HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10.20.1992Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
October 20, 1992
A regular meeting of the City Council
Montana, was held in the Council Chambers and
Chuck Rodgers at 7:00 p.m., on October 20,
COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT:
Norman Orr
Albert, Ehrlick
L.D. Collins
Gay Easton
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
of the City of Laurel,
called to order by Mayor'
1992.
Lonnie Kellogg
Bob Graham
Ron Marshall
Donna Kilpatrick
INVOCATION: Invocation was given by Alderman Collins.
MINUTES:
Motion bY Alderman Marshall to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of October 6, 1992, as presented, seconded by Alderman Orr.
Motion carried 8--0.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Received a reporh from the Laurel Police Reserves for the first
quarter 1992-93.
Received the September 16, 1992 Beartooth RC&D Board meeting minutes.
Received the minutes from an RC&D Regional Unity Meeting held on
September 25, 1992.
Received a memo from Bob Worthington, MMIA Programs Administrator,
regarding membership authorization to issue bonds to refund the
outstanding MMIA Program Bonds.
Received the minutes and activity report for the month of September
from the Yellowstone County Air Pollution Control Board.
CITY CLERK'S & CITY TREASURER'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The City Clerk's and City Treasurer's financial statements for the
month of September were presented.
Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick that the City Clerk's and City
Treasurer's financial statements for the month of September, 1992, be
approved, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 8--0.
ORDINANCE OF ANNEXATION - MATHIS SUBDIVISION:
Jim Worthington reported that he and Joe Bradley are still trying to
meet with the property owners to come up with cost estimates. This
item will be put on the agenda for the November 4th Council meeting.
TEMPORARY PARKING OF TRAVEL TRAILERS:
ORDINANCE NO. 1049 (second reading)
AMENDING SECTION 17.16.010 TO THE LAUREL
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW TEMPORARY PARKING
OF OCCUPIED TRAVEL TRAILERS AND RECREATIONAL
VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN ALL
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Public Hearing:
Cai Cumin said this ordinance addresses the needs of organizations
snch as churches and the Herbstfest that need temporary parking for a
maximum of two weeks.
Motion by Alderman Marshall to close the public hearing, seconded
by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 8--0.
Motion by Alderman Graham that Ordinance No. 1049 (second
reading) be passed and adopted, seconded by Alderman Orr. A roll call
vote was taken and all aldermen voted, "YES". Motion carried 8--0.
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 2
Council Meeting of October 20~ 1992
LEASES FOR RIVERSIDE PARK PROPERTIES:
RESOLUTION NO. 2620
APPROVING LEASES FOR RIVERSIDE PARK PROPERTIES
Motion b~ Alderman Marshall that Resolution No. 2620 be
and adopted, seconded by Alderman Orr, Motion carried 8--0.
passed
ENDORSING BILLINGS MEGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS DEMONSTRATION PLANT (MHD):
RESOLUTION NO. 2621
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE BILLINGS MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
(MHD) DEMONSTRATION PLANT, AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE
CITY OF LAUREL PARTICIPATE
Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick that Resolution No. 2621
passed and adopted, seconded by Alderman Easton.
Joe stated that this is a renewal of an old resolution that the
CouncJ. 1 passed in 1989. Cal said what they are wanting is our support
of the project at the Corette Plant in Billings which is a
$400,000,000 jolt in tile local economy and this will affect Laurel.
The Corette Plant in Billings is only one of two sites in the world
that is being considered for this type of program.
In regard to a question about funding, Cal said half the funds are
coming from the Department of Energy and the other half are from big
companies such as Montana Power, Western Energy and large coal
companies.
A vote was taken on the motion. Motion carried 8--0.
MMIA - ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE:
RESOLUTION NO. 2622
A RESOLUTION RELATING TO PARTICIPATION IN POOLED SELF-
INSURANCE PROGRAM; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MONTANA
MUNICIPAL INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE BONDS ON BEHALF OF
THE MUNICIPALITY, TO REFUND THE OUTSTANDING LIABILITY
INSURANCE BONDS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF THE
MUNICIPALITY, APPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF A PRELIMINARY
OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELATING THERETO AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE AND COMMITTING TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER TO THE
MONTANA MUNICIPALITY INSURANCE AUTHORITY A GENERAL
OBLIGATION NOTE EVIDENCING THE MUNICIPALITY'S ]PROPORTIONATE
SHARE OF PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE REFUNDING BONDS
AND THE EXECbTION AND DELIVERY OF RELATED DOCUMENTS.
Motion by Alderman Kellogg that Resolution No. 2622 be passed
adopted, seconded by Alderman Marshall. Motion carried 8--0.
MMIA - ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS FOR WORKMEN'S COMP INSURANCE:
and
RESOLUTION NO. 2623
A RESOLUTION RELATING TO PARTICIPATION IN POOLED SELF-
INSURANCE PROGRAM; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
MONTANA MUNICIPAL INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE
BONDS ON BEHALF OF THE MUNICIPALITY~ TO REFUND THE
OUTSTANDING WORKERS~ COMPENSATION PROGRAM
REVENUE BONDS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF
THE MUNICIPALITY, APPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF A
PRELIMINARY OFPICIAL STATEMENT RELATING TRERETO AND
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND COMMITTING TO EXECUTE
AND DELIVER TO THE MONTANA MUNICIPALITY INSURANCE
AUTHORITY A GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE EVIDENCING THE
MUNICIPALITY'S PROPORTIONATE SHARE OF PRINCIPAL OF
AND INTEREST ON THE REFUNDING BONDS AND THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF RELATED DOCUMENTS.
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 3
Council Meeting of October 20, 1992
Motion by Alderman Collins that Resolution No. 2623 be passed and
adopted, seconded by Alderman Kellogg. Motion carried 8--0.
CHANGE OF COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
Due to the State General Election being a holiday on November 3rd, the
Council meeting will be changed to Wednesday, November 4th.
Motion b~ Alderman Ehrlick to change the Council meeting on
November 3rd to Wednesday, November 4th, due to the State General
Eiection being a holiday, seconded by Alderman Collins. Motion
carried 6--2 with Aldermen Marshall and Kellogg voting, "NO".
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
--Budget/Finance Committee minutes of October 6~ 1992 were presented
and reviewed.
Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick to enter
Committee minutes of October 6, 1992, into the
Alderman Ehrlick. Motion carried 8--0.
the Budget/Finance
record, seconded by
--Building Committee minutes of October 13,
reviewed.
1992 were presented and
USE OF OLD LIBRARY BUILDING
There was discussion at the committee meeting regarding ADA
regulations and how they affect City Hall. The committee is asking
the Council for some direction regarding this. Lonnie Kellogg said
one alternative is to fix up 'the old library building and make it
handicap accessible. This is considered a band-aid approach and the
architect has some concerns whether the north wall is very stable.
The second approach is to do nothing for the time being, but when we
do, we do it right by building a totally new City Hall that meets ADA
regulations.
It was stated that Jf we do not provide for the handicapped, the ADA
can fine the City up to $ 75~000.00 on a first offense.
Ron Marshall questioned whether we can support a new City Hall but he
is definitely against the band-aid approach.
Lonnie explained that the band-aid approach would allow us to meet ADA
regulations with not a lot of expense involved. The City Court and
Council Chambers would be moved into the building. The architect's
plans require that the bathrooms in the hallway of City Hall be
remodeled to allow for handicap accessibility and a passage be made
into the Clerk's office to allow access to them.
Lonnie said he is totally against using these bathrooms because this
posses a real security problem in the Clerk's office. Jim said that
without a lot of extra dollars~ we may be able to use the existing
bathroom in the old building. We would only have to provide one
handicap accessible bathroom for both genders.
Jim Worthington commented regarding the old building. The architect
recommended pouring a cement pad along the complete north side of the
building to provide runoff, away from the building and out to the
curb. Jim said the heating system is old but it is still being
utilized to heat a portion of City Hall. The roof has leaked in the
past and it has a bad hole in one place but Jim said there are funds
available from the re-roof projects due to the hail damage a year ago.
A contract has not been awarded for the old library building or City
Hall pending the oatcome of some decisions.
It was the consensus of the Council to remodel the old library
building and use it for the Council Chambers and the Court.
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 4
Council Meeting of October 20, 1992
CITY LOTS IN CHERRY HILLS
Jim commented on the lots that the City obtained from Mr. Cantrell
when he deannexed approximately three years ago. One of these lots is
located on the north side of West Maryland, directly across from the
new home being built by Charlie Fisher. Char]ie participated with the
City in the cost of extending the water and sewer hookups. The lot is
now available for development and Jim recommends the City sell it. It
has been appraised at $ 7~000.00.
