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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 08.09.2024MINUTES CITY OF LAUREL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TUESDAY, AUGUST 06,2024 A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner at 6:30 p.m. on August 6, 2024. _x Tom Canape _x_ Heidi Sparks Michelle Mize _x_ Jessica Banks _x_ Casey Wheeler (@ 6:33 p.m.) _x Iry Wilke _x_ Richard Klose _x_ Jodi Mackay Brittney Harakal, Council Administrative Assistant Kurt Markegard, Planning Director Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer Public Input: There were none. General Items Executive Review 1. Resolution - Resolution To Approve Street Vacation For Portion Of South Montana Avenue, Laurel, Montana. The Planning Director stated that there will be a public hearing next week to vacate a portion of S. Montana Avenue off of E. Railroad Street. It was questioned if the Planning Director had received any feedback on this vacation. As of right now, there has been no feedback from the general public. He has spoken with Council Member Klose. Both adjoining property owners have consented to the street vacation. There is no value in a public right of way. In 1976, part of S. Montana Avenue, S. 2nd Street, and S. 3`d Street were vacated. Parkland has value; its streets are dedicated to public use. The landowner voluntarily gave up the land, and the City voluntarily gave it back. f 2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Declaring Certain City Of Laurel Property As "Surplus" Available For Sale Or Trade To The Public Or Other Governmental Entities Or Vendors. The auction is scheduled to start on August 20, 2024. 3. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving Agreement Regarding School Resource Officer Program By And Between The City Of Laurel And Laurel Public Schools, District 7 & 7-70. This year's contract is the same as in years past. 4. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving A Commitment Of Funding For The Completion Of The West Railroad Street Project. There was a price increase. The Project Manager has assured the Mayor that there should not be any additional price increases moving forward. 5. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Consultant Agreement With Peaks Planning And Consulting LLC. The Planning Director stated that State law allows for a consultant to assist with TIF Districts. The City received two applicants. LURA reviewed both applicants and determined that one was qualified and set up an interview. They are recommending that Peaks Planning and Consulting LLC be contracted with. The Planning Director will oversee the work done by the consultant. Council Issues 6. Budget Discussion The Clerk/Treasurer stated Council has been given the preliminary budgets for General Fun and the Enterprise Funds. Last year, several Council Members asked if they could be more involved in the budget process. The mills came in today, and the mill value has gone down; however, the amount of mills we will receive has gone up so it will be very similar to last year. Please review the pages included in your packet before the August 201h Workshop. Department Heads will be invited to attend. If there are any issues with the proposed budgets, then the Council will need to work out those discrepancies. There were cuts in all departments but tried to make them as fair as possible. Council noted that the $250k for the land use plan is still listed in the budget. It was clarified that the Civil Attorney will work on getting the legal analysis to the Council for the next cycle. Council President Sparks asked the Council if they planned on attending the Montana Leagues of Cities and Towns conference this year. Council noted that they would like to see the agenda before making that decision. Council was reminded there is a conference in May as well, both offer excellent networking opportunities for elected officials. Other Items The Mayor stated that new AEDs have been placed in City Hall: one in the Council Chambers and one in the main hallway. The use of an AED has improved outcomes for patients during a cardiac event. There will be training on how to use an AED for anyone interested. Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting All Council Members present will be at next week's meeting. Announcements The council workshop adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, IMPBrittney Harak Administrative Assistant NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the listed workshop agenda items.