HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 07.25.2023
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NEXT RES. NO.
R23-45
NEXT ORD. NO.
O23-03
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 July 1, 2023.
2. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2023.
Correspondence
3. Beartooth RC&D July Correspondence
Council Disclosure of Ex Parte Communications
Public Hearing
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.
4. Claims entered through July 21, 2023.
5. Approval of Payroll Register for PPE 7/9/2023 totaling $289,743.55.
6. Council Workshop Minutes of July 11, 2023.
Ceremonial Calendar
Reports of Boards and Commissions
7. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of July 11, 2023.
8. Public Works Committee Minutes of June 19, 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
9. Appointment of Mardie Spalinger to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Advisory Board for the
remainder of a four-year term ending December 31, 2023.
10. Resolution No. R23-45: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Execute
The First Amendment To Right Of Entry And Use Agreement By And Between The City Of
Laurel And Montana Rail Link, Inc.
11. Resolution No. R23-46: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Execute
A Lease Agreement With The Laurel Lions Club For The Riverside Hall Located At Riverside
Park.
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 a bility 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 July 1, 2023.
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4
5
6
File Attachments for Item:
2. Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2023.
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8
9
File Attachments for Item:
3. Beartooth RC&D July Correspondence
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Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc.
Board of Director’s Meeting Agenda
Lunch at 12:230 pm
Meeting 1:00 P.M. Thursday, July 20, 2023
Beartooth RC&D Conference Room
128 S Main St. Joliet, MT
12:30
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Lunch
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
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)
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
September 21st, 2023- Red Lodge, MT
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Hauge/Knight
Bertolino
Knight
Head
Lastusky
Roe
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
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
Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Director’s Meeting MINUTES May 18, 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
5. Treasurer Update
6. RC&D Financials
7. RLF Financials
8. RMAP
New Accounting/ Auditor for Beartooth
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 New Stillwater County Fairgrounds
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
July 20th, 2023- Beartooth RC&D Conference Room
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Hauge/Knight
VanBallegooyen/
Knight
Bertolino
Knight
Head
Lastusky
Roe
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
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Beartooth RC&D
Board Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2023 – 1:00 pm
Columbus Fire Hall
Members Present:
Joel Bertolino, BRCD
Nan Knight, BRCD
Jacy Head, BRCD
Myrna Lastusky, BRCD
Edie Vogel, Yellowstone Conservation District
Ryan VanBallegooyen, Billings Job Service
Commissioner Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
Emily Schneller, Rep. Rosendale
Lorene Hintz, BSED
Kayla Vokral, SBA
Emily Schneller, Rep. Rosendale’s Office
Present via Zoom:
Holly Higgins, First Interstate Bank of Hardin
Danny Choriki, City of Billings
Tory Kolkhorst, Sen. Daines
Chris Mehus, Sweet Grass Conservation District
Jacob Cote, City of Red Lodge
Meeting Called to Order: Chair VanBallegooyen called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests: All introduced themselves with a special
mention of Edie Vogel, who has taken Barb Wagner’s place on the board for Yellowstone Conservation District.
Review March Board Minutes (Action): Melanie motioned to approve the minutes; Holly seconded. Motion
carried.
Congressional Updates:
Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
o Debt ceiling update – don’t foresee any cuts being made to veterans’ benefits, thankfully. Sen.
Daines thinks federal spending is out of control and some cuts need to be made to spending if
the debt ceiling will be raised.
o Senator has a bill to make tax relief for MT small businesses permanent (Main Street Tax
Certainty Act) to cut red tape, strengthen small businesses. Also pushing for New Markets
Tax Credits, which have been beneficial to many MT businesses.
Emily Schneller (Rep. Rosendale)
o Rosendale in state last month and made some stops – MT Silver Smiths, Veteran Town Hall
in Billings.
o Emily was in Gardiner last week and heard presentation from Yellowstone Superintendent
Cam Sholly, which was very interesting. The new road looks great (narrow and windy!).
Impressive that they got it done so quickly. Another year before making a decision on a more
permanent road plan.
o Nye Road starting to look much better. Should be completed in next few months.
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o Rep. Rosendale is busy in DC. Debt ceiling a hot topic. House Republicans recently passed
the Limit, Save, Grow Act to address the debt crisis and protect Social Security, Medicare,
and Veterans’ benefits.
o Working on several natural resources issues. Legislation to delist grizzlies passed committee.
