HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 02.05.2002 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
FEBRUARY 5, 2002 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Bud Johnson
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Gay Easton
Dan Mears
Doug Poehls
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Cai Cumin
Larry McCann
Jan Faught
Larry McCann explained the recent assessment done by HKM Engineering on the water
intake. The study was done through Project Impact funding. The draR study was on the
agenda for the council's approval. A telephone conference with the regulating agencies was
held recently, and ail gave their verbal approval to the draR. However, HKM requested
written reports from the regulating agencies. The assessment from HKM Engineering
proposes a second intake. The format of the assessment was done to meet the NEPA
requirements of the State of Montana, which will be an asset as the city begins the
engineering phase of the second intake. The intensive document contains studies that were
completed by the Corps of Engineers, Burlington Northern Railroad, the State of Montana
Highway Department, and the Yellowstone Conservation District. Larry asked for
authorization to go out for requests for proposals for the design engineering for the second
intake based on this document. The $400,000 grant received from the Corps of Engineers
must be used by September 1, 2002. After selection of the engineering company, Larry plans
to have the engineering completed within two months in order that work could start in the
river by July 1~t. The original intake would also be maintained.
Betty Curry presented information regarding the Certified Communities Program from
Beartooth RC&D. The Certified Communities Profile for the City of Laurel has been
submitted to the Montana Rural Development Partners, which is working on behalf of the
Department of Commerce for the program. The Profile includes available properties, the
year-end report, and the program application. The resolution on the agenda was to complete
the application for certification. This is the beginning of the work with the Certified
Communities. An inquiry regarding industrial space in this area was recently received from a
development company in Illinois. Betty presented Mayor Johnson with the Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy that was just completed for a five-county region. Certified
Communities and the Economic Development Plan are working well together. A web page
will be developed for the community and will be similar to the profile. Thumbnail photos and
narratives will be included on the web page, which will be included on the Montana Rural
Development Partnership web page. Government officials and the state congressional
delegation will attend the presentation of the document in Billings on February 26th. Laurel's
City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of February 5, 2002
water, sewer and street projects are listed in the document, which would provide opportunities
for additional funding.
Tom Kaiserski and A1 Jones successfully submitted a Rural Business Opportunity Grant for
$20,000 to be used with a Certified Communities Program. They are looking at ways to start
the development of industrial parks.
Cai Cumin mentioned the agenda items regarding the six-month review of the day care at 313
Forrest and the public hearing for the Little Dude Ranchettes.
Cai distributed copies of the draft of the Laurel City Council Work Plan 2002.
The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary