HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 03.14.2023
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NEXT RES. NO.
R23-17
NEXT ORD. NO.
O23-01
WELCOME . . . By your presence in the City Council Chambers, you are participating in the process of representative
government. To encourage that participation, the City Council has specified times for citizen comments on its agenda -- once
following the Consent Agenda, at which time citizens may address the Council concerning any brief community announcement
not to exceed one minute in duration for any speaker; and again following Items Removed from the Consent Agenda, at which
time citizens may address the Council on any matter of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. Each speaker will be
limited to three minutes, unless the time limit is extended by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. Citizens may also
comment on any item removed from the consent agenda prior to council action, with each speaker limited to three minutes,
unless the time limit is extended by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. If a citizen would like to comment on an age nda
item, we ask that you wait until the agenda item is presented to the Council by the Mayor and the public is asked to comment
by the Mayor. Once again, each speaker is limited to three minutes.
Any person who has any question concerning any agenda item may call the City Clerk -Treasurer's office to make an inquiry
concerning the nature of the item described on the agenda. Your City government welcomes your interest and hopes you will
attend the Laurel City Council meetings often .
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call of the Council
Approval of Minutes
1. Approval of Minutes of February 28, 2023.
Correspondence
2. Police Monthly Report - February 2023.
3. Beartooth RC&D Correspondence
Council Disclosure of Ex Parte Communications
Public Hearing
4. Public Hearing: An Ordinance Amending Title Six Of The Laurel Municipal Code (LMC §
6.16.010) Relating To Prohibited Certain Animals.
Consent Items
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Consent Calendar adopting the printed Recommended Council Action will be enacted with one vote. The Mayor will
first ask the Council members if any Council member wishes to remove any item from the Consent Calendar for
discussion and consideration. The matters removed from the Consent Calendar will be considered individually at the end of
this Agenda under "Items Removed from the Consent Calendar." (See Section 12.) The entire Consent Calendar, with the
exception of items removed to be discussed under "Items Removed from the Consent Calendar," is then voted upon by roll
call under one motion.
5. Claims entered through March 10, 2023.
6. Approve Payroll Register for PPE 3/5/2023 totaling $226,402.30.
7. Council Workshop Minutes of October 4, 2022.
Ceremonial Calendar
Reports of Boards and Commissions
8. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of February 28, 2023.
9. Park Board Minutes of March 2, 2023.
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Audience Participation (Three-Minute Limit)
Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. Comments regarding
tonight’s agenda items will be accepted under Scheduled Matters. The duration for an individual speaking under Audience
Participation is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not
on the agenda.
Scheduled Matters
10. Appointment Thomas Scott to the Laurel Police Department
11. Appointment of Kurt Markegard as Planning Director.
12. Appointment of Matt Wheeler as Public Works Director.
13. Resolution No. R23-17: A Resolution Of The City Council Approving Accrued Vacation Pay-
Out For City Clerk-Treasurer.
14. Resolution No. R23-18: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Execute
An Independent Contractor Service Contract With True North Contracting.
15. Ordinance No. O23-01: An Ordinance Amending Title Six Of The Laurel Municipal Code
(LMC § 6.16.010) Relating To Prohibited Certain Animals.
Items Removed From the Consent Agenda
Community Announcements (One-Minute Limit)
This portion of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for citizens to address the Council regarding community
announcements. The duration for an individual speaking under Community Announcements is limited to one minute. While
all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda.
Council Discussion
Council members may give the City Council a brief report regarding committees or groups in which they are involved.
Mayor Updates
Unscheduled Matters
Adjournment
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability 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
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File Attachments for Item:
1. Approval of Minutes of February 28, 2023.
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File Attachments for Item:
2. Police Monthly Report - February 2023.
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Total Calls Printed on February 28, 2023
[CFS Date/Time] is between '2023-01-30 00:00' and '2023-02-27 23:59' and
[Primary Incident Code->Code : Description] All
Code : Description
Totals
10-15 : With Prisoner 0 0
: Abandoned Vehicle 18 18
: Agency Assist 50 50
: Alarm - Burglary 9 9
: Alarm - Fire 6 6
AMB : Ambulance 96 96
: Animal Complaint 7 7
: Area Check 8 8
: Assault 2 2
: Bad Checks 0 0
: Barking Dog 3 3
: Bomb Threat 0 0
: Burglary 2 2
: Child Abuse/Neglect 2 2
: Civil Complaint 3 3
: Code Enforcment Violation 1 1
: Counterfeiting 0 0
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Code : Description
Totals
: Criminal Mischief 2 2
: Criminal Trespass 1 1
: Cruelty to Animals 3 3
: Curfew Violation 1 1
: Discharge Firearm 0 0
: Disorderly Conduct 9 9
: Dog at Large 12 12
: Dog Bite 0 0
DUI : DUI Driver 6 6
: Duplicate Call 3 3
: Escape 0 0
: Family Disturbance 11 11
: Fight 0 0
FIRE : Fire or Smoke 11 11
: Fireworks 0 0
: Forgery 0 0
: Found Property 3 3
: Fraud 5 5
: Harassment 6 6
: Hit & Run 5 5
: Identity Theft 0 0
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Code : Description
Totals
: Indecent Exposure 0 0
: Insecure Premises 5 5
: Intoxicated Pedestrian 4 4
: Kidnapping 0 0
: Littering 0 0
: Loitering 0 0
: Lost or Stray Animal 8 8
: Lost Property 3 3
: Mental Health 0 0
: Missing Person 3 3
: Noise Complaint 4 4
: Open Container 0 0
: Order of Protection Violation 0 0
: Parking Complaint 17 17
: Possession of Alcohol 0 0
: Possession of Drugs 1 1
: Possession of Tobacco 0 0
: Privacy in Communications 0 0
: Prowler 0 0
: Public Assist 44 44
: Public Safety Complaint 2 2
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Code : Description
Totals
: Public Works Call 9 9
: Report Not Needed 8 8
: Robbery 0 0
: Runaway Juvenile 1 1
: Sexual Assault 3 3
: Suicide 0 0
: Suicide - Attempt 0 0
: Suicide - Threat 1 1
: Suspicious Activity 84 84
: Suspicious Person 8 8
: Theft 17 17
: Threats 1 1
: Tow Call 0 0
: Traffic Accident 17 17
: Traffic Hazard 2 2
: Traffic Incident 12 12
: TRO Violation 0 0
: Truancy 0 0
T/S : Traffic Stop 42 42
: Unattended Death 3 3
: Unknown - Converted 0 0
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Code : Description
Totals
: Unlawful Transactions w/Minors 0 0
: Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle 1 1
: Vicious Dog 0 0
: Warrant 11 11
: Welfare Check 14 14
Totals 610 610
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File Attachments for Item:
3. Beartooth RC&D Correspondence
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Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc.
Board of Director’s Meeting Agenda
Meeting 1:00 P.M. Thursday, March 16, 2023
Big Horn County Courthouse Conference Room
First Floor 121 3rd Street Hardin, MT
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Review Board Minutes
Congressional Updates
Josiah Porcel (Sen. Tester)
Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
Emily Schneller (Rep. Rosendale)
Treasurer/Financial Reports
1. Treasurer Update
2. RC&D Financials
3. RLF Financials
4. RMAP
5. Approval to open new accounts for RMAP SSBCI
Development of signature stamp Policy
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
1. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
2. Revolving Loan Fund – Nan Knight
3. Economic Development/ CRDC – Jacy Head
4. Operations Support- Myrna Lastusky
Regional Roundup – News and updates from regional
members on projects and activities in key CEDS categories….