The City obtained 16 other lots from Mr. Cantrell but these lots do
not have any improvements to them other than the power and telephone
at the back of the lots. Jim suggests, if the Council so desires,
that the City ask for bids on this property and sell it as one piece.
I't was stated that the undeveloped lots were appraised at $ 5,000.00
apiece.
Discussion fo]lowed regarding whether the City would have to go out
for bids, what kind of a title we would provide and whether or not we
would sell the lots ourselves or pay a realtor to do it.
It was the consensus of the Council to sell all the lots. Jim said he
feels the City can sell the single ].ct within 48 hours but he agrees
that the group of lots should be handled through a realtor.
.Toe said the City can advertise that we are accepting bids for the
sale of the one improved lot and we can do further research regarding
the sale of the others.
More discussion followed regarding the way in which the City can sell
the single lot.
Motion by Alderman Graham to put up for sale the single
City lot at a price of $ 15,000.00, seconded by Alderman Orr.
defeated 7--1.
improved
Motion
Motion by Alderman Collins to advertise for bids on Lot 12, Block
11, of Cherry Hills Subdivision, 2nd Filing, and the City reserves the
right to reject all bids, seconded by Alderman Kellogg. Motion
carried 8--0.
FIRE DEPARTMENT - TEMPORARY USE OF FRED'S TV BUILDING:
The Fire Department has requested temporary use of the
formerly occupied by Fred's TV to fix and repair their
decorations.
building
Christmas
Motion by Alderman Kellogg to allow the Fire Department temporary
use of the building formerly occupied by Fred's TV, to fix and repair
Christmas decorations, seconded by Alderman Ehrlick. Motion carried
8--0.
Motion by Alderman Kellogg to enter the Building Committee
minutes of October 13, 1992, into the record, seconded by Alderman
Orr. Motion carried 8--0.
--City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of October 6, 1992 were
presented.
Motion b2~ Alderman Kellog~ to enter the City Council
the Whole minutes of October 6, 1992, into the record,
Alderman Kellogg. Motion carried 8--0.
Committee of
seconded by
It was stated that alley cleanup was held last week.
--Git~-Gount[ Plannin~ Board
presented and reviewed.
minutes of October 8, 1992 were
Motion ~2z Alderman Collins to enter the
Board minutes of October 8, ].992, into the
Alderwoman Kilpatrick.
City-County Planning
record, seconded by
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 5
Council Meeting of October 20, 1992
There was discussion in the committee meeting regarding the definition
of flea markets. Joe and L.D. explained that this came about because
a man who is selling frozen fish requested space in the flea market
since the State would not allow him to sell within 25 feet of the
highway.
Joe does not feel that fish fall into the category of flea marl, et
which is to "sell articles that either are homemade~ homegrown,
handcrafted, old, obsolete, or antique".
A public hearing on this issue will be held on November 12th at the
City-County Planning Board meeting.
GEORGE EOX'S POLE BARN
There was discussion regarding the pole barn that George Fox erected
on the east side of Milwaukee in Village Subdivision. It was stated
that the barn lies outside the city limits but within the one mile
jurisdictional boundary. Joe stated that the barn violates our zoning
ordinances.
GARY'S WRECKER SERVICE
Joe stated that Gary's Wrecker Service has not renewed his business
license and a letter was sent informing him of this. Joe said if he
does not renew his wrecker business license, then his home occupation
automatically expires.
Cal Cumin said that if he doesn't clean up his act and he renews the
license, then the Council should revoke it come the first of the year.
If he tries to renew his license, he is in violation of our zoning
ordinances because he is storing wrecked vehicles at his residence on
Badger Square and he promised he would not, as part of his home
occupation.
At this time a vote was taken on the motion to enter the minutes.
Motion carried 8--0.
--~arbage Committee minutes of October 19, ].992 were presented and
reviewed.
Motion by Alderman Ehrlick to enter the Garbage Committee minutes
of October 19, 1992, into the record, seconded by Alderman Collins.
Motion carried 8--0.
--License Committee minutes of October 19, 1992 were presented and
reviewed.
Keith Thompson has a city business license to run his clothing store
but he objects to having to purchase another license for the bus
depot. He looked at all the city business licenses and they either
have a business license in general or a speciality license as in Cable
Montana or Montana Power. If these businesses have amusement
machines~ live music, alcoholic beverages or pawn shops as designated
irt Article 5 of the LMC, then they need to purchase an additional
license.
