HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Packet 02.06.2024 - Revised
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2024
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Public Input: Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business that is not on
tonight’s 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. Because of the Rules that govern public meetings, Council is not permitted to speak in response
to any issue raised that is a non-Agenda item. The Mayor may provide factual information in response,
with the intention that the matter may be addressed at a later meeting. In addition, City Council may
request that a particular non-Agenda item be placed on an upcoming Agenda, for
consideration. Citizens should not construe Council’s “silence” on an issue as an opinion, one way or
the other, regarding that non-Agenda matter. Council simply cannot debate an item that is not on the
Agenda, and therefore, they must simply listen to the feedback given during public input. If a citizen
would like to speak or comment regarding an item that is on tonight’s agenda, we ask that you wait until
the agenda item is presented to the Council by the Mayor and the public is asked to comment by the
Mayor.
Be advised, if a discussion item has an upcoming public hearing, we would request members of the
public to reserve your comments until the public hearing. At the public hearing, the City Council will
establish an official record that will include all of your comments, testimony, and written evidence.
General Items
1. LURA Presentation
Executive Review
2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Contract With Collection Bureau
Services, Inc. For The Collection Of Laurel City Court Receivables.
3. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Contract With Morrison-Maierle,
Inc. For A Water And Wastewater Consultation.
4. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Sign A Memorandum
Of Understanding For Operation And Cost Sharing For Public Transportation Services With
The Adult Resource Alliance Of Yellowstone County.
5. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Transportation Coordination Plan
For The City Of Laurel Transit.
Council Issues
Other Items
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
Announcements
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate
in this meeting. Persons needing accommodation must notify the City Clerk’s Office to make needed arrangements. To make
your request known, please call 406-628-7431, Ext. 5100, or write to City Clerk, PO Box 10, Laurel, MT 59044, or present
your request at City Hall, 115 West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
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File Attachments for Item:
1. LURA Presentation
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Proposed LURA Projects
Street lighting, Sidewalk/Curb repair, and
Tree maintenance
Street Lighting Poles
We would like to install around 74 decorative street lights in the downtown and south side business areas.
This will provide safety lighting for not only the businesses, customers and community. There are a lot of dark
street/sidewalks around the businesses and adding lighting to these areas would be a benefit. These lights will
also help beautify Laurel along with providing safety lighting. We would also propose extending the lighting
district where the new lights will be placed. LURA proposes to cover project costs and monthly fees until
proper lighting district is established.
We have been working with NorthWestern Energy for renting light poles from them. NorthWestern Energy
would install the light poles and would take care of all the maintenance required to these poles. They would
break this into 2 separate lighting projects; downtown and south side.
Project 1- Overhead fed lights (OH) - downtown area
LED Pendent mounted at 20ft on a black decorative pole
$81/month per pole
$35,000 project buy down
Project 2- Underground fed lights (UG) - SE 4th St & S 1st Ave
LED Pendent mounted at 20ft on a black decorative pole
$81/month per pole
$35,000 project buy down
Areas we will be placing light posts— **maps of estimate for placing attached
a. Main Street (Idaho to 7th Ave)
b. 1st Ave (3rd St to SE 4th St)
c. SE 4th St
d. Bernhardt
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West Main Street/ 1st Ave
East Main Street/ 1st Ave
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South 1st Ave
SE 4th St/ Bernhardt
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Downtown Sidewalks
Sidewalks in the downtown business area in bad shape and are not only an eye sore but a tripping hazard as
well. We would like to replace/ update the sidewalks, curb and gutters in the areas of need in downtown. This
will help clean up the look of the downtown area and make it safer for the community to walk downtown.
Attached are images of the some of the damaged/cracked sidewalks around this area. There are also some
areas missing sidewalks that we think would be an adding benefit if we install them.
We would like to replace/ update the sidewalks, curb and gutters in the areas of need downtown.
Replace/update sidewalks, curbs and gutters – see attached maps
New sidewalk - West Main Street- railroad side (1st Ave to 3rd Ave)
Repair sidewalk
Add sidewalk
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Sidewalk East Railroad/ Bernhardt
East Railroad to Bernhardt has become a heavily foot traffic path with community members walking to the
businesses. They currently walk on the side of the road which creates a hazard for them and for the drivers.
We propose adding a paved path for the pedestrians to walk safely on East Railroad. We also thinking
continue the same street lighting on this street would be an additional safety precaution. Attached is the area
we are proposing adding a paved path for pedestrians and street lighting.
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East Main- Chamber
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East Main- Outlook
East Main ST- Beartooth Vet
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1st St - Vue & Brew
2nd Ave - Creamery
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East Main St and 4th Ave- FOE & NAPA
East Main St - Palace
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1st Ave
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Downtown Tree maintenance
We have trees in the downtown area that need some maintenance to help them continue to grow properly.
Their roots have cracked the sidewalks and we would propose grating around the trees to prevent this. Please
see attached tree report from Larned Tree Service on his recommendations.
