HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 08.27.2013 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
AUGUST 27, 2013 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson
at 6:35 p.m. on August 27, 2013.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Emelie Eaton _x_ Doug Poehls
x Bruce McGee x Mark Mace
x Scot Stokes x Chuck Dickerson
Tom Nelson x Bill Mountsier
OTHERS PRESENT:
Heidi Jensen Laurel Locos Representatives
Shirley Ewan Up with People Representatives
Public Input (three - minute limit):
There was no public input.
General items
There were none.
Executive Review:
• Proposal for minor league football team — Ken Blankenship
Ken Blankenship presented an overview of the proposal for the Laurel Locos Minor League
Football team. The presentation included information regarding the football team, the vision for
the team, the team's active involvement in the Laurel community, the economic impacts, and the
positive family friendly entertainment that will be provided. The official press conference for
the minor league football team is scheduled on September at at 3:30 p.m. at Pitts Pizza
Company. Per the press release, "the Laurel Locos organization consists of elite athletes and
staff members who are committed to success both on and off the field." A copy of the printed
presentation is attached to the original council workshop minutes.
• Laurel Jaycees — Proposed project
Mayor Olson removed this item from the agenda.
• Up with People
Jolien Roelandt (Belgium), Giselle Kuri (Mexico City) and Grant Hamilton (Denver) gave a
presentation regarding Up with People and their event in Billings on September 2nd — 9 After
20 years, Up with People is back in Billings, thanks to their community sponsors of The Scott
Foundation, First Interstate Bank, MSU- Billings, Billings' Kiwanis and the Montana Rescue
Council Workshop Minutes of August 27, 2013
Mission. Up with People was founded in 1965 and has been in existence for 48 years. Their tag
line is "bringing the world together through music and service."
Grant stated the five main components of the Up with People Program, which includes
international participants, world travel and host families, community service, global education
and the Up with People International Concert. This semester, 100 students from 20 different
countries are participating. The students, who are between the ages of 17 and 29, travel together
from city to city for six months and stay with host families each week and do all the aspects of
the program. Up with People's community impact in Billings will consist of 1500 hours of
community service next week at the Billings Food Bank, the Montana Rescue Mission, Head
Start School, Zoo Montana and Habitat for Humanity. The group will also present professionally
developed anti - bullying workshops at the middle schools in Billings. Students have the option to
earn college credits through Florida Southern College while traveling. Up with People has been
touring since 1965, and the most recent show called "Voices" has been on tour for the last year.
The overall message of the show is the irony of communication in today's age, meaning that we
are all connected by screen or by internet but nobody is truly connected face -to -face anymore.
The show includes twelve original songs that are unique to Up with People and each song has its
own message. There are international songs, including two songs from each continent, and
songs from each decade from the 1960's to the current decade. The most unique part about the
show is that all 100 students are on stage at the same time, so it is less about one person and
more about the entire group on stage.
Jolien invited everyone to attend the show at the Alberta Bair on September 6` and 7 at 7:30
p.m. The proceeds from both shows will go directly to the Montana Rescue Mission and the
Billings Kiwanis. Anyone can join the group for the community service days at
NA VS ithpcople.org/Billings.
Mayor Olson thanked them for their polished presentation.
• 2013 -2014 Preliminary Budget and Tax Resolutions
Clerk/Treasurer Shirley Ewan stated that the budget is done and ready for council approval. The
comp insurance, PERS, and health insurance were not included in the Management Budget, as
the mill levy had not been received. The mill values came in at $6,668 per mill this year, which
is $101 higher than last year. Because of the lack of new property tax, the city lost .31 percent of
a mill because the new property is down from 177 to 24 this year. The floating mills went down,
but the city receives $101 more per mill, which means the city receives an additional $15,000.
Since MMIA had a large reserve, they returned it to the communities this year. Comprehensive
insurance, which is liability insurance, property and vehicle insurance, went down $30,000 this
year. Because there is enough revenue in the fund, only 3.75 mills are needed this year, as
opposed to 17.14 mills last year. Overall, PERS went up 1 percent from 7.07 to 8.07, so two
additional mills were needed for the PERS. Group health went down from 38.9 to 23.9, since the
reserve was higher than needed. The mills for the fire disability pension increased from 6.5 to 9
mills.
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Council Workshop Minutes of August 27, 2013
The Airport Authority lost .01 mills but also gained because the amount of a mill went up. After
the floating mills were figured, the Airport Authority has 3.54 this year and had 3.53 last year.
