HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 12.22.2025
AGENDA
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 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 December 9, 2025.
Correspondence
2. Fire Monthly Report - November 2025
3. Sparks Resignation Letter from Beartooth RC&D.
Council Disclosure of Ex Parte Communications
Public Hearing
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.
4. Claims entered through December 19, 2025.
5. Approval of Payroll Register for PPE 12/05/2025 totaling $309,075.15.
6. Council Workshop Minutes of December 2, 2025.
7. Council Workshop Minutes of December 16, 2025.
Ceremonial Calendar
8. Swearing in of newly Elected Officials.
9. Arbor Day Proclamation 2026.
Reports of Boards and Commissions
10. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of December 9, 2025.
11. Tree/Park Board Minutes of December 4, 2025.
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12. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of December 8, 2025.
13. Public Works Committee Minutes of November 17, 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
14. Appointment of Peggy Pollock to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for a four-year term
ending December 31, 2029.
15. Appointment of Cheryl Hill to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory of a four-year
ending December 31, 2029.
16. Ordinance O25-02: An Ordinance Amending Title 20, Chapter 02 Of The Laurel Municipal
Code Related To The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency.
17. Resolution No. R25-103: A Resolution Of The City Council Approving The Variance
Requested By Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores To Allow Signage Exceeding The
Maximum Signage Limit For On-Premises Signage In The Laurel Highway Commercial (HC)
Zoning District.
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 Community 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 which 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 December 9, 2025.
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2. Fire Monthly Report - November 2025
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3. Sparks Resignation Letter from Beartooth RC&D.
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6. Council Workshop Minutes of December 2, 2025.
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7. Council Workshop Minutes of December 16, 2025.
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9. Arbor Day Proclamation 2026.
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Whereas, In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of
Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees,
and
Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more
than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and
water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air,
produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and
Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes,
fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and
Whereas, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of
business areas, and beautify our community, and
Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual
renewal.
Now, Therefore, I, , Mayor of the City of
, do hereby proclaim
, as
In the City of , and I urge all
citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our
trees and woodlands, and
Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being
of this and future generations.
Dated this day of
Mayor
Dave Waggoner
Laurel
October 6, 2026
Laurel
22nd December 2025
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File Attachments for Item:
10. Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of December 9, 2025.
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File Attachments for Item:
11. Tree/Park Board Minutes of December 4, 2025.
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File Attachments for Item:
12. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes of December 8, 2025.
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13. Public Works Committee Minutes of November 17, 2025.
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File Attachments for Item:
14. Appointment of Peggy Pollock to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for a four-year term
ending December 31, 2029.
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File Attachments for Item:
15. Appointment of Cheryl Hill to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory of a four-year
ending December 31, 2029.
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File Attachments for Item:
16. Ordinance O25-02: An Ordinance Amending Title 20, Chapter 02 Of The Laurel Municipal
Code Related To The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency.
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Ordinance No. 025-02 Amend LMC Title 20, Chapter 02 (LURA)
ORDINANCE NO. 025-02
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 20, CHAPTER 02 OF THE LAUREL
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to keep the Laurel Municipal Code current by
modifying and updating Titles, 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 following amendments to
the existing LMC Title 20, Chapter 02, as noted herein and on the attached, and hereby
recommends the same to the City Council for its full approval; and
WHEREAS, the proposed changes to the existing LMC are attached hereto and hereby
fully incorporated herein. See attached revised LMC Title 20, Chapter 02.
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after final passage by the City
Council and approved by the Mayor.
Introduced and passed on first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the
22nd day of December, 2025, upon Motion by Council Member _____________________.
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Laurel City Council on second reading on the _____
day of ______________, 2025, upon Motion by Council Member _____________________.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR on the _____ day of ______________, 2025.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
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Ordinance No. 025-02 Amend LMC Title 20, Chapter 02 (LURA)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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20.02.020 Agency composition and term of offices.
The board shall constitute seven five voting commissioners, all of whom, with the exception of
the Yellowstone County and Laurel Schools commissioners, must maintain residency in the city
limits. For purposes of this chapter, residency is defined as either owning property, a business, or
maintaining permanent employment within the city limits. The initial voting membership shall
consist of one member appointed for one year, one member for two years, one member for three
years, and two members for four years. Each appointment thereafter shall be for four years. In
addition to the seven five commissioners, the mayor, with approval of the city council, shall
appoint four advisory members, as provided herein, who shall not vote but shall provide advice
and counsel to the voting commissioners.
(Ord. No. O09-04, 4-21-09; Ord. No. O12-01, 3-6-12; Ord. No. O13-01, 8-20-2013)
20.02.030 Commissioners.
A. Each commissioner shall hold office until his/her successor is appointed and has qualified.
B. A commissioner shall receive no compensation for his/her service but is entitled to authorized
necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, incurred in the discharge of his/her duties.
