HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 10.08.2013 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 8, 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
6:30 p.m. on October 8, 2013.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
_X_ Emelie Eaton Doug Poehls
_X_ Bruce McGee Mark Mace
Scot Stokes _X_ Chuck Dickerson
Tom Nelson X Bill Mountsier
OTHERS PRESENT:
None
Public Input (three - minute limit):
None
General items
There were none.
Executive Review:
• Resolution — Accept MDT Highway Traffic Safety Grant
The Mayor explained the STEP program to the Council. The City of Laurel is eligible for a
$10,000 per year grant for the DUI Task Force to work overtime to reduce the amount of
intoxicated or otherwise impaired drivers. The STEP program allows officers to work
overtime to apprehend these individuals and reimburses the City for that overtime. The City
has been involved with this program for several years and per Chief Musson, is doing an
excellent job. There were no questions from the Council.
• Council Issues:
o Lease Task Force update
The City is still waiting for an estimate on the cost of mold removal in the buildings at
Riverside Park. Until these estimates have been received and the mold issue mitigated,
the task force is at a standstill. Bruce inquired as to whether any business in the City
had responded to the task and whether the project will be put out to bid. The Mayor
stated that the businesses in town have been contacted and asked to give the City an
an estimate. The Mayor spoke with an individual today that is willing to give the City
an estimate. Bill inquired as to whether Alpha Omega had put in the bid for only the
bathrooms. The Mayor stated that they had put in an estimate on the complete project,
but the City is trying to get another complete estimate to assure that the City is
receiving the best price.
Council Workshop Minutes of October 8, 2013
o Update on 2011 Yellowstone River flooding event
The Mayor informed the Council that river rock that the Contractor is going to use has met
the State's approval and therefore the project may begin.
The Mayor informed the Council that a brochure has been placed in their packets that explains
the credit system for the mitigation process.
Great West Engineering has informed the City that a company named EcoAsset Management
Inc. will handle the City's credits that are assessed for work in the river. EcoAsset develops
the credits and sells them based on the work needed within the Upper Yellowstone Mitigation
Basin where the City of Laurel is located. The credits can be bought to determine where the
dollars will be spent on mitigation of the river. It has been determined by the Company that
the balance of the mitigation credits will be used on a tributary of the Yellowstone River near
Roscoe on the Lazy El Ranch. The Army Corp will oversee the entire process.
Other items
None
Review of draft council agenda for October 15, 2013
There were no changes to the agenda.
Attendance at the October 15, 2013 council meeting
All present will be in attendance.
Announcements
Chuck — Nothing
Bill — Nothing
Bruce would like to know the status of the East Main, Alder through Locust annexation.
Emelie would like to see something done about the weed problem south of Redneck Pizza.
The Mayor stated that the weed problem will be discussed with the railroad as the City negotiates the
lease of the property south of Redneck Pizza, for the water fill station.
The Mayor informed the Council that the City is negotiating with the railroad to lease that
property, as well as looking around for City owned property to place the fill station. The budget
currently has $250,000 available to build the station but is not sure, at this time, where it will be built.
Bruce mentioned considering the City owned land north of Foundation Subdivision. He
realizes that it may result in some increased traffic control, but the City already owns the land. The
Mayor said that property would be put into the consideration, but would like to see the fill station
located away from residential areas.
Bill inquired as to what the railroad was offering for the lease at this time. The Mayor stated
that they are requesting $14,400 per year. The attorney is drafting a letter to the railroad
acknowledging the cost of the lease per year and alternatives to that price.
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Council Workshop Minutes of October 8, 2013
Mayor mentioned that Matt, Sam and Heidi are at the League Conference this week and
Monica is at a MDOT conference, also in Helena.
The Mayor acknowledged the employees anniversary dates and encouraged the Council
members to thank them for their years of service, should they see them.
Recognition of Employees
• Nancy Schmidt — 18 years of employment on October 17
• Joel Sauter — 16 years of employment on October 11
• Fred Gregory — 6 years of employment on October 15
• Jeffrey Childers — 3 years of employment on October 20
• Justin Baker — 1 year of employment on October 9
• Daryl Kraiter — 1 year of employment on October 10
The council workshop adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Shirley Ewan
Clerk/Treasurer
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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