The permissive mills went down .49 this year. Wages for non -union employees increased 2.41
percent. The public works union's pay scale is on page 40 of the budget document and the
police union's pay scale is on pages 41 -42 in the budget. The debt service schedule on page 46
shows the city's debt as of June 30, 2013. Page 47 shows the General Fund revenues and page
48 shows the General Fund expenditures. The police department takes most of the general mills.
Taxes provide 23 percent of revenues, charges for services provide 25 percent of revenues, and
intergovernmental revenues are at 25 percent.
Shirley encouraged the council to review the budget message on pages 22 through 30. Capital
outlay is explained on page 29 of the budget document. The Emergency Disaster Fund has $1.4
million to rebuild the south bank of the Yellowstone River.
There was discussion regarding the $250,000 that has been budgeted for a security fence around
the water treatment plant.
Chuck asked for discussion regarding installation of a security fence around the transfer pump on
the September 10 council workshop agenda.
Mayor Olson thanked Shirley for her diligent work on the budget. The city's reserves for the
General Fund are at 23 percent, as opposed to 17 or 18 percent in recent years. He stated that has
been accomplished only through oversight by Heidi and Shirley's work.
Shirley thanked Cindy and Cathy for assembling the budget books.
Shirley presented the tax resolutions for the actual levies. The resolutions include: the budget
resolution; the resolution for the 207.59 general mills for the city; Light District No. 2; Light
District No. 3; SID No. 111 on East First Street for an assessment of $5,877.00; SID No. 112 on
West Main Street for an assessment of $1,082.99; SID No. 113 on Southeast Fourth Street for an
assessment of $22,522.00; SID No. 114 for Elena Subdivision for an assessment of $9,600; SID
No. 115 for sidewalks on Fifth Avenue; and SID No. 116 for sidewalks on Cottonwood Avenue.
The city is trying to get SID Nos. 115 and 116 on this year's tax rolls. The bond resolution will
not be passed until October, so the bond resolution accepting the $191,000 from Montana
Municipal Coop will be done at the same time as the tax assessments. The total amount is
$87,500 for SID No. 115 and the total amount is $94,000 for SID No. 116. The annual
assessments will be determined soon. The resolutions for SID No. 115 and 116 were done by
Dorsey & Whitney this year, as they are proposed levies and not actual levies at this time.
The street maintenance assessment did not change this year. The city plans to spend $965,240,
with the assessment of $558,828 and $169,000 from the ROW fees in the General Fund. Street
sweeping remains at $17,640.60 and is in the street maintenance because it could not stand on its
own.
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Council Workshop Minutes of August 27, 2013
Three separate resolutions are for delinquent water, sewer and garbage charges that were not
paid and can be assessed on the property taxes and/or remain as a lien on the property until it is
sold.
• Resolution — Tactical Diversion Squad Task Force Agreement
Heidi explained the yearly agreement that the city signs with the DEA for the officer in Billings.
The council recently approved a short-term agreement that allowed the officer to get a promotion
and a vehicle to use. This resolution and annual agreement would allow the officer to continue
providing the service.
Mayor Olson asked Heidi if there are any staffmg issues going forward.
Heidi mentioned that the mechanic's position is open and a library position will hopefully be
filled in- house. She explained that the potential staffmg problem in the police department has
been made clear over the last two years. With the end of the COPS Grant in the police
department, the city will only be able to fill its obligation to support that officer for the $75,000
for one additional year, so there will be a layoff in the police department as of June 30, 2014.
That will require the chief to determine what kind of staffmg solutions may be needed prior to
signing this contract next year.
• Resolution — Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 27 — 2013 Rehab Project
Heidi explained that Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 27 is for construction administration
and post construction services related to the Cottonwood Avenue portion of the 2013 Rehab
Project.
• Resolution — Task Order No. 29 for a Water System Preliminary Engineering Report
Heidi stated that the state legislature does not meet in even numbered years, so it is the time for
cities to have its engineering firm prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for any large
infrastructure projects. In the last few years, it has been brought to the city's attention that the
water treatment plant sed basins are past their useful life and have begun to deteriorate to a point
of no repair. Great West advised the city to apply for some grants from the Department of
Natural Resources and other state agencies to fund part of the PER. The city was successful, the
grants have been awarded to the city, and Great West is asking the city to support their endeavor
at the cost of $85,000. This PER will not just be for the sed basins but will determine the city's
overall water quality and/or problem areas and how to go forward in fixing them in a scheduled
manner. The old PER was used when it was determined that the Fifth and Cottonwood project
was needed. An updated list would be important. Staff has met to figure out a way to budget an
infrastructure project in the odd years and to have the engineers work on securing funding during
even years.