(see topics on next page)
Jason Seyler DEQ overview of Brownfields Program
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
May 18th, 2023- Stillwater County
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Knight
VanBallegooyen
Bertolino
Knight
Head
Lastusky
Roe
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
Action
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
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Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Director’s Meeting MINUTES January 19, 2023
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Review Board Minutes
Congressional Updates
Josiah Porcel (Sen. Tester)
Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
Emily Schneller (Rep. Rosendale)
Treasurer/Financial Reports
6. Treasurer Update
7. RC&D Financials
8. RLF Financials
9. Audit
Re Election of officers
Development of signature stamp
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
5. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
6. Revolving Loan Fund – Nan Knight
7. Economic Development/ CRDC – Jacy Head
8. Operations Support- Myrna Lastusky
Regional Roundup – News and updates from regional
members on projects and activities in key CEDS categories….
(see topics on next page)
Optional Tour of BSEDA and Rock 31
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
March 16th, 2023- Big Horn County
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Knight
VanBallegooyen
Bertolino
Knight
Head
Lastusky
Roe
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
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Regional Roundup
CEDS SWOT
Our goals for the Roundup are to find out what’s happening in the area, keep the conversations
focused, inform the others attending the meeting, and to tie it all back to and reinforce the importance of
the CEDS. Please help us identify the projects in their area that fit into our CEDS categories:
Infrastructure
Housing
Transportation
Broadband
Economy
Upturns or downturns in industry sectors
New business openings (or closures)
Communication
Marketing and outreach
Services
Health care
Natural Resources
Agriculture
Energy
Human Capital
Workforce
Education
NOTES:
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Beartooth RC&D
Board Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2023 – 1:00 pm
BSED Zoot Room
Members Present:
Joel Bertolino, BRCD
Nan Knight, BRCD
Jacy Head, BRCD
Ryan VanBallegooyen, Billings Job Service
Dan Lowe, Big Horn County Conservation District
Kayla Vokral, SBA
Commissioner Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
Danny Choriki, City of Billings
Commissioner Don Jones, Yellowstone County
Emily Schneller, Rep. Rosendale
Tory Kolkhorst, Sen. Daines
Josiah Porcel, Sen. Tester
Holly Higgins, First Interstate Bank of Hardin
Tina Toyne, BHC / City of Hardin Economic Development Director
Brent Moore, City of Red Lodge
Commissioner Scott Miller, Carbon County
Members via Zoom:
Myrna Lastusky, BRCD
Jacob Cote, City of Red Lodge
Guests:
Katie Harrison, SustainaBillings
Meeting Called to Order: Chair VanBallegooyen called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Review November Board Minutes (Action): Danny motioned, Kayla seconded. Motion carried.
Congressional Updates:
Josiah Porcel (Sen. Tester)
o Big eastern Montana tour – Ag Town Halls centered around Farm Bill – in Plentywood, Sidney &
Glasgow. Got input from farmers.
o Law enforcement Town Hall in Glendive
o Omnibus bill passed, government spending bill . . . taking care of military
o Looking to the future and spending a lot of time on the Farm bill
Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
o Sen. Daines is chairman of NRSC & will be doing campaigning for different candidates on national
level.
o Lot of reckless spending in this admin and pushing back to be more fiscally responsible.
o Balanced Budget Accountability Act – require Congress to have a balanced budget in order to get paid.
o Other priorities: Forest management reform, promoting Made in MT and Made in America energy,
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and the farm bill.
Emily Schneller (Rep. Rosendale)
o 2 congressional districts now – Congressman Rosendale has the 2nd district (MT02) and Cgmn. Zinke
has 1 (MT01)
Gallatin = MT01
Lewis & Clark County = MT02
o Congressman Rosendale was here Tuesday
Toured MSUB and met with NADC
In state the rest of the week and back in DC next week
Remaining on Natural Resources & Veterans Affairs committees.
o Northwestern Energy announced acquisition of units 3 & 4 of the Colstrip plant. Put out press release
on that recently.
o Reintroduced a number of bills – let Emily know of any questions.
Treasurer/Financial Reports
Treasurer Update
2021 Audit is completed (finally!). Looks pretty good to Nan.
Discussed getting bid from another company for future audit
o Wipli has ranged from $16500 - $18000 through years. Last year was $31,000 and they didn’t come to
our office one time. The audit experience was terrible.
o Still waiting on a bill correction (they double-charged us for something) before paying the final bill.
o Board members were able to review the final copy digitally or the hard copy Nan had. Need to have it
approved to submit for programming requirements.
RC&D Financials (Action)
P. 13 of packet: completed budget for 2022. There is a negative number but that is due to the CARES Act
money that rolled into contractuals of 2022. Look at bottom numbers of 2021 and 2022 to see how it all
washes out.
Upcoming budget numbers for 2023 are laid out a little differently due to several pass-throughs we have (e.g.
CGWG where we don’t make any revenue on these; won’t be claimed as revenue on 2023).
Submitted Brownfields app and RMAP apps in Nov/Dec, but we don’t know if we will have income from
those yet, so they are not in the budget. That budget will need to be approved by Board, also.
Dan asked about income (81%) vs. Expenses (135%)
o Nan explained that this is due to contractuals ($181K was from the $400K of CARES Act funding,
which was a 2-year project). Money came in during 2021 but we had to disburse it in 2022. That’s why
it shows that we had a profit of $25,000 in 2021 but a deficit of $19,000 in 2022. It washes out.
RLF Financials (Action)
P. 12: As part of our $400,000 RMAP app, we had to allocate match money (instead of option where
businesses would have to put 20% down). If businesses need a microloan, they often can’t afford to put in part
of that loan money. So we have $100K set aside as match money.
o Discussion on increase in audit bill going from $18K to $30K, especially when other CRDCs didn’t
have nearly that kind of increase. Nan had projected that it would go up possibly $3,000 to account for
inflation, not $12K+. None of our programs changed. Holly said it’s nothing extravagant. Nan said we
don’t even get hard copies. Melanie said their county only paid $19,500, so it’s definitely an overage.
ACTION: Melanie motioned to approve the RC&D Financials & 2023 Budget as presented, Holly seconded.
Motion carried.
ACTION: Melanie motioned to approve the RLF Financials as presented, Holly seconded. Motion carried.
ACTION: Scott motioned to approve the 2021 audit as presented, Kayla seconded. Motion carried.
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Re: Election of Officers (Action)
Ryan already asked if everyone currently in is willing to say. They are.
If we keep the same: Ryan as Chair, Melanie as Vice-Chair, Marissa as Treasurer.
ACTION: Danny Choriki motioned to keep same officers, Dan Lowe seconded. Motion carried.
Development of signature stamp (Action)
Want to develop a signature stamp so staff don’t have to drive to Billings just to get some checks signed.
We will develop a policy if the board approves. Basically, the staff would send a quick email asking for
approval before using the stamp.
Dan & Holly asked about electronic options like Docusign. Ryan said the stamp is actually the cheapest due to
subscription costs, etc.
ACTION: Dan Lowe motioned to authorize a stamp as an option. Scott seconded. Motion carried.
Staff Reports – Program/Project Updates
Food/Ag – Joel
P. 14 – Work continues with SBDC and MMEC to do outreach to value-added ag businesses. Met with
Shamrock Foods.
Initiated a meeting with Fishtail General Store – has been making breakfast burritos for City Brews for years
and wants to get into a separate processing plant. Located a lot near her store. Needs assistance from MMEC to
devise a plan. Joel got to see her new facility and will follow up with Lane and SBDC. She’s inviting other
small businesses who need packaging or manufacturing assistance to join her.
Valley Farmers Supply in Worden – putting in a grant on new USDA Fertilizer grant. Because it’s new, there
isn’t a lot of info on it. Will provide funding for small and mid-sized fertilizer manufacturers. Good fit for
Valley. $3 million expansion project. 1st deadline they needed some other info, and Joel helped them again on
the 2nd application deadline (before Christmas). It would help them a lot with their expansion project.
MT Ranch House Meats / Pure MT Meats – plans for expansion in Billings and seeking funding.
VistaRidge MT – worked with them on a GTA grant (unsuccessful). Looking for other funding.
Greycliff Mill – visited in Sept and discussed GTA options. They have apple orchards and berries, cheese-
making, growing own beef. Innovative climate control.
