HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 07.22.2025
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
6:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
WELCOME . . . By your presence in the City Council Chambers, you are participating in the process of representative
government. To encourage that participation, the City Council has specified times for citizen comments on its agenda -- once
following the Consent Agenda, at which time citizens may address the Council concerning any brief community announcement
not to exceed one minute in duration for any speaker; and again following Items Removed from the Consent Agenda, at which
time citizens may address the Council on any matter of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. Each speaker will be
limited to three minutes, unless the time limit is extended by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. Citizens may also
comment on any item removed from the consent agenda prior to council action, with each speaker limited to three minutes,
unless the time limit is extended by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. If a citizen would like to comment on an age nda
item, 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.
Any person who has any question concerning any agenda item may call the City Clerk -Treasurer's office to make an inquiry
concerning the nature of the item described on the agenda. Your City government welcomes your interest and hopes you will
attend the Laurel City Council meetings often.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call of the Council
Approval of Minutes
1. Approval of Minutes of July 8, 2025.
Correspondence
2. Beartooth RC&D July 2025
3. Fire Monthly Report - June 30, 2025.
Council Disclosure of Ex Parte Communications
Public Hearing
4. Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules And Regulations) And Repealing Chapter
12.32 (Trees And Boulevards) Of The Laurel Municipal Code.
Consent Items
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Consent Calendar adopting the printed Recommended Council Action will be enacted with one vote. The Mayor will
first ask the Council members if any Council member wishes to remove any item from the Consent Calendar for
discussion and consideration. The matters removed from the Consent Calendar will be considered individually at the end of
this Agenda under "Items Removed from the Consent Calendar." (See Section 12.) The entire Consent Calendar, with the
exception of items removed to be discussed under "Items Removed from the Consent Calendar," is then voted upon by roll
call under one motion.
5. Claims entered through July 18, 2025.
6. Clerk/Treasurer Financial Statements for June 2025.
7. Approval of Payroll for PPE 7/6/2025 totaling $313,250.22.
8. Council Workshop Minutes of July 1, 2025.
9. Council Workshop Minutes of July 15, 2025.
Ceremonial Calendar
Reports of Boards and Commissions
10. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of July 8, 2025.
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11. Park Board Minutes of May 1, 2025.
12. Park Board Minutes of June 5, 2025.
13. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of January 6, 2025.
14. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of January 21, 2025.
15. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of February 3, 2025.
16. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of March 17, 2025.
17. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of March 24, 2025.
18. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of April 7, 2025.
19. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of April 28, 2025.
20. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of May 27, 2025.
21. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of June 9, 2025.
22. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of June 23, 2025.
23. Cemetery Committee Minutes of May 20, 2025.
24. Public Works Committee Minutes of June 16, 2025.
25. Park Board Minutes of July 3, 2025.
26. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of July 14, 2025.
Audience Participation (Three-Minute Limit)
Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business that is not on tonight’s agenda. Comments regarding
tonight’s agenda items will be accepted under Scheduled Matters. The duration for an individual speaking under Audience
Participation is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not
on the agenda.
Scheduled Matters
27. Appointment of David Gauslow to the Cemetery Commission for a two-year term ending June
30, 2027.
28. Ordinance No. R25-01: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules And Regulations)
And Repealing Chapter 12.32 (Trees And Boulevards) Of The Laurel Municipal Code.
29. Resolution No. R25-50: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Apply
For A Loan On Behalf Of The City Of Laurel For Payment Towards The Purchase Of A Fire
Truck.
Items Removed From the Consent Agenda
Community Announcements (One-Minute Limit)
This portion of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for citizens to address the Council regarding community
announcements. The duration for an individual speaking under Commu nity Announcements is limited to one minute. While
all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda.
Council Discussion
Council members may give the City Council a brief report regarding committees or groups in whic h they are involved.
Mayor Updates
Unscheduled Matters
Adjournment
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. 2, 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. Approval of Minutes of July 8, 2025.
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File Attachments for Item:
2. Beartooth RC&D July 2025
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President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are committed to unleashing the potential of the American
economy, affording all Americans the opportunity to pursue their version of the American dream.
However, nature often has other plans when damaging storms and unforeseen destructive natural
disasters occur.
This Administration champions an America First platform, and that extends to Americans needing
assistance due to natural disasters. The Economic Development Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025
Disaster Notice of Funding Opportunity responds to that call —we aim to seize the moment to support
impacted communities to transform their local economies in new and vibrant ways.
FY2025 Disaster Supplemental
Grant Program
Helping Communities Recover, Rebuild, and Transform Economies After Disasters
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
makes approximately $1.45 billion in disaster recovery funding available to American communities
that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding,
tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
The FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity is not just about rebuilding—it’s
about transforming local economies after disaster, with an emphasis on improving communities’
economic outcomes and resilience to future disasters. This funding opportunity encourages broad-
based local engagement and places special emphasis on projects that involve private industry in
disaster recovery and economic renewal to ensure the maximum impact for taxpayer funding to
support these communities. Applicants can choose from three funding pathways based on their
recovery stage, capacity, and long-term development vision.
Readiness Path
Non-construction projects to build local capacity and prepare for future implementation
projects. Readiness projects include funding for recovery strategies, disaster recovery
coordinators or other capacity building activities, and pre-development expenses. Grant
amounts are expected to range from $250,000 to $500,000.
Implementation Path
Standalone construction and non-construction projects that help communities recover from
major disasters and advance recovery and growth, improving economic outcomes. Grant
amounts are expected to range from $2 million to $20 million for construction projects and
$100,000 to $5 million for non-construction projects.
Industry Transformation Path
Coalition-led, multi-project portfolios that transform regional economies through industry
development. These grants can fund a mix of construction and non-construction projects.
Grant amounts are expected to range from $20 million to $50 million.
Activities Eligible for Disaster Funding
U.S. Economic Development Adminstration
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Eligible applicants include:
• State, local, and Tribal governments
• Economic Development Districts
• Institutions of higher education
• Economic development organizations
Who Can Apply?
Please direct questions or requests for assistance to the Economic Development Representative (EDR)
for the state where the project will be located. Please visit www.eda.gov/about/contact to find contact
information for your local EDR.
Projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas
that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Check eligibility
here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
Location Requirements
Location Requirements
EDA generally expects to fund up to 80% of project costs. EDA may fund up to 100% for Tribal applicants
and severely distressed applicants. Coalitions applying for the Industry Transformation grants may
distribute match requirements across components. Location Requirements
Matching Fund Requirements
Readiness and Implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing
(rolling) basis until funds are exhausted or the Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.
Industry Transformation grant applications are due on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Eastern Time.
Application Deadline
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through EDA’s EDGE portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov. Required
materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. View more information about
EDA’s disaster programming and application process: https://www.eda.gov/strategic-initiatives/disaster-
recovery/supplemental/2025
EDA Staff Ready to Assist
Published June 2025U.S. Economic Development Adminstration
• Public and private non-profits working with
local government
• Public-private partnerships for public
infrastructure
FY2025 Disaster Supplemental
Grant Program
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Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
12:30 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025
Luncheon with meeting to follow
Beartooth RC&D Conference Room
128 S. Main St., Joliet, MT 59041
12:30 pm Board Appreciation Luncheon
All Deliciousness
1:00 pm Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members &
Guests
Chair, All
Information
Review Board Minutes
Chair, All Action
Congressional Updates
• Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
• Zoey Stroop (Congressman Downing)
• Wesley DeGiulio (Sen. Sheehy)
Information
Treasurer/Financial Reports
• Treasurer Update
• RC&D Financials
• RLF Financials
Hauge / Knight Action
Staff Reports – Program/Project Updates
1. Food/Ag Program – Vacant Position
2. EcDev/CRDC – Gaurav Thakur
3. Project Mngmt– Myrna Lastusky
Vacant
Thakur
Lastusky
Information
Regional Roundup
News & updates from regional members on projects
& activities in key CEDS categories (see topics on
next page)
Roe, et al. Information
Next Beartooth RC&D Board Meeting
September 18, 2025 – Carbon County, MT
Information
2:30 pm Adjourn
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Regional Roundup
CEDS SWOT (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: Strengths-Weaknesses-
Opportunities-Threats)
Our goals for the Roundup are to find out what’s happening in the area, keep the conversations
focused, inform the others attending the meeting, and to tie it all back to and reinforce the importance of
the CEDS. Please help us identify the projects in each area that fit into our CEDS categories.
Be thinking about Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats of your community or our
region. Thank you!
• Infrastructure
Housing
Transportation
Broadband
• Economy
Upturns or downturns in industry sectors
New business openings (or closures)
• Communication
Marketing and outreach
• Services
Health care
Childcare
• Natural Resources
Agriculture
Energy
• Human Capital
Workforce
Education
NOTES:
________________________________________________________________________
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Beartooth RC&D Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
May 15, 2025
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Review Board Minutes
Congressional Updates Tory Kolkhorst (Sen. Daines)
Zoey Stroop/Quinton Winsted (Congressman Downing) Wesley DeGiulio (Sen. Sheehy)
Will Boone (Troy Downing)
Treasurer/Financial Reports
1. Treasurer Update
2. RC&D Financials
3. RLF Financials
Personnel Handbook Review
Approval of Fiscal Sponsorship fee
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
1. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
2. Revolving Loan Fund – Nan Knight
3. Economic Development/ CRDC – Gaurav Thakur
4. Operations Support- Myrna Lastusky
Regional Roundup – News and updates from regional
members on projects and activities in key CEDS categories….
(see topics on next page)
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
July 17, 2025- Beartooth RC&D Carbon County Joliet, MT
Adjourn
Chair, All
Chair, All
Hauge/Knight
Bertolino
Bertolino/Knight
Bertolino
Knight
Thakur
Lastusky
Roe
et al
Information
Action
Information
Action
Information
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
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Beartooth RC&D Board of Directors Meeting
May 15, 2025
Sibanye-Stillwater Conference Room
Present:
Joel Bertolino, Executive / Food & Ag Director
Nan Knight, Finance Director/Brownfields Coordinator
Gaurav Thakur, Economic Development Director
Myrna Lastusky, Project Manager/Exec. Asst.
Ryan Van Ballegooyen, Dept. of Labor & Industry/Job Service
Commissioner Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
Lawrence Killsback, Big Horn County Economic & Housing Director
Mike Boyett, Billings City Council Member
Tina Toyne, City of Hardin Economic Development Director
Holly Higgins, First Interstate Bank of Hardin
Kevin Mitchum, Sibanye-Stillwater Mine
Martin DeWitt, Small Business Administration
Lorene Hintz, Big Sky EDA/SBDC
Kayla Vokral, Small Business Development Center
Zoey Stroop, Congressman Downing’s Office
Dan Lowe, Big Horn County Conservation District
Via Zoom:
Danny Choriki, Billings Area Family Violence Task Force/Ubet Post
Wesley DeGiulio, Sen. Sheehy’s Office
Meeting Called to Order: Ryan Van Ballegooyen called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Review March Board Minutes
Congressional Updates
• Zoey Stroop/Quinton Winsted (Congressman Downing)
o Congressman hosted 2 Town Halls.
o Energy is a focus this cycle – have met with every mine in his district.
o He returns every month to visit entities and has met with all county commissioners
and field staff are attending meetings as well.
o Introduced 2 new acts: SCC Modernization Act and Safeguarding American
Property Act.
o Co-sponsored bill with Senators Daines and Sheehy to stop minerals like
palladium being imported by Russia.
o Ryan asked for funding support that is helping DOL help people who are laid off.
o Joel mentioned the EDA Partnership Planning Grant and the need Beartooth has
for that to be funded for economic development.
o Their office is always open to assist us.
• Wesley DeGiulio (Sen. Sheehy)
o Senator Sheehy‘s aerial firefighting enhancement act passed Senate and will allow
for a quicker and easier process to fight wildfires.
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o He and others introduced the Fix our Forest Act – to centralize and simplify
wildland fire response. Too many different groups currently handle the
firefighting, states arguing over fires crossing borders, etc.
o All congressional spending projects are in, about 30 total. Each will be submitted
into the Appropriations Committee in the next couple weeks and voted on
probably in mid-fall.
o Email or call Wes with anything to pass on to the Senator.
Treasurer/Financial Reports
• P. 14: where Beartooth books are sitting right now.
o A couple programs have funds defunded or exhausted
DEQ EJ Grant
Hardin RCDI is closed
Specialty Crop is exhausted – set to expire in September
• P. 15: RLF Funds
o 22 loans right now
o $2M is loan balances right now
o $1M available to loan out
o Closed 2 loans last month – one in Yellowstone County, one in Carbon County
• LOT of projects with Kayla and Lorene and helping each other out.
• Ryan said there are a lot of older business owners are ready to sell their businesses, and
there are opportunities there.
• ACTION: Melanie Roe motioned to approved the Beartooth Books and RLF as
presented; Dan Lowe seconded. Motion carried.
Personnel Handbook Review
• Ryan and Joel have been working on the handbook. Take a look and let Joel know if you
have any suggestions or you want to help with the updates.
• Adding new issues like the use of AI, security, etc. Cleanup of what is already in there.
Approval of Fiscal Sponsorship Fee
• We had a request from a community who was going to raise up to $1 million and we
decided we would need a fiscal sponsorship fee. Myrna and Nan developed an agreement
and a policy. The group decided to go with RLACF instead, but we want to be prepared for
future requests.
• Federal vs. State or local requests make a difference in the work load.
• We are already over the audit threshold.
• Mike mentioned concern of Beartooth being liable in these circumstances. Perhaps add that
language to the policy.
ACTION: Lawrence Killsback motioned to approve the policy with the modification of each
request being sent to the Executive Committee, who is authorized to designate the fee or
percentage to be charged on a case-by-case basis. Melanie Roe seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
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May 2025 Beartooth Books
2025 Income 2025 % of budgeted
Budget Actual
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 60,000 15,000 25.00%
Specialty Crop Block 58,166 4,146 7.13%
FARM TO SCHOOL 1,200 0.00%
REAP 5,000 0.00%
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 56,979 43,136 75.71%
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 450 239 53.04%
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,300 3,610 109.40%
DEQ-EJ 36,500 4,280 11.73%
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 3,260 65.20%
RLF- RMAP 12,500 11,526 92.21%
BROWNFIELD 19,250 7,917 41.13%
CRDC 82,269 20,567 25.00%
EDA - GRANT 70,000 17,500 25.00%
RCAC 25,000 5,115 20.46%
RCDI( Hardin) 4,800 3,002 62.54%
RCDI ( Red Lodge) 4,800 1,475 30.74%
Pass- Through 96,945
Restricted SSBCI & Loan Interest 40,511
445,214 278,228
Expenses for 2025
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 275,000 96,255 35.00%
COMMUNICATIONS 12,000 3,842 32.01%
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 9,000 1,545 0.56%
CONTRACTUAL 15,000 96,210 641.40%
SUPPLIES 10,000 5,286 52.86%
TRAVEL 20,000 3,302 16.51%
INSURANCES 8,000 7,356 91.95%
RENT/UTILITIES 12,500 1,000 8.00%
FY 24 Audit 28,000 0.00%
Restricted SSBCI & Loan Interest
EXPENSE TOTAL 389,500 214,796
55,714 63,433
Statement Ending: 04/30/2025
Checking Account: $169,431.46
unrestricted
cash
Restricted cash in checking for
CGWG & JOJ $10,777.73 $158,653.73
Savings Account: $71,979.52
Building Account: $4,488.53
*Defunded or funding exhausted
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Revolving Loan Fund Books ending - April 30, 2025
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loan Balances
Big Horn 2 187,668.35$
Carbon 3 481,728.61$
Stillwater 2 375,401.10$
Sweet Grass 1 59,223.50$
Yellowstone 14 949,613.53$
Total:22 2,053,635.09$
* Closed one new loan in Yellowstone County and one in Carbon County
* Interest in the RLF program remains strong, with noticeable activity in real estate acquisitions
and debt consolidation.
* The 2024 audit has officially begun.
Bank Balances as of April 30,2025 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- RMAP 166,306.21$ 166,306.21$
$250,000 (still waiting to be drawn down)
Bank of Joliet – RMAP LOAN LO 8,020.02$ -$
Bank of Joliet EDA 22,087.48$ 22,087.48$
Bank of Joliet-CDBG 145,792.65$ 145,792.65$
Bank of Joliet- IRP 679,686.61$ 679,686.61$
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg 52,696.04$ 52,696.04$
Available:1,066,568.99$
(RMAP waiting to be drawn down) 250,000.00$
(IRP and BSED waiting to be drawn down)721,250.00$
2,037,818.99$
Restricted Accounts Principal amounts paid back
FIB – SSBCI 2.0 $148,621.00 7,935.87$
BOJ- SSBCI 2.0 $79,651.50 13,466.95$
Drawn drown New funded:
Loans amount:$750,000
New IRP- 215,000.00$ 71,500.00$
New IRP- 67,500.00$ 22,500.00$
New IRP- 112,500.00$ 39,250.00$
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Staff Reports
Food & Ag Program (Joel Bertolino) – p .17ff
• Discussions with FADC and Dept of Ag on renewing our contract. We received an
additional $6,000 per year in new contract.
• Gaurav and Joel attended Lean Manufacturing training yesterday, along with many of
Joel’s clients. Great training put on by Lane Gobbs of MMEC at Rock31.
• Trying to put together some more trainings coming up.
• Rodi Farm – applied for VAPG to help them in transporting cut flowers to Bozeman, etc.
• Samurai Sue’s – was granted a total of $26,000 for marketing and equipment.
• Greycliff Mill – were not awarded their grant.
• Farm Box – BEP grant for food safety training.
• Yellowstone Valley Farms – still moving forward on expansion.
• Keeping list of businesses for GTA applications in fall.
• Becky’s Berries – she tweaked her mustard recipe a bit to increase sales.
• Rebel Head Kombucha – was at training yesterday.
• Toew’s Family Farm – assisted on VAPG application.
• Grindy’s Cheeseballs – received a BEP grant for training.
Brownfields Program (Nan Knight)
• We were awarded $460,000 a couple years back.
• 2 Phase 1s and 2 Phase 2s completed.
• Ready to start 2 new projects in Big Horn County.
o Tank pull at old gas station
o Old carpet mill off the interstate
Crow Tribe has received funding to turn carpet mill into recycling center.
o Still getting approval process started with Helping Hands Food Bank.
• Have expended $300K with $160K left.
• Red Lodge Urban Renewal District: We have arranged for KSU-Technical Assistance to
Brownfields Team is coming on May 28th and 29th to do a visioning exercise on the Urban
Renewal District.
Economic Development/CRDC (Gaurav Thakur)
• Enjoying visiting clients with Joel a couple times a month to better understand clients’ needs and
the support they need. Rebel Head Kombucha.
• Joel and GT attended Rotunda Day at State Capitol on March 31st.
• Reconstructed loan application form – can now be submitted online or printed.
• Created some infographics to visually show Beartooth’s impact to communities.
• Also working on CEDS. Attended EDA Conference and federal government would like more
from the CEDS to better help communities.
• MAP EJ Grants (Mountains and Plains Environmental Justice Grant) – we submitted an
application on behalf of Sweet Grass County and it was accepted, but then we got word that the
program was terminated.
• LURA (Laurel Urban Renewal Agency) Board: GT is on it in an advisory capacity.
o They are not currently a member of MT Main Street Community. GT is working with
them to show them the benefits of this and start thinking about. Application takes about
1-2 years.
• NADO Conference in April
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o Discussed PPG funding that has been delayed.
o After conference went to India on family emergency. Thankful to staff for all their help.
• Ryan thanked Mike Boyett for his insight into approaching a City Council with a lot of new
members and how to educate them and tell our story.
• Danny said that the City has a block during Strawberry Fest and can have a booth for free –
definitely for Beartooth and probably for other local government entities.
Operations Support/Project Manager (Myrna Lastusky)
USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) with Red Lodge Area Community Foundation
(RLACF/Angela Getchell, Workforce Housing Manager)
• Visioning Activity with the Red Lodge Urban Renewal Agency and Kansas State University-
Technical Assistance Brownfields team is scheduled for May 28 & 29.
• Signed MOU with Trust Montana, Roberts School District, and RLACF for First Right of Refusal
(FROR) housing model.
o $300/month maintains FROR. Fair Market Rent is $923/month.
o Working with Architect, Construction Supervisor, Roberts Water & Sewer Board, etc. and
going before County Planning Board soon to begin construction on first triplex.
• $131,000 Grant ends on Sept. 30th, but we plan to request an extension from USDA
USDA RCDI (Rural Community Development Initiative) with City of Hardin (Tina Toyne, EDD)
• Grant ended on March 31st. Final Qtr Report & Summary Reports submitted in April.
• 3 ½ years working with Big Horn County & City of Hardin
• $120,000 grant provided training, support, and 50% reimbursement for EDD position
• End result = 2 Economic Development Directors are now doing great work in Hardin and BHC!
RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Corporation) Grant in Columbus
• Monthly small group meetings continue as we work to make goals a reality for 2+ years.
• Stillwater County Chamber of Commerce support
o RCAC/Beartooth conducted a 3-hour Chamber board training on May 12th.
• Attended Governor’s Conference on Tourism April 27-29
o MT Heritage Center – opening in November
o Need a grant writer? Try www.dottedifundraising.com
o Help setting up a nonprofit? www.mtnonprofit.org
Regional Roundup
Martin DeWitt, SBA
• No lender relation specialists in the State, so that has been on Martin’s plate, also.
• No travel budget right now. Can’t be quite as responsive right now. If you want SBA to attend,
they do need to have a speaking role.
• National Small Business Week last week. 3 award winners in eastern MT
o Young Entrepreneur = Swanky Roots
o Women -owned Small Business = Billings Aesthetics and Dermatology
o Small Business Champion of the Year = Steve Arveschoug
• Made in America Manufacturing is a major component moving forward. Some grant funds to
become a Manufacturing TA Center.
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Mike Boyett, Billings City Council
• House value went up, taxes went up. State said our property taxes will go down, but to get there,
they are reducing the value of a mill. Other cities can float their own mills, but Billings is capped.
o Billings will lose $8-$9 million from this. Rather than laying off 100 people, State said
they can raise it up and violate their charter to the next year. Still short $2.3 million, so
will need to lay off people. Next year will be short $1.9 million. Vicious cycle.
o Need to go back to residents and change the Charter (so there is no cap) or the number of
mills they can charge.
o We are short about 18 policemen and may not be able to hire more. Feels like we are
moving backwards as a City.
o Might be a tough sell for Beartooth RC&D to ask them to continue their support with all
this going on.
• $1 million grant for trees went away, AmeriCorps Vistas went away.
• Groundbreaking for new ice skating rinks in public/private partnership.
• Broke ground for a rec center that has 4 gyms together – Southside TIF funds.
• 196 soccer teams came to Billings last weekend - huge economic driver.
• Amend Park and new City Hall building are great.
• Thanks to Beartooth for presenting at the City Council about all the loans we have in Billings.
Dan Lowe, Big Horn County Conservation District
• Aquatic Check Station is open. Rest area will hopefully be open again soon.
Holly Higgins, FIB-Hardin
• Kaala’s Village in Lodge Grass has opened. There is a huge need on the reservation to help kids
whose parents who are in drug rehab, incarcerated, etc. Mountain Shadow Association has created
Kaala’s Village to help these families – will include helping families build houses, have a
community garden, and more. Watch this 3-minute video to learn more: Going to Grandma's
House - The Story of Kaala's Village
Ryan VanBallegooyen, Dept. of Labor/Job Service
• Have remote reach to Columbus and Laurel to help impacted miners.
• Remember – the grant to help the miners is for secondary and tertiary impact as well.
• Can help pay for a welding certificate or different needs, work on resumes, help them hold it
together until they get called back, etc.
• Hoping for some support in federal funding to continue the work they are doing.
Kevin Mitchum, Sibanye-Stillwater Mine
• Impacts to communities due to mine layoffs are far-reaching. Columbus McDonalds just closed.
• Workforce: mostly replacing positions, and hourly positions are being called back. Some have the
opportunity to go to East Boulder, some haven’t accepted those positions.
• Budgeted manpower is what they need to stick to this year.
• 1st quarter we exceeded budgeted production, which is great. Trying to minimize costs and
maximize efficiency.
• Metal prices are stable around $950/oz. Need them to get above $1,000.
19
11
• Hard Rock Mining Impact Dollars – impacts from employees, contractors, schools, etc. to
communities.
Kayla Vokral, SBDC
• April was the Hive Pitch Competition – HS students to pitch their business and earn money. Did
pre-pitch training at Skyview. Last 4 years, every time we’ve done a pre-pitch, our kids win.
o Daniel Light won $8,000. His business made $21,000 the first year. Pays his friends
$20/hour to clean windows.
• Laurel Small Business Alliance Meeting – economic overview of Laurel and how to better sell
their Main Street. Provided some marketing plans to them.
• Veronnaka with Swanky Roots is a client, and she won an SBA award. Visit her!
• MSUB – Entrepreneur group was half MSUB and half from Portugal. Have continued that
partnership in working with those students. Very hard to start businesses in Portugal. Hoping to
bring one of the businesses to Lockwood.
• QuickBooks Training at library in Big Timber on June 4th 10-12 is coming up. Lorene and Kayla
are getting their QB certification, too, in order to do more classes.
• Partnering with Nan and Joel on many projects. Great partnership!
• Partnering a lot with Tyson and Brandi of Dept. of Labor on trainings.
• Expert Week: moving it to June 17-18. Opportunity for clients to have free one-on-one sessions
with experts. Great resource for clients!
• Super busy. Usually help 100-130 clients each year. Have served 103 already in 1st quarter!!
Lorene Hintz, Big Sky Economic Development
• Chamber had a Native American Conference at MSUB. Kayla and Lorene did Start Smart
training there.
• Steve’s retirement was a big deal. He was at BSED for 16 years, so it’s a transition.
• Better off in Billings does a Space2Place each year – grants to make spaces more beautiful
throughout Yellowstone County. 22 apps, gave out 7 grants this year.
• World Trade Center Day – partnered with people from WTC and had trainings and 140 people
and the governor.
• R&D Tax Credit Incentive – Paul is looking into ways to generate more revenue and still do a
good job and serve their people.
Tina Toyne, City of Hardin Economic Development
• Pilot Tourism Grant – making progress.
• PAR on Hotel Becker is moving forward.
• EcDev Strategy and Infill Refill and Redevelopment for Housing – 2 studies they are awaiting
results on.
• Submitting requests to MT Business Attraction for possible new businesses.
• Visit SE Montana Executive Board – working on new branding.
• Tire Shop reopened. New mechanic shop opened (Dave’s Place). Rent 1 Rental Equipment is
opened. New business opened called Love Bears All Things (misc. crafts & home décor).
Lumberzac’s changed hands and reopened as Hardin Building Center. DQ might open in July.
• Grand opening for Speedy & Flo’s Greenhouse just happened.
20
12
Lawrence Killsback, Big Horn County Economic Development
• Housing Needs Assessment gave us a playbook to follow, so we are starting on those steps to
create a Housing Working Group to develop a Housing Authority for Hardin/BHC.
• Glendive received Pilot Grant, and Lawrence feels some of their ideas will fit the Hardin efforts.
• Plenty Doors CDC and Lawrence put in an ORE application for a Workforce Feasibility Study.
• Hardin has land, infrastructure and workforce for the women’s prison, so they are hoping for that.
• County Planning Board is up and going after 3 years. Brought consultants in to move forward on
Growth Policy Update. Working on policy and planning.
• Working a lot with the Tribe to break down some cultural barriers.
• New DES Director is Buzz Coversup. Former law enforcement and great resource.
Commissioner Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
• Pilot Tourism Grant: going really well but have 100 things going.
• Housing shortage, and taxes will likely go up.
• West end development is slowly coming in, doing different things.
• Considering doing a historic district in downtown, zoning restrictions, etc.
• Van Haven – group of influencers who travel around in vans is coming for about 10 days.
• Problems with people putting in septic systems and not checking with sanitarians, etc. – trouble
with enforcement. E.g. campground went from 30 to 90 sites. Not applying for 310’s, etc.
• So busy!
Danny Choriki, Ubet Post
• Strawberry Festival is July 12th in downtown Billings. Beartooth and other government entities
can have a free booth there.
Meeting adjourned at 2:52 pm.
21
13
Beartooth RC&D Staff Project Updates
July 2025
Revolving Loan Fund Books ending - June 30, 2025
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loan Balances
Big Horn 2 186,120.10$
Carbon 4 479,803.02$
Stillwater 2 373,239.28$
Sweet Grass 1 58,455.81$
Yellowstone 13 936,501.87$
Total:22 2,034,120.08$
*One new loan was approved in Yellowstone County in the amount of $210,000.
*Beartooth was selected to receive a $1 million EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) award.
Bank Balances as of June 30,2025 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- RMAP 168,381.41$ 168,381.41$
$250,000 (still waiting to be drawn down)
Bank of Joliet – RMAP LOAN LOSS 8,025.02$ -$
Bank of Joliet EDA 22,591.39$ 22,591.39$
Bank of Joliet-CDBG 166,372.29$ 166,372.29$
Bank of Joliet- IRP 679,686.61$ 679,686.61$
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg 52,755.16$ 52,755.16$
Available:1,089,786.86$
(RMAP waiting to be drawn down) 250,000.00$
(IRP and BSED waiting to be drawn down)210k pending 511,250.00$
1,851,036.86$
Restricted Accounts Principal amounts paid back
FIB – SSBCI 2.0 $148,621.00 8,739.65$
BOJ- SSBCI 2.0 $79,651.50 14,961.29$
Drawn drown New funded:
Loans amount:$750,000
New IRP- 215,000.00$ 71,500.00$
New IRP- 67,500.00$ 22,500.00$
New IRP- 112,500.00$ 39,250.00$
Pending IRP-157,500.00$ 52,500.00$
22
14
June 2025 Beartooth Books
2025 Income % of budgeted
Budget Actual
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 60,000 31,280 52.13%
Specialty Crop Block 58,166 4,146 7.13%
FARM TO SCHOOL 1,200 3,335 277.92%
REAP 5,000 0.00%
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 56,979 43,136 75.71%
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 450 239 53.04%
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,300 3,610 109.40%
DEQ-EJ 36,500 4,280 11.73%
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 3,260 65.20%
RLF- RMAP 12,500 11,526 92.21%
BROWNFIELD 19,250 11,213 58.25%
CRDC 82,269 41,135 50.00%
EDA - GRANT 70,000 17,500 25.00%
RCAC 25,000 9,089 36.36%
RCDI( Hardin)4,800 3,002 62.54%
RCDI ( Red Lodge) 4,800 1,475 30.74%
Pass- Through 98,883
Restricted SSBCI & Loan Interest 56,535
445,214 343,643
Expenses for 2025
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 275,000 144,268 52.46%
COMMUNICATIONS 12,000 8,518 70.98%
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 9,000 1,550 0.56%
CONTRACTUAL 15,000 104,880 699.20%
SUPPLIES 10,000 6,364 63.64%
TRAVEL 20,000 5,393 26.97%
INSURANCES 8,000 7,760 97.00%
RENT/UTILITIES 12,500 4,290 34.32%
FY 24 Audit 28,000 0.00%
Restricted SSBCI & Loan Interest
EXPENSE TOTAL 389,500 283,022
55,714 60,621
Statement Ending: 06/30/2025
Checking Account:$95,109.95 unrestricted cash
Restricted cash in checking
for CGWG & JOJ $6,940.52 $88,169.43
Savings Account:$72,112.99
Building Account:$4,511.06
*Defunded or funding exhausted
2025
23
15
Economic Development Director Report (Gaurav Thakur)
1. Site Visits:
Red Lodge
• Civic Centre Parking Lot
City of Hardin
• Pilot Tourism Grant – Community Meetings
2. Brownfields
• Approved $1MM Brownfields RLF
• Assisted with creation of Work Plans
3. ORE Loan Program
• Introduction, awareness & outreach
• Application open date: 10-01-2025
4. EDA:
Partnership Planning Grant 2025 -2028
• Approved
Partnership Planning Grant 2022 -2025 Close Out Reporting
• July 30th Deadline
FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
• Carbon County - Dirt irrigation ditches
5. Good Manufacturing Practice Overview & Training
Location: Rock 3, 1201 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
Two sessions – Tuesday July 15, 2025:
o 9 AM
o 1PM
• Event Host - Beartooth RC&D
• Instructor - Claude Smith
6. Site Selector Web Tool – Commercial Properties
24
16
Project Manager/Operations Support Report (Myrna Lastusky)
USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) with Red Lodge Area Community
Foundation (RLACF/Angela Getchell, Workforce Housing Manager)
• RLACF was approved to start the full USDA 523/502 Grantee application with TA from RCAC.
• Roberts (Schuyler Commons): $300-$400/month maintains First Right of Refusal. Fair Market
Rent is $923/month for the existing bungalow; $975 for Phase I triplex units.
o Roberts/Red Lodge School Districts
o July 15th: Asking County Planning Board to approve construction on first triplex.
Big THANK YOU to Carbon County commissioners for waiving fees!
• Roberts Birch House
• Bridger property (6 acres)
• Old Memorial Hospital
• May 27-30: Visioning Activity with the Red Lodge Urban Renewal Agency and Kansas State
University-Technical Assistance Brownfields team.
o Good turnout to community meetings, lot of info gathered
o KSU TAB is working on final report & deliverables
o URA / KSU / Beartooth meeting on July 15
RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Corporation) Grant in Columbus
• Stillwater County Chamber of Commerce support
• Tourism team – mural by Rilie Zumbrennen (Rilie Tané Art) coming in late August
• Downtown Revitalization team – HS mural competition for NAPA building
Miscellaneous
• FADC Client communications & Job applicants
• Upcoming Brownfields National Conference in Chicago Aug. 4-8
• Joliet/Roberts Fire Dept. TA
• Rapelje Bike Fest: Sept. 12-14
25
17
Frequently Used Acronyms
BIA – Bureau of Indian Affairs
BLM – Bureau of Land Management
BRCD – Beartooth RC&D
BSEDA – Big Sky Economic Development Association
BSTF – Big Sky Trust Fund
CDBG – Community Development Block Grant
CRDC – Certified Regional Development Corporation
CEDS – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
CTEP – Community Transportation Endowment Program
EDA – Economic Development Administration
EDD – Economic Development District
FADC- Food and Ag Development Center
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
GPS – Global Positioning System
GTA- Growth Through Ag Grant and Loan
HOME – Montana Home Investment Partnerships Program
HUD – US Department of Housing and Urban Development
IRP – Intermediary Relending Program
LESA – Land Evaluation Site Assessment
MBOI – Montana Board of Investments
MDOA- Montana Department of Agriculture
MDOC – Montana Department of Commerce
MDOL – Montana Dept. of Labor
MDOT – Montana Dept. of Transportation
MDFWP – Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
MEDA – Montana Economic Developers Association
MMEC- Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
NADO – National Association of Development Organizations
NHS – Neighborhood Housing Services
NRCS – Natural Resource Conservation Service
RBDG – Rural Business Development Grant
RC&D – Resource Conservation & Development
RCDI – Rural Community Development Initiative
RD – Rural Development (a division of USDA)
RCPP- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
REAP- Rural Energy for America Program
RLF – Revolving Loan Fund
RMAP- Rural Micro entrepreneur Assistance Program
SBA – Small Business Administration
SBDC – Small business Development Center
SSBCI- State Small Business Credit Initiative
TIFD – Tax Increment Finance District
TSEP - Treasure State Endowment Program
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
USFS – United States Forest Service
LSL- Lead Service Lines
26
Food Manufacturers -- are you and your employees up to date on the
basics of food safety?
Federal regulations require that food manufacturing employees "receive
training in the principles of food hygiene and food safety... as appropriate to
the food, the facility and the individual's assigned duties."
This 90-minute course will provide you and your staff with education in the
specific requirements and overall intent of Good Manufacturing Practice,
which will help your company:
•comply with federal regulations
•prepare for food inspections and audits
•establish and maintain safe practices for your employees and operations
Thanks to the support of partner organizations, this training will be offered at
NO COST to food manufacturers. Don't miss this opportunity for essential
training!
History and purpose of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Personnel GMPs with examples
Operational & Storage Practices
Sanitary Operations
Sample GMP policies
Real world examples of GMP practices and determinations
Director/VP Food Safety
Maintenance Managers
Production Supervisors & Leads
Sanitation Supervisors
Plant Managers
Quality Assurance Coordinators & Managers
Safety Managers
Training Supervisors
Lead Technicians
Packaging Supervisors & Managers
Regulatory Personnel
GOOD
MANUFACTURING
PRACTICE
Overview & Training
CONTACT INFORMATION
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN:
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
Rock 31
201 N BROADWAY
BILLINGS, MT 59101
TWO SESSIONS
TO CHOOSE
FROM
TUESDAY
JULY 15, 2025
9 AM
TUESDAY
JULY 15, 2025
1 PM
is MMEC’s Food and Process Specialist. He has decades of industry experience with food manufacturers in Montana, as well as major national companies Pillsbury and Green Giant. His key areas of expertise include food safety, quality assurance, operations, and process improvements. Claude is a Lead Instructor for the FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule, as well as a HACCP instructor. He has designed and been Project Manager in the construction of two green field food manufacturing facilities, and has extensive experience in capital equipment projects.
CLAUDE SMITH
INSTRUCTOR
EVENT HOST
JOEL BERTOLINO
BEARTOOTH RC & D
jbertolino@beartooth.org
27
WYE
OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL ECONOMIES
LOAN PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
Strengthening Rural Economies
Through Partnerships
The ORE LPP is a flexible, state-funded
revolving loan fund to help sustain and
grow rural businesses.
By partnering with local lenders and economic
development organizations, the Montana
Department of Commerce shares the risk on
eligible loans, making it more attainable to
finance impactful rural projects.
At a Glance, the ORE LPP:
• Supports business expansion, job creation
and infrastructure in rural communities
• Leverages state dollars by participating
alongside private lenders
• Helps close financing gaps for projects that
benefit local economies
• Encourages collaboration between
borrowers, banks and economic
development organizations
commerce.mt.gov | 406-841-2748 | montanarelay.mt.gov (711) 28
How It Works
1. Borrower works with an enrolled EDO and a participating lender
to prepare a strong application.
2. EDO submits the necessary applications to Commerce.
3. If approved, Commerce contributes a portion of the loan to
reduce risk for the lender and support project viability.
4. Loan is closed and serviced by the lender; EDO provides
ongoing support.
Ideal for Projects Like:
• Facility expansion
• Equipment purchases
• Rural infrastructure
• Childcare creation
Clarifying the Program’s Scope
It’s not a grant. ORE LPP provides partial loan capital through
participating lenders. Borrowers must repay the full loan under
standard lending terms.
It’s not a direct loan to businesses. Commerce does not lend
directly. All loans originate with a bank, credit union, an EDO
that manages revolving loan funds or a community development
financial institution.
It’s not unlimited. ORE LPP funds are limited and competitive.
Priority goes to projects in rural areas with clear community impact.
It’s not automatic. Participation is not guaranteed. Projects must
meet program goals and pass due diligence.
It’s not just paperwork. EDOs play a crucial role — not just in
submitting paperwork, but in helping borrowers prepare, qualify
and stay on track.
Images courtesy of Montana Department of Commerce.
VISIT
WEB
PAGE
This document is printed at state expense. Information on the cost of producing this
publication may be obtained by contacting the Montana Department of Administration. 29
L O A N P A R T I C I P A T I O N P R O G R A MLOAN P A R T I C I P A T I O N P R O G R A M
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US
P U R P O S E
To assist in economic development for Montana that will
create good-paying jobs for Montana residents;
promote long-term, stable economic growth in
Montana;
retain or expand existing businesses;
provide a better life for future generations through
greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana;
encourage workforce development; &
diversify the state's economy by providing low interest
participation loans with a Participating Lender and/or
forgivable loans
O P P O R T U N I T I E S I N
R U R A L E C O N O M I E S
www.beartooth.org gthakur@beartooth.org+1 406-962-3914
E L I G I B L E B U S I N E S S E S
For-profit, nonprofit, cooperative and tribally owned businesses, Entities operating in
rural communities with measurable economic impact
E L I G I B L I T Y
Business located in Rural Communities. All of Beartooth’s 5 county region excluding City
of Billings
L O A N P A R T I C I P A T I O N
Participation in loan and collateral security
50% matching funds required (private investment or business equity)
Maximum loan amount $2,000,000 (two million dollars).
Working Capital Loans|Equipment Loans|Lines of Credit | Real Estate and more..
Forgivable loan options available in qualifying circumstances
P A R T I C I P A T I N G L E N D E R
Financial Institutions | Economic Development Organizations
managing RLF (Beartooth) |CDFIs
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File Attachments for Item:
3. Fire Monthly Report - June 30, 2025.
31
For the Month of:
Number of Calls Number of Hours
2
9
16
0
8
0
16
0
0
51 598
Training 1669
2267
Laurel Fire Department
June
Announcements:
Sucessful and Safe 4th of July.
Staffing has started.
Other Calls
Other Activities
Total Hours for the Month
Public Assist
Medical Assist.
Severity Staffing
Total
Wildland Fire
Alarm
Extrication
Other Rescue
Structure Fire
Call Type
DEFINITIONS
Structure Firefighting
A structure fire is a fire involving the structural components of various types of residential, commercial or industrial
buildings. We carry out all levels of Structure Firefighting, including entry and attack, ventilation, salvage, overhaul,
and investigations.
Wildland Firefighting
Wildfire,brush fire, bush fire, desert fire, forest fire, grass fire, hill fire, peat fire, vegetation fire, etc..
Extrications
Rescue victims entrapped in automobiles, machinery, farm equipment, buildings, and trenches, etc..
Other Rescues
Rope Rescue, Water Rescue, Ice Rescue.
Alarms
Respond to any false alarms or malfunctions.
Other Calls
EMS assist, industrial or aircraft firefighting, vehicle fires, hazmat, spills, public safety, investigations, gas leaks,
carbon monoxide problems, etc..
Severity Staffing-Montana DNRC pays up to 8 firefighters to staff the station each day and respond as a Task Force
to wildland fires within Yellowstone, Stillwater and Carbon Counties, as and when needed. They can also be called up
to respond to fires anywhere in the Southern Zone areas. The 2 State-owned type 5 wildland engines assigned to
Laurel are the ones primarily used for these calls. This has proven to be beneficial to Laurel as a means for a quick
response to all incidents.
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File Attachments for Item:
8. Council Workshop Minutes of July 1, 2025.
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9. Council Workshop Minutes of July 15, 2025.
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10. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of July 8, 2025.
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11. Park Board Minutes of May 1, 2025.
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12. Park Board Minutes of June 5, 2025.
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13. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of January 6, 2025.
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14. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of January 21, 2025.
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15. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of February 3, 2025.
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16. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of March 17, 2025.
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17. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of March 24, 2025.
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18. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of April 7, 2025.
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19. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of April 28, 2025.
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20. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of May 27, 2025.
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21. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of June 9, 2025.
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22. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of June 23, 2025.
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23. Cemetery Committee Minutes of May 20, 2025.
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24. Public Works Committee Minutes of June 16, 2025.
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25. Park Board Minutes of July 3, 2025.
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26. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of July 14, 2025.
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27. Appointment of David Gauslow to the Cemetery Commission for a two-year term ending
June 30, 2027.
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28. Ordinance No. R25-01: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules And
Regulations) And Repealing Chapter 12.32 (Trees And Boulevards) Of The Laurel Municipal
Code.
116
Ordinance No. 025-01 Amend LMC Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules and Regulations) and Repeal Chapter 12.32 (Trees
and Boulevards)
ORDINANCE NO. 025-01
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12.28 (PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS)
AND REPEALING CHAPTER 12.32 (TREES AND BOULEVARDS) OF THE LAUREL
MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to keep the Laurel Municipal Code current by
modifying and updating chapters, sections and subsections to address situations and problems
within the City and to remain in accordance with Montana law;
WHEREAS, City Staff prepared, reviewed, and approved the amendments to the existing
LMC Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules and Regulations) as noted in the attached and hereby recommends
the same to the City Council for their full approval; and
WHEREAS, since LMC Chapter 12.32 (Trees and Boulevards) is recommended to be
combined with LMC Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules and Regulations), City Staff approves repealing
of LMC Chapter 12.32 (Trees and Boulevards) in its entirety and hereby recommends the same to
the City Council for their full approval.
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after final passage by the City
Council and approved by the Mayor. This Ordinance shall result in amendments to the existing
LMC Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules and Regulations) and repealing of LMC Chapter 12.32 (Trees
and Boulevards).
Introduced and passed on first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 8th
day of July 2025, upon Motion by Council Member Canape.
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Laurel City Council on second reading on the 22nd day of
July 2025, upon Motion by Council Member _____.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR on the 22nd day of July 2025.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
117
Title 12 - STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES
Chapter 12.28 PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS AND TREES AND BOULEVARDS*
Chapter 12.32 TREES AND BOULEVARDS*
Laurel, Montana, Code of Ordinances Created: 2024-09-18 09:00:09 [EST]
(Supp. No. 22)
Page 1 of 8
Chapter 12.28 PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS AND TREES AND BOULEVARDS*
Sections:
12.28.010 Creation and establishment of a cityCity park boardPark and Tree Board.
There is created and established an advisory board to the cityCity councilCouncil that shall be known as the
park boardPark and Tree Board for the cityCity of Laurel ("Board") which shall consist of seven five to nine
members who shall constitute three sitting members of the city council and four members at large who must
reside in the cityCity or who must live within two miles thereof. These members shall consist of at least three
sitting members of the City Council and the remainder of members at large. The mayorMayor shall appoint all
members with approval of the councilCouncil. The members shall come from diverse interest groups including, but
not limited to, school teachers, club members, homeowners, business owners, park or tree professionals and/or
representatives from the cityCity government.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.020 Term of office.
The term of office for the members shall be four years. except that the term of three of the members
appointed to the first board shall be for two years and the term of four members of the first board shall be for four
years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be
appointed for the unexpired portion of the respective term.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.030 Compensation.
Members of the board shall serve without compensation.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.040 Operation.
The Bboard shall select its own officers (if any), make its own operational rules and regulations to govern its
meetings, schedule its own meetings' dates and times for the convenience of its members and shall keep a record
of its proceedings. All meeting dates and times shall be posted at CityCity Hall. A majority of the members shall be
a quorum for the transaction of business.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.050 Park boardPark and Tree Board authority.
A. The park boardPark and Tree Board of the cityCity shall have the authority and discretion to:
118
Created: 2024-09-18 09:00:09 [EST]
(Supp. No. 22)
Page 2 of 8
1. Promulgate and develop proposed ordinances, rules and/or regulations that govern the general use of
all cityCity parks with consideration of public input for presentation to the cityCity councilCouncil for
consideration and adoption by the cityCity councilCouncil;
2. Establish a proposed permit system to provide for an advanced reservation system for the exclusive
use of a cityCity park or cityCity park improvement by a person or group to be administered by cityCity
staff upon approval by the cityCity councilCouncil;
3. Prepare and adopt proposed rules or regulations governing or limiting the possession or use of
alcoholic beverages in cityCity parks by any person or group of people, including establishment of a
proposed permit and registration procedure for the possession or use of alcoholic beverages by any
group of people to be administered and enforced by cityCity staff and/or the cityCity police when
applicable upon approval by the cityCity councilCouncil;
4. Negotiate terms for lease agreements for cityCity parks or other cityCity park related improvements
with current or new users, groups or clubs on the cityCity councilCouncil's behalf. When completed,
the park boardPark and Tree Board shall present each negotiated proposed lease agreement to the
cityCity councilCouncil for approval and adoption by resolution of the cityCity councilCouncil;
5. Assist with the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and
shrubs in parks, along streets, and in other public areas; and
6. When requested by the City Council, consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon
any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work. .
B. All park ordinances, rules, and regulations promulgated by the park boardPark and Tree Board shall be
adopted by the cityCity councilCouncil upon recommendation by the park boardPark and Tree Board
pursuant to this section. All rules, regulations, and/or ordinances adopted hereunder shall be posted in a
public place at each park affected thereby or be available at the office of the cityCity Cclerk-Ttreasurer. The
Park and Tree Board may conduct tree inventory analysis within its discretion.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.060 Park hours.
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, all cityCity parks shall be closed from ten p.m. until six a.m. each night.
B. No person shall remain in or upon any cityCity park during closed hours.
C. This section shall not apply to the overnight camping areas designated in Riverside Park. by the City.
D. The children's playground equipment commonly known as "Kids Kingdom" at Kiwanis Park shall close at ten
p.m. and reopen at six a.m.
E. Any person violating the terms of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as set forth in Section
12.28.100 of this code.
F. Applicants may seek an exemption to this section when applying for an event permit at cityCity Hhall.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
(Ord. No. O19-03, 12-10-19)
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12.28.065 Fees and charges.
The cityCity councilCouncil shall establish reasonable fees and/or charges for the use of the pool, parks
and/or recreation areas and facilities owned by the cityCity by annual resolution after a public hearing.
(Ord. 07-06 (part), 2007: Ord. 06-04 (part), 2006)
12.28.070 Use of tennis courts restricted.
A. CityCity tennis courts shall be used only for the practice and playing of tennis. All other activities are
prohibited on all cityCity tennis courts. No person shall use or occupy any cityCity tennis court or any part
thereof for any purpose other than the playing or practicing of tennis.
B. Any person violating the terms of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding one
hundred dollars.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.080 Use of South Pond Laurel Lion’s Family restricted.
A. The following activities are prohibited at South Pond at all times:
1. Swimming, except for approved scuba diving and skin diving as set forth in this section; and
2. Motorized or power boating of any kind.
B. Scuba diving and skin diving shall be permitted at South Pond by advance permit only, subject to the
following restrictions:
1. Any person, prior to skin or scuba diving in South Pond, shall first obtain from the city a permit;
2. Permits granted hereunder are given pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 70-16-302(1). The city
shall not collect any fee for issuing a permit hereunder. The city shall not be liable for any accidents or
injury to persons or property derived from skin or scuba diving or related activities. Every applicant
must sign release and waiver of liability before receiving a permit hereunder;
3. The city shall not issue a permit unless the applicant first displays to the city a current certification of
diving qualification issued by a recognized diving training school affiliated with one of the below listed
organizations. Student applicants must be accompanied by a certified instructor at all times and are
subject to all other requirements of this section. The following organizations are recognized by the city
as proper certifying authorities:
a. N.A.U.I.—National Association of Underwater Instructors,
b. P.A.D.I.—Professional Association of Diving Instructors,
c. Y.M.C.A.—Young Men's Christian Association,
d. N.A.S.D.S.—National Association of Skin Diving Schools,
e. P.S.I.C.—Professional Divers Instructional College;
4. All permittees shall be subject to all federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to scuba
diving and skin diving;
5. Any permit issued hereunder may be revoked at any time by city police officers, with or without cause.
Divers shall immediately leave the pond upon demand of any police officer.
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BC. Any person who violates any of the terms or provisions of this section shall, upon conviction therefore, be
punished in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.36.010 of this code.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.090 Use of motor vehicles restricted.*
A. No person shall drive or otherwise operate any motor vehicle in any cityCity park except in or upon
gravelledgraveled or paved parking areas.
B. This chapter shall not apply to cityCity vehicles in the regular operation and conduct of cityCity business or to
construction or maintenance vehicles belonging to any contractor performing any work for the cityCity in any
cityCity park.
C. Users of Riverside Park, however, may operate vehicles only upon designated, defined roadways therein.
D. Any violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable as provided in Section 1.36.010 of
this code.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
* There were two sections numbered 16.02.020 added to the Laurel prior code.
12.28.100 Violation—Penalty.
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter for which another penalty has not been specifically
provided shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished as set forth in Section 1.36.010 of this code.
B. Any person violating any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted by the park committee pursuant to this
chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not to be less than fifty dollars nor more than
five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
(Ord. 06-08 (part), 2006)
12.28.100 Tree species to be planted.
The City Park and Tree Board shall develop and maintain a list of desirable trees for planting along streets in
three size classes, based on mature height: small (under twenty feet), medium (twenty to forty feet) and large
(over forty feet). Efforts shall be made to ensure a sufficient diversity of tree species. Lists of prohibited trees or
trees not suitable for planting will also be developed and maintained by the Board.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.110 Spacing.
The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the three size classes listed in Section 12.28.100 of this
chapter, and no trees may be planted closer together than the following: small trees, fifteen feet; medium trees,
twenty-five feet; and large trees, thirty-five feet; except in special plantings designed or approved by a landscape
architect.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
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12.28.120 Distance from curb and sidewalk.
The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curb lines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the
three size classes listed in Section 12.28.100 of this chapter, and no tree may be planted closer to any curb or
sidewalk than the following: small trees, two feet; medium and large trees, three feet.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.130 Distance from street corners and fireplugs.
No street tree shall be planted within thirty-five feet of any street corner, measured from the point of
nearest intersecting curbs or curb lines. No street tree shall be planted within ten feet of any fireplug.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.140 Utilities.
No street trees other than those species accepted as small trees by the City Park and Tree Board may be
planted under, or within ten feet of any overhead utility wire.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.150 Public tree care.
The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, plants, and shrubs within the lines
of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares, and public grounds as may be necessary to insure public safety or to
preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.
The City may remove or cause to be removed any tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or
which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gal lines, water lines, or other public
improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect, or other pest. This section does not prohibit the
planting of street trees by adjacent property owners providing that the selection and location of said trees is in
accordance with Sections 12.28.100 and 12.28.110 of this chapter.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.160 Pruning standards.
All tree pruning on public property shall conform to the ANSI A300 standards for tree care operations.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.170 Tree topping.
It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or City department to top any street tree, park
tree, or other tree on public property. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than
three inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure
the tree. Crown reduction by a qualified arborist may be substituted, where appropriate. Trees severely damaged
by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices
are impractical may be exempted from this chapter at the determination of the City Park and Tree Board. The City
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Park and Tree Board retains discretion to determine appropriate tree topping, and the Board is granted authority
to seek the City’s intervention to impose penalties for unlawful tree topping.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.180 Pruning and corner clearance.
Every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the City shall prune the branches so
that such branches shall not severely obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street
intersection, and so that there shall be a clear space of thirteen feet above street surface or eight feet above the
sidewalk surface. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs,
which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The City shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on
private property when it interferes with the proper spread of light along the street from a street light, or interferes
with visibility of any traffic control device or sign or sight triangle at intersections.
Tree limbs that grow near high voltage electrical conductors shall be maintained clear of such conductors by
the electric utility company in compliance with any applicable franchise agreements.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.190 Dead or diseased tree removal on private property.
The City shall have the right to cause the removal of any dead or diseased trees on private property within
the City, when such trees constitute a hazard to life and property, or harbor insects or disease which constitute a
potential threat to other trees within the City. The City will notify in writing the owners of such trees. Removal
shall be done by said owners at their own expense within sixty days after the date of service of notice. In the event
of failure of owners to comply with such provisions, the City shall have the authority to remove such trees and
charge the cost of removal on the owner's property tax notice.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.200 Protection of trees.
In order to maintain the overall forest, reasonable efforts shall be made to replace trees that are removed
and to protect quality trees that are endangered.
Trees of desirable species and good health shall be protected as much as possible from damage during
construction, sidewalk repair, utilities work above and below ground, and other similar activities. The zone of
protection shall include the ground beneath the canopy of the tree.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.210 Interference with the City Park and Tree Board.
It shall be unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the City of Laurel, its City Park and Tree
Board, or any of its agents while engaging in and about the planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying, or
removing of any street trees, park trees, or trees, as authorized by this chapter.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)Formatted: Space Before: 2 pt, After: 12 pt
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12.28.220 Authority of adjoining property owner to plant or care for trees on boulevard or
parkways.
Permission is given to the owners of real estate to improve their premises by planting trees and properly
caring for trees in the boulevards adjoining their property consistent with the terms of this Section. Such trees
shall in no case interfere with the full use of the streets for public purposes, and no person shall plant any tree
within the limits of any parkway, street, or alley in the City without having first obtained a written permit from the
City.
It shall be the duty of any property owner to make request in writing to the City, stating the variety and
precise location of each tree proposed to be planted. The permit shall specify location and variety of each tree.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.230 Removal, cutting and injury.
No person shall remove, destroy, cut, deface or in any way injure or interfere with any street or park tree
without a permit from the City .
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.240 Interference with trees by house mover, permit required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to move any building along any street, avenue or alley in the City, in such a
way as to interfere with or injure any tree or shrub in any street, avenue, alley or public place, including parks and
parkways, without a written permit obtained from the City Park and Tree Board. The application for such permit,
and the permit issued, shall specify the particular building and the particular route to be followed.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.250 Procedure for temporary removal.
All moving of trees and shrubs made necessary by moving of buildings or any other purpose shall be done
under supervision of the City , at the expense of the owners of the buildings, or the party requesting the same.
Should such moving cause the death of the tree, the owner of the buildings or the party requesting the temporary
removal, at his own expense, shall replace the same under the supervision of the City .
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.260 Insects and diseases—Declared nuisance.
All insect pests and diseases known to be injurious to fruit, shade, and ornamental trees and shrubs, and all
trees, shrubs and vegetable growth infested or infected therewith constitute a menace, and are hereby declared to
be a common nuisance.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
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12.28.270 Spraying.
Every person who is owner or in possession or control or management of any lot, block or parcel of land
upon which there are any fruit, shade or ornamental trees or shrubs which are infested or infected with any insect
pests or diseases known to be injurious to such fruit, shade or ornamental trees or shrubs, shall, within three days,
upon written notice of the City , spray or cause the same to be sprayed in such manner and with some insecticide
designated by the City. Any person failing to comply with any such notice shall be deemed guilty of maintaining a
nuisance.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.280 Review by the City Council.
The City Council shall have the right to review the conduct, acts, and decisions of the City Park and Tree
Board.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
12.28.290 Violation—Penalty.
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter for which another penalty has not been specifically
provided shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished as set forth in Section 1.36.010 of this code.
B. Any person violating any ordinance, rule, or regulation pursuant to this chapter shall, upon conviction
thereof, be punished by a fine not to be less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or by
imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
(Ord. 05-1 (part), 2005)
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File Attachments for Item:
29. Resolution No. R25-50: A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To
Apply For A Loan On Behalf Of The City Of Laurel For Payment Towards The Purchase Of A
Fire Truck.
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R25-50 Authorization Loan Application(s) for Fire Truck Purchase
RESOLUTION NO. R25-50
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
APPLY FOR A LOAN ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF LAUREL FOR PAYMENT
TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
Section 1: Approval. On the 25th day of June 2024, pursuant to Resolution No. R24-
47, the City of Laurel approved the purchase of a fire truck. At the time of the passage of the
Resolution, the City had not yet pursued any financing options. The Mayor now wishes to
apply for a loan by and between Yellowstone Bank and the City of Laurel, in order to complete
the purchase of the fire truck, in an amount up to Five-Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No
Cents ($550,000).
Section 2: Execution. The Mayor is hereby given authority to apply for a loan by and
between Yellowstone Bank and the City of Laurel, in order to complete the purchase of the fire
truck, in an amount up to Five-Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($550,000).
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22nd day of July, 2025, by
Council Member __________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel on the 22nd day of
July, 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor on the 22nd day of July, 2025.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
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R25-50 Authorization Loan Application(s) for Fire Truck Purchase
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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