• Discussion — Pipe replacement at the cemetery
Mayor Olson explained that the staff recently presented the Cemetery Commission with options
for the first phase of pipe replacement from the water intake off the Cove Ditch through the
easement across First Avenue and up to the cemetery. The second phase is the sprinkler system
for the cemetery, which was too costly to include in the first phase. Staff is reviewing pipe
bursting as the preferred option to extend the pipe through the underground service and up to the
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Council Workshop Minutes of August 27, 2013
cemetery. The staffs recommendation included continuing 3 -phase from the east side of First
Avenue underneath through the boring hole over to the pump station to supply power for a
variable frequency drive loader. Yellowstone Valley Electric gave a bid of $17,000 for that and
it will cost another $16,000 to rewind the 20 hp motor at the site. The Cemetery Commission
asked the staff to get the information and to present the best option to the council.
Scot stated that doing the pipe bursting would be the most responsible way. The Cemetery
Commission wants to get the project going and get it done.
• Council Issues:
o Lease Task Force update
Heidi stated that the Lease Task Force has not met, but she wanted to give an update about the
buildings in Riverside Park. She recently met with two different agencies to get a rough estimate
for the cost to do restoration in the buildings, but she has not heard back from either of the
companies. She will follow up with them this week, but the task force will not be able to meet
until definite numbers are available and funding for the project has been determined.
Bill asked for the names of the two companies. Heidi will forward the list of companies
recommended by All Points Inspection.
o Update on 2011 Yellowstone River flooding event
Heidi spoke regarding today's bi- weekly conference call with FEMA. FEMA has obligated the
funds to the city. The funds come from the federal government to a local state federal office and
then the city is allowed to draw on the funds. Great West Engineering has been charged to come
up with a bid packet to go to bid as soon as possible and a pre -bid meeting is scheduled down at
the river this Thursday morning. Several contractors are interested in bidding the project. The
city would like to be in construction by the middle of October. Great West is also working to
finalize the amount spent on creating the diversion ditch back to the old intake. The city did the
work and is eligible for reimbursement, as the city received all of the permits for that work and
also for the subsequent work this fall. The city used the backhoe and rented an excavator, so the
costs for excavator time, fuel time, unsalaried staff time, and any other equipment costs are
eligible. The calculated costs will be submitted with copies of the permits to get reimbursed.
Great West was working on getting permits to put some rocks back on top of the weir. As the
water level continues to drop, it shows how many rocks have tumbled off the top of the weir and
that potential scour may have happened in the 17 -foot hole on the edge of the new intake. The
city applied for all of the state and federal permits. The Army Corps rejected the permit again,
so the work will be subsidized by the city. The city expected the permit to be denied, but the
Army Corps acknowledged that the city needs to have water for its citizens and did not give a
deadline to remove the weir. The work should begin in the next two weeks as the water level is
getting low. The boat ramp work has been finalized and the funds have been deposited into the
federal coffers and will be allocated to the state for the project. Great West has been working on
these issues and hopes to dedicate more time to finding alternatives to the long -term solution
soon.
Heidi explained that the diversion ditch has been cleaned out and the old intake is online. Should
the new intake become high and dry, the city can use the old intake until slush ice comes. If the
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Council Workshop Minutes of August 27, 2013
weir is built or restored back to where it was last year and the irrigation companies turn their
water of hopefully the water level will rise prior to slush or ice and the new intake could be
back online.
Other items
None.
Review of draft council agenda for September 3, 2013
The public hearing for the preliminary budget and tax resolutions is scheduled on September 3"
.
Attendance at the September 3, 2013 council meeting
All council members present will attend.
Announcements
Doug mentioned that the Emergency Services Committee reviewed the draft dog ordinance last
night and it will be presented to the council soon.
Bill stated that he appreciates the way Heidi keeps up with all of the information and that she
does a really good job.
Mayor Olson stated that he is glad somebody else recognizes the work that Heidi does.
The council workshop adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
64-f/, d-z (.C.c -,-
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for
the listed workshop agenda items.
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About Us
The Locos are Laurel, Montana's first and only Minor League
football team, we are extremely excited about the future of our
team as we enter into our 1st year of competition in the Rocky
Mountain Football League representing the community of Laurel,
Montana.
The Laurel Locos organization consists of qualified staff
members who are committed to success, both on and off
the field, an experienced sales and promotions team
including an experienced scouting and player development
firm. Our market niche consists of persons of all ages who
have an interest in a brand of football that is exciting, high
energy, and provides a great entertainment venue that is
family oriented.
With your support the Locos will become a household name
in Laurel and will develop a positive relationship with the
community and it's residents for years to come. Go LOCOS
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To provide players a safe, competitive, structured
and transparent team that they can be proud of.
A team that will offer them an opportunity to
continue their dreams of playing football and
move to the next level if they so desire.
We want our participants to be positive roll models
in the community and give back to the community
that supports them and to develop relationships
that will last for many years to come.
We will represent Laurel in a positive and
professional manner at all times and will bring
success to the community both on and off the
field.
0 LI r COM -
The Locos players and staff has volunteered countless
hours and dollars to help promote youth sports in our
community and surrounding communities.
Many of our coaches and players are actively involved in
the area's Youth Football Programs and various High
School Football Programs. We are also actively
involved with other community outreach programs to
help.raise funds and awareness for community
charities. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in the next
calencfar year for local charities.
The Locos will .also set up a Youth Football Camp and
Coaching clinics that bring in professional players and
coaches to help teach our youth the fundamentals of
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football in a fun, safe and positive environment.
As you can see, we will give back to the community that
has afforded us the opportunity to continue playing
the game we love.
E conomic Impact
The Laurel locos Minor League Football Organization will
have a sizeable impact on generating revenue in multiple
avenues for the City, School District and High school
sports program. Below is a quick look at how we will
accomplish this.
1. By the rental of sports facilities, that typically
would not be rented during that time of year.
(up to $5000 annually)
2. The generation of tourism revenue by bringing
out of town teams and their fans to Laurel
including but not limited to, Food sales, Fuel
sales, Hotel sales and various other vendor
related sales..
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3. We will help the Laurel high school sports program
generate revenue by allowing them to run the
concessions for all home games and we will not allow
food or drink sales by outside vendors.
4. Everything we can buy in Laurel will be bought in
Laurel including Promotional items, sports wear, etc.
Our marketing dollars will also be spent in Laurel with
local businesses
* *Over two - thirds of the fans that attend Minor League football
games are between the ages of 18 — 50 with an average annual
income between $30,000 - $50,000.
Sporting events are a huge draw for Laurel and with our `event" style
games there is a huge opportunity for vendors to generate
revenue.
Family Friendiy E
Our brand of football is exciting, has high energy, great
entertainment value, competitive and is great family fun.
Our game day experience will be like no other in Minor League
Football. We will provide a festival type event which will offer
activities for kids including bouncers, water games (weather
permitting), carnival type games including a football toss and
kicking game. Any of our sponsors that want to take
advantage of the opportunity can set up a "Booth" to sell their
goods or just pass out information about their products and
services. We may have some "Special Guests" from time to
time make special appearances.
As you can see we offer more than just a football game, we are
offering a positive, fun for all ages, football experience.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ken Blankenship - (Coach) 928 - 919 -2049
.Jennifer Blankenship - (Owner) 928 - 919 -4835
Randi Pugh - (Public Relations) 951 - 216 -0255
OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Join Laurel's first, and only minor league football team as we make our
big announcement and take questions from the media and public. We
will be at Pitts Pizza Company, September 4th, 2013 at 3:30pm. We are
extremely excited about the future of our team and it's impact in the
community.
The Laurel Locos organization consists of elite athletes and staff
members who are committed to success both on and off the field.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 4th, 2013 at 3:30pm
WHERE: Pitts Pizza Company 305 S. l st Avenue Laurel,
Montana 59044
Please RSVP. We will accommodate the media with the best seating and
camera locations.
8/27/2013
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- - er 20 years we're back
W elcome! Up with People in Billings!
Bienvenidos! September 2- 9, 2013
Sponsored by Kiwanis Billings, Montana Rescue
We 1 ko m ! Mission First Interstate Bank, Homer & Mildred
Scott Foundation and MSU.
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What is Up with People? International Participants
5 Components of the Program
l.lnternabonal Participants I l
2 World Travel & Host Families ' - $ $ $ * i ' ik h s t �-
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4.Global Educators I 11 a - • = ^t' •
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'Up with People is a global education organlzatton that is focused on bringing the -. ,
world together through service and music.'
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8/27/2013
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_ Glob Education
• Leadership
• Communication
• World awareness
• International and Culture Affairs
• Experiential Learning
• University Credits I
• Florida Southern College
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The UWP Show "VOICES" I . -4''' _ -
_.. Come and see the show
• September 6" and r at the Alberta Bair
. 114r ' 1 • 50$ VIP (Friday)
• 20S Adults
i • 151 Seniors/Children /Students IP ti ` • Tickets a ABT office or through ABT website
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8/27/2013
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Contact Information
Thank You! • Jolien Roeiandt x
— 720 -245 -4453
• GlselleKuri J
G ra \+ I a V ! - 303 353 -5972
• Grant Hamilton —
— Grant Jaanthpeople @gmail.com ' � j
— 720 50 -5823 RI
Dank u. I �N4;
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