Blue Creek Marbled Beef – fully in production, doing great.
Yellowstone Valley Farms – still trying to expand and get another greenhouse
Carbon County Meats – Original building is in Belfry, but trying to expand in Bridger area (near lumberyard).
Grew out of initial building pretty quickly. Custom processing for wild game and domestic animals.
Primitive Meats – Received seed money last year to build meat plant near Worden. Joel is still trying to get
there to visit.
Becky’s Berries – had option to go with Whole Foods in Bozeman but decided she wasn’t interested in that
right now.
Others we’ve had initial contacts with:
o Justine Kougl- Huntley
o Brett Clause- Columbus
o Jessica Jane Hart Swift Buckets- Billings, MT
o J and K Farms- Huntley, MT
o Big Timber Meat Plant Dan Snyder
o Barb Skelton Horses Spirit Healing
o Zach Griffin
Visited Prime Meats retail outlet in Billings Heights.
Stable Feeds – worked on and off with since last summer. Based in MN but most of production has been in
MT and she wants to relocate here. Specialty feed for horses (sanfoin). Looking at sites in Billings area and
other feed mills. Joel gave her info on a couple in Billings and Muggli Brothers in Miles City, who is making
her product now. She sold out the first year & she’s continuing to use Muggli while she looks for a locat ion in
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our area. Sourcing sanfoin from producers in Montana. She put an excellent VAPG grant for new equipment.
She is bringing her workers from MN and prefers to be located near Billings rather than Miles City.
o Kayla said they could set up a meeting with Allison.
o Scott Miller said he would also like to speak with her on possible Carbon County options.
Nan said she liked Carbon County but doesn’t want to build from scratch.
Melanie asked about the Clam Chowder people – Joel hasn’t had luck getting in touch with them.
o Melanie mentioned another family/business (unintelligible).
Danny asked if we’ve talked with Montana Co-op Development Center.
o Joel said we’ve worked with in past but we’ve had trouble getting co-ops going. Great service, though.
It’s a unique model, so you definitely need their assistance to start one.
o Danny said in small towns where owners don’t want to invest, the co-op model works better.
o Melanie: the only drawback is that it’s a couple year process and takes a long time to get it going.
Joel likes people to know that going in – big commitment.
Revolving Loan Fund – Nan
Quite a bit of activity lately, especially with restaurants. Lot of hesitation with interest rates going up. Banks
wanting to partner.
Nan is working with FIB on an SSBCI loan in Roberts.
Also 2 businesses in Big Horn County, 2 in Sweet Grass County on SSBCI loans.
$7.8 million of SSBCI money (1/3 of total) has already been allocated.
Economic Development/CRDC – Jacy
P. 19
BSTF – 1 project ongoing in Stillwater County for an Industrial Park feasibility study. Had some delays
between contractor issues and the flooding in Stillwater. Should still be able to meet June deadline.
Recently pitched another idea for BSTF-Planning grant in Melville (Sweet Grass County). Bonita Cremer of
Crazy Mountain Music, LLC wants to begin a multi-use venue. Even if she doesn’t receive the BSTF, she will
proceed.
USDA RCDI grants – one in Big Horn, one in Carbon
o Working with Tina Toyne in BHC on housing and economic development, training, assistance with
grant applications including a HUD Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Assistance program that
will help them move forward. Received word that this was successful.
o Also working on MACo and diversifying Big Horn County from coal.
o New RCDI with Red Lodge Area Community Foundation (RLACF) for about $130,000 to increase
capacity on workforce housing. Had kickoff meeting on Jan. 10th.
o Quarterly reports for these will be submitted at end of Jan.
CEDS document and Regional Housing Study docs available.
January is a busy reporting time
o CRDC reports
o EDA annual update as part of Partnership Planning Grant
o CRDC annual work plan will be due in Feb.
Helping Hands Food Bank Brownfields Phase II assessment. Would like to add a Farmers’ Market and
Community Garden.
Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant – applied for $460,000 grant.
Carbon County Historical Society & Museum – Joel and Jacy met with them to consider options for a business
plans. They are also hoping to complete 2nd and 3rd floors.
Economic Investment Group (EIG) just completed a case study on persistent poverty in Big Horn County.
Should help Tina as she identifies priorities in Big Horn County.
Montana Community Foundation had a MT Disaster Recovery Fund. We applied for $10,000 to assist rural
areas impacted by flooding to increase resilience, but they awarded us $15,000. Stillwater Watershed Council
is one potential recipient, and Jacy may be reaching out to board members for other ideas in their communities.
o Brent Moore mentioned the Clarks Fork Watershed group.
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o Melanie asked Scott if they got a Carbon County Conservation rep yet. Scott said they are still sharing
with Sweet Grass County. Looking at getting together with Stillwater for help.
Mitzi Racine – grant writer interested in BSTF funding for some businesses she works with, but Jacy didn’t
think that would work. Jacy & Nan explored RBDG and other options. Mitzi will likely be working with Big
Horn County on some Coal Board grants too.
Worked with the Big Horn County Roads Dept on a Coal Board application.
Also worked with Sheriff’s Dept in Big Horn County on a drone application.
Operations Support – Myrna
Myrna said she really doesn’t need to report since she is supporting the 3 directors – no need to repeat what
they’ve said. Perhaps take her off future reports? Please?
Just one addition: LOS for Cooke City in support of plowing “the plug,” an 8-mile stretch of road that doesn’t
get plowed and prevents people from getting in and out. Please share with leaders and legislators for support.
Regional Roundup
Brent Moore, Red Lodge:
No snow since last meeting, so we need snow. City will be starting construction on large storm water project this
summer – multi-year project. Trying to focus on solid waste and recycling. City is considering re-managing that.
Housing is still an issue. Jacob Cote chaired Short-term Rentals Committee and made some recommendations to the
city to address concerns. Urban Renewal (TIF District) will be getting going in the next couple years. Pea cannery
project is continuing – renovation of an old building in town.
Melanie asked who does the garbage? McKenzie (goes to Joliet) and Republic (Red Lodge)
Scott said there’s a bill in Helena now to open that all up. Went through last legislation and almost passed.
Brad Barker is one of the leads on it.
Kayla Vokral, SBA
Accelerator for consumer package goods that is launching in March, with end in May; pitches will be at
MEDA. Cash prizes plus potential for investment. Let Kayla know if you have any businesses that will be a
good fit. 10-12 businesses that we will work with to keep small & meaningful.
Have 2023 trainings up on the platform. Let Kayla know if there’s anything we want to add to that or get on
her monthly newsletter. Bringing back “Profit Mastery,” a 2-day program to help people understand their
financials.
New controller in the BSED – Tammy Fleetwood started Jan. 4th and great to have her in-house.
RLF funds for YC trying to get out. We have waived the bank denial for it, so if any businesses are looking for
funds, terms are better than banks are putting out now.
Starting a podcast on Feb. 1 to discuss all things workforce/business/innovaton/entrepreneurship. Interview
business owners and outside resources that can be beneficial to current and potential businesses.
Tina Toyne, Big Horn County Economic Development
Received a letter from Jim Atchison re: HV188 about current funding for coal severance tax collected to stay
at 5.8 for next 4 years instead of sun setting and going back to 2.9. Jim asked us to send letters of support for
that. This passed 19-1 and will now go the House, where he feels confident it will pass and will then go to the
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Senate.
Kasey Watson with USDA will be coming to do a training with Tina and BSED. This will be for current and
new business owners.
Spoke with a Hardin resident who is building a greenhouse there, which is exciting.
Applied for support from HUD and trying to set up a meeting with commissioners and mayors to all work
together on improving housing in BHC.
MACo application submitted.
Love’s truck center in Hardin was approved by City Council to put in an RV park. 75 spaces, so it will be big.
Campers can stay 28 days unless they get approved to stay longer.
Jason from DEQ presented Brownfields opportunities to commissioners, mayors, and stakeholders. Dolly’s is a
mainstay in community that has been closed for a while. Tina is working with them to do a Brownfields
assessment and move toward re-opening.
