HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 03.01.2010MINUTES
LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
MARCH 1, 2010
THE OWL CAFE - 203 E. MAIN ST.
Members present: Shirley McDermott, Dirk Frickel, Dean Rankin, Bruce McGee
Advisors present: Steve Zeier, Janice Lehman
Others present: Bill Kampfer, Bill Sheridan, Mayor Ken Olson, Chris Mehus
Minutes from February 1, 2010 accepted as submitted
Person interviews/surveys will continue month to month
Annual work plan presented by Chris Mehus and Steve Zeier with an outline of the work
plan passed out. History of creation (I -b). Show Mary Embleton's quarterly summary.
We take in about 3% of the value of sold property. We need to look at projects under way
but watch that our money doesn't preclude City contributions for new/remodeled
business. Our work plan and report both need to be submitted annually as a general
working foundation
We create a permanent procedure on how Urban Renewal operates but as stated in II-c
the plan needs to be adjustable and reports need to be filed by September 30 each year.
The plan can change as need dictate.
We need to describe each program as listed in III and be aware that 1/2 of our budget is
already obligated to the sewer project in south Laurel. We want to try not to spend all of
our money on infrastructure although the need is there to help the City. We need to try to
satisfy the Historic Preservation, list a procedure guideline to add to III such as who will
do administrative duties, communication and coordination. I-c will certainly need
administration yet City Council wants us to act independently and to full committees with
volunteers when possible.
IV is where we develop a reporting process, a narrative and spread sheet, updates on new
projects, report in paper annually for public information, projects started and completed,
number of businesses served, how much we have spent, serving business vs. public
improvements. Bill Sheridan say staff will be available to help until we can arrange
funding for our own staff.
We should look at a Revolving Loan Fund such as that in Billings. We can provide loans
for "gap" financing. Fagade improvement program will be put on hold until documents
are prepared.
Alita at WalMart might be a good replacement as a non-voting member.
In new business Bill Sheridan says the theater project is moving along nicely but they are
looking for some financing assistance for water and sewer. There is a 2" pipe there now
but they will need a 4" for their needs for sprinklers. They are looking for a written
document stating we are interested in help but we have no cost estimates.
Dean Rankin made a motion that we "participate in funding of these utilities from the
center of the street to the property line to a maximum of $30,000. the vote was 3 for, 0
against.
We need to look at crosswalks on Main and 4th to allow customers easier access to
businesses around the city.
We need to look at connecting the businesses in North and South Laurel. MDOT is
looking into the engineering of this kind of project.
The water and sewer are still of interest to the City until such time the Mayor sees too
many problems or too much expense.