, TIF District, etc.)
This funding is also able to be matched with Federal dollars (NOT a normal situation).
Nick mentioned that the City is also looking at other funding sources such as Coal Board in order to get
projects done.
The Coal Board was recently reorganized and may look at Laurel and Yellowstone County
differently.
Members discussed possible eligibility of projects and how the Ditch improvement would
Richard suggested appointing a Vice Chair. Nick placed the item on the agenda for June 28th.
Announcements
10. Adjourn
The next meeting is scheduled for June 28, 2021.
Mardie Motioned to Adjourn.
Daniel Seconded.
Meeting Adjourned at 12:20pm.
11. Next Meeting: July 19, 2021
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s abi lity to
participate in this meeting. Persons needing accommodation must notify the City Clerk’s Office to make needed
arrangements. To make your request known, please call 406 -628-7431, Ext. 2, or write to City Clerk, PO Box 10, Laurel,
MT 59044, or present your request at City Hall, 115 West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
DATES TO REMEMBER