Worked with City on a Montana Main Street grant for wayfinding signage.
Regularly meeting with a stakeholder who wants to find solutions to affordable housing.
o Joel complimented Tina on the great job she’s doing. This RCDI grant has been a great thing for Big
Horn County.
Dan Lowe, BHC Conservation District
Not much activity during winter in Conservation District.
Montana 310 Law allows for management of things that happen within boundary of stream bed. By law,
anyone doing anything there must contact conservation districts, apply, and have a review to see if it deserves
scrutiny by MT Wildlife and Parks and the conservation district and other entities. We receive the application
that has details that show how the project could impact the stream bed. The conservation district determines if
it’s a project they should do or not. Sometimes applications don’t have enough info or don’t involve the
conservation district, and neighbors get upset with each other & take it to court. Then the conservation district
is out of the loop & potentially could have helped. We work to educate people to prevent these situations.
Scott Miller, Carbon County Commission
To our legislative reps: I spent 25 years in Army and 10 combat tours. Pallets of money never helped anyone in
that time. The only thing that helps is ideas, motivation and people at the local level. Budget responsibility.
Please manage the budget so our great great grandchildren aren’t paying for it. Just manage the budget.
We did an audit and found 2 little things in our payroll due to our computer (paid twice) but figured it out.
Everything went great.
Airport Board has members of the County, Red Lodge, and Bridger on it. Red Lodge City Council and mayor
think the MOU isn’t adequate or any kind of law to them, and they want to take some land away from the
Airport Board. Some disagreement between airport board and City of Red Lodge on how to use the land. City
Council needs to go to residents and have a public meeting and let them know what they plan to do and let the
airport board know. Ground belongs to City and the citizens need to tell the airport board what they want to do
with it.
Some homes for sale or rent are opening up that won’t cost a million dollars.
Bridges are getting rebuilt, working on permits. Sen. Daines has been fantastic, so other reps, please ask Sen.
Tester and Rep. Rosendale to help us out with permitting. Farmers are going to be in the river if permits don’t
get going.
o Please call me and I’ll tell you how you can help. Sen. Daines has been a great help.
Mel: Some money available from DES for reviewing permits.
o Scott: We’ve been doing all that, but we need some action. FWP is killing us because everything is
“natural” and can’t be disturbed.
FEMA has done almost nothing to get the money out.
They are moving all offices into the nursing home building they just bought. Will have ADA availability.
Everything will be together. Courthouse will continue to be used for Sheriff’s Department and storage. Will
sell 2 buildings they are in now and also the land near Joliet they were going to use for detention center. Have
room for a small detention center possibly.
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Bill Bullock asked Scott to bring up the Cooke City propane shortage. Tory, know more?
o Tory said it is part of the argument to plow the plug. The residents hired Shalease Harrison to advocate
for them.
o Scott: Parking lot put in for snowmobilers to park trailers so they aren’t clogging up town.
o Tory: Question of whether the town’s infrastructure can handle the extra traffic.
o Joel: This conversation has been happening for years. It’s not just about commerce and propane; it’s
also about safety and getting emergency personnel in there during busy times. Lot of discussions need
to be had. Chamber of Commerce is in favor of it, but there are high costs to maintain that stretch and
multiple jurisdictions. Sticky issue.
o Tory: Sen. Daines’ office would like to see MT DOT and WY DOT get together and find a solution to
maintain it together. Governor’s office has been part of calls and agrees. The states need to figure out
how to manage it.
o Joel: State of MT has snow removal equipment parked up there, but need to go through part of WY.
Yellowstone Park jurisdiction is nearby, too.
Danny Choriki, City of Billings
Rec Center at S. Billings Blvd is up for next step in development. $120M – stadium sheet of ice, practice sheet
of ice, full Olympic competition pool. Also a plan to get indoor tennis center going. Probably doing a bond in
next year. If we include rec center and all the current parks projects, it will be about $220 million.
A new low-barrier shelter opened up on Christmas Eve. Going very well. The fire dept inspected that church,
and a parishioner at that church made a complaint about another church where Family Services is housing
families. They called the fire marshall about the conditions – always new problems cropping up!
Bunch of housing popping up even in downtown area. Putting some city property on the market including City
Hall, Park 1, Park 3, and a parking lot near the Burger Dive.
Med School building is having their opening tomorrow
Rock31 is awesome – take the tour after the meeting!
Crime – generally crime has been slowing down, but violent crime, domestic violence, gun violence is holding
stable or rising. In last 10 days, 2 hate crimes – one at Mary Queen of Peace (south side church) where statues
were stolen and vandalism was done. There are a couple bills in legislature to reduce pressure on Yellowstone
County jail. One is to pay the actual cost (good chance of passing). The other is to play with data and trying to
limit the number of people the state leaves in Yellowstone County Detention (probably won’t pass). Related
bill for a data warehouse that would put all the different law enforcement and judicial systems together so at
least the data is all sitting in one place.
Stillwater Building work is going well. Contractor will be awarded next month. Hope to be in within 18
months. It will be called something else, yet to be determined. Over budget now and trying to figure out some
cost-saving measures.
Holly Higgins, First Interstate Bank
On Hwy 87 there is a motor home, some horses and a corral. Gentleman bought 60 acres and may subdivide it
for housing. His father in CA owns a construction business. Will be challenges with water and other
infrastructure.
Purple Cow restaurant was demolished to expand and put in a truck stop. (Unintelligible) So 2 big truck stops
coming in to town.
Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County Commission
We’re being sued again . . .
New conservation district guy who came on last fall and organizing meetings to discuss their work plan and
vision for what they need.
Gave Sheepherders Square some money. Encouraging them to put in more parking. Will put in 27 parking
spots – much needed.
Desperately need a grocery store and drug store – pharmacist is one of the people who died in the Reed Point
carbon monoxide incident.
Rumors of folks selling off their cattle – don’t know if they’ll be selling their ranches, too.
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Garbage collection is a big issue (garbage not getting collected, bears getting into it, etc.).
Optional Tour of BSED and Rock 31
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting: March 16, 2023 in Big Horn County
Meeting adjourned at 2:58 pm.
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Revolving Loan Fund Books- December 31, 2022
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $183,884.44
Stillwater 1 $149,731.21
Yellowstone 10 $728,295.49
Carbon 2 $226,267.65
Sweet Grass 2 $160,354.66 Total:
17 $1,448,533.45
Participating in the SSBCI 2.0 State RLF program
RMAP Grant - Submitted
2021 Audit done, Ready for Board approval
Bank Balances as of December, 31, 2022 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- EDA( RMAP match) $109,010.34 $ 9,010.34
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $76,907.55 $ 76,907.55
Bank of Joliet- IRP $164,761.47 $ 126,431.57
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $31,336.24 $ 31,336.24
$ 243,685.70
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Beartooth RC&D Budget Comparison
2023 Income
INCOME Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 85,007 83,340 85,007 73,538 45,000 70,057 AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 45,000
AG-MCDC 1,000 1,000 500 0 Specialty Crop Block 35,000
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 51,072 54,823 55,907 54,614 56,979 56,844 BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 56,979
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400 459 400 300 400 845 BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,700 3,390 3,700 3,373 3,300 3,830 BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,300
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 18,000 18,000 18,000 0 RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 15,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 5,000 7,500 6,152 RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000
CRDC 71,907 69,751 71,907 71,844 71,000 71,844 CRDC 71,000
CGWG/ fuels 1,875 6,147 EDA - GRANT 70,000
MISC GRANT ADMIN $10,750 12,750 BSTF ADMIN $4,000
EDA - GRANT 70,000 170,000 70,000 70,000 70,000 70,000 RCDI ( Big Horn) 2,500
SW-GRANT 224,357 RCDI (Red Lodge)4,000
BSTF 44,220 Pass- Through
EDA-CARES ACT 200,000 100,000
Pass- Through 73,102
Total Income 306,086 383,638 321,671 748,393 285,429 452,674 312,179 0
EXPENSES Expenses for 2023
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 233,104 214,386 256,044 245,234 231,429 233,496 TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 244,441
COMMUNICATIONS 6,000 6,712 6,000 7,194 4,500 7,167 COMMUNICATIONS 7,000
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 8,520 9,938 8,520 4,970 4,500 9,581 EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 6,000
CONTRACTUAL 20,000 106,640 21,220 442,632 21,100 195,509 CONTRACTUAL 25,000
SUPPLIES 12,900 19,335 9,800 10,908 5,000 10,559 SUPPLIES 7,000
TRAVEL 11,080 2,001 10,140 1,534 7,800 3,756 TRAVEL 5,500
OTHER 10,420 15,912 8,430 10,618 10,000 12,515 OTHER 11,500
Total Expense for the year 302,024 374,923 320,154 723,091 284,329 472,583 EXPENSE TOTAL 306,441 0
Net Income 4,062 8,715 1,517 25,302 1,100 -19,910 5,738 0
The above income figures currently include both "net income" and "pass-through" funds. We are working on the ability to state
these amounts independently to provide a more accurate picture of the budget.
Account Balances as of 12/31/2022
Bank Of Joliet- Checking $100,235.98
Bank Of Joliet- Savings 64,830.63$
Bank Of Joliet - Building 4,482.94$
2023202020212022
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Revolving Loan Fund Books- February 2023
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $183,884.44
Stillwater 1 $149,731.21
Yellowstone 10 $728,295.49
Carbon 2 $226,267.65
Sweet Grass 2 $160,354.66 Total:
17 $1,448,533.45
RLF committee approves loan for SSBCI 2.0 program, Waiting a 2nd round of funding from treasury.
Beartooth has received confirmation from USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
(RMAP) will be awarding funding.
o New bank accounts will need to be established for RMAP and SSBCI
Re-modifying two existing Beartooth loan with committee approval
Two potential RMAP loans waiting for Beartooth funding
Bank Balances as of February 28, 2023 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- EDA( RMAP match) $109,251.27 $ 9,251.27
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $88,148.00 $ 88,148.00
Bank of Joliet- IRP $171,069.22 $ 131,069.22
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $31,336.24 $ 31,336.24
Available: $ 488,273.22
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January through February 28th
2023 Income 2023
Budget Actual
AG -FOOD AND AG CENTER 45,000 11,235
Specialty Crop Block 35,000 8,372
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 56,979 42,558
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,300
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 15,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000
CRDC 71,000 17,961
EDA - GRANT 70,000 17,500
BSTF ADMIN $ 4,000
RCDI ( Big Horn) 2,500 1,954
RCDI (Red Lodge) 4,000 205
Pass- Through 16,267
312,179 116,052
Expenses for 2023
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 244,441 40,076
COMMUNICATIONS 7,000 1,199
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 6,000 1,578
CONTRACTUAL 25,000 46,114
SUPPLIES 7,000 764
TRAVEL 7,500 314
OTHER 11,500 1,316
EXPENSE TOTAL 308,441 91,361
24,691
Statement Ending: 02/28/2023
Checking Account: $158,516.85
Savings Account: $64,830.63
Building Account: $4,482.94
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Beartooth RC&D Staff Project Updates
March 2023
FOOD AND AG CENTER PROJECTS
Beartooth FADC
Beartooth FADC activities have been focused on assisting producers with the Growth Through Ag Grant and
Loan program funding. Beartooth FADC also worked with our regional MMEC and SBDC to develop an
outreach visit with Shamrock Foods in Billings and Fishtail General Store in Columbus. Beartooth FADC
attended a specialty crop and Food and Ag meeting in Lewistown and toured a local apiary. Discussions and
zoom meetings were held about potential funding for a beef to school initiative.
Growth Through Ag Projects and USDA Projects
Beartooth FADC has worked with several businesses interested in Growth Through Ag and USDA grants
some of these will have an opportunity to be granted funding and we will continue to assist them in
completing their business expansion projects.-
FEI Fertilizer and Fuel
Location- Billings, MT
Contact- Lance Taylor
Undammed Distilling
Location-Billings, MT
Contact- Allen Hodges
Stablefeed
Location- TBD
Contact- Barb Skelton
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Valley Farmers Supply
Location- Worden, MT
Contact- Calvin Wilson
Valley Farmers Supply is a rural cooperative business that delivers fuel, propane and fertilizer to Rural and
Agricultural Clients, provides seed crop and soil analysis and has a retail store in Worden. Beartooth FADC
has been working with then on the development of a USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grant
application to assist them with their 3-million-dollar expansion project that will increase their businesses
capacity, allow for increased efficiency, reduce energy consumption, increase prof itability and their ability
to compete in the market.
Vista Ridge Montana
Contact- Shaun Martinez
Location- Huntley, MT
Vista Ridge Montana is a startup value added agricultural operation that plans to produce and sell organic
produce, heritage and native plant seedlings for restoration, conservation, reforestation and landscaping as
well as honey and honey bees.
Greycliff Mill
Contact- Daniel Seylor
Location- Big Timber, MT
Beartooth FADC visited Greycliff mill in Big Timber to see their progress in developing a value added ag
operation that mills local grains used in the breads that are served at their restaurant and coffee shop they
are now finishing a larger value added venture with plans to use local milk to make a line of cheeses as well
as having sweet corn, beans, apples and berries which will be utilized to be sold fresh and in jams.
Beartooth FADC are writing a Growth Through Ag grant for additional equipment for their operation.
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On Going Projects
Montana Prime Meats
Contact- Lamont Herman
Location- Big Horn County and Billings, MT
Beartooth FADC assisted Montana Prime Meats with the development of a GTA grant in 2021 and have
continued to follow up with the business, they opened a retail outlet to sell their beef and lamb products
raised on the Herman Ranch in Big Horn County and it has developed a following. They ae now looking for
funding to expand their offerings to include fresh cuts of Beef and Lamb. Beartooth Staff visited their
business to discuss the potential use of the RMAP funding for their expansion project.
Yellowstone Valley Farm
Contact-Reuben Stahl
Location-Laurel
Reuben Stahl has a family greenhouse business growing basil and selling to FSA and Sysco, he would like to
add another greenhouse to keep up with incre ased demand this last year. Beartooth staff visited
Yellowstone Valley Farms after Reuben attended a USDA Value Added Producer Grant webinar sponsored
by the Food and Ag Centers to discuss the VAPG and the Rural Energy for America Program for funding to
improve the energy efficiency of his greenhouse operations to lower the businesses energy bills.
Primitive Meats
Contact- Kelsey Grice
Location- Worden, MT
Kelsey Grice and her husband are looking for funding assistance through the GTA grant to help them with
construction costs and equipment for their start up meat processing business. This Business also applied
for an ARPA Value Added Ag Grant, Beartooth FADC put the business in contact with a local engineering
firm to discuss the plans for their plant. Their application was approved for $150,000.00, Beartooth FADC
has been in contact with the owners they are very busy this summer and may wait for the cost o f
construction to come down before starting the project.
