HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 10.12.2009MINUTES
LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
OCTOBER 12, 2009
THE OWL CAFE - 203 E. MAIN ST.
Members present: Shirley McDermott, Dirk Frickel, Bruce McGee, Dean Rankin
Advisors present:
Others present: Linda Frickel, Bill Sheridan, Bill Kampfer
Bill Sheridan reported that the water line was across east Main Street, they ran a fire
hydrant currently and can tap into that as needed in the future for water. There is
currently a sewer line over there. We had committed $35,000 which may not all be
needed.
One idea he thought about for the south side of Main Street east of the underpass is a
transit bus shelter as bus service will be coming in the near future.
We asked that in the near future we get some guidance from Bill, James and/or the Mayor
as to how we move to our next step of trying to take action on one of our ideas. We also
asked that Mary report to us quarterly as to our financial status.
Sidewalks are currently under repair during the road construction. We would like to have
input for future designs in construction should we want to provide tree planters or the like
but nothing that might hide possible facade improvements.
We might want to look at a Business Improvement District to have each business provide
a little money for clean-up, watering of plants, snow plows for sidewalks, decorations, etc.
In looking at some of the surveys completed to date a movie theater is of most interest.
We will consider a "committee" to look at a program for technical assistance for the
buying/selling of businesses in Laurel. Thinking for future of ways to solve problems are
such people as John Rutt owner of Water Specialties, financial institutions to handle a
revolving loan program, people like Randy Hafer to assist building owners to remodel
and take advantage of grants and tax credits available, the City of Laurel to possibly have
a part-time Grant writer as well as making available current property owned by the City.
Linda told us the "Caboose" project has reached agreement with MRL on an annual $300
lease for the "welcome" project including the Caboose
Riverside Park was questioned as to why it isn't open year round, we will try to attend the
next Park Board meeting to discuss the needs of the park all year to support people
visiting Laurel. Water may not be needed but electric and a safe place to park an RV will
spending time and money in Laurel. Bill says currently the trees are a problem they need
to deal with which should be done fairly soon.
Shirley will advise us as to when the next meeting will be held.