HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 06.04.2024majokalmninalill s, ( r
A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave
Waggoner at 6:30 p.m. on June 4, 2024.
_x_ Tom Canape
_x_ Heidi Sparks
Michelle Mize
_x_ Jessica Banks
_x_ Casey Wheeler
_x Iry Wilke
x_ Richard Klose
x_ Jodi Mackay
Brittney Harakal, Council Administrative Assistant
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
Kurt Markegard, Planning Director
JW Hopper, Fire Chief
Public Input:
There were none.
General Items
Executive Review
Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council For Annexation Of Property Legally
Described As A Portion Of Lot 7a-1, Of The Amended Plat Of Tracts 6a And 7a, Of
The Amended Plat Of Tracts 6 And 7, Of Westbrooks Subdivision, Yellowstone
County, Montana, According To The Official Plat On File In The Office Of The Clerk
And Recorder Of Said County, Under Document No. 1684287. Excepting Therefrom
That Portion Granted Unto The State Of Montana By Virtue Of Bargain And Sale Deed
Recorded January 25, 1965, Book 807, Under Document No. 747048; And Excepting
Therefrom That Portion Granted Unto The Montana Department Of Transportation By
Virtue Of Bargain And Sale Deeds Recorded September 13, 2017 Under Document No.
3827294 And 3827295; And Excepting Therefrom That Portion Granted Unto The
Montana Department Of Transportation By Virtue Of Warranty Deeds Recorded
September 13, 2017 Under Document No. 3827296 And 3827297. Adjacent To The
City Of Laurel, As An Addition To The City Of Laurel, Yellowstone County, Montana,
With Concurrent Approval Of Zoning Designation Upon Annexation Of The Property.
The Planning Director briefly reviewed the attached Staff report. There will be a public
hearing at next week's meeting. The Developer will put in water and sewer out to their
property. The only concerns brought up at the City/County Planning Board were about
the water and sewer lines going past properties. The State does have an overlay project
slated to begin this year for that section of road. That project will be on hold if this
project moves forward. The Developer has asked for a latecomers agreement stating
that if anyone connects into these improvements within seven years of the line going
live there will be reimbursement to the Developer for their extension expenses. The
development agreement must be entered into once the water and sewer lines go live.
The Developer plans to bring in Arby's as the restaurant of choice.
It was questioned if there is a concern over the additional policing needs. It was
clarified that part of the annexation process is to send the annexation out to all
Department Heads for their feedback. There were no concerns raised. There should be
minimal traffic impact.
As far as the impact on water usage, no booster stations will be needed. The estimated
use is seven gal/min. The Developer has decided not to move forward with a truck wash
which would have required additional water usage.
It was questioned how far out water and sewer would be run. It was clarified that they
plan to run water and sewer services out to the very east part of their property. It will be
short of the interchange.
It was questioned if the Public Works Director had any additional concerns. It was
clarified the Public Works Director was included in all meetings and did not raise any
additional concerns.
Shawn Baker, Developer, stated they are very excited to get a Laurel location. They
have national contracts and have to provide service within a certain distance. This
location will assist in meeting the needs of their customers.
Mayor Waggoner stated he recently stopped at the Love's store in Hardin and it was a
beautiful store.
Mr. Baker, stated they are also looking at potentially putting in an RV park across the
street as well.
It was questioned if there would be a casino. It was clarified that when they are allowed
to have a casino, they would like to as it is a revenue line for them. However, they do
not have to have one.
It was questioned how big the Laurel location would be as compared to the Hardin
location. It was clarified that the Laurel location will be bigger. It will be nicer and
more lit up.
Various Council Members noted that when they have stopped at other Love's locations
they have had good experiences. It was clarified that they do their best to keep car and
truck traffic separated to make the locations as safe as possible.
It was questioned if there will be more traffic control as this area gets busier. It was
clarified that the intersection is State and County, so it will be a wait-and-see what
signaling will be put in place.
It was questioned if they anticipate truck traffic coming through town. It was clarified
that they do their best to design locations to limit traffic through town. However, roads
are open to the highway traveling public.
2. Appointments to the Public Works Committee. (Two Vacancies - No Term Expiration)
We have received no letters of interest.
3. Appointment to the Laurel Airport Authority. (One Vacancy - Five -Year Term)
We have received one letter of interest from James Wise.
4. Appointments to Cemetery Commission. (Three Vacancies - Two -Year Term)
We have received three letters of interest from Richard Klose, Steven Hurd, and
Wallace Hall.
Appointment to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency. (One Vacancy - Four -Year Term)
We have received one letter of interest from Mardie Spalinger.
6. Appointment to the Library Board. (One Vacancy - Five -Year Term)
We have received no letters of interest.