Keith said many of these businesses have goods, services and a great
variety of products and they are buying the required licenses. Keith
said he is also doing this but if there is another list of services
that require a different license, he feels all the businesses should
be shown it.
Keith said the City cannot have a situation where you arbitrarily say~
in some non-written down thing that has never been approved by the
City Council, that certain individuals for certain businesses have to
have two business licenses in general. If there is a list that
applies to everyone, then we'll all abide by it but if there is ne
such written list, it shouldn't be left up to an opinion here and
there that an individual, might have.
Keith said he has kept the City informed of any changes that have
taken place :in his business over the years and not once has anyone
ever mentioned that he needs another license. After looking at the
list of other businesses in Laurel~ Keith feels he fits into the same
category as the others and he should not be required to purchase
another license.
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 6
Council Meeting of October 20, 1992
Joe said that what Keith is asking is that the City go back to our old
ordinance scheme where we attempted to list every single kind of
business that we could ever think of. We modernized and remodeled
this list and the City does not have a business license Jn genera[[.
Joe said we DO NOT have a business ]icense in general. We have
general ordinances that apply to businesses in general but when you
apply for a business license you write down what business you are
applying for. You specify the type and it is that which is approved
by the Council. The statues say that "separate businesses require
separate licenses". We do have a bunch of ordinances that apply
generally across the board as far as how we regulate businesses and
business licenses. Bat~ we do not have anything called a general
business license. The former City Treasurer thought we had a general
license and she told people 'that. Joe said that was not true but she
had seniority over him.
Joe said we just passed new business license ordinances, giving the
Treasurer the right to decide on business licenses without bothering
the Council each time. If she has a question about a license, the
Council can advise her as far as what to do.
In the case of Keith Thompson, Joe saJd what can be anymore different
than selling clothes and Watkins products or selling bus tickets.
With one, you're selling goods and with the other, you're selling a
service. Joe said there cannot be anything more distinct and they
obviously require separate business licenses.
Joe said that in the past, Keith and his wife have had three different
licenses and now your saying that everything should be under one
license? That just doesn't wash.
More discussion regarding examples of different businesses in town
that do have more than one license for different businesses under one
roof. Joe also explained types of businesses that. that State gover'ns
and we~ as a City, cannot l~cense them. The differences between
Ke'ith~ as all independent contractor with the bus lines~ and the
terminals Jn Bi]lings where the bus company actuall'y owns them were
also explained.
Motion by Alderman Graham to accept the commfittee's
recommendation and require Keith Thompson to purchase two separate
business licenses, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 6--2 with
Alderman Ehrlick and Alderwoman Kilpatr~ck voting, "NO".
L.D. commented that according to our codes~ every year when a business
conies in to renew their ]icense~ they should be required to fill out a
new application form, just as if they were applying the first time.
Vicki stated that she sent out forms to everyone last year but the
response in turning them back in was not good.
Motion by Alderman Graham to enter the License ~ ' - =
of October 19, ]992, into the record, seconded by Alderman Orr.
Motion carried 8--0.
--Safety Committee minutes of September 24, 1992 were presented and
reviewed.
Motion by Alderman Kellogg to enter the Safety Committee
of September 24, 1992~ into the record, seconded by Alderman
Motion carried 8--0.
minutes
Collins.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None
APPOINTMENTS:
The Mayor stated that Dave Slaymaker's probationary period was tip on
October 15, 1992 and he appointed him as Police Captain. Ia a letter
to the Mayor, the Police Chief highly recommended him.
Motion by Alderman Marshall to confirm the Mayor's appointment of
Dave Slaymaker as Police Captain~ seconded by Alderman Kellogg
Motion carried 8--0.
Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 7
Council Meeting of October 20, 1992
MAYOR'S COMMENTS:
Chuck stated that we are working on the transfer site and getting it
prepared for winter.
The concrete work on the drying beds at the Sewer Plant has been
finished but the blacktop will have to wait until next spring. This
will give us two beds now and hopefully we can get the other two walls
poured next year.
Chuck stated that the City and the Union went to arbitration last
Monday and we should know the results in a month to six weeks.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this
time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk
Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of
Laurel Montana, this 4th day of November, 1992.
Charles Rodgers, M~vor
ATTEST
Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk