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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 02.09.2010MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 9, 2010 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson at 6:30 p.m. on February 9, 2010. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Emelie Eaton _x Kate Hart Chuck Rodgers _x Alex Wilkins _x Doug Poehls _x Mark Mace x_ Chuck Dickerson Norm Stamper OTHERS PRESENT: Sam Painter Mary Embleton Bill Sheridan James Caniglia Rick Musson Public Input (three-minute limit): Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business not on the agenda. The duration for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda. There was no public input. General items: • Presentation by Dr. Lee Richardson regarding medical marijuana issue There was no presentation, as Dr. Richardson did not attend the meeting. • Laurel Fire and Ambulance Service: o Appointments of Mark SolberM and Alyssa Francis The appointments will be on the February 16 council agenda. • Board of Health: o Appointment of Peggy Murch to a 3-year term ending December 31, 2012 The appointment will be on the February 16'' council agenda. Public Works Department: • Eighth Avenue Project update Bill Sheridan stated that the storm water ponds have been started and the road project is scheduled to begin in March or April. • Seventh Street Ditch Mitigation Project update Bill stated that the final design is almost done and the project should go to bid soon. • Discussion - Request from Jack Roma to purchase right-of-way from the City of Laurel Council Workshop Minutes of February 9, 2010 Bill explained the general consensus that the purchase of a right-of-way would not be an appropriate thing for the city to consider and do. The creation of a private road on city property is not in the best interests of the community and is not approved by MMIA. There was discussion regarding Jack Roma's options to build a bridge over the ditch or to build a road on his own property. Those options would not include the city's property off Valley Drive. • West Main Street easements Bill stated two easements are needed for the West Main Street project. The easement with Tim Casey is being negotiated and a document has been prepared for his signature. The easement with Mr. Fink will not be approached further, as it is not in the best interests of the city to do so. Clerk/Treasurer: • Resolution - Agreement with Dorsey & Whitney for bond counsel services • Resolution - Refunding 1997 Water Revenue Bonds Mary stated that the first resolution is for bond counsel services for the refinance of the 1997 issue water bonds, which were bought through D. A. Davidson to finance the $1,020,000 water reservoir. Mary stated that there is $535,000 principal left to pay and an interest payment is due on April 111. It was originally planned to complete this by January 1 St, but Helena was busy with the ARRA loans. Bond holders must be notified appropriately that the old bonds are going to be recalled. By doing this on April 1 st, it is simpler to figure out how much interest needs to be paid. The interest payment is $13,552.50 and the total amount to pay off the bonds is $548,802.50. The city was required to keep $83,373 of bond reserve, which is one year's debt payment, for the life of the bond. That amount plus the $28,516.50 that was put aside for debt service payment will be the city's contribution to pay this down, for a total of $111,889.50. SRF will finance the balance of $436,913, the new loan reserve of $74,000, and the bond counsel fees of $7,500. The city will swap the $535,000 debt for a $518,000 debt. When the remaining payments of the old bond are compared to the 15 payments (7% years) of the new bond, the city will realize $89,809 in savings, which is definitely worth it. Approval is needed by next week in order to have this in place. Then the money will be transferred to US Bank until April 1St. The resolution will be on the February 16th council agenda. Chief Administrative Officer: • Resolution - Employee Health Insurance Bill stated that a consultant was hired to help resolve the issues, the Insurance Committee met with the experts from MMIA and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the committee is trying to determine a recommendation for the council. Mayor Olson stated that there would be no resolution on the February 16th council agenda, but a special council meeting might be scheduled for this issue. • SE 4th SID for Street Improvements Mayor Olson, Bill, Kurt, and Matt recently met with the SE 4th Street business owners. The city informed the business owners that it is their responsibility to hook into the storm water mains prior to work being done on SE 4th. The city plans to do a leveling course and chip seal on the street this summer. An SID will be formed before the street can be properly finished. At the meeting, the property owners requested installation of a center turn lane, installation of no parking signs on the street, and street light improvements. There was a brief discussion regarding street lights. Mary stated that the boundaries of the current commercial lighting district could be changed or a separate district could be created. The City of Laurel leases the light districts, which are owned by NorthWestern Energy. 2 Council Workshop Minutes of February 9, 2010 • Resolution - Approval of Task Order No. 16 with Great West Engineering for final design and bidding of Phase 2A2 of Wastewater System Improvements project Bill explained that Task Order No. 16 is for Great West Engineering to begin the final design of Phases 2A2 of the wastewater project. Executive Review: • Resolution - Accepting DNRC Tree Grant Mayor Olson stated the Emelie Eaton worked very hard on this grant application. The grant funds will be used for trees at South Pond and in Riverside Park. The 100 percent match will be provided through the Public Works Department. Mayor Olson stated that this project is good for the City of Laurel. • Recognition of Guard and Reserves - Presentation on February 16'h Mayor Olson explained that two city employees, who are members of the Guard or Reserve, will be recognized for their service with a Statement of Support at the council meeting on February 16th. A representative of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense will be at the council meeting to make a presentation. • Resolution - Accepting 1990 AMG 2'h-ton 6X6 donated by DNRC The resolution to accept the 1990 AMG truck for the Fire Department will be on the February 16`h council agenda. • Resolution- Transferring Lot C, Block 29-37/31, East Yellowstone Sub. Amended to Pioneer Plaza Condominium Association James Caniglia explained that, when the Pioneer Plaza was subdivided in the early 1980's, the Planning Department requested a 10-foot right-of-way in case the road was ever widened. James stated that the city has no use for the ten foot right-of-way. The city pays street maintenance taxes on it now, but the new property owners would take over the taxes. James talked to Kurt about the need for right-of-way for the city's garbage trucks, but that is not needed. This lot has served no purpose for the city in the past 25 years and the property owners would like it back. The resolution will be on the February 16t' council agenda. • Council Issues: o CPR training for staff (Chuck Dickerson) CPR training for staff was discussed at the recent retreat. Chuck stated that Chief Yeager is training personnel, who will become instructors qualified to train other city employees. Other items Mayor Olson stated that the County Commissioners have requested a joint meeting with the City of Laurel on Wednesday, February 17th, or Monday, March 1 ". The consensus was to schedule the joint meeting on February 17th. Agenda items include the Veterans' Cemetery, speed limit signs on Buffalo Trail, use of millings on Alder and Birch (Fir) Avenues, and the proposed Fire District. Agenda items should be submitted to the council secretary soon. Mayor Olson spoke regarding the medical marijuana issue that was scheduled for tonight. Dr. Richardson will be contacted and asked to attend a future meeting. This issue is currently being discussed by the Billings City Council. Mayor Olson asked if the council would be interested in a 3 Council Workshop Minutes of February 9, 2010 presentation by state agencies that provide information. The council is interested in getting more information. Doug Poehls suggested that a moratorium is needed while this issue is reviewed further. Sam will prepare an ordinance for the council's review at the February 23`d council workshop. Review of draft council agenda for February 16, 2010 There were no changes. Attendance at the February 16, 2010 council meeting All present will attend. Announcements Mark Mace stated that the Public Works Committee recommended implementing the bulk water resale rate increase at one time and not in phases. Mayor Olson stated that was the recommendation from the Public Works Committee. If and when the council wants more discussion at a workshop, this item could be placed on a future agenda. Information regarding the possible construction of a water stand pipe will also come forward for council discussion in the future. Doug complimented Chief Yeager on his presentation regarding the Fire District at last Saturday's retreat. Mayor Olson stated that the retreat provides an opportunity for the council to communicate with and give direction to the staff. He proposed scheduling similar retreats twice a year. Mayor Olson thanked Bill for his work on the retreat. The council workshop adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Allen Council Secretary NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the listed workshop agenda items. 4