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Becky’s Berries- Absarokee, MT
Contact- Becky Stahl
Location-Absarokee
Becky has been looking to expand her business operations to include freeze dried berries
Beartooth FADC initiated contact with the following businesses
J and K Farms- Huntley, MT
Flo Ramirez Hardin, MT
J&D Meats Hardin, MT
Beartooth FADC Outreach
- The Vault Podcast Hosted by SBDC Kayla Vokral, Lorne Hintz and Marcell Bruski
-Yellowstone Valley Farms- Reuben Stahl Laurel, MT
-MT Prime Meats Retail Outlet Billings, MT
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3/16/2023
Economic Development/ CRDC
o BSTF
Stillwater County Industrial/Business Park Feasibility Study – KLJ is reanalyzing the
site selection; requested an extension from DOC, needs approval from Liane Taylor
BSTF Planning Application submitted in Dec 2022- did not receive it for CMM LLC
o USDA BHC RCDI Grant – training continues with Tina Toyne; successfully applied for
HUD’s Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance (DCTA) program and
NACo’s BRECC Coal Communities Commitment Coalition
o USDA RLACF RCDI Grant- training and communication continues with Angela Getchell;
Tesla’s position oversees her program and will be leaving; now Brad Caton will fulfill Tesla’s
position
o Next reporting period will include:
-USDA RCDI Quarter reports (2)- April 2023 (covering January-March 2023 time)
-CRDC Quarter 1 report- April 2023 (covering January-March 2023)
-CRDC Work Plan- submitted in February 2023
-EDA Partnership Planning Grant report- summer 2023
-BSTF Quarter report- March 2023
o Helping Hands Food Bank in Hardin- EPA has received the draft SAP to review along with
the state
o Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment Grant- being reviewed currently and will be
notified in May-June 2023 if application is successful
o EIG/EDA case study for Big Horn County- final report is complete and will be available for
distribution soon
o Montana Community Foundation- announced a new grant opportunity: MT Disaster Recovery
Fund grant; BRCD applied and received $15,000
o DOC-Business Attraction – Met about Hardin’s Industrial Park; they are currently
inventorying the parks around the state; new ownership inventory created for the parcels in
the park
o Additional Clients:
Roman Theater
Yellowstone Horse & Mule
Worden Senior Group
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Frequently Used Acronyms
BEAR – Business Expansion and Retention
BIA – Bureau of Indian Affairs
BLM – Bureau of Land Management
BRCD – Beartooth RC&D
BSEDA – Big Sky Economic Development Association
BSTF – Big Sky Trust Fund
CDBG – Community Development Block Grant
CRDC – Certified Regional Development Corporation
CEDS – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
CTEP – Community Transportation Endowment Program
EDA – Economic Development Administration
EDD – Economic Development District
ESRI – Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
GPS – Global Positioning System
HOME – Montana Home Investment Partnerships Program
HUD – US Department of Housing and Urban Development
IRP – Intermediary Relending Program
LESA – Land Evaluation Site Assessment
MBI – Montana Board of Investments
MDOC – Montana Department of Commerce
MDOL – Montana Dept. of Labor
MDOT – Montana Dept. of Transportation
MDFWP – Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
MEDA – Montana Economic Developers Association
NADO – National Association of Development Organizations
NCOC – National Carbon Offset Coalition
NHS – Neighborhood Housing Services
NRCS – Natural Resource Conservation Service
RBEG – Rural Business Enterprise Grant
RBOG – Rural Business Opportunity Grant
RC&D – Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc.
RCDI – Rural Community Development Initiative
RD – Rural Development (a division of USDA)
RCPP- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
RLF – Revolving Loan Fund
RTA – Resource Team Assessment
SBA – Small Business Administration
SBDC – Small business Development Center
TIFD – Tax Increment Finance District
TSEP - Treasure State Endowment Program
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
USFS – United States Forest Service
112
File Attachments for Item:
7. Council Workshop Minutes of October 4, 2022.
113
MINUTES
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2022
A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner
at 6:29 p.m. on October 4, 2022.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Emelie Eaton x Heidi Sparks
Michelle Mize x_ Richard Herr
x_ Casey Wheeler x Iry Wilke
x Richard Klose x Bill Mountsier
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brittney Moorman, Administrative Assistant
Kurt Markegard, Public Works & Planning Director
Public Input:
There were none.
General Items
Executive Review
1. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Of Laurel City Council To Approve And Adopt
Vision And Mission Statement For The City Of Laurel
Various Council Members had issues with a few of the words included in the draft of the vision
statement. The words inclusiveness and environmental were asked to be removed from the vision
statement. Council also asked for a public hearing before the vote on this resolution.
Council noted that while CHS is located in the County, they also donate to local needs. They
have been very generous over the years. They felt the statements regarding environmental
footprint might cause issues with the relationship between the City and CHS.
Dale Blume, 610 W. 13th Street, echoed the concerns over the words inclusiveness and
environmental.
It was clarified that this document is just a mission statement, and it is a living and breathing
document that is not set in stone.
The suggested changes will be made before it is brought back before Council.
114
2. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Of Laurel City Council Authorizing The City Of
Laurel To Apply For American Rescue Plan Act Competitive Grant Funds For The
South 4th Street Water, Sewer Stormwater, Infrastructure Improvements Project And
Authorization To Commit Matching Funds
The City has already received pot A funds; this is pot B. The deadline is November 1St. The City
needs to state what the funds will be used for. This grant works as a reimbursement. The S. 4th
Street project will cost approximately 4 million, and this grant will help offset those costs. The
City will use pot A and B money for this project. Using this grant will trigger a Federal audit.
It was clarified that this grant is allocated, not the pot C competitive grants. The word
competitive will be stricken from this resolution.
3. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Of Laurel City Council Requesting Distribution Of
Bridge And Road Safety And Accountability Program Funds
This is the City's annual resolution to request the allocation.
Council Issues
Park Board will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Council Conference Room.
Other Items
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
Announcements
The council workshop adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
submitted,
Brittney
Admin:
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for
the listed workshop agenda items.
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File Attachments for Item:
8. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of February 28, 2023.
116
Minutes of City of Laurel
Budget/Finance Committee
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Members Present: Richard Klose, Emelie Eaton, Heidi Sparks, Michelle Mize
Others Present: Kelly Strecker, Mayor Dave Waggoner, Brent Peters
The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chair at 5:30 pm.
Public Input: There was no public comment.
General Items –
1. Review and approved February 14, 2023, Budget and Finance Committee meeting minutes. Heidi Sparks
moved to approve the minutes of February 14, 2023. Emelie Eaton seconded the motion, all in favor,
motion passed 4-0.
2. Review and approve purchase requisitions. Budget Finance committee approved a purchase requestion at
the February 28, 2023, meeting to replace the failing damper of the HVAC at the F.A.P. Emelie Eaton
moved to approve requisition for the failing damper of the HVAC at the F.A.P. Michelle Mize seconded
the motion, all in favor, motion passed 4-0. Two purchase requisitions were presented from the Fire
Department. One was for fire hoses and one for turnouts for the fire department. Heidi Sparks moved to
approve the purchase requisition of the Turn Outs. Emelie Eaton seconded the motion, all in favor, motion
passed 4-0. Heidi Sparks moved to approve the purchase requisition of the Fire Hoses. Emelie Eaton
seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed 4-0.
3. Review and recommend approval to Council; claims entered through February 24, 2023. Michelle Mize
moved to approve the claims and check register for claims entered through February 24, 2023. Heidi
Sparks seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed 4-0.
4. Review and approve Payroll Register for the pay period ending February 19, 2023, totaling $207,222.79.
Emelie Eaton motioned to approve the payroll register for the pay period ending February 19, 2023,
totaling $207,222.79. Michelle Mize seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed 4-0.
New Business –
Old Business – CD’s. Kelly stated that she will call a few of the local banks and get CD rates and report back at
the next meeting, which will be held March 14, 2023.
Other Items –
1. Review Comp/OT reports for the pay period ending February 19, 2023.
2. Mayor Update – The Mayor stated that Forestry Fuels and Fire LLC was out to Riverside Park and cut a
walking path. All the trees along the edge of the park we ground up into wood chips and used for a
walking path. The mayor suggest that all go look. He said that it looks very nice.
3. Clerk/Treasurer Financial Update- The auditors will be at the City the week of April 24th. Kelly stated that
she also had her first zoom call with Clear Gov. She said that they are hoping to have the new budget book
up and running for fiscal year 2023-2024.
Announcements –
4. The next Budget and Finance Committee meeting will be held on March 14, 2023, at 5:30 pm.
5. A new schedule for claims review was set for upcoming meetings. The schedule is as follows: Heidi
Sparks March 14, Richard Klose March 28, Michelle Mize April 11, Emelie Eaton April 25, Heidi Sparks
May 9, Richard Klose May 23, Michelle Mize June 13, and Emelie Eaton June 27.
