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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 11.04.2025 MINUTES CITY OF LAUREL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 04,2025 A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner at 6:30 p.m. on November 4, 2025. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: x Tom Canape Heidi Sparks x Michelle Mize _x_Jessica Banks x Casey Wheeler _x_Iry Wilke x Richard Klose x Jodi Mackay OTHERS PRESENT: Brittney Harakal, Administrative Assistant Kurt Markegard, CAO JW Hopper, Fire Chief Public Input: There were none. General Items Executive Review 1. EMS: Resolution-A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Laurel, Montana Awarding The Bid And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute All Contract And Related Documents For The Purchase Of An Ambulance From Apgar Ambulance. The City received one bid from Apgar Ambulance. This bid is for the truck that the EMS Chief presented to the Council previously. The request before the Council is to award the bid. Several fundraising efforts have been undertaken to support the purchase of the new ambulance. These include the recent spaghetti dinner, a commitment from Jersey Mike's to hold a fundraiser during their grand opening on November 19th, and donations from local businesses. Additionally, the Fire Chief has agreed to sell the old fire truck and contribute the proceeds toward the purchase of the new ambulance. Additional funding sources include the local option tax,which has been distributed to other eligible funds, and $40,000 allocated in the City's Capital Improvements Plan(CIP) fund. The City's Capital Improvements Plan also identified a new ambulance as a top priority for Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, tax payments are expected to be received soon to replenish the reserves. The Council questioned whether, if they award this bid, the City would make payment for the vehicle. It was clarified that payment is made at the time of delivery. Delivery could be reasonably quick. The vehicle was brought down to Billings for an event, so it is located nearby if Council approves this bid. The equipment from the old ambulance will be moved to the new ambulance. The Council asked for clarification that the vehicle is faulty, but the gear is still functioning correctly. It was clarified that it was correct. They are unable to find parts for the vehicle when it breaks down, but the equipment is still usable. The plan is to put the newest cot into the new ambulance and create a backup ambulance for when it is needed. The Fire Department is willing to sell both the old fire truck and the rescue trailer to help fund the purchase of a new ambulance. They plan to put the truck in a government surplus auction to get the best possible price. It was questioned whether the ambulance being replaced would be declared surplus. It was clarified eventually that this would be the case. However, it is very difficult to find parts for repairs. 2. Planning: Resolution- A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Laurel, Montana Awarding The Bid And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute All Contract And Related Documents For The Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project. The City received six qualified bidders. Earth Movers Excavation was the lowest qualified bidder, with a bid of$587,410. The highest bid was $880,791. All references have been thoroughly checked and received positive reviews. The 2n1 project that the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is working on should be ready to go to bid in the next few weeks. 3. Mayor: Resolution- A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Laurel, Montana Appointing A Special Prosecutor. The City Prosecutor identified a conflict of interest in trying a case. The City Attorney is not able to take the case due to a scheduling conflict. The Prosecutor has asked that the City assign a special Prosecutor. 4. Mayor: 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. This resolution grants the City the authority to sell both the fire truck and the trailer. Council Issues Other Items Next Tuesday is Veterans Day. The City Council will meet on Monday,November 1Oth, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The Budget/Finance Committee has also moved its meeting to Monday,November 10", at 5:30 p.m. due to the holiday. The next Tree/Park Board meeting will be on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting All Council Members present will be in attendance at next week's meeting. Announcements The Council Workshop adjourned at 6:48 p.m. Respectfully si pitted, ap Brittney Harakal 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.