C. With the exception of the Yellowstone County and Laurel Schools commissioners, any
person may be appointed as a commissioner if he/she maintains residency within the city limits. If
possible, the preferred composition of the agency should include two residents of the district, two
city resident business owners in the district, and one member city resident at large.
D. A commissioner may be removed by the city council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or
misconduct in office. Misconduct in office is defined by MCA § 7-15-4240.
E. A majority of the commissioners shall not hold any other public office under the city other than
their membership or office with respect to the agency.
F. The powers and responsibilities of the agency shall be exercised by the commissioners
according to adopted bylaws approved by the city council. A majority of the commissioners shall
constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business and exercising the powers and
responsibilities of the agency and for all other purposes. Action may be taken by the agency upon
a vote of a majority of the commissioners (four three) unless the bylaws shall require a larger
number.
(Ord. No. O09-04, 4-21-09; Ord. No. O13-01, 8-20-2013)
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20.02.040 Advisory members.
A. In addition to the seven five voting commissioners, the agency shall include a non-voting
advisory membership of not more than four individuals. The initial membership shall consist of
one member appointed for one year, one for two years, one for three years, and one for four years.
Each appointment thereafter shall be for four years. Advisory members must possess a
demonstrated interest in the district, specific expertise and/or other qualifications necessary to help
the agency implement the renewal plan.
1. Each advisory member shall hold office until his/her successor has been appointed and has
qualified.
2. An advisory member shall receive no compensation for his/her services but may be entitled to
authorized necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, incurred in the discharge of his/her
duties in the discretion of the mayor.
3. An advisory member may be removed by the city council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or
misconduct in office. Misconduct in office is defined by MCA § 7-15-4240.
B. City staff shall perform the agency's administrative duties as assigned, until other funding
becomes available from alternate sources to hire and pay for permanent staff, if requested by the
Agency and approved by the city council.
(Ord. No. O09-04, 4-21-09; Ord. No. O13-01, 8-20-2013)
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File Attachments for Item:
17. Resolution No. R25-103: A Resolution Of The City Council Approving The Variance
Requested By Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores To Allow Signage Exceeding The
Maximum Signage Limit For On-Premises Signage In The Laurel Highway Commercial (HC)
Zoning District.
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R25-103 Approve Love’s Variance Request
RESOLUTION NO. R25-103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE VARIANCE
REQUESTED BY LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS & COUNTRY STORES TO ALLOW
SIGNAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM SIGNAGE LIMIT FOR ON-PREMISES
SIGNAGE IN THE LAUREL HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (HC) ZONING
DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel has adopted zoning regulations pursuant to §76-2-301
et seq., MCA, which establish standards for height, bulk, and location of structures including
outdoor advertising signs;
WHEREAS, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, the Applicant, requested a variance
from the maximum signage limit for on-premises signage in the Laurel Highway Commercial
(HC) Zoning District;
WHEREAS, the subject property is located at 415 19th Avenue West, Laurel MT (the
West Laurel Interchange), more particularly described as Westbrooks Subdivision, Lot 7A1,
Amended Tract 6A and 7A and a portion of Tract 5 less Highway Right-of-Way in Section 17,
Township 02 South, Range 24 East P.M.M.;
WHEREAS, the request is to install signage that will exceed the maximum allowed by
the regulations by approximately 410 square feet;
WHEREAS, the application was duly submitted by the Applicant on November 25,
2025, and the Laurel Zoning Commission held a public hearing on December 18, 2025, to
consider the variance request;
WHEREAS, the Zoning Commission reviewed the application, supporting
documentation, and testimony presented at the public hearing;
WHEREAS, the Zoning Commission, based upon its findings of fact, determined that
the variance request met the applicable standards of review for approval of a variance under
the City’s zoning ordinance;
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2025, the Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend
approval of the variance request by Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores to the City Council;
WHEREAS, the City Council considered this matter on December 22, 2025 at 6:30
p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Zoning Commission’s
recommendation, findings of fact, and supporting documentation, and determined that the
variance request meets the applicable standards of review for approval of a variance under the
City’s zoning ordinance.
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R25-103 Approve Love’s Variance Request
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, as follows:
1. The City Council hereby approves the variance request submitted by Love’s Travel
Stops & Country Stores to allow signage that will exceed the maximum allowed by the
regulations by approximately 440 square feet.
2. The variance approval is granted based upon the findings of fact and recommendation
of the Laurel Zoning Commission.
3. The variance shall expire one (1) year from the date of approval if the next logical step
in the development process is not commenced, including but not limited to applying for
a building permit, commencing the use, or applying for a Development Permit.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22nd day of December 2025
by Council Member _____________________.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana on the
22nd day of December 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor on the 22nd day of December 2025.
CITY OF LAUREL
___________________________
Dave Waggoner, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kelly Strecker, Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Michele L. Braukmann, Civil City Attorney
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CITY HALL
115 W. 1ST ST.
PLANNING: 628-4796
WATER OFC.: 628-7431
COURT: 628-1964
FAX 628-2241
City Of Laurel
P.O. Box 10
Laurel, Montana 59044
Office of the City Planner
VARIANCE REPORT VAR-25-03
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
Maximum Outdoor Advertising
December 19, 2025
BACKGROUND:
The City of Laurel has had zoning since the early 1970’s as authorized by §76-2-301 et. seq MCA.
These regulations set minimum and maximum standards for all lands located with the jurisdiction
of the City of Laurel. These regulations establish standards for the height, bulk, and location of
structures (including outdoor advertising signs).
The subject property was recently annexed into the City of Laurel and was assigned the initial
zoning of Highway Commercial (HC). The HC District imposes a maximum signage allowance
that were intended to mirror the maximum allocations under the prior zoning regulations via an
easier to interpret and apply standard.
The owner submitted a comprehensive sign package that was believed to comply with the
prevailing zoning regulations. Unfortunately, the submittal used the prior regulations formula
rather than what is currently adopted. The difference between the two methodologies is 408.53
square feet. The advertising analysis done by the Building Inspector is attached to and
incorporated into this report by reference.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
Westbrook Subdivision, Lot 7A1, Amended Tract 6A and 7A and a portion of Tract 5 less
Highway right-of-way in Section 17, Township 02 South, Range 24 East, P.M.M., City of Laurel,
Yellowstone County, Montana.
APPLICANT(S):
Love’s Travel Stops & Community Stores, Corporate Office
10601 N Pennsylvania Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
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AGENT:
Effective Images, Inc
Kevin Keup
1027 5th Ave NW
Watertown, SD 57201
EXISTING CONDITION:
The subject property is a platted subdivision within the City of Laurel. The property is
undeveloped and is intended to be served by public water, sewer, streets, and solid waste
collection. The propert y is 34.239 acres in size.
PROCESS:
The application for a Variance was submitted on November 25, 2025, and is scheduled for
a public hearing on December 18, 2025 by the Laurel Zoning Commission.
The Zoning Commission following the Public Hearing must adopt findings of fact and
issue a formal recommendation to the City Council on the requested variance. The Zoning
Commission may propose conditions or modifications to the request so long as the findings
of fact support the condition(s).
Those findings of fact and conclusions as well as the record minutes of the public hearing
will be submitted to the City Council for consideration, hearing and final decision.
The City Council will consider the Zoning Commission’s Recommendation to approve the
variance on December 22, 2025.
ZONES INVOLVED: Existing and Proposed
HC – Highway Commercial District.
o The maximum on premise advertising to exceed maximum by 408.53 square feet.
RATIONAL BASIS FOR VARIANCE:
“Variance” means an adjustment in the application of the specific regulations of this title to
a particular piece of property which property, because of special circumstances applicable
to it, is deprived of privileges commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same vicinity or
zone.
Findings of Fact: Standard of Review
A recommendation for Approval or Conditional Approval of a Variance shall require the Board of
Adjustment making each of the following Findings of Fact:
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1. Special Conditions
There are special circumstances or conditions that are peculiar to the land or building for
which the Variance is sought that do not apply generally to land or buildings in the
neighborhood; and
2. Not Result of Applicant
The special circumstances or conditions have not resulted from an act of the applicant or
been established to circumvent this Ordinance; and
3. Strict Application Unreasonable
Due to the special circumstances or conditions, the strict application of this Ordinance
would deprive the applicant of reasonable use of the land or building or create an undue
hardship on the landowner; and
4. Necessary to Provide Reasonable Use
Granting the Variance is necessary to provide a reasonable use of the land or building; and
5. Minimum Variance
The Variance is the minimum variance necessary to allow a reason able use of the land or
building; and
6. Not Injurious
Granting the Variance will not be injurious to the neighborhood or detrimental to the public
welfare; and
7. Consistent with Ordinance
Granting the Variance is consistent with the purposes and intent of this Ordinance. A
variance to the Allowed Uses of a zoning district is prohibited.
CONDITIONS
Conditions or restrictions may be placed on the approval of a Variance.
EXPIRATION
A Variance shall expire one (1) year from the date of approval if the next logical step in the
development process is not commenced. The next step in the development process includes but is
not limited to applying for a building permit, commencing the use, or applying for a Development
Permit.
Findings of Fact:
RECOMMENDATION:
The Zoning Commission (on a 6-0 Vote) recommends that the City Council APPROVE the
variance request to exceed the maximum outdoor signage in the Highway Commercial Zone for
the Love’s Travel Stops & Community Stores as presented in the sign permit application.
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