HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 08.07.2001 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
AUGUST 7, 2001 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Gay Easton
Bill Staudinger
Gary Temple
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Larry McCann
Mary Embleton
Ca] Cumin
Rick Musson
Steve Wegner
Duke Nieskens
Joe McClure, of Big Sky Economic Development Authority, spoke regarding business
development and community development. He stated that both aspects support what he
considers to be the crux of economic development, which is raising the standard of living for
people within the community. Raising the standard of living is done by creating jobs and
creating a quality place in which to live, work, and run a business. Big Sky Economic
Development Authority seeks to help small businesses grow, to help retain existing
businesses, and to recruit new businesses.
Three grant writers on staff are available to write grants for the county, other local
governments, and non-profit organizations for quality of life type issues. Big Sky
Development has worked on projects such as water and sewer projects, small business
development programs, and government marketing programs. The government marketing
assistance program helps to connect private business with government endorsements. Work is
being done to commercialize NASA technology in an incubator setting through MSU-
Billings.
Plans are being made to start an outreach program to the business community to make
business owners aware of the many resources that are available to them. Identifying the
strengths and weaknesses within our community provides information to attract new
businesses to the area. Mr. McClure distributed packets for the council's review.
Duke Nieskens passed around a deteriorated check valve from a methane gas compressor
system. Duke budgeted for 304 stainless steel pipes.
Gay Easton stated that the Yellowstone River is down to half of what it should be according
to a spokesman in Billings.
Larry stated that the city applied for permits to dig in the river. The required environmental
assessment is out right now, and the Corps of Engineers just started the paperwork. The
City Cotmcfl Committee of the Whole minutes of August 7, 2001
application is for a permit to put a berm in the river to push all the water past the intake.
Public Works is keeping a close eye on the situation and will start work in the river if
necessary.
Smokey mentioned that Red Lodge is changing the fines for high weeds from $25 to $250,
and he asked if Laurel could do something similar.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the $1.4 million FWP trail grant.
consisting of Gary, Ken and Mark was formed to develop future projects.
asking Big Sky grant writers for input.
A task force
Ca] suggested
The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary