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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05.15.2001MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF lAUREL May 15, 2001 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Chuck Rodgers at 7:00 p.m. on May 15, 2001. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Lauren Van Roekel Ken Olson Bill Staudinger Gary Temple Mark Mace Daniel Dart Bud Johnson COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Gay Easton Mayor Rodgers asked the council to observe a moment of silence in behalf of the family of Miranda Fenner. MINUTES: Motion by Alderman Staudinger to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 2001, as presented, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 7-0. CORRESPONDENCE: Department of Natural Resources and Conservation: Letter of April 30, 2001 regarding City of Laurel Groundwater & Salinity Management Feasibility Project. Montana Taxpayer - April 2001. City of Billings: Letter of May 2, 2001 regarding 2001 Landfill Users Summit Schedule; Agenda for Landfill Users Summit on Tuesday, May 15, 2001. Laurel Chamber of Commerce: Letter of May 3, 2001 requesting permission for a one-ring circus on June 6, 2001. Laurel Volunteer Fire Department: Letter of May 8, 2001 requesting permission to display fireworks and to conduct a parade. Deborah McGrath and Linda Varney: Letter from Laurel Middle School ACT Class regarding presentation at Committee of the Whole meeting at 6:30 p.m. on May 15th. U.S. Senator Conrad Burns: Letter of May 2, 2001 regarding reply from Army Corps of Engineers. Mayor Rodgers reviewed information that was received from the Olympic Torch Committee. The Committee plans to come through Laurel on January 28, 2002. When Mayor Rodgers asked for a councilman to be in charge of the project, Alderman Olson volunteered. At the end of the council meeting, Alderman Olson stated that Alderman Van Roekel offered to assist with the project. Mayor Rodgers stated that the information received from the Olympic Torch Committee would be distributed to the council. CONSENT ITEMS: Clerk/Treasurer Financial Statements for the month of April 2001. Receiving the Committee Reports into the Record. --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of April 16, 2001 were presented. --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of April 23, 2001 were presented. --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of April 25, 2001 were presented. Council Minutes of May 15, 2001 --City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of May 1, 2001 were presented. --Emergency Services Committee minutes of Aprii 23, 2001 were presented. --City-County Planning Board minutes of May 3, 2001 were presented. --PUblic Works Committee minutes of May 7, 2001 were presented. e. ResolUtion No. R01-23: Dedicating $15,000 matching funds for a Treasure State Endowment Grant of $15,000. RESOLUTION NO. R01-23 DEDICATING $15,000 MATCltlNG FUNDS FOR A TREASURE STATE ENDOWMENT GRANT OF $15,000. The mayor asked if there was any separation ofc0nsent items. There was none. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the consent items as presented, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7-0. SCHEDULED MATTERS: a. Confirmation of Appointments. Laurel Public Librarv Board: Mayor Rodgers appointed Katherine Kucera to a five-year term, expiring June 30, 2006, on the Laurel Public Library Board. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the appointment of Katherine Kucera to a five-year term, expiring June 30, 2006, on the Laurel Public Library Board, seconded by Alderman Olson. Motion carried 7-0. Laurel Volunteer Ambulance: Mayor Rodgers appointed Brent Peters as a Reserve Attendant and Rick Gallegos as a Reserve in Training for the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the appointments of Brent Peters as a Reserve Attendant and Rick Gallegos as a Reserve in Training for the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7-0. b. Darrell McGillen: FAP Park. Darrell McGillen represented the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Company regarding the creation of a Firefighters' Memorial Park on the land by the FAP building. The proposal was presented and approved at the Public Works Committee meeting on May 7th. The department's objectives for this project are to honor the firefighters from the State of Montana who have dedicated twenty or more years of service as a firefighter, to give Laurel recognition and honor for the memorial, and to promote tourist activity. J. Williamson presented the original idea for the firefighters' memorial to the fire department. The Company will raise and acquire the necessary funds to make the memorial a reality. Financing for the project would be strictly by donation and grants. Mr. McGillen and Mr. Williamson displayed the architect's rendition of the proposed memorial. Darrell suggested that the memorial park could become the courtyard of the City of Laurel if further expansion of city offices were done on this property. The LVFD has contacted Senator Bums, Senator Baucus, Representative Rehberg, as well as Ken Miller, Jeff Laszloffy and Dan McGee regarding support for this project. Governor Mattz was 2 Council Minutes of May 15, 2001 scheduled to be in town this Week, and the department had planned to approach her regarding the project. The LVFD proposed using this area for the project because it is close to the FAP building and the Fire Department, providing easy access for maintenance and security. The location of the park in downtown Laurel would promote tourism, and the city parking lot would provide the necessary parking. Darrell McGillen asked the council to consider Resolution No. R01-24 and grant the renaming of the FAP Park to Firefighters' Memorial Park. Mayor R6dgers stated that the area would not be renamed, as it is not presently designated as a park. The mayor stated that he was moved by what the Company is proposing, and he commended them for their efforts. There was discussion regarding the issue of future expansion of the FAP building to provide needed room for the emergency services facilities. The proposed park includes Lots 1 through 4 of Block 7 of East Laurel Subdivision, and Lot 5 is the parking lot area that is located by the FAP. Mr. McGillen stated that the triangular shape of the lots would not leave much space for a building after setback requirements were considered. The department plans to erect an eighty-foot flagpole to display a 20 by 30-foot flag in the center of the memorial park. They would like to install the flagpole and flag before the firemen's convention in June, but that is still in the process. The entire memorial park project would probably take two to three years. Alderman Olson asked how expansion of the ambulance and police departments would jeopardize the blacktop area. Darrell said the parking area in the rear of the building is used, but the parking lot is not used that much. Parking concerns could be addressed through diagonal parking, which Darrell said is working well in other areas of town. The present sidewalk is the buffer between the present facility and the proposed memorial park. Alderman Van Roekel stated that the drawing was excellent. He asked for further explanation of the original game plan regarding the purchase of this property. Darrell explained that the city received a first right of refusal on the property in order to have the first opportunity to purchase the property. When that option was exercised several months later, the property was purchased for $40,000. At that time, the Fire Department Capital Projects Fund provided the cash for the purchase of the propertyl Alderman Van Roekel asked about the vision and purpose for the purchase of the property. At that time, the property was purchased for future expansion. Alderman Olson stated that the majority of space in the FAP building is used for equipment storage for emergency services. Expansion of housing for emergency services is normally dictated by population growth, which is expanded through the number of hydrants and the need to house equipment at a substation. Darrell stated the need for a substation on the south side of Laurel to provide service to areas that might be blocked off by the railroad. Mr. McGillen asked for the unanimous approval of Resolution No. R01-24 and its amendments, as stated by the city attorney, to be named Firefighters' Memorial Park. Resolution No. R01-24: Dedicating the property at the corner of West 1~ Street and 2nd Avenue, east of the Fire, Ambulance, and Police building, as a park and naming it Firefighters' Memorial Park. RESOLUTION NO. R01-24 DEDICATING THE PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF WEST 1sT STREET AND 2ND AVENUE, EAST OF THE FIRE, AMBULANCE, AND POLICE BUILDING, AS A PARK AND NAMING IT FIREFIGHTERS' MEMORIAL PARK. Council Minutes of May 15, 2001 Motion by Alderman Olson to approve Resolution No. R01-24 with the amendments as stated by the city attorney, seconded by Alderman Standinger. Point of order made by Alderman Temple. Motion by Alderman Olson to amend Resolution No. R01-24, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Point of order made by Mayor Rodgers. Since the resolution was changed and distributed prior to the council meeting, approval is needed for the resolution as presented. Motion by Alderman Olson to approve Resolution No. R01-24, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Alderman Temple stated that his concerns are regarding the lack of time to plan and respectively involve the other volunteer organizations in the community. The ambulance service and the police reserves need planning and are good causes that should be included. He stated that this project does not give proper credit to those departments. Alderman Temple stated that it is an insult for the city to give up property after only an eight-day planning period without giving proper concern for the needs of the ambulance and police departments. Alderman Olson stated that Lot 5 would be available for future expansion to make room for other entities, and he voiced his support for the project. Mayor Rodgers stated that a positive idea of expansion is needed for the facilities, and the public has to pass a bond issue to get it done. He questioned whether or not the space for expansion was needed at this particular site and suggested that the ambulance could be separate from this building with a better facility. Alderman Olson stated that the Ambulance Department knows his position, and he agrees that their designated area is inadequate. He also stated that the expansion of the park is a good idea as it allows for various options for expansion. Alderman Van Roekel stated that the opportunity to consider the proposal was limited by the short period of notice. He stated that the plan looks great, but the time frame was too short. Alderman Mace stated that this entity has a great idea, wants to do something to benefit the City of Laurel through their efforts and money, and should be encouraged to do so. Alderman Staudinger voiced his support for the project. Alderman Dart stated that this project is new to him. It would not hurt to incorporate the views of the taxpayers into the project, due to the fact that there is pride in ownership. From the public side, a fairness issue should be involved by allowing for public input. Darrell McGillen stated that the Company discussed this idea for the past three or four months and addressed the Public Works Committee on May 7th. A time issue is involved because they want to present the idea at the Montana State Firemen's Convention in June. Cai Cumin stated that the process of putting an item on the agenda and having a public meeting does serve the function of a public hearing. A vote was taken on the motion to approve Resolution No. R01~24. Motion carried 5-2, with Aldermen Van Roekel and Dart voting nay. Laurel Volunteer Fire Department: Request to display fireworks on June 