Meeting 6:21 p.m.
117
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Strecker
Clerk Treasurer
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council
for the listed workshop agenda items.
118
File Attachments for Item:
9. Park Board Minutes of March 2, 2023.
119
120
121
122
File Attachments for Item:
10. Appointment Thomas Scott to the Laurel Police Department
123
124
File Attachments for Item:
13. Resolution No. R23-17: A Resolution Of The City Council Approving Accrued Vacation
Pay-Out For City Clerk-Treasurer.
125
R23-17 Approve Accrued Vacation Pay-Out
RESOLUTION NO. R23-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ACCRUED VACATION
PAY-OUT FOR CITY CLERK-TREASURER.
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel (hereinafter “the City”) has utilized the services of
employee Kelly Strecker, the City’s Clerk-Treasurer, during a transition time period the
previous year;
WHEREAS, the Clerk-Treasurer has not been able to, because of the demands of the
Clerk-Treasurer position, utilize her accrued vacation time;
WHEREAS, the Clerk-Treasurer will lose her accrued vacation time, if not paid out by
the City of Laurel;
WHEREAS, because of the demands upon her position the previous year, and the needs
of the Clerk-Treasurer Department, the City believes it is justified to pay out the accrued
vacation time for the Clerk-Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, the total amount of accrued vacation time to be paid out to the Clerk-
Treasurer is eight-four (84) hours of accrued vacation time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, that the Mayor is authorized to pay-out accrued vacation time for the City Clerk-
Treasurer of eight-four (84) hours.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 14th day of March, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the 14th day of
March, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the 14th day of March, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
126
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
127
File Attachments for Item:
14. Resolution No. R23-18: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To
Execute An Independent Contractor Service Contract With True North Contracting.
128
R23-18 Approve Independent Contractor Service Contract by and between the City of Laurel and True North
Contracting
RESOLUTION NO. R23-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICE CONTRACT WITH
TRUE NORTH CONTRACTING.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The Independent Contractor Service Contract by and between
the City of Laurel (hereinafter “the City”) and True North Contracting, a copy attached hereto
and incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the Independent
Contractor Service Contract with True North Contracting on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 14th day of March, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the 14th day of
March, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the 14th day of March, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SERVICE CONTRACT
This Contract is made and entered into this 14th day of March 2023, between the City of Laurel,
a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Montana whose address
is P.O. Box 10, Laurel, Montana 59044, hereinafter referred to as “City” and True North Contracting,
a contractor licensed to conduct business in the State of Montana, whose address is 9431 Anglers Way
Billings, MT 59101, hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”.
SECTION ONE
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
A. Purpose. City shall hire Contractor as an independent contractor to perform for City the services
described in the Bid dated February 28, 2023, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and by this reference made
part of this contract.
B. Effective Date. This contract is effective upon the date of its execution by both Parties. Contractor
shall complete the services within 60 days of commencing work. The parties may extend the term of
this contract in writing prior to its termination for good cause.
C. Scope of Work. Contractor shall perform his/her work and provide services in accordance with the
specifications and requirements of this contract, any applicable Montana Public Work Standard(s) and
Exhibit “A”.
SECTION TWO
CONTRACT PRICE
Payment. City shall pay Contractor five thousand two hundred dollars and no cents ($5,200.00) for the work
described in Exhibit A. Any alteration or deviation from the described work that involves extra costs
must be executed only upon written request by the City to Contractor and will become an extra charge
over and above the contract amount. The parties must agree to extra payments or charges in writing.
Prior to final payment, Contractor shall provide City with an invoice for all charges.
SECTION THREE
CITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Upon completion of the contract and acceptance of the work, City shall pay Contractor the contract
price, plus or minus any additions or deductions agreed upon between the parties in accordance with
Sections one and two, if any.
SECTION FOUR
CONTRACTOR’S WARRANTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Independent Contractor Status. The parties agree that Contractor is an independent contractor for
purposes of this contract and is not to be considered an employee of the City for any purpose hereunder.
Contractor is not subject to the terms and provisions of the City’s personnel policies or handbook and
shall not be considered a City employee for workers’ compensation or any other purpose. Contractor
is not authorized to represent the City or otherwise bind the City in any dealings, agreements or su b-
contracts in any dealings between Contractor and any third parties. The City is interested solely in the
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results of this contract. Contractor is solely responsible for all work and work product under this
contract, including techniques, sequences, procedures, and means. Contractor shall supervise and direct
the work to the best of his/her ability.
B. Wages and Employment. Contractor shall abide by all applicable State of Montana Rules,
Regulations and/or Statutes in regards to prevailing wages and employment requirements. Contractor
shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Workers’ Compensation Act. Contractor shall
maintain workers’ compensation coverage for all members and employees of his/her business, except
for those members who are exempted as independent contractors under the provisions of §39-71-401,
MCA. Contractor understands that all contractors or subcontractors working on publicly funded
projects are required to have withheld from earnings a license fee of one percent (1%) of the gross
contract price if the gross contract price is Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or more. This license fee is
paid to the Montana Department of Revenue pursuant to Montana law.
C. Unless otherwise specified by the terms of this Agreement, all m aterials and equipment used by
Contractor on the Construction Project shall be new and where not otherwise specified, of the most
suitable grade for their intended uses.
D. All workmanship and materials shall be of a kind and nature acceptable to the City.
E. All equipment, materials, and labor provided to, on, or for the Contract must be free of defects and
nonconformities in design, materials, and workmanship for a minimum period beginning with the
commencement of the work and ending one (1) year from completion and final acceptance by the City.
Upon receipt of City’s written notice of a defective or nonconforming condition during the warranty
period, Contractor shall take all actions, including redesign and replacement, to correct the defective or
nonconforming condition within a time frame acceptable to the City and at no additional cost to the
City. Contractor shall also, at its sole cost, perform any tests required by City to verify that such
defective or nonconforming condition has been corrected. Contractor warrants the corrective action
taken against defective and nonconforming conditions for a period of an additional one (1) year from
the date of City’s acceptance of the corrective action.
F. Contractor and its sureties are liable for the satisfaction and full performance of all warranties.
G. Contractor has examined the facilities and/or has made field examinations. Contractor has
knowledge of the services or project sought under this Contract and he/she further understands the site
conditions to be encountered during the performance of this Contract. Contractor has knowledge of the
types and character of equipment necessary for the work, the types of materials needed and the sources
of such materials, and the condition of the local labor market.
H. Contractor is responsible for the safety of the work and shall maintain all lights, guards, signs,
temporary passages, or other protections necessary for that purpose at all times.
I. All work is performed at Contractor’s risk, and Contractor shall promptly repair or replace all damage
and loss at its sole cost and expense regardless of the reason or cause of the damage or loss; provided,
however, should the damage or loss be caused by an intentional or negligent act of the City, the risk of
such loss shall be placed on the City.
J. Contractor is responsible for any loss or damage to materials, tools, work product or other articles
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used or held for use in the completion or performance of the Contract.
K. Title to all work, work product, materials and equipment covered by any payment of Contractor’s
compensation by City, whether directly incorporated into the Contract or not, passes to City at the time
of payment, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.
SECTION FIVE
INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
Contractor shall indemnify, defend and save City, its officers, agents and employees harmless from any
and all losses, damage and liability occasioned by, growing out of, or in any way arising or resulting
from any intentional or negligent act on the part of Contractor or its agents or employees.
SECTION SIX
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Contractor
shall either possess a City business license or shall purchase one, if a City Code requires a business
license.
SECTION SEVEN
NONDISCRIMINATION
Contractor agrees that any hiring of persons as a result of this contract must be on the basis of merit and
qualification and further that Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed,
political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin.
