HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 09.03.2024VNI NMI. 'I 0 __
A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner
at 6:30 p.m. on September 3, 2024.
_x Tom Canape _x_ Heidi Sparks
Michelle Mize x Jessica Banks
_x_ Casey Wheeler _x_ Iry Wilke
x_ Richard Klose _x_ Jodi Mackay
OTHERS PRE SENT:
Kurt Markegard, Planning Director
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Input:
There were none.
General Items
Executive Review
Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing A Xeriscape Landscape
Area For Development Located At The Corner Of South 4th Street And 8th Avenue
South.
Alan Rapaz, representing Home Front, recently did a remodel of the exterior of their building.
Their goal was to provide a Xeriscape landscaping of the property. Xeriscaping can save
maintenance and water and make the property more valuable. During the process of upgrading
the property, the City also did the S. 4th Street project. It moved the sidewalk closer to the
buildings. In doing so, it left a small grassy area. The ask is to remove the grass on S. 4th and
install mulch to match the rest of the property.
It was questioned who would be paying the cost for this project. It was clarified that the property
owner would be covering the cost of this project.
The Planning Director clarified that LMC states that the boulevard shall be kept with trees and
grass. In order to install Xeriscaping they must get permission from Council.
It was questioned if any trees were removed from this boulevard. It was clarified there were no
trees on that half block.
Home Front is working on remodeling all the apartments within the property. This property has
not been well maintained in the past. Home Front recently acquired the property.
2. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Approve A
Change Order For In Control, Inc. For The Project Known As The City Of Laurel
WWTP Upgrades
It was questioned if this was budgeted. It was clarified that it is budgeted. This is part of the
SCADA project for the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Council Issues
3. Discussion - Food Trucks
There have been some brick -and -mortar businesses that have had issues with food trucks and
where they can be.
In Billings, food trucks are not allowed to park on the streets. Food trucks took off in correlation
to the breweries that did not serve food. Anytime there is a closure of the public right of way, a
permit is needed. For example, the Farmers Market put on by the Chamber of Commerce does
require a permit for the use of the public right of way.
It was questioned if food trucks are required to get a business license. It was clarified they are
required to get a business license annually. In order to get their business license they must show
proof of a passed health inspection.
The biggest complaint is that food trucks are operating on the street. It was clarified that it is a
zoning issue and will need to be addressed with the zoning ordinance.
Council noted many food trucks are based out of Laurel.
4. Discussion - Park Board Recommendation to Remove White Shower House.
Park Board made the recommendation to remove the white shower house at Riverside Park as it
is not useable and not cost-effective to repair. The idea was to do a vault system and bypass the
septic system entirely.
It was questioned if this is budgeted. It was clarified that the cost would be for landfill fees.
It was questioned if we could install an RV dump station down there. There is no sewer there,
and it would need a lift station to get water back to the sewer plant. It would be very costly to
install a lift station.
Council asked that this be on next week's agenda for a vote.
5. Discussion - Cover The Shooting Range With 2 Feet Of Reclaimed Dirt To Make It A
Usable Space.
Park Board would like to have the ground be useable for more campground spots eventually.
It was noted that this would be affected by the National Registry of Historic Places. It was also
noted that this park is located in the floodplain and will affect where the water goes during a
flood.
6. Discussion - National Registry of Historic Places
What is the benefit of going onto the registry? It was clarified that it does open the City up to
funding opportunities.
The Planning Director briefly reviewed the historical timeline of Riverside Park. Four years ago,
the City asked the State for a nomination for the Historic Places Registry. The State has spent the
last four years gathering pertinent information for the national application process.
7. Follow Up on Planning Changes
The Planning Director gave a brief overview of the changes. The Civil Attorney is still working
on the clarification Council previously requested.
Other Items
There were none.
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
All Council Members present plan to attend next week's meeting.
Announcements
The next Tree Board meeting will be Thursday at 4:30 in the Council Conference Room.
The next Park Board meeting will be Thursday at 5:30 in Council Chambers.
Hunter's Stafey is starting soon; if anyone is interested, there is still time to sign up.
The council workshop adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brittney Har ka
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.