14, 15, and 16, 2001. Darrell McGillen stated the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department's request to display fireworks in Riverside Park on June 14, 15, and 16t~ during the State Volunteer Firemen's Convention in Laurel. Motion by Alderman Staudinger to grant permission for the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department to display fireworks in Riverside Park on June 14, 15, and 16, 2001, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 7-0. Council Minutes of May 15, 2001 City-County Planning Board recommends that the City Council adopt the changes as proposed to Laurel's Zoning Ordinance concerning day care facilities and miscellaneous corrections and revisions and that the City Council legally advertise and hold a public hearing on the proposed changes including the Planning Board's recommendations in the advertisement. Alderman Johnson stated that the Planning Board is asking for a public hearing on proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. Cai Cumin stated that it would be appropriate to schedule the public hearing for the second council meeting in June. Motion by Alderman Johnson to hold a public hearing regarding the changes as proposed to Laurel's Zoning Ordinance concerning day care facilities and miscellaneous corrections and revisions at the council meeting on June 19, 2001, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7-0. f. City-County Planning Board recommends approval of the temporary use permit for Bruno's Take Bake and Boil at 1547 Old Highway 212 South. Motion by Alderman Johnson to approve the temporary use permit for Bruno's Take Bake and Boil at 1547 Old Highway 212 South, seconded by Alderman Olson Cai Cumin stated that the applicant is required to post a $1,500 bond to the City of Laurel. A vote was taken on the motion to approve the temporary use permit. Motion carried 7-0. UNSCHEDULED MATTERS: Mayor Rodgers invited the council to be part of the Aviation Technology Week by going to the Parish Hall for a steak dinner after the meeting. The Laurel Jaycee BB Gun Team has earned the right to attend a national championship competition in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 29th through July 1~. The team needs to raise $6,000 for this trip, and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Mayor Rodgers will direct the Public Works Department to review the lease agreement between the Rifle Club and the City of Laurel. In the past, the Police Department and the Highway Patrol used the rifle range for training, but there is now a dispute regarding its use. Mayor Rodgers directed all City of Laurel vehicles to be properly labeled as such. He also stated that all city employees should abide by the law and buckle seatbelts accordingly. Alderman Johnson announced a joint council and school board meeting for Wednesday, June 6th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Laurel Middle School. The school resource officer and possibly the soccer field agreement will be discussed at this meeting. Alderman Olson stated that Alderman Van Roekel offered to help him with the Olympic Torch Committee project. Alderman Johnson mentioned a tentative trip to the City of Hardin to view their streetlight, sidewalk, storm sewer, and street pavements projects. Mary will check with the clerk to confirm the date of June 12th for this trip. Alderman Johnson thanked the City for allowing him to attend the Elected Officials Workshop in Billings last Thursday and Friday. Alderman Mace also expressed his thanks for attending the workshop. Mary Embleton briefly reviewed the Effective Meeting Techniques booklet that she received at the workshop in Billings. Copies were made and distributed to the council. Margery Price, a registered professional parliamentarian, compiled the booklet and presented the information at the workshop last week. Several of the ideas and suggestions would be effective tools for use with our agenda and council meeting procedures. Mary asked the council to review the booklet and return the order blank form for reference materials. Mary thanked the City for allowing her to attend the workshop last week. Council Minutes of May 15, 2001 Alderman Dart offered to represent the Laurel Volunteer Firemen's proposal for a memorial park to Governor Martz at a reception she will attend this week. Darrell McGillen accepted and thanked him for the Offer of support. James Knight, the president of the Laurel Rifle Club, asked when the concerns would be addressed. The use of the rifle range and the lease agreement will be on the Public Works Committee agenda on Monday, June 11th. Mike Zuhoski stated that the flags were flown at half-mast today, May 15th, in observance of National Law Enforcement Memorial Day. This is National Law EnfOrcement Memorial Week. Jan Faught informed the council of the call-out statistics for the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service for the first four months of 2001. A total of 163 responses were made, with seven being dual responses. The LVA consists of seventeen people, including eleven attendants and six individuals who are in training. Jan stated that the department is in need of a bigger space. She also stated that the firefighters' memorial would be a great addition to the city. Mayor Rodgers thanked Jan and the crew for their dedication and hard work. Alderman Olson stated his thanks for the ambulance crew. Mayor Rodgers mentioned that the two generals who are in Laurel for Aviation and Technology Week were amazed at what is offered and accomplished by this community. The generals were impressed that several area students have been accepted into the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. There being no further business to come before the council at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m. Cindy Allen, g~cretary Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 5th day of June, 2001. Charles G. Rodgers, M~6~ ~ Attest: Mary K.~/~nblet6'~, Clerk-Treasurer 6