HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 02.01.2010. MINUTES
LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
THE OWL CAFE - 203 E. MAIN ST.
Members present: Shirley McDermott, Daniel Klein, Dean Ranking, Dirk Frickel, Bruce
McGee
Advisors present: Steve Zeier
Others present: Bill Kampfer, Linda Frickel, Bill Sheridan, Chris Mehus of Beartooth
Economic Development
Minutes for last month approved as presented
Bill Sheridan says there is a new buyer for the "old Penny's Building". It is Riley Cook
who owns the drive-in and Dr. Ulrich. They plan to put a movie theatre in with 3 screens.
They are looking for an energy grant, other improvements for energy and other
improvement needs: 2" water service for fire protection, improve the bathrooms, upgrade
sewer needs, "slant" parking on l st. street and this has been studied before proving there
is enough room. exterior improvements. The City will use Great West Engineering for
pricing.
The grain elevator is being purchased by Tom Miller to establish an internet business.
Daniel Klein made a motion to "consider needs for infrastructure improvement to that
building and other close buildings in the northern part of the TIF district. It was passed
unanimously.
The City has made a proposal to lease the South Side of Main from MRL. BNSF has a
new owner
Chris Mehus will looking into 1) Fagade improvement program, 2) Loans from Laurel
Urban Renewal to work with banks for new start-up business, 3) Technical assistance
looking to approve our own projects and eventually create a model where we will have
staff administer being aware of conflicts of interest.
We need to look for a strategic plan - long and short term - becoming more autonomous.
Later we may need professional advisors. Also, we will have to set up committees to
make major recommendations and address who does what. Combine Laurel Alive and
Revitalization to achieve 5010 status. Need to 1) organize a structure, 2) create a work
plan including funding setting priorities but not show favoritism, 3) create a budget which
combines a budget and work plan.
Chris plans to 1) create a draft document by 3-1-10 but no later than 3-15-10 2) hold a
public meeting toward the end of March, 3) public comment by April 15 2010,
Reports:
Laurel Alive - dates of Rock the Block will start May 22, there will be 8 during the
summer
Caboose- paper work on questions are answered an have 30 days to hear
Park Board - there a looking for dates of activities to have the park open for visitors
Nominate non-voting members to replace Steve Diefendorf and adopt a policy for
activity attendance