7. City/County Planning Board Appointments. (Two Vacancies - Two Year - Tenn)
We have received one letter of interest from Richard Klose.
Tree Board Appointments. (Two Vacancies - Three -Year Term)
We have received no letters of interest.
Council Issues
9. Discussion on City -Owned Bulk Water Station
Recently, the Public Works Committee discussed the possibility of building a bulk
water station. There would be an upfront cost, but it would potentially bring in more
revenue to the City. This discussion is to see if this is something the Council would like
to consider moving forward with. It was clarified that this project would be funded
through the Water Fund. All revenue would go back into the Water Fund.
These revenues can be used to build the new water reservoir, fund projects at the Water
Treatment Plant, or meet any other water -related needs.
Council noted that it would be convenient to have a stop towards the north of town so
that traffic does not need to go through town as it is hard on our streets.
It was clarified that the City would not compete with the private entity selling bulk
water. If the City moved forward with a bulk water station they would install a credit
card system so that no coin is needed to get water.
The Council noted that it does send a message to our community that the City is trying
to find ways to bring in additional revenues so that it is not just on the resident's
shoulders.
There is a location between W. 12`f' Street and the Big Ditch that could be used. Some
corrections need to be made to the annexation of this area as it was not filed with the
County. It is not a difficult process to get this annexed into the City.
Council questioned what the next steps are to move this project forward. Mayor
Waggoner stated he would have Staff work on moving this project forward.
10. Discussion on Fire Truck
USA Fire was the only bid received by the City. Bids were opened last Thursday. The
bid came in the same as the previously quoted amount. The Fire Department has asked
to finance the 1.4 million to replace all the gear on the truck as well. The gear is from
1994 and needs to be replaced. One of the ways to reduce costs is to purchase a
multifunction nosal so multiple nosals do not need to be purchased. The 400k ask is to
allow for a cushion in outfitting the truck.
The vendor has stated that the current engines are going faster than they had initially
anticipated. The new generation of engines will cost approximately 100k more.
It was questioned when the City will be rated for ISO again. It was clarified that the
City received its current ISO rating in 2023. The Fire Chief noted that it will be
challenging to keep our current ISO rating with our current engines.
The question in front of the Council is do they want to vendor to amend the bid to
include outfitting the truck with a potential increase in cost for those items or do they
want to get those items individually. When it comes to financing, this is one project and
will need to be brought forward as a package deal.
It was clarified that this truck is not listed in the CIP. In order to get financing, it needs
to be listed in the CIP. The CIP can be amended but will need to be done prior to
accepting the bid.
It was clarified that items under 80k are quoted. The purchasing policy requires three
quotes to be obtained.
Council asked that the bid come forward at the next Workshop.
A Council Member noted how often the sign at Chevy was changing. It was questioned
if there was anything that could be done about that. Mayor Waggoner stated the
Planning Director would follow up.
Chace Bible Church helped with the Clean Up Day. They took many loads to the dump.
They are also painting all 300 fire hydrants in the City. Big thank you to those who
helped with Clean Up Day.
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
All Council Members present will be at next week's meeting.
Announcements
The next Park Board meeting is Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The next Tree Board meeting is June 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room.
The State Firefighter's Memorial has a run scheduled this Friday. They are still looking for
volunteers to work the run; if you are interested in helping, be there at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday
there will be a memorial at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch to follow.
The council workshop adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Brittney Harakal
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for
the listed workshop agenda items.
CITY BALL
115W. JIT ST. City Of Laurel
PUB. WORKS: 628-4796
WATER OFC.: 628-7431
COURT: 628-1964 P.O. Box 10
FAX 628-2241 Laurel, Montana 59044
Office of the Planning Director
Applicant:
Michael Stitzinger
Hans Stitzinger
James Stitzinger
5931 Ridgeview Dr.
Doylestown, PA 18902-1379
The Stitzinger Family is 100% of the land ownership. Annexation pursuant to §7-2-4601 et. seq.
MCA. (Annexation by Petition).
Request:
The applicants representing 100% of the ownership of lands involved, has Petitioned the City of
Laurel for Annexation of approximately 23.17 acres of property adjacent to the City of Laurel with
an initial Zoning Designation of Highway Commercial for concurrent review.
The subject property is generally described as a Lot 7A1, A portion of Westbrook's
Subdivision Tract 7A-1 of the amended plat of Tracts 6A and 7A of the amended plat of tracts 6
and 7 of Westbrook's Subdivision and a portion of Tract S of Westbrook's Subdivision less
Highway ROW Section 17, Township 2 South, Range 24 East P.M.M., Yellowstone County,
Montana, An annexation Exhibit, which is incorporated into this report by reference, has been
submitted in support of the Petition and Requested Initial Zoning.
