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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04.07.2009MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL 1 April 7, 2009 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson at 6:30 p.m. on April 7, 2009. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Ernelie Eaton Kate Hart Chuck Rodgers Alex Wilkins COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHER STAFF PRESENT: Mary Embleton Sam Painter Bill Sheridan Mayor Olson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Mayor Olson asked the council to observe a moment of silence. MINUTES: Doug Poehls Mark Mace Chuck Dickerson Norm Stamper James Caniglia Kurt Markegard Derek Yeager Motion by Council Member Stamper to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 17, 2009, as presented, seconded by Council Member Dickerson. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. CORRESPONDENCE: 1 Montana Department of Revenue: Letter of March 10, 2009, regarding 2009 Mobile Home, Personal Property, and Real Property Assessments. Cable Montana: Service Reports for February 2009. PUBLIC HEARINGS: • Ordinance No. 009-04: Ordinance modifying previously adopted Ordinance No. 008- 09 and Ordinance No. 007-11 to renumber and revise certain chapters for purposes of codification into the Laurel Municipal Code. (First reading - March 17, 2009) Mayor Olson asked Sam Painter to present the issue to the council. Sam stated that the ordinance renumbers the Urban Renewal Agency portion of the city code. There are no substantive changes. Mayor Olson read the rules governing the public hearing. Mayor Olson opened the public hearing. Mayor Olson asked four times if there were any proponents. There were none. Mayor Olson asked four times if there were any opponents. There were none. Mayor Olson closed the public hearing. The second reading of Ordinance No. 009-04 will be on the April 21" council agenda. • Ordinance No. 009-05: Ordinance amending Chapter 2.08.020 of the Laurel Municipal Code clarifying that the Library Board is responsible for fixing salaries and compensation for employees of the city library. (First reading - March 17, 2009) Council Minutes of April 7, 2009 Mayor Olson asked the council if there were any questions regarding Ordinance No. 009-05. There were none. Mayor Olson read the rules governing the public bearing. Mayor Olson opened the public hearing. Mayor Olson asked four times if there were any proponents. There were none. Mayor Olson asked four times if there were any opponents. There were none. Mayor Olson closed the public hearing. The second reading of Ordinance No. 009-05 will be on the April 21" council agenda. CONSENT ITEMS: • Claims for the month of March 2009 in the amount of $382,136.71. A complete listing of the claims and their amounts is on file in the Clerk-Treasurer's Office. • Approval of Payroll Register for PPE 03/22/2009 totaling $138,957.50. • Receiving the Committee Reports into the Record. --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of March 17, 2009 were presented. --City-County Planning Board minutes of March 5, 2009 were presented. --Public Works Committee minutes of March 9, 2009 were presented. --Council Workshop minutes of March 31, 2009 were presented. --Laurel Public Library Board of Trustees minutes of January 13, 2009 were presented. --Laurel Public Library Board of Trustees minutes of February 10, 2009 were presented. --Laurel Urban Renewal Agency minutes of March 9, 2009 were presented --Laurel Urban Renewal Agency minutes of March 16, 2009 were presented. --Laurel Urban Renewal Agency minutes of March 23, 2009 were presented. --Laurel. Airport Authority minutes of February 24, 2009 were presented. The mayor asked if there was any separation of consent items. There was none. Motion by Council. Member Hart to approve the consent items as presented, seconded by Council Member Eaton. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR: None. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (THREE-MINUTE LIMIT):. None. SCHEDULED MATTERS: • Confirmation of Appointments. Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service: 62-, Council Minutes of April 7, 2009 Mayor Olson appointed Terie Obritschkewitsch to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service. Motion by Council Member Dickerson to approve the Mayor's appointment of Terie Obritschkewitsch to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service, seconded by Council Member Stamper. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Officers: Mayor Olson invited Fire Chief Scott Wilm to the front of the council chambers. Mayor Olson stated that Chief Wilm has been instrumental in the fire department's growth in the last three to four years. During his tenure as the chief, several accomplishments came to fruition. One was the four- wheel drive urban pumper that Laurel desperately needed to provide service to the urban areas. The second was the acquisition of the brush truck. The CIP had an appropriation of $115,000 for a brush truck, but through Chief Wilm's efforts, it was accomplished for about $35,000. This was a substantial savings to the taxpayers. Chief Wilm and Assistant Chief Guenthner were instrumental in bringing forward the advantages of a vacuum truck as compared to a regular tender, which has proven to be a valued asset to the fire department. Chief Wilm and Derek Yeager brought forward the grant to upgrade the fire department's apparatus bay to remove carbon monoxide when the diesels start. Mayor Olson thanked Scott for his years of service and presented him a token of appreciation for his service as chief from 2006 to 2009 on the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Wilm thanked the city for allowing him to be the fire chief for three years. He stated that the department is going in the right direction and has an excellent chief coming on board. He stated appreciation for the time he spent serving as the fire chief. Mayor Olson appointed the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Officers for 2009-2011: Fire Chief, Derek Yeager; Assistant Fire Chiefs, Terry Ruff, Scott Wilm, and Will Guenthner. Motion by Council Member Poehls to approve the Mayor's appointments of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Officers for 2009-2011: Fire Chief, Derek Yeager; Assistant Fire Chiefs, Terry Ruff, Scott Wilm, and Will Guenthner, seconded by Council Member Dickerson. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Advisory Members: Mayor Olson appointed the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Advisory Members: Steve Diefenderfer to a one-year term ending December 31, 2009; Janice Lehman to a two-year term ending December 31, 2010; Steve Solberg to a three-year term ending December 31, 2011; and Steve Zeier to a four- year term ending December 31, 2012. Motion by Council Member Mace to approve the Mayor's appointments of the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Advisory members: Steve Diefenderfer to a one-year term ending December 31, 2009; Janice Lehman to a two-year term ending December 31, 2010; Steve Solberg to a three-year term ending December 31, 2011; and Steve Zeier to a four-year term ending December 31, 2012, seconded by Council Member Hart. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. Mayor Olson asked the newly-appointed fire chief and the assistant fire chiefs to step to the podium. He recognized the fire department for its commitment to making Laurel one of the finest fire departments. He stated that the fire department officers take their jobs very seriously and their commitment goes unchallenged. Mayor Olson thanked them for their willingness to serve. Derek Yeager stated that they look forward to the exciting opportunity. • Resolution No. R09-28: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the requisite agreements with Beartooth Harley-Davidson/Buell for the use of three motorcycles by the City of Laurel Police Department. Motion b Council Member Eaton to approve Resolution No. R09-28, seconded by Council Member Hart. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. Council Minutes of April 7, 2009 • Resolution No. R09-29: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a proposal from CHS Refinery to relocate/modify sanitary sewer tie-ins to CHS trunk lines. Motion b Council Member Rodgers to approve Resolution No. R09-29, seconded by Council Member Wilkins. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. • Resolution No. R09-30: A resolution of the City Council accepting the donation of a sign for Riverside Park. Motion b Council Member Wilkins to approve Resolution No. R09-30, seconded by Council Member Poehls. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. • Resolution No. R09-31: A resolution of intent by the City Council to annex East Maryland Lane and Alder Avenue street rights-of-way, both contiguous to the City of Laurel and currently owned by Yellowstone County, Montana. Motion b Council Member Stamper to approve Resolution No. R09-31, seconded by Council Member Dickerson. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. • Resolution No. R09-32: A resolution of the City Council approving a three-year agreement between. the City of Laurel and the Local Union known as Local 316, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME. Motion b Council Member Dickerson to approve Resolution No. R09-32, seconded by Council Member Mace. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. • Resolution No. R09-33: Resolution of the City Council to create a position called the full-time fire chief and to adopt a job description for such position. Motion b Council Member Mace to approve Resolution No. R09-33, seconded by Council Member Poehls. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. • Resolution No. R09-34: A resolution approving the attached Task Order No. 10 authorizing Great West Engineering to develop the preliminary and final design phases and to assist with the bidding and construction phases for the citywide street maintenance project. Motion b Council Member Poehls to approve Resolution No. R09-34, seconded by Council Member Mace. There was no public comment. Bill Sheridan stated that Chad Hanson, Great West Engineering, is working on the citywide street maintenance project. Bill thanked Mayor Olson and Public Works Director Kurt Markegard for their efforts to make major improvements in the streets. Chad Hanson is working diligently to prepare a bidding process, and bids will eventually be awarded to one or two contractors to reconstruct and improve streets in the City of Laurel. Bill stated that additional funding may be available from the stimulus package. As of this time, the city has about $400,000 to start the project. A list of projects should be available by the first week in June and all contractors will be allowed to bid the project. City staff looks forward to the major improvements that will be done as a result of this project. There was no council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS (ONE-MINUTE LIMIT): None. COUNCIL DISCUSSION: 4 Council Minutes of April 7, 2009 • Review of Monthly Reports: Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Code Enforcement: None. Council Member Dickerson requested. that staff CPR training be added to the April 14th council workshop agenda. Council Member Stamper stated that the Cemetery Commission will meet on Thursday, April 16th, at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Rodgers noticed that the new fire hydrant was set today and should be in service tonight. Kurt stated that the flashing light would be set on Wednesday. Mayor Olson stated that there was a time delay in getting the project accomplished, but the crews worked diligently and the water is back in service. Council Member Eaton recently distributed Arbor Day brochures in the council mailboxes. The Arbor Day celebration is on Wednesday, April 15th, at 6:00 p.m. in Fireman's Park. A tree and a plaque will be dedicated to the memory of Gay Easton. Council Member Eaton requested an item on next week's workshop agenda regarding the Centennial Committee and its efforts to have a shadowbox built. The shadowbox is finished and will be in city hall soon. Council Member Eaton attended the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency's meeting on Monday. She stated that the dynamic group is working on a tough subject, the group meets every week, and the members take the tasks seriously. She stated that the group is at a point of frustration right now. They have been seeking information from different sources at city hall regarding code enforcement issues and public works issues. The group would like to attend the workshops in order to provide their information and the council can provide a friendly, supportive atmosphere for their plans. Council Member Eaton stated that the group is hesitant to go forward on their proposed projects because they view the council as having a yes or no stance towards what they do and they do not feel like they have seen any support in this. They are hesitant because they are charged with spending money and trying to reduce blight, and that will not happen overnight. The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will make a presentation at the April 14th council workshop. Mayor Olson looks forward to having the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency's presence. He stated that the Agency should contact CAO Bill Sheridan to request assistance from staff. This new group is finding its way. Mayor Olson stated that the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is a recommending body, and the council will consider the recommendations. The council is the final authority for the expenditure of the TIFD dollars. He stated that Bill Sheridan and his staff are more than willing to assist at any time and the council is eager to hear their report. Council Member Dickerson stated that the Centennial Committee would meet on Wednesday, April 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Olson spoke regarding the efforts for the centennial celebration. He recently saw the shadowbox that will be placed in city hall. Mayor Olson attended a BSEDA retreat recently where he spoke on what is happening in Laurel. BSEDA was surprised that there is that much going on in the City of Laurel. He informed them that this is the Centennial year for the fire department, and this year's fireworks event will be the largest event ever. Concerns about hurdles that were placed in front of the fire department have been accomplished and the department is moving forward. Mayor Olson looks forward with great anticipation to see how the fire department will celebrate its 100-year birthday. Bill Sheridan stated that, as he spoke earlier regarding the street maintenance project and Mayor Olson's direction and Kurt's assistance with the project, he failed to mention another person that has been very helpful. He stated that Mary Embleton makes the difference here, as she brings to the table the money to make this work. Bill thanked Mary and stated that she is a tremendous asset to the city. Mayor Olson spoke regarding all that is going on within the city right now. It has been Mary's charge to dedicate time to the budget at this time of the year, but Mary has lacked the time to do so. This is representative of the fact that Laurel is a not a small, sleepy little community any more. The 5 0:2- Council Minutes of April 7, 2009 staff and council are very important parts of why Laurel gets things done. Mayor Olson thanked Bill and Mary. UNSCHEDULED MATTERS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Motion b Council Member Hart to adjourn the- council meeting, seconded by Council Member Eaton. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the motion. All eight council members present voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. There being no further business to come before the council at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Cindy Allen, ecretary Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 21St day of April, 2009. enneth E. Olson, Jr., yor Attest: Mary K. bleton, Clerk-Treasurer 6