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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 03.05.2024MINUTES CITY OF LAUREL CITY COUNCIL t° ►' TUESDAY, MARCH 05,2024 A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner at 6:28 p.m. on March 5, 2024. _x_ Tom Canape Heidi Sparks Michelle Mize _x Jessica Banks _x_ Casey Wheeler Iry Wilke _x_ Richard Klose _x_ _x_ Jodi Mackay Michele Braukmann, Civil City Attorney Brittney Harakal, Council Administrative Assistant Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer Public Input: There were none. General Items Executive Review 1. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council To Adopt An Official Schedule Of Fees And Charges For The City Of Laurel And Repealing All Previous Resolutions That Set Fees Or Charges That Conflict With The Schedule Attached Hereto Upon Its Effective Date. There was no discussion on the item. 2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Affirming And Approving Previous Resolution No. R24-12 And Approving Amendments To Appropriations And Revenues For The City Of Laurel's Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. It was identified that a public hearing is needed for this budget amendment. This resolution is to allow for that public hearing to occur and reaffirm the previous resolution. Council Issues 3. House Bill 355 It was questioned if IM355 could be used for the septic system repairs on the American Legion Building in Riverside Park. It was clarified that the list of projects was identified in December. The projects that can be done have to be on that list of projects. Department Heads prioritized the list of projects. The top three projects identified are the sewer line replacement between 5th Avenue and 7t' Avenue, the W. 121x' Street Overlay Project, and finishing the brick along the back side of the building. 4. Asong v. Laurel Litigation Civil Attorney Braukmann briefly reviewed the process with the Human Rights Bureau investigation. She briefly reviewed the process after the Human Rights Bureau investigation concluded, which is a lengthy process. She answered the following prior submitted questions. Why has the City declined to mediate? Why has the City declined to mediate? The City is open to resolution, however, at this early stage of the litigation, the parties are too far apart in their evaluation of the damages' exposure, and discovery needs to be conducted in relationship to the allegations made by the Charging Party. Is Mr. Asong still practicing in Laurel City Court? Yes, Judge Ken has recused herself from any cases involving Mr. Asong. A Pro Tem Judge is sitting on all of Mr. Asong's cases. Is the exposure, in this case, insured? MMIA is working on determining coverage for this litigation. There is a portion that should be covered; however, there are always uninsured claims. If this litigation is uncovered, it will have to come out of the City's budget. The City will consider this during budgeting. When will the City provide additional updates? After the investigation is completed. The City will notify the public of any additional lawsuits filed. The Civil Attorney stated that some of the allegations made to date purported that City Staff, the Mayor, and City Council Members had knowledge of these issues. She made abundantly clear that prior to this litigation, there was no knowledge of ongoing misconduct. Other Items Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting All Council Members present will be in attendance at next week's meeting. Announcements Next Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2:30, there will be a ribbon cutting for the Laurel Senior Center remodel. All are invited to see the work that has been done. The next Park Board meeting is this Thursday at 5:30 in Council Chambers. The council workshop adjourned at 6:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brittney Harak�' Administrative A, tant NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the listed workshop agenda items.