The annexation petition and requested initial zoning has been scheduled for consideration and a
public hearing by the Laurel — Yellowstone City County Planning Board and Zoning
Commission for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The City Council will consider the
annexation and zoning designation at a future council meeting.
> The Stitzinger Family represents 100% of the land ownership involved in the petition.
> The 2020 Laurel Growth Policy designates the property as a 'growth area' of the city.
> The current use of the property is nonproductive agriculture as nothing has been planted
on the property since the new highway interchange was constructed.
> The requested zone Laurel "Highway Commercial" provides uses compatible to lands
adjacent to roads and is consistent with the requirements of R-08-22 that lands embraced
by the city be assigned R-7500 or greater. This property is not conducive to residential
development.
> The subject property was presumed to be zoned "Highway Commercial" and is now
presumed to be not zoned but Yellowstone County is in the process to zone it "Highway
Commercial".
> Highway commercial (HC) district - The purpose of this district is to provide areas
for commercial and service enterprises which are intended primarily to serve the
needs of the tourist, traveler, recreationist, or the general traveling public. Areas
designated as highway commercial should be located in the vicinity of, and accessible
from freeway interchanges, intersections in limited access highways, or adjacent to
primary or secondary highways. The manner in which the services and commercial
activities are offered should be carefully planned in order to minimize the hazard to
the safety of the surrounding community and those who use such services; and to
prevent long strips of commercially zoned property.
➢ MCA 76 -2 -Part 46 annexation requires that the land use designation be 'consistent with
the prevailing use of the property, consistent with the prevailing County Zoning
Assignment, and/or consistent with the current growth policy'. All lands outside the City
of Laurel were previously thought to have been extraterritorial zoned and Yellowstone
County is now exercising zoning authority from 2024 and forward.
➢ In addition to the extension of urban scale services the City Zoning provides options for
development that are not available to rural properties.
➢ The initial zoning must be considered under City Resolution R-08-22 (Annexation), the
Laurel Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning).
➢ The question of annexation and initial zoning must be heard by the Laurel — Yellowstone
City County Planning Board and Zoning Commission to give a recommendation of the
zoning assignment to the City of Laurel City Council.
> Is the requested annexation and initial zoning in the best interest of the City and Citizens
of the City of Laurel.
➢ The property is situated such that street rights-of-way will need to be annexed to the subject
property. The highways in the area are under the control of the Montana Department of
Transportation.
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✓ The subject property is adjacent to the City of Laurel via a street connection.
✓ The City Council is not required to submit the question of annexation to the qualified
electors of the area to be annexed as the petition is signed by 100% of the owners.
✓ The city may annex the property as 100% of the ownership of same has petitioned the city
for annexation.
✓ The driver for the annexation request is to develop the property for commercial purposes.
The agents working with the property owners want to have city water and sewer services.
✓ The property has been identified as a high priority area in Chapter 7.5, Annexation, of the
2020 Growth Policy and is included in the Planning Jurisdiction Map annexation priority
boundaries. As such, the requested zoning is consistent with the Laurel Growth Policy.
✓ The proposed assignment of "Highway Commercial "meets all the statutory requirements
of MCA 76-2-46 annexation and zoning assignment.
✓ The Laurel "Highway Commercial" Zone is determined to be a "greater than" R-7500
classification density.
✓ The extension of city services will be at the owner's expense (R-08-22) and in accordance
with the Annexation Agreement or a development agreement as approved by the City
Council and requirements of the Public Works Department and the Montana Department
of Transportation
✓ The city can provide services to the property both existing and proposed if extension of
water, sewer. Storm water will have to be stored on site.
12 Point Test for Zoning:
I. Is the zoning in accordance with the growth policy;
® The Growth Policy identifies all the property proposed for annexation as an annexation
priority area.
e Resolution R-08-22 requires zoning assignment at annexation at R-7500 or greater.
• The Zone "Highway Commercial" meets the definition as `greater than' R-7500 and is not
a residential planned area.
Finding:
The requested zoning is in accordance with the Growth Policy.
II. Is the zoning designed to lessen congestion in the streets;
• The proposed zoning along with the annexation agreement will allow development of the
property consistent with the adjoining interstate traffic.
• Proposed development that would potentially impact roads and a traffic impact analysis is
being developed for the Montana Department of Transportation.
• Highways adjacent to this property are all within the Montana Department of
Transportation. City streets are not in the area.
Finding:
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The requested zoning will have a material impact on the State of Montana Department of
Transportation. The City may see increased traffic as with any added development of property.
III. Is the zoning designed to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers;
® Fire hydrants and water supply should be adequate if they meet the requirements from the
Public Works Department.