Following some Forest Service issues, EPA and BLM proposals.
o Will be doing another energy tour at end of June with stops in Colstrip, Big Horn County,
Yellowstone County, and Stillwater Counties.
o Joel: Any support in Senate for delisting grizzlies?
Tory: Sen Daines is a huge proponent for delisting. He has given sound statistics to
show the grizzly bear has made a full and robust recovery in MT. Sec. Holland said
she would like to ask the bears what they think . . .
Treasurer/Financial Reports
1. RC&D Financials / RLF Financials / RMAP
a. April books
i. 17 loan clients
ii. $1.4 million of revolving loan totals outstanding
iii. Signed paperwork and approved for RMAP loan and should be able to do first round
of disbursement by end of month.
iv. 1 new loan in Hardin we are funding. 2nd position with FIB.
v. We received money from State for SSBCI program.
vi. Available for funding currently is $200K in Beartooth books.
vii. Haven’t received drawdowns in a few programs, so the budget will change a bit.
Jacy: For CRDC program, we normally have the contract in place already, but there has been a lot of
turnover in the procurement office. Have a meeting with Liane Taylor, the division manager for
CRDC, after MEDA conference.
b. Holly asked if we are able to issue statements more often (asking for a client).
i. Nan: My predecessor had it set up to do it annually, but I can do it different. I do it
monthly for one client and quarterly for another, so he just needs to let me know how
he would like it done.
ii. Holly: Mr. W. would like to do statements monthly moving forward.
Melanie motioned to approve the financials for Beartooth RC&D and RLF Financials. Holly seconded.
Motion passed.
New Accounting / Auditor for Beartooth (Nan):
We have been with Wipfli for many years, but the spike in the audit cost really hurt our budget, so we
are looking for a new auditor. Any suggestions, please send them our way.
Staff Reports – Program/Project Updates
1. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
a. P.14 – had a face-to-face meeting in Helena on Apr. 4th. Talked about GTA grant programs,
direction of Food and Ag Centers, RFP for FADC funding.
b. Had to submit new FADC application. Myrna assisted and that was submitted on May 1st. Joel
goes to Lewiston on June 9th to answer any questions the committee has on the app.
c. Projects
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i. S-Ranch Meats – new processing plant in Hardin. Submitted a VAPG application for
$250K to further marketing and development of product line of fresh meats –
produced on their ranch, processed by them, and then marketed.
ii. Oswald Farms – narrowly missed VAPG funding last year and reapplied this year. Did
a great job on the application this year. Both S-Ranch and Oswald do direct marketing
sales and to restaurants.
iii. Speedy & Flo’s Sweet Corn – Tina Toyne brought to our attention. Put together a
small GTA grant to help them buy marketing materials including bags for their
produce.
iv. Valley Farmer’s Supply – fertilizer grant. USDA still hasn’t released who will be
funded, so we are waiting
v. Haven’t heard from FEI Fertilizer and Fuel or Undammed Distilling. Undammed is
still considering a GTA grant.
vi. Greycliff Mill – work with them off and on when they have questions on funding.
vii. MT Prime Meats – hope to fund them with RMAP loan. Nan and Joel visited and they
have a drive-through window at retail location, which is a great idea.
viii. Yellowstone Valley Farms – working on a REAP application.
ix. Primitive Meats – haven’t talked to recently but waiting for an update.
x. Becky’s Berries – developing a whole new line of products; working with MMEC on
developing recipes, etc.
xi. Charter Ranch Vermicast – received a GTA for adding value by adding vermicast (use
of worms to create healthy soils), then bag those soils and sell them.
2. RLF – Nan Knight
a. SSBCI funding was approved and will drop in our account tomorrow. That will be closed.
Participation with FIB on a café in Roberts. The process went smoothly, good to work with
Ryan at FIB.
b. Very busy lately – a few loans in the works
i. Burger restaurant hoping to open in Laurel – working on business plan, profits and
losses, location.
ii. SBDC referred a client with a food truck in Laurel and hope to help her.
3. Economic Development / CRDC – Jacy Head
a. BSTF – Nan has been helping with that. Received extension, so it needs to be finished by Sept
instead of June.
b. RCDI grants are going well in Big Horn County and Red Lodge.
c. CRDC Q1 report was complete and Work Plan too. EDA PPG semi-annual report coming this
summer.
d. RCDI reports are not completed due to waiting on some info. Our Red Lodge one will need to
have some changes due to too many people charging time to the grant.
e. Helping Hands Food Bank – things are moving along well. Sampling and analysis have been
completed and hope to get the report next week.
f. Brownfields Assessment grant – hope to have an update next time.
g. EIG/EDA case study – still do not have EDA’s permission to distribute.
h. MT Community Foundation – MT Disaster Recovery Grant. BRCD received $15,000 and we
took sub-grant applications for $500-$1,000. Myrna has taken lead on this and has a
spreadsheet outlining fund disbursement if anyone is interested. We do have some remaining
funds to grant out.
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i. DOC-Business Attraction – Jacy has been attending the monthly check-ins with the State.
They will be coming down to meet with Nan and Joel next week to tour Stillwater County.
j. Roman Theater – looking at developing housing in the 2nd story. Working with them and
Randy Hafer at HPA.
k. Yellowstone Horse and Mule – expanding into Red Lodge area (from outside Yellowstone
National Park) and we are going to help them with a tourism grant
l. Worden Senior Group – Myrna worked with them to apply for MDRF funds.
m. Rocky Fork Inn (Red Lodge) – working with City of Red Lodge and the owners to initiate
Brownfields on that property. Need to do a structural assessment and then DEQ may be able
to assist with demolition. Red Lodge is also applying for a RRGL grant and we will assist and
hopefully help them repurpose this property. This was the house that took the brunt of the
flood’s force.
i. Joel: They are pulling cottonwoods out of the creek in that area and there is a
mountain of cottonwoods getting pulled out.
4. Operations Support – Myrna Lastusky
a. FADC App – assisted Joel with this
b. Lots of reporting
c. MT Disaster Recovery Fund Grants – We applied for money and received $15,000, which we
then are sub-granting to other organizations. We have approved about 12 different
organizations to receive money from this grant. Great variety of projects from flood relief to
Bone Daddy’s in Red Lodge (roof collapsed from snow) to those who are serving vulnerable
populations like elderly, low-income children, veterans, etc. Still have a few thousand dollars
in reserve as we await a few applications or in case an applicable project pops up that could
really use some help.
Regional Roundup
Danny Choriki, City of Billings:
Legislature has had serious impacts on local governments and we’re still trying to figure them all out.
Will have a report in June to Council. Some money was put aside for recreational construction around
the reservoir, so that’s great.
City’s budget: Focusing on family violence prevention in focus on crime.
Housing – housing starts have been down this year, but there’s a lot of work going on in background.
Have seen projects underway in downtown area and hope for more soon.
Holly Higgins, First Interstate Bank:
Ag market is looking good – looking at $1400/head calves in fall.
Empty lot bought to put in a gated storage unit – sounds like it will be very nice. Starting with
landscaping.
KOA opened up in April and have been busy.
St. Vincent’s is closing its Hardin clinic. With One Health, they feel that’s enough to service the area.
Big Horn Hospital is looking into offering a clinic. Majority of employees were offered jobs
somewhere else, but some locals will be looking for work.
Concerned that the Teepee Service/Convenience store in Crow will close. It’s been for sale for a long
time.
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Plenty Doors CDC had an open house last week. They moved offices to a new location, and Tipi
Creek Coffee opened. Great turnout, delicious food. Plenty Doors will tear down the old building for
the incubator, with construction expected to start early 2024.
Jacob Cote, Red Lodge
Just returned from MT Partnership Housing Conference – great few days trying to figure out how to
fix the ongoing problem. Some great updates and exciting projects from NeighborWorks and
Homeword and others. But the Association of Childcare Facilities and Expenses and how they can
relate to housing affordability - discussed some projects including childcare incorporated into housing
design and development. Good ideas & hope to learn more about that in the future and how it could
work in more rural areas.
o Also quite a bit on recent legislative bills – lots of “we’ll see” comments but a lot of
excitement at potential solutions to the problem.
Edie Vogel, Yellowstone Conservation District
Edie is the new hire & just came on in April, so just learning the ropes.
Built a website and will be getting YCD online soon.
o Resources, 310 permits, water reservation applications, etc. will all be online
Local workgroup meeting soon and will bring in community members to drive the program.
Collaborating with Extension on some Weed District education.
Nile education will be resumed for 4th graders – another part of Edie’s role.
Also will be taking over grants and administering those. Lots on Edie’s plate!
Lorene Hintz, BSED/SBDC
1 new BSTF we were hoping to get in by June but now they aren’t opening it until September.
Submitted a nomination for Wayne Nelson for Business Champion and had a little celebration at
Rock31.
MEDA Spring Conference is in Billings next week.
Kayla was just named the Interim Rock31 Director – she isn’t leaving SBDC; just taking on
additional responsibilities.
Kayla Vokral, SBA
Kayla: Wrapping up 10-week SBDC/Rock31 Business Accelerator and will have a pitch competition
during MEDA (3-5 on Tuesday). Also will have investors in the room so even if they don’t win a
prize, they may get some private investment. Will continue to do this annually.
Just finished Profit Mastery – a 16-hour financial course for small business owners. Hope to do this
one or two times per year. Might have another round in fall. Helps businesses understand their
financials and deep dive into balance sheets, income statements, etc.
QuickBooks training starting in June – every Tuesday from 4-6 throughout June. Let clients know
that is an opportunity.
Space2Place grants – gave out about 5. A cool one happening in Worden. Painting a whole trail of
things to do.
Podcast – Joel was on. Nearing 3,000 downloads and are on all continents except Africa and
Antarctica. www.thevaultat201.com Listen on any listening platform, Facebook, etc.
Will also have a Brownfields update next time.
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Scott Miller, Carbon County
Housing – tearing down old trailer house lot that was flooded in Fromberg. Owner is going to put up
affordable housing and he’s doing it with their own money. Very exciting.
RLACF is still working on housing with different avenues.
CART has 3 vans running seniors around the county. County will hopefully give them some money
to keep them going.
Carbon County Meats is up and running in Bridger. Some drama with septic and blood tanks, but they
are going. USDA-approval will come in July.
We have canals filling with water that we didn’t think would hold water due to last year’s flooding,
head gates working, Orchard Canal is up and running . . . lot of money and work has been happening
to get water to all these places. Rock Creek – Conservation District helped them and should have
water running in a few weeks – they haven’t had water for a couple years, so that’s exciting.
Just hoping to get through June without a disaster.
Water is lower than usual, snow pack is down a bit, so hopefully we’ll be okay flood-wise.
There will be 200,000 cubic yards of rock removed from Rock Creek by Montana DES. FEMA is
paying for it. Will take rock to gravel pits.
Commissioner Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
Powder-coating place opened in Big Timber.
Bar and Grill in Reed Point is open.
Frosty Freeze opened and then had to shut down due to sewer issue.
Looks like summer will be busy with plenty of concerts, BBQs, events
o Fiber Fest is this weekend
A couple of campgrounds still closed after last year’s flooding
Town Halls & MACo legislation – still waiting to hear how some of it will impact them
County, churches, volunteers all working to make sure kids in park get food through the summer
Also on BLM Solar Cooperatives group meeting as well as the Sage Grouse one and in both we are
watching how things trickle down from DC – not sure how those will end up.
Jacy told everyone that EDA just opened up some Disaster-Recovery supplemental funding and will have a
meeting next week. If you have projects, let us know.
Melanie – we have a bridge. Jacy said that would be a good project.
12:30-1:30 next Wed in Billings there will be a meeting if you want to come.
Danny: Much better Zoom meeting than last due to our Montana version of The Owl.
Optional Tour of new Stillwater County Fairgrounds following the meeting.
Next Beartooth RC&D Board of Directors Meeting: July 20, 2023 at Beartooth RC&D (12:30 luncheon with
meeting to follow)
Scott Miller motioned to adjourn the meeting; Melanie seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 2:08 pm.
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Revolving Loan Fund Books- April 2023
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $179,654.33
Stillwater 1 $147,574.44
Yellowstone 10 $716,496.80
Carbon 2 $223,815.14
Sweet Grass 2 $153,732.15 Total:
17 $1,421,272.86
USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) loan closing documents signed.
New Bank accounts opened for SSBCI AND RMAP funds.
RLF committee approved new loan in Hardin
Closing in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) loan in Roberts.
Bank Balances as of April 28, 2023 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- EDA (RMAP match) $110,095.35 $ 10,095.35
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $99,270.34 $ 32,357.84
Bank of Joliet- IRP $179,565.70 $ 139,565.70
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $31,371.01 $ 31,371.01
Available: $ 213,389.90
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Beartooth 2023 Budget
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 43,399
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION
MONEY 3,300 3,641
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 15,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000
CRDC 71,000 17,961
EDA - GRANT 70,000 35,000
BSTF ADMIN $ 4,000
RCDI ( Big Horn) 2,500 1,953
RCDI (Red Lodge) 4,000 205
Pass- Through 24,727
312,179 146,493
Expenses for 2023
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 244,441 79,718
COMMUNICATIONS 7,000 2,066
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 6,000 2,847
CONTRACTUAL 25,000 53,552
SUPPLIES 7,000 1,451
TRAVEL 7,500 2,280
OTHER 11,500 4,761
EXPENSE TOTAL 308,441 146,676
-182
Statement Ending: 04/28/2023
Checking Account: $101,557.67
Savings Account: $64,951.85
Building Account: $4,482.94
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Beartooth RC&D Staff Project Updates
July 2023
FOOD AND AG CENTER PROJECTS
Beartooth FADC
Beartooth FADC activities have been focused on the Request For Proposal process for the next two year
cycle of FADC funding that concluded with a review June 9th in Great Falls. Beartooth FADC was awarded
$120,000.00 for the next two years to continue to provide technical assistane to food and agriculture
clients in our region. Beartooth FADC also worked with our regional MMEC and SBDC to develop an
outreach visit with the wild bison ranch in Bridger.
Growth Through Ag Projects and USDA Projects
Beartooth FADC has worked with several businesses on Growth Through Ag and USDA VAPG 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. –
S Ranch Meats
Location- Custer, MT
Contact- Hannah Knutson
S ranch meats is a family owned and operated beef business. The ranch operates a 6000 head ranch and
developed a USDA meat processing plant in Hardin, MT. They have developed their own line of packaged
meats sold at local restaurants and through Facebook and word of mouth marketing. Beartooth FADC has
been working with USDA VAPG specialists to assist the business in applying for $250,000.00 in operating
funds to expand their direct to consumer branded beef business.
Oswald Farms
Location- Joliet, MT
Contact- Melissa Oswald
Oswald Farms operates a generational ag operation that raises cattle feeds them, has them processed at a
local USDA plant and sells their own branded beef products to local restaurants and locally t hrough
Facebook. They have developed their own retail location to sell their meat products and other local foods
and it is located near the intersection of highway 310 and 312 both heavily traveled roads. Beartooth FADC
has been working with USDA personnel with the business to apply for a Value Added Producer Grant for
$250,000.00 to expand their direct to consumer beef business.
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Speedy and Flo’s Sweet Corn
Location- Hardin, MT
Contact-Flo Ramirez
Beartooth FADC worked with Tina Toyne of Big Horn County Economic Development to assist Flo
Ramirez and his wife. They started growing fresh produce and sweet corn for local sales over ten years ago
on a one-and-a-half-acre garden plot. Their business has grown and they now raise 25 acres of sweet corn
and have a 4-acre garden, they sell all of their fresh produce at locations in Hardin, several in Billings, Joliet,
Miles City and Absarokee as well as in northern Wyoming. Beartooth FADC and Tina Toyne assisted them
on developing a GTA Marketing Development Assistance Grant for custom made bags for their fresh
produce that will have their logo and Facebook information for their customers.
J&D Meats
Contact- Jon Schneider
Location- Hardin, MT
Beartooth FADC was invited by Tina Toyne of Big Horn County Economic Development to visit with J&D
Meats a small meat processing operation that has a retail front selling fresh meats and lunches in Hardin.
The business was purchased in 2021 after years of operating as Buds Catering and has been refurbished. The
business is looking to continue to grow and is interested in the USDA RMAP micro entrepreneur funding
through our revolving loan funding.
Yellowstone Pasta
Location- Billings, MT
Contact-Henry Kennah
Henry is a former chef for Jakes in Billings that started making fresh pasta using Montana hard red durum
wheat. He was referred to us by our partners Kayla and Lorene at SBDC who are assisting him with business
planning. Beartooth FADC met with Henry and discussed his equipment needs for expandin g his business
and the Growth Through Ag grant and loan program. He is reviewing the guidelines and plans on working
with Beartooth FADC on an application in October.
Undammed Distilling
Location-Billings, MT
Contact- Allen Hodges
Allen Hodges started Undammed Distilling in Billings approximately two years ago and utilizes Montana
ingredients in his spirits, he is looking to expand his business. Beartooth FADC met with him to discuss the
Growth Through Ag funding opportunity for equipment and hope to assist him with an application this fall.
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Page 14
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. This proposal was unfortunately not funded by USDA.
Beartooth staff has been in communication with Greycliff mill in Big Timber to discuss funding sources for
their value added ag operation. The value added business mills local grains used in the breads that are
served at their restaurant and coffee shop, they plan to use local milk to make a line of cheeses and grow
sweet corn, beans, apples and berries which will be utilized to be sold fresh and in jams.
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Page 15
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 increased 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 t o lower the businesses energy bills.
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Page 16
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 now plan to start construction of their plant this summer.
Becky’s Berries- Absarokee, MT
Contact- Becky Stahl
Location-Absarokee
Beartooth FADC has been assisting Becky with locating specialized assistance in recipe development for a
new line of products she is currently working on. They have now completed their recipes for a line of
mustards and we are now helping them on developing a process for filling and packaging the products.
Beartooth FADC initiated contact with the following businesses
J&D Meats Hardin, MT
Beartooth FADC Outreach
- Wild Bison Ranch - Bridger, MT
- Yellowstone Pasta- Billings, MT
-Coffee Roaster – Big Timber, MT
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Page 17
7/11/2023
Economic Development/ CRDC / EDA PPG
o BSTF
Stillwater County Industrial/Business Park Feasibility Study – project received
approval for extension from MT DOC; awaiting approval on sites from Stillwater
County
o USDA BHC RCDI Grant – training continues with Tina Toyne
o USDA RLACF RCDI Grant- training and communication continues with Angela Getchell
o Next reporting period will include:
-USDA RCDI Quarter 2 reports (2)- will be submitted in July 2023
-CRDC Quarter 2 report- will be submitted in July 2023
-EDA Partnership Planning Grant report- questionnaire will be released soon
-BSTF Quarter report- will be submitted at the end of July 2023
o Helping Hands Food Bank in Hardin- draft report has been created and submitted to DEQ;
identified a petroleum release which will require DEQ to determine if it will lump into
previous release or have it classified as a completely new one
o Former Rocky Fork Inn site in Red Lodge- DEQ is currently selecting contractors to begin
assessments on this site; three bids were due on 7/14/2023 to DEQ and they will select one
shortly
o Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment Grant- BRCD was selected for a $460,000
brownfields grant award; work plan and budget have been submitted to EPA; waiting for
official approval; attending EPA Brownfields conference in Detroit (August 8-11th)
o EIG/EDA case study for Big Horn County- final report is complete and is available for
distribution; proposed travel for participation at the IEDC event in Dallas on September 18th
(EIG covers registration fee for whole conference, hotel, and airfare)
o MCF-MT Disaster Recovery Fund grant- majority of funds distributed; Myrna can give a
better update on recipients and amounts awarded
o DOC-Business Attraction – attending monthly check-in meetings; Nan met with Jamie during
the week of MEDA
o EDA Economic Recovery Corps Program- applied to this program for additional capacity to
address infrastructure needs throughout the region; technically didn’t apply just yet, but I
submitted a letter of interest which is the first step of the application process; if we are
selected then we will have to apply more thoroughly soon after
o USDA Home Repair Workshop in Joliet on July 13th held at 3:30 PM (BRCD’s office)
o Additional Clients that were worked with:
Yellowstone Horse & Mule in Stillwater County
One Health in Big Horn County
Gregory Lloyd in Big Horn County
Red Lodge Fire Rescue Foundation- Sarah Ewald
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Page 18
Frequently Used Acronyms
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.
FADC- Food and Ag Development Center
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
GPS – Global Positioning System
GTA- Growth Through Ag Grant and Loan
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
MDOA- Montana Department of Agriculture
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
MMEC- Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
NADO – National Association of Development Organizations
NCOC – National Carbon Offset Coalition
NHS – Neighborhood Housing Services
NRCS – Natural Resource Conservation Service
RBDG – Rural Business Development Grant
RC&D – Resource Conservation & Development
RCDI – Rural Community Development Initiative
RD – Rural Development (a division of USDA)
RCPP- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
RLF – Revolving Loan Fund
RMAP- Rural Micro entrepreneur Assistance Program
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
LSL- Lead Service Lines
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Revolving Loan Fund Books- June 2023
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $179,141.23
Stillwater 1 $146,389.89
Yellowstone 11 $762,637.95
Carbon 3 $223,589.35
Sweet Grass 2 $151,525.49
Total: 19 $1,463,283.91
one RMAP approved and funded in Yellowstone county, Two more in the pipeline.
Roberts Café funded with SSBCI, working on another for a start-up business.
loan in Hardin will close in August.
Looking at applying for another IRP in September with board approval.
Bank Balances as of June 30, 2023 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- RMAP $ 150,059.18 $ 150,059.18
$300,000 (still waiting to be drawn down)
Bank of Joliet – RMAP LOAN LOSS $ 10,645.87 $ 0.00
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $ 111,604.95 $ 46,604.95
Bank of Joliet- IRP $ 187,079.36 $ 147,079.36
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $ 31,406.21 $ 31,406.21
FIB – SSBCI 2.0 $ 148,618.00 $ 0.00
Available: $ 375,149.70
29
Beartooth 2023 Budget
2023 Income 2023
Budget Actual
AG -FOOD AND AG
CENTER 45,000 22,471
Specialty Crop Block 35,000 8,372
BOARD - EDA
SPONSOR DUES 56,979 43,399
BOARD-INTEREST
INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION
MONEY 3,300 3,641
RLF-STAFF
REIMBURSE 15,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 500
CRDC 71,000 49,505
EDA - GRANT 70,000 35,000
BSTF ADMIN $ 4,000
RCDI ( Big Horn) 2,500 2,863
RCDI (Red Lodge) 4,000 205
Pass- Through 35,599
312,179 201,555
Expenses for 2023
TOTAL STAFF
EXPENSE 244,441 120,291
COMMUNICATIONS 7,000 3,692
EQUIPMENT &
VEHICLE 6,000 2,696
CONTRACTUAL 25,000 90,664
SUPPLIES 7,000 1,814
TRAVEL 7,500 3,034
OTHER 11,500 11,707
EXPENSE TOTAL 308,441 233,898
-32,344
Statement Ending: 06/30/2023
Checking Account: $76,085.17
Savings Account: $65,073.30
Building Account: $4,488.53
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File Attachments for Item:
6. Council Workshop Minutes of July 11, 2023.
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File Attachments for Item:
7. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of July 11, 2023.
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File Attachments for Item:
8. Public Works Committee Minutes of June 19, 2023.
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MINUTES
CITY OF LAUREL
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023
The Public Works Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00pm on Monday, June 19, 2023, by Committee
Vice- Chair, Irv Wilke. No quorum present.
Members Present: Irv Wilke- Vice-Chair, Jodi Mackay, Aron Kostelecky
Others Present: Matt Wheeler- Public Works Director
Public Input:
General Items
New Business
Old Business:
Other Items
Announcements
Next Meeting will be Monday, July 17, 2023, at 6:00pm in Council Chambers
47
File Attachments for Item:
9. Appointment of Mardie Spalinger to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Advisory Board for the
remainder of a four-year term ending December 31, 2023.
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From:MARDIE SPALINGER
To:City Mayor
Cc:Brittney Moorman
Subject:LURA Advisory Board Vacancy
Date:Saturday, July 8, 2023 10:08:41 AM
Importance:High
To whom it may concern:
Regarding Linda Frickels resignation from the Lura Advisory Board, I would like to volunteer for the opening. I was
a member of the voting board in the past, however, I had to resign due to health problems. Since then my health has
improved and I’m ready to volunteer once again.
Thank you,
Mardie Spalinger
49
File Attachments for Item:
10. Resolution No. R23-45: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To
Execute The First Amendment To Right Of Entry And Use Agreement By And Between The
City Of Laurel And Montana Rail Link, Inc.
50
R23-45 Approve Amendment to Use Agreement with Montana Rail Link, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. R23-45
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO RIGHT OF ENTRY AND USE
AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUREL AND MONTANA
RAIL LINK, INC.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The First Amendment to Right of Entry and Use Agreement by
and between the City of Laurel and Montana Rail Link, Inc., a copy attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the First
Amendment to Right of Entry and Use Agreement by and between the City of Laurel and
Montana Rail Link, Inc., on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 25th day of July, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the 25th day of
July, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the 25th day of July, 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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July3rd
DocuSign Envelope ID: D6FCAC4D-A183-4F1A-A333-D177408A137F
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DocuSign Envelope ID: D6FCAC4D-A183-4F1A-A333-D177408A137F
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DocuSign Envelope ID: D6FCAC4D-A183-4F1A-A333-D177408A137F
Vice President Finance & Accounting
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±Sca le:1:1,128
R i v e r s i d e P a r k S t a g i n gRiverside P a r k S t a g i n g
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 Mile s
EXHIBIT A
MRLC23-115
Portion of Riverside Park in Laurel,
Montana utilized by MRL is depicted
by red outline.
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1 First Amendment to MRLC23-115
FIRST AMENDMENT TO RIGHT OF ENTRY AND USE AGREEMENT
This First Amendment to Right of Entry and Use Agreement (“Amendment”) is entered
into this day of _______________, 2023, by and between Montana Rail Link, Inc.
(“MRL”) and the City of Laurel (“CITY”).
WHEREAS, MRL and CITY entered into contract number MRLC23-115 on or around July
3, 2023 (the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, MRL and CITY desire to amend the Agreement according to the terms and
conditions contained in this Amendment.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, MRL and CITY
agree as follows:
1. MRL and CITY acknowledge and agree that on or around July 11, 2023, MRL requested
CITY permission to access and use an additional portion of CITY property within
Riverside Park, more particularly described in Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Additional
Property”), as part of MRL’s response and restoration efforts related to a Derailment
(defined in the Agreement).
2. CITY agrees, commencing July 12, 2023, to grant MRL and its contractor(s) access to
the Additional Property, subject to all terms and conditions of the Agreement. CITY
further agrees to allow MRL to stage lined roll-off waste bins within the Additional
Property area.
3. Effective July 12, 2023, the Additional Property shall be considered part of the Property
defined in the Agreement.
4. Section II of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following language. MRL and CITY acknowledge and agree that the replacement
language herein reflects an increase in the per-day fee due to the CITY for MRL’s
occupation of the Property.
II. Fee
MRL shall tender payment to CITY in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) per day for each day that MRL and/or its consultants, contractors, or
invitees occupy the Property, for MRL’s use of the Property from June 30, 2023
through July 11, 2023.
Effective July 12, 2023, MRL shall tender payment to CITY in the amount of One
Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($1,300.00) per day for each day that MRL
and/or its consultants, contractors, or invitees occupy the Property.
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2 First Amendment to MRLC23-115
MRL shall tender payment to CITY, in an amount corresponding to the current
accumulated per-day fee, on a monthly basis, until the expiration of the term of this
Agreement.
5. All other terms and conditions contained in the Agreement not modified by this
Amendment shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
[Signatures to follow]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MRL and CITY have caused this Amendment to be executed as
of the day and year first written above.
MONTANA RAIL LINK, INC. CITY OF LAUREL
(“MRL”) (“CITY”)
By: By:
Its: Vice President of Finance & Accounting Its:
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File Attachments for Item:
11. Resolution No. R23-46: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To
Execute A Lease Agreement With The Laurel Lions Club For The Riverside Hall Located At
Riverside Park.
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R23-46 Approve Lease of Riverside Hall and Authorize Mayor’s Execution of Same
RESOLUTION NO. R23-46
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAUREL LIONS CLUB FOR THE
RIVERSIDE HALL LOCATED AT RIVERSIDE PARK.
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel owns and operates the Riverside Hall at Riverside Park,
Laurel, MT;
WHEREAS, the Laurel Lions Club is interested in leasing the Riverside Hall at
Riverside Park;
WHEREAS, it has been determined by City Staff that it is in the best interests of the
City to enter into a Lease Agreement by and between the City of Laurel and the Laurel Lions
Club for the lease of the Riverside Hall at Riverside Park;
WHEREAS, the Civil City Attorney will draft a Lease Agreement memorializing the
terms and conditions of the lease between the City and the Laurel Lions Club and such lease
will be provided to the Mayor for his execution on behalf of the City of Laurel.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, that the Mayor is authorized to sign a Lease Agreement for the Riverside Hall located
at Riverside Park by and between the City and the Laurel Lions Club.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 25th day of July, 2023, by
Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the 25th day of
July, 2023.
APPROVED by the Mayor the 25th day of July, 2023.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
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R23-46 Approve Lease of Riverside Hall and Authorize Mayor’s Execution of Same
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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