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Larned Tree Service
Enhancing Urban Greenery with Tree Grates: A Sustainable Solution
Introduction: The Downtown trees are mature maintenance free trees that never need to be watered (they
should be watered though) and will be replaced with small trees that need lots of maintenance, lots of
watering and pruning for the next 25 years. If the trees there now have not been taken care of why would the
new trees be taken care of? The answer is they won’t be taken care of.
Look how bad main street trees look after the city cut down about 10 other beautiful mature honey locust
trees and replaced them with small fragile that have been an eyesore downtown for over 10 years now. The
new trees they put in have failed especially on the bowling alley side clear down past the Laurel Outlook. The
new trees in front of Thomae Lumber are more Canadian Red trees that are again high maintenance low
hanging bushy trees. Not what you want on main street sidewalks etc. Again the mature honey locust trees we
have now are done growing fast, have taken root and never need to be watered. They never get pruned or
anything they are low maintenance trees. Do not replace them with small high maintenance trees that will not
do well. Here is more information about installing tree grates instead.
Trees play a vital role in urban environments by providing numerous benefits, including air quality, reduced
heat island effect, and enhanced aesthetics.
Rather than cutting down trees, we propose the install ation of tree grates as a sustainable alternative to
protect and preserve urban trees while ensuring the safety and accessibility to pedestrians.
Benefits of Trees Grates: and ADA Compliance and Pedestrian Safety:
Tree grates are designed to be ADA complaint, allowing canes, crutches, and wheelchairs to move safely over
them.
Smaller grate openings (1/4 to 3/8 inches) in high traffic areas ensure pedestrian safety and prevent litter
accumulation.
Protection for Tripping Hazards:
Modern tree grates prevent overgrown tree roots from becoming tripping hazards in urban environments.
Durable cast iron construction ensures both toughness and aesthetic appeal.
Preservation of Healthy Root Development:
Tree grates guard the soil and root systems, preventing soil compaction caused by pedestrian and vehicle
traffic.
Grate slots allow sunlight, water, and air to reach the tree roots, promoting healthy growth.
Moisture Retention:
Tree grates help retain moisture in the soil, ensuring adequate hydration for tree roots.
Visual Appeal:
Tree grates come in various designs, complementing the aesthetics of urban landscapes.
Grate holes prevent litter and debris accumulation, promoting cleaner surroundings.
Enhanced Safety:
Tree grates contain root systems, eliminating tripping hazards and providing space for other structures like
sidewalks, playgrounds and seating areas.
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Options for Tree Guards:
Tree grates can be paired with tree guards to protect the wildlife and environmental damage
Choosing the Right Tree Grates and Material:
Consider weather resistant materials such as steel, cast iron, or recycled plastic.
Coatings like powder coating or Plastisol add durability and aesthetic appeal.
Appearance:
Tree grates come in various colors, shapes and designs to match urban surroundings.
Square and round options are available, with no functional difference. Or maybe a local business could be
interested in making some.
Size:
Measure the tree’s diameter and choose a grate with extra space around the trunk.
Common sizes range from 36 to 72 inches, with some grates being adjustable or available in two sections for
easy installation and removal.
Conclusion:
Installing tree grates is a sustainable and practical solution to protect urban trees, ensuring their longevity and
benefits for the community.
These grates offer ADA compliance, safety, aesthetics, and preservation of healthy root systems, making them
a valuable addition to any city’s green infrastructure.
Instead of cutting down trees, let’s invest in their protection through tree grates, enhancing our urban
environments for generations to come.
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File Attachments for Item:
2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Contract With Collection
Bureau Services, Inc. For The Collection Of Laurel City Court Receivables.
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R24-____ Approve Contract with Collection Bureau Services
RESOLUTION NO. R24-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH
COLLECTION BUREAU SERVICES, INC. FOR THE COLLECTION OF LAUREL
CITY COURT RECEIVABLES.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The Contract with Collection Bureau Services, Inc., for the
collection of Laurel City Court receivables (hereinafter “Collection Contract”), a copy attached
hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the Collection
Contract on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of February, 2024,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
February, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of February, 2024.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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File Attachments for Item:
3. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Contract With Morrison-
Maierle, Inc. For A Water And Wastewater Consultation.
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R24-____ Approve Contract with MM for Water Study Consultation
RESOLUTION NO. R24-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH
MORRISON-MAIERLE, INC. FOR A WATER AND WASTEWATER
CONSULTATION.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The Contract with Morrison-Maierle, Inc., for a Water and
Wastewater S ystem Consultation (hereinafter “Water Study Contract”), a copy attached hereto
and incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the Water Study
Contract on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of February, 2024,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
February, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of February, 2024.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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File Attachments for Item:
4. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Sign A
Memorandum Of Understanding For Operation And Cost Sharing For Public Transportation
Services With The Adult Resource Alliance Of Yellowstone County.
