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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11.18.1997Minutes of the City Council of Laurel November 18, 1997 held p.m., on November 18, 1997. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Miles Walton Bud Johnson Norman Orr Dirk Kroll COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Donna Kilpatrick INVOCATION: Invocation was given by Alderman Kroll. MINUTES: A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was in the Council Chambers and called to order by President Gay Easton at 7:00 Gary Temple William Staudinger Gay Easton Motion by Alderman Kroll to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 4, 1997, as presented, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7--0. CORRESPONDENCE: Received a letter from Yellowstone County Commissioner, Bill Kennedy, regarding the Federal-Aid Urban System project priority list. Received two memos from the Montana League of Cities & Towns regarding a meeting of the Interim Legislative Tax Committee and appointment for the position of Third Vice-President. Received a letter from the Laurel Chamber of Commerce informing the city that they are in agreement with the new plans for the log cabin renovation. Received the October minutes and activity report from the Yellowstone County Air Pollution Control Board. CITY CLERK' S AND CITY TREASURER' S FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Motion by Alderman Orr that the City Clerk's and City Treasurer's financial statements for the month of October, 1997, be approved seconded by Alderman Walton. Motion carried 7--0. LAUREL AVIATION & TECHNOLOGY WEEK - JACK BAYNE: Jack Bayne requested the support and approval of the council to hold Laurel Aviation & Technology Week from May 13-16, 1998. He would like to use the Laurel Airport and Thomson Park. The park will need to be closed at night for security reasons. He asked for the help of the police and fire departments, which is a prerequisite of the FAA and the military. He said this year they will not operate on Saturday. Armored Forces Day is Saturday, May 16th, so the Armed Forces have asked to have a parade in Laurel. It would be a good time to have a patriotic parade with the different military units in town. The Laurel Chamber of Commerce wishes to sponsor the parade. The program will bring approximately 12,000 students into the city in two days. The children will view aviation and technology displays in the park. There will be flybys according to FAA standards with controllers and FAA personnel on the ground. There will also be units from the Paris Air Show. They will jump for the President of the United States and then come to Laurel, Montana. NASA and Boeing have given their support to Laurel. The program will be on two parallel days, Thursday and Friday. The time period for flybys will be between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The program is worked around the coming and going of buses so activities will be limited between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Jack will meet with the police and fire departments, the American Legion Baseball group, the Airport Authority, and the Park Committee. Alderman Easton commended Jack and his staff for the great work they do with the organization of Aviation & Technology week and the city appreciates it. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the request to hold Laurel Aviation & Technology week on May 13-May 16, 1998, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7--0. Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 2 Council Meeting of November 18, 1997 HOME OCCUPATION - NONA GIBSON, 707 JUNIPER: The home occupation was not acted upon at the City-County Planning Board because of the lack of a quorum but it was passed to the council without a recommendation so the applicant would not have to wait until the December meeting. Cal Cumin clarified the three categories of home day-care within the city. One is a group day-care, which is seven to twelve children. A family day-care facility is three to six children. Both the group and family day-care can operate within the residential area of the city. A day-care center is thirteen plus children, which has to go through a special review process. Mayor Rodgers arrived at 7:14 p.m. Nona Gibson, 707 Juniper, is asking for a home occupation to have a group day-care in her home. She is licensed by the state for ten children and overlap care for three hours a day for four more. She does not use overlap care because she does not have after school children. Most of the children she watches are four years and under. She does not transport the children to and from school. Cal recommended that the action be based on the application of no more than twelve children. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve Nona Gibson's request for a home day-care with the stipulation that it is as applied for, seven to twelve children, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7--0. HERITAGE RIVER DESIGNATION - LYNDA BOURQUE MOSS: Alderman Kroll introduced Lynda Bourque Moss to speak on the federal government program, Heritage River Designation for Yellowstone. Lynda Bourque Moss, Director of the Western Heritage Center, described the purpose of the Yellowstone Heritage Partnership. It is a project of the Western Heritage Center. She also spoke on the American Heritage River Initiative and the proposal for specific sites in the Yellowstone region. They have been working in the region with museums and cultural organizations throughout the Yellowstone valley. They have talked with the Laurel Chamber of Commerce about interpreting programs and some expeditions in the proposed new visitors center. The Yellowstone Heritage Partnership has found when working with museums, such as in Sidney, Livingston, and Big Timber, that these institutions have the best collections of artlfacts, photographs and are the places where people can tell the stories of living and working in the Yellowstone Valley. Like all organizations in the Yellowstone Valley, the Western Heritage Center and all of the cultural organizations in the history of museums have been faced with the need for increased funding. They felt it was a benefit for all of them to begin working together and initiated a process called the Yellowstone Heritage Partnership. They have an advisory council which includes over forty individuals from organizations throughout the Yellowstone Valley in Montana, northern Wyoming, and western North Dakota. They meet semi-annually and have worked on many projects since they started in 1996. They have commissioned a study of cultural tourism in the Yellowstone Valley. There was a need because of documenting the economic impact of all the cultural institutions in the region and to show people in the committee that not only do these places provide the stories and threats to the past but they also provide economic development in many of these committees. They are working on an educational program called "Explore the Yellowstone." It is a traveling exhibit that will be taken to rodeos and fairs. In January 1997, President Clinton announced the American Heritage River Initiative. They found that the parameters of the initiative paralleled a lot of the things that they were hearing from people in the community. One is a better coordination of services, not only government services from county, city~ and state organizations but also from the federal agencies. There is also a need for regional effort and a way to bring people together. She feels that focusing on the Yellowstone River would enable them to begin to work with the regional partnership. They have conducted a regional survey, looking at potential progress that could benefit from the American Heritage River Initiative. They have spoke with people about the initiative, answering questions about their perception of the role of the federal government in our region. Also their perception of one of the benefits that is provided by this initiative that is called a "River Navigator". Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 3 Council Meeting of November 18, 1997 People are very interested in educational opportunities for themselves, for their children and to share with visitors that come to this region. They are also interested in information being provided, based on cultural and the historic threats that bind us all together but also on the natural resources and the potential for economic development and cultural tourism. Tourism is seen as one of Montana's fastest growing economies. She feels the initiative parallels many of their efforts. They have proceeded by developing a draft document to the American Heritage River Initiative. The initiative itself has had a lot of controversy about it, like any new program. It takes a new approach to bringing multiple organizations together to work in new ways. Lynda sees this as a very exciting project. Many individuals and groups are concerned about how this will impact private property rights, if it has any implications on water rights, and local planning efforts. Lynda said it does not. She stated that in the initiative, it stresses many times that it has no regularity power at all, no impact on any of the federal, state, or local regulations. It is a brand new way of working together and developing programs from the bottom up. In proposing their application to American Heritage River Initiative, they are focusing on what they are defining as American River Heritage Sites. Those are sites within the Yellowstone Valley that are public places such as museums, parks, and natural resource sites. These places will have access and hours for the public. In the Laurel community, there are several opportunities to consider with the initiative. There is the Chief Joseph Nez Pierce Trail site that has tremendous potential and will tie in very well with the new visitor center. She feels that Laurel's new visitor center could have an important role in working with other communities in this initiative and to look at the four specific projects that they are proposing. One is the interpretive framework for designated "American Heritage River Sites" in the Yellowstone River Region. The interpretive framework will incorporate research and script development for signage and a companion CD-ROM map and guide for the region. The framework will also identify opportunities for interpretive, on-site programs at each location. Interpretation will focus on significant historic and cultural events. Second, an electronic network link of cultural, historic and natural resource sites in the Yellowstone region. This would link all the sites and provide extensive field trips on-line to schools. They have received funding from the Museum Library Leadership Initiative to develop that concept. By working with schools throughout the region they are finding