Finding:
The requested zoning will not have an adverse impact on safety from fire, panic, or other
dangers.
IV. Is the zoning designed to promote health and the general welfare;
The land is adjacent to the interstate highway system and "highway commercial" zoning
allows for land uses to provide places for the traveling public to eat, fuel their vehicles, and
rest.
Finding:
The requested zoning will promote the public health and the general welfare.
V. Is the zoning designed to provide adequate light and air;
The existing zoning imposes building setbacks, height limits, limits on the number of
buildings on a single parcel, and reasonable area limits on new development.
The proposed "Highway Commercial" zone provides restrictions on structure height,
setbacks, lot coverage. These standards exist to provide open spaces and adequate light
and air.
® The existing development has more than adequate separation from surrounding uses.
Finding
The requested zoning will provide adequate light and air.
VI. Is the zoning designed to prevent the overcrowding of land;
® The existing zoning imposes building setbacks, height limits, limits on the number of
buildings on a single parcel, and reasonable area limits on new development.
Finding:
The proposed zoning will prevent the overcrowding of land.
VII. Is the zoning designed to avoid undue concentration of population;
® The existing zoning imposes building setbacks, height limits, limits on the number of
buildings on a single parcel, and reasonable area limits on new development.
• The subject property is large enough to provide adequate separation from surrounding
uses.
® The property is not going to be used for residential development with the "Highway
Commercial" designation.
Finding:
The proposed zoning will prevent the undue concentration of population.
n
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VIII. Is the zoning designed to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements;
The requested zoning will allow for transportation services as defined in "Highway
Commercial" designation in the Laurel Municipal Code.
Finding:
The requested zoning will facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.
IX. Does the zoning give reasonable consideration to the character of the district and its peculiar
suitability for particular uses;
The requested zoning is consistent with the Growth Policy.
The property is compatible with surrounding development and had been believe to be
previously zoned "Highway Commercial" in the extraterritorial zoning for the City of
Laurel.
® The water and sewer infrastructure with this annexation is for the intended use of the
property and will need final approval from the City of Laurel City Council and the Public
Works Department as well as the Montana Department of Transportation.
Finding:
The requested zoning is consistent with surrounding uses, the Growth Policy and provides
for opportunities with suitable uses.
X. Does the zoning give reasonable consideration to the peculiar suitability of the property for
its particular uses;
The requested zoning is consistent with the Growth Policy.
The property is compatible with surrounding development and is consistent with
interstate highways adjacent to the property.
® The water and sewer infrastructure proposed with the annexation will have to meet
infrastructure requirements by the Public Works Department and the Montana
Department of Transportation.
Finding:
The requested zoning is in keeping with the character of the development in the area.
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X1. Will the zoning conserve the value of buildings;
• The extension and availability of public water and sewer resultant from annexation and
initial zoning will add value to buildings as the proposed use is substantially like or
complementary to surrounding buildings and uses.
• The requested zoning is consistent with the Growth Policy.
• The proposed zoning is not anticipated that there would be any adverse effect on the value
of surrounding buildings or lands.
Finding:
The value of existing buildings both on and adjacent to the requested zone will either be
enhanced or not affected by the proposed zoning.
x1l. Will the zoning encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality?
* The requested zoning is consistent with the Growth Policy.
* The requested zoning is consistent with the prevailing land uses and zoning surrounding
the property.
Finding:
The requested zoning provides for the most appropriate use of land in the municipality
which will keep non-residential traffic close to the interstate.
The petition for annexation into the City of Laurel with the initial zoning assignment of Laurel
"Highway Commercial" appears to be consistent with the requirements of City Council Resolution
R-08-22. Additionally, the annexation, extension of services, and initial zoning assignment is in
the best interest of both the City of Laurel and the property owners.
RECOMMENDATION
The Laurel — Yellowstone City County Planning Board should find that "Highway Commercial" zoning is
an appropriate zoning designation and recommend that the Laurel City Council adopt the Findings of
Fact outlined in this report. The City Council must annex the lands and can hold a joint Public Hearing
allowed for in MCA 76-2-303 3(B) ) A joint hearing authorized under this subsection (3) fulfills a
municipality's obligation regarding zoning notice and public hearing for a proposed annexation.
Laurel Municipal Code chapter 17.12.220(G) The hearing for annexation and zone change may
be held at the same time.
➢ That an Amended Plat or Certificate of Survey suitable for filing with Yellowstone County that
describes the tract of land to be annexed be submitted.
> That an Annexation Agreement or development agreement is submitted for acceptance by
the City Council.
E.4
fflap for proposed annexation for a portion of • • the amended plat of Tracts I
and 7 and a portion • tract 5 of West brook Subdivision and the adjoining highway
• of way.
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