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R24-____ Approve MOU Related to Public Transportation Services
RESOLUTION NO. R24-_____
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR OPERATION AND COST
SHARING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH THE ADULT
RESOURCE ALLIANCE OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY.
WHEREAS, this Memorandum of Understanding (“Agreement”) is entered into
between Yellowstone County (“County”), the City of Billings (“Billings”) and the City of
Laurel (“Laurel”) (collectively “the Parties”) for purposes of creating and implementing
processes and procedures for complying with requirements set forth by the Montana Legislature
in the laws collectively known as House Bill 121 (“HB121”) during the 2021 Legislative
session;
WHEREAS, the County, Billings and Laurel are parties to the agreement that creates
the multi-jurisdictional service district created to provide health services and health department
functions known as the “Interlocal Agreement”;
WHEREAS, by virtue of HB121, the Parties are subject to various rights and
responsibilities created by the Interlocal Agreement; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Parties to comply with HB121 and to set forth as
clearly as possible the methods of doing so for each as well as for the Parties collectively.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana:
Section 1: Approval. The Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City
and ARA of YC, a copy attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the MOU on
behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the ______ day of
_____________, 2024 by Council Member _____________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana on the
______ day of _____________, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor on the ______ day of _____________, 2024.
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R24-____ Approve MOU Related to Public Transportation Services
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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File Attachments for Item:
5. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Transportation Coordination
Plan For The City Of Laurel Transit.
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R24-____ Approve Transportation Coordination Plan
RESOLUTION NO. R24-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A TRANSPORTATION
COORDINATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LAUREL TRANSIT.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. The Transportation Coordination Plan for the City of Laurel
Transit (hereinafter “Transportation Coordination Plan”), a copy attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved.
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to execute the
Transportation Coordination Plan on behalf of the City.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the _____ day of February, 2024,
by Council Member ________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel the _____ day of
February, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor the _____ day of February, 2024.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION PLAN
LAUREL TRANSIT
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
FY-25
Prepared by:
City of Laurel
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
Scheduled for City Council Adoption: February 13, 2024
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Montana Coordination Plan Outline
Adoption by Transportation Advisory Committee:
The relevant transportation providers and agencies are described in more detail.
Laurel Transit:
Laurel Transit (also referred to as the transit system) is working to provide a successful on-
demand service for public transportation within the City limits of Laurel while offering regular
service to Billings. Laurel Transit is looking to contract with as many agencies in the area as
possible to provide expanded service. It is currently not feasible for Laurel to have a fixed route
system; however, accommodations for such a system are being discussed such as bus benches
and signs within the City.
Laurel Transit Schedules:
Laurel Transit operates Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The Billings service route begins at
7:30 and in-town service begins at 10:00 am.
Agencies Involved:
Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County -- ARAYC has partnered with the City of
Laurel to provide the driver for the bus and the cell phone. ARAYC previously operated
the senior bus in Laurel, which was absorbed with the formation of Laurel Transit. The
City works very closely with ARAYC to ensure the level of service delivered through the
senior bus program is continued in Laurel Transit.
Tender Nest Assisted Living—Contact with Tender Nest Assisted Living continues, and
the facility has contracted with the City for vouchers.
COR – There is a plan to include COR in future TAC meetings.
Riverstone Health – The transit system is working to contract demand/response service
for Riverstone Health patients.
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Laurel Senior Center – The Sprinter bus is currently stored in a garage at the Senior
Center. Frequent trips are taken to the senior center for rider vi sits.
Laurel Health and Rehab- Continues to utilize the bus service for transportation
purposes for their clients and residents.
MET- contact with MET in Billings has been made in hopes to grow the Laurel Transit
system and gain new ideas.
Public Involvement:
The Transportation Advisory Committee meets quarterly. Meetings notices are published on
the City of Laurel website and at City Hall. Meetings are open to the general public. For more
participation at TAC meetings, more community outreach will be done to involve public
participation.
Private Sector:
The City of Laurel does not have any private transportation system available.
Needs Assessment and Plan to Increase Ridership:
The Laurel Transit will be starting focus groups this fiscal year in order to determine the needs
of the community and their transit provider. The focus groups will include current riding
members, City staff, other transportation providers, healthcare employers, and other members
from the community. The groups will focus on the current challenges the transit program faces
and get a better idea of how to improve the system. The City was awarded a grant for a new 14-
passenger bus. The date of delivery is still unknown.
The Laurel Transit System has stepped up its ad vertising strategies by designing and distributing
flyers with route information and publishing that flyer in the Laurel Outlook on a regular basis.
There have been talks with the Adult Resource Alliance re garding placing advertisements on the
new transit bus. This type of advertisement may be an option for other local businesses, once
the new transit bus arrives.
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Meetings:
The Laurel TAC meets on a quarterly basis. The TAC is comprised of City staff, community
interested members and representatives from Residential Support Services, the Adult Resource
Alliance of Yellowstone County, and other interested parties. For more participation at TAC
meetings, more community outreach will be done to involve public participation.
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