a need for materials and the schools are very interested in using these on-line materials. Many outdoor sites are not accessible in the winter months or the schools have budget cuts and cannot take children out to these places so by using on-line, these places can be brought to the classroom. There are also people that visit the web site from all over the world. Third, they are also proposing community gatherings, workshops, presentations, and public programs in communities throughout the region. Community gatherings will be assisted by the partnership at the request of individual communities. The priority locations for the gatherings will be communities with American Heritage River sites, however, if funding is available, other communities may participate at their request. Fourth, they will coordinate the Yellowstone Regional Symposium in the year 2000. The symposium will incorporate findings from the various community gatherings, the regional interpretive framework and the electronic network link at the end of Phase I. The community gatherings and Yellowstone Regional Symposium will be built upon the work of the Montana Watercourse, the Yellowstone Center for Applied Economic Development and Western Heritage Center. The initiative is designed so that communities and organizations can request to participate. She asked the City of Laurel to participate and to have a participant from the Laurel community on the advisory council. Lynda stated that the initiative itself does not provide any funds. It provides for the position of a River Navigator. It is a position that will be created through participation in the American Heritage River program and will facilitate this work under the direction of the Yellowstone Heritage Partnership. The River Navigator will help enhance the relationships already developed among state, federal, and local organizations through the partnership. More importantly, the River Navigator will advance local need as priorities among federal agencies. Page 4 Council Meeting of November 18, 1997 Minutes of the City Council of Laurel The River Navigator will work as the facilitator for these multi-agency partnerships, will help facilitate the meetings, bring groups together, help identify funding for projects, and would have the ability to coordinate the federal, state, and local non-profit partnership and activities that are being proposed. The River Navigator would work for the communities, not for the federal government. They are proposing that the job description be written by the communities that are participating in the initiative. There are thirteen federal agencies that are participating in the initiative. The guidelines for the American River Heritage Initiative state that the River Navigator would come from one of these agencies. The partnership is using the intent of the American River Heritage Initiative which is to provide federal support as designated by the local communities. The partnership would like to say thank-you for the guidelines, but what they would like is for the thirteen federal agencies to put in equally to fund the position. The partnership feels it does not have to be a federal employee, but someone that knows the region. Lynda is requesting a letter of support from the mayor and city council, Also, their consideration in nominating the Chief Joseph Nez Pierce Nee-Mee-Poo Trail as an American Heritage River Site. She would like to see the participation of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce's new visitor center. Alderman Kroll thanked Lynda for coming and speaking to the council. It was suggested that a committee look at the draft document and report to the council at the next meeting. Alderman Kroll will be committee chairman and will put together a committee. Cal Cumin asked to be on the committee. The application is due December 10, 1997. FIREMEN'S PARK CABIN - A & E ARCHITECT FINAL DESIGN: Cal Cumin stated this is the final design for the Firemen's Park cabin restoration CTEP project. They are requesting the city's approval since it is a city sponsored CTEP project. Randy Hafer, A & E Architects, explained the restoration of the cabin. The configuration of the cabin remains unchanged. They will put new siding on the outside that will match the existing half log siding, replace the shingles on the roof with new cedar shingles, put in a new furnace, put in two new handicap accessible restrooms, change the front entry so it is accessible to the handicapped, and install new lighting. The interior of the main room will remain the same. The interior of the office will receive new sheet rock and paint. Larry McCann commented that his only concern would be the exits pertaining to fire codes. As long as there was an architect's design and they get a building permit, he saw no problem. Motion By Alderman Johnson to approve the final design for Firemen's Park cabin CTEP project to be sent to the state and that they follow the normal course of going through a building permit, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Alderman Walton asked if there would be any changes in the lot regarding parking? The architect replied there will be no site improvements. This program was strictly confined to the building. The Chamber of Commerce president stated there possible addition to the cabin but they would be CTEP is not allowing any new construction, only under the CTEP program. have been other plans for a totally separate project. restoration of the building Mayor Rodgets stated that Jim Flisrand had looked at the preliminary plans. The chamber is acting within the realm of the last two years. A vote was taken on the motion. Motion carried 7--0. APPROVING LEASES FOR RIVERSIDE PARK PROPERTIES: Alderman Johnson stated that there have been concerns about some aspects of the leases involved. He suggested tabling this resolution until the concerns could be resolved. There will be a Park & Recreation meeting on December 11, 1997. The resolution will be put on the city council agenda for December 16, 1997. Motion by Alderman Johnson to Riverside Park properties, seconded 7--0. table the resolution approving leases for by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 5 Council Meeting of November 18, 1997 DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT - SECURITY BANK: RESOLUTION NO. R97-54 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUREL, AND SECURITY BANK, A DIVISION OF WESTERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK OF MONTANA, SAID AGREEMENT RELATING TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION Motion by Alderman Kroll that Resolution No. R97-54 be passed and adopted, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried ?--0. COMMITTEE MINUTES: --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of November 4, reviewed. 1997 were presented and Motion by Alderman November 4, 1997, into 7--0. Johnson to enter the Budget/Finance Committee minutes of the record, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried --Cemetery Board minutes of November 5, 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderman Orr to enter the Cemetery Board minutes of November 5, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 7--0. --City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of November 4, 1997 were presented. Motion by Alderman Johnson to enter the City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of November 4, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Kroll. Motion carried 7--0. --Water Task Force minutes of November 3, 1997 were presented. Motion by Alderman Johnson to enter the Water Task Force minutes of November 3, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Letter - FCC's zoning Dowers Cal Cumin stated he received a letter Communications Commission's attempt to regarding cellular towers. from an attorney regarding the pre-empt local community zoning Federal powers He distributed a letter that he wrote to Senator Baucus, Senator Burns, and Representative Hill stating our disapproval. Copies of these letters will be sent to the chairmen of the Congressional Oversite Committees. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the letters regarding FCC's attempt to pre-empt local community zoning powers regarding cellular towers and send the the appropriate people a letter, seconded by Alderman Kroll. Motion carried 7--0. Firemen's Park cabin CTEP Cal thanked the council for approving the CTEP cabin. project for the Firemen's Park Importance of Laurel Airport Cal stated the council should keep in mind how important the Laurel airport is to the City of Laurel in reference to the topic tonight on Laurel Aviation & Technology week. This is a small example of the importance of the airport when one thinks about water service and expansion of the airport. Mr. Massing - Board of Adjustments Cal stated that the Board of Adjustments met tonight before the council and he wanted to advise the council on an issue that they may hear about future. meeting in the Mr. Massing, 705 West 14th Street, asked for a variance request to be allowed to continue building his garage in the setback from the side street. He is on a corner lot. He purchased a buiiding permit from the city. At the time of application, he showed his lot and 14th Street. The city issued him the permit to build a garage. However, Mr. Massing did not show the side street, which is Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 6 Council Meeting of November 18, 1997 and the foundation of the garage poured. Larry McCann issued him a stop order on the construction because he is in violation of the setback. The Board of Adjustment denied his request to continue to build his garage. Tourism Group Chief Alan Hovious mentioned the tourism group that is meeting on November 19th at 3:00 p.m.. They will be discussing a project in the park that may interlock with the Western Heritage Center project. South Pond CTEP project Cal stated the South Pond CTEP project was submitted to the State Department Transportation about three months ago. The city approved the project and now waiting for the state to approve it. of is APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Rodgets placed Larry McCann as interim Director of Public Works until a Public Works Director is hired. Chief Alan Hovious mentioned that Travis Pitts has completed his one year probation. Mayor Rodgets approved Travis Pitts as police officer, effective November 13, 1997. Motion by Alderman effective November 13, 7--0. Johnson to confirm Travis Pitts as a police 1997, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion officer, carried There being no further business to come before the council at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk Appreved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 2nd day of December, 1997. Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk Charles Rodgers%r