SECTION EIGHT
DEFAULT
If either party fails to comply with any term or condition of this Contract at th e time or in the manner
provided for, the other party may, at its option, terminate this Contract and be released from all
obligations if the default is not cured within ten (10) days after written notice is provided to the
defaulting party. Said notice shall set forth the items to be cured. Additionally, the non-defaulting party
may bring suit for damages, specific performance, and any other remedy provided by law except for
punitive damages. The Parties hereby waive their respective claims for punitive damages. These
remedies are cumulative and not exclusive. Use of one remedy does not preclude use of the others.
Notices shall be provided in writing and hand-delivered or mailed to the parties at the addresses set
forth in the first paragraph of this Contract.
SECTION NINE
TERMINATION
Either party may terminate the contract for their convenience upon thirty days written notice sent
postage prepaid, to the addresses provided herein.
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SECTION TEN
GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Parties agree that the laws of the State of Montana govern this Contract. The Parties agree that
venue is proper within the Courts of Yellowstone County, Montana. If a dispute arises, the Parties,
through a representative(s) with full authority to settle a dispute, shall meet and attempt to negotiate a
resolution of the dispute in good faith no later than ten business days after the dispute arises. If
negotiations fail, the Parties may utilize a third party mediator and equally share the costs of the
mediator or file suit.
SECTION ELEVEN
ATTORNEY FEES
If any action is filed in relation to this agreement, the unsuccessful party in the action shall pay to the
successful party, in addition to all sums that either is ordered to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful
party’s attorney’s fees and all costs charges and expenses related to the action.
SECTION TWELVE
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This contract and its referenced attachment and Exhibit A contain the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties and supersede any and all prior negotiations or understandings relating to
this project. This contract shall not be modified, amended, or changed in any respect except through a
written document signed by each party’s authorized respective agents.
SECTION THIRTEENTH
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS
The rights of each party under this Contract are personal to that party and may not be assigned or
transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written
consent of the other party.
SECTION FOURTEEN
SEVERABILITY
Each provision, section, or subsection of this Contract shall stand separate and independent of every
other. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall find any provision, section, or subsection
of this contract to be invalid, the remaining provisions, sections, and subsections of this contract shall
remain in full force and effect.
SECTION FIFTEEN
PARAGRAPH HEADINGS
The titles to the paragraphs of this contract are solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not be
used to explain, simplify, or aid in the interpretation of the provisions of this agreement.
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SIGNED AND AGREED BY BOTH PARTIES ON THE 14th DAY OF MARCH 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL CONTRACTOR
___________________________________ __________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor True North Contracting
ATTEST: Employer Identification Number
___________________________________ __________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
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File Attachments for Item:
15. Ordinance No. O23-01: An Ordinance Amending Title Six Of The Laurel Municipal Code
(LMC § 6.16.010) Relating To Prohibited Certain Animals.
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Ordinance No. 023-01 LMC § 6.16.010 (Keeping Certain Animals Prohibited)
ORDINANCE NO. 023-01
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE SIX OF THE LAUREL MUNICIPAL CODE
(LMC § 6.16.010) RELATING TO PROHIBITED CERTAIN ANIMALS.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to keep the Laurel Municipal Code current by
modifying and updating chapters, sections and subsections to address situations and problems
within the City and to remain in accordance with Montana law; and
WHEREAS, City Staff prepared, reviewed, and approved the following amendments to
the existing LMC § 6.16.010 et al as noted herein and hereby recommends the same to the City
Council for their full approval.
6.16.010 Keeping Ccertain Aanimals Pprohibited.
A. No person shall keep swine, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, horses,
sheep, cows, mules, or chinchillas within the limits of the Ccity except when
transferring such animals to market or where otherwise allowed within this
Ccode.
B. No person shall keep upon his/her premises more than two cats.
C. No person shall keep or maintain more than three pairs or total of six
pigeons. Persons keeping pigeons shall not allow any barn, shed, cage, yard
or other place wherein such pigeons are kept or housed to become filthy or
offensive to neighbors or passersby, or injurious to the health of any
neighborhood or tend to contaminate the atmosphere in any place in the city,
nor shall the persons suffer or permit such pigeons to make any loud or
continuous noises tending to annoy or disturb any neighbors or
neighborhood. Violations of this Ssubsection are deemed to constitute a
public nuisance under Section 6.16.030 of this Ccode and shall be
punishable as provided in Sections 6.16.030 and 6.08.080 of this Ccode.
D. No person shall keep or maintain more than six rabbits. Persons keeping
rabbits shall not allow any barn, shed, yard or other place wherein such
rabbits are kept or housed to become filthy or offensive to neighbors or
passersby, or injurious to the health of any neighborhood or tend to
contaminate the atmosphere in any place in the Ccity. The rabbits shall be
confined to a pen, cage or fenced yard at all times. Violations of this
Ssubsection are deemed to constitute a public nuisance under Section
6.16.030 of this Ccode and shall be punishable as provided in Sections
6.16.030 and 6.08.080 of this Ccode.
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Ordinance No. 023-01 LMC § 6.16.010 (Keeping Certain Animals Prohibited)
E. Up to six (6) chicken hens (female Gallus gallus domesticus) may be kept
on a premise subject to the following requirements and subject to all other
applicable provisions of this Code:
1. The chicken hens must be kept on a single-family parcel(s). Chicken
hens are prohibited on any multi-dwelling parcel(s).
2. The owner must obtain an annual permit from the City. The fee(s) for
this permit will be determined by City Council Resolution and may
be periodically adjusted.
3. The chicken hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof
chicken house that is thoroughly ventilated, of sufficient size to admit
free movement of the chicken hens, designed to be easily accessed,
cleaned and maintained by the owners, be at least two (2) square feet
per chicken hen in size and the coop and enclosure cannot be more
than twelve (12) feet at its peak in height.
4. No chicken house, outdoor chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall at
any time be located closer than ten (10) feet to any public right-of-
way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line other than the chicken
owner, custodian, or keeper.
5. The chicken hens shall be shut into the chicken house at night, from
sunset to sunrise.
6. During daylight hours, the adult chicken hens shall have access to the
chicken house and, weather permitting, shall have access to an
outdoor enclosure on the subject property, adequately fenced to
contain the chicken hens and to prevent access to the chicken hens by
predators.
7. Stored feed must be kept in a rodent- and predator-proof container.
8. It is unlawful for the owner, custodian, or keeper of any chicken hen
to allow the animal(s) to be a nuisance to any neighbors, including but
not limited to: noxious odors from the animals or their enclosure.
9. No chicken hen(s) shall be allowed to run at large in the City. No
owner or keeper shall allow or permit any chicken hen(s) to be at large
off the owner's or keeper's property. Any chicken hen(s) found to be
running at large in the City or on private property in violation of this
section is a public nuisance and shall be impounded.
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Ordinance No. 023-01 LMC § 6.16.010 (Keeping Certain Animals Prohibited)
10. No chicken house or chicken enclosure shall be located in a front yard.
11. No chicken hens shall be slaughtered within view of adjacent property
or the public.
12. Changes to the standards contained in this section shall require any
permit holder to comply with any new standard, regulation, or
condition and no notice to a permit holder is required prior to
enforcement of any new standard beyond that required for adoption
of a new or revised ordinance.
1.13. Persons found to have committed a violation of this section shall
be subject to a municipal infraction with civil penalties under Section
6.16.030 of this Code and shall be punishable as provided in Sections
6.16.030 of this Code.
(Ord. 1008, 1992: Ord. 955, 1989: Ord. 930, 1988: prior code § 7.04.020)
(Ord. No. O13-03, 11-19-2013).
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after final passage by the City
Council and approved by the Mayor.
Introduced and passed on first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the
28th day of February 2023, upon Motion by Council Member Mize.
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Laurel City Council on second reading on the 14th day
of March 2023, upon Motion by Council Member _____________________.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR on the 14th day of March 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
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Ordinance No. 023-01 LMC § 6.16.010 (Keeping Certain Animals Prohibited)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
140