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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 09.09.2003 MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Bud Johnson at 6:30 p.m. on September 9, 2003. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: x Lauren Van Roekel x Doug Poehls x Ken Olson x Mark Mace __ Gay Easton Daniel Dart Dan Mears x John Oakes OTHERS PRESENT: Mark Anderson Larry McCann Cal Cumin Jean Kerr Robert Smith Tom Kaiserski Matthew Steerey Ed Henderson Rick Musson Larry Tanglen Matt Erekson Robert Czech Linda Beck Eugene Tuka Cindy Henderson Roger Heimbigner Public Input (three-minute limit) Citizens may address the Council regarding any item of City business not on the agenda. The duration for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the Council will not take action on any item not on the agenda. · Robert Czech addressed the council. o Purchased a home on July 25th at 1316 Beartooth Drive o Contractor drilled a well in his front yard on August 22nd. o On August 24th, Gary Colley instructed them to stop installation of the well because it is on city property. o Robert had no intention of putting the well on city property; he figured the contractor knew where the lines would be. o Street is supposed to be 60 feet wide, but it is 35 feet wide. o The wellhead was put in eight feet past the curb to allow for a sidewalk. o Mr. Czech asked if the well could remain there, as he does not know of any current plans that the city has to put in any new projects. · In the event that projects were done, he would abandon the well. o He thanked the council for their time and asked if he could keep the well. o Mayor Johnson stated that a letter is being prepared for him. o Mayor Johnson stated that the best long-term solution is not to finish the well. o An effort will be made to educate the people that drill the wells regarding the boundaries. · Matt Erekson represents Patti and Eugene Tuka. Council Workshop Minutes of September 9, 2003 o Matt stated that they are in the process of purchasing Riverfront (should be Riverside) Park. o He spoke now since it was not clear whether or not he would be allowed to speak when the subject came up on the agenda. o The Tukas have paid $500 in earnest money, and he distributed copies of the receipt. o Matt stated that representatives of the city did not attend the meeting that was scheduled to consummate the purchase. o They are curious to know where it is at, and they look forward to hearing something positive about the date and what is happening under item six on the agenda. Rick Musson, Police Chief o Rick distributed a packet of three items for the council's review. o The third item, which was not on the agenda, was regarding a Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. · The grant is for $2,954.02 to purchase 13 vests. · The department needs 11 vests at this time at a total cost of $6,171.45. · The City of Laurel's portion will come out of the Asset Forfeiture Fund. o Rick wanted the council to know that a resolution would be coming for this item. o Mayor Johnson stated that the item should go to the Budget/Finance Committee. Safety presentation - AEM · No presentation was given. Economic development presentation - Cai Cumin · Cai Cumin stated that the current budget includes money to hire an economic development coordinator for Laurel to inltiatc the process of economic development coordination in this community. · The Laurel Development Corporation, which consists of council members, thc mayor, and other residents, is thc tool that thc city will usc to implement this. Economic development coordinators have been interviewed. · The Laurel Development Corporation interviewed Rocky Smith from CYNROC. o Rocky submitted a proposal and indicated that hc could start immediately. · Cai introduced Rocky to explain his proposal to the council, and Cai distributed some information. · Rocky stated the advantages of hiring CYNROC: o No office space is required; no office equipment costs; no time and expense in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and training; no payroll time and expense; no training time, learning curve allowances; no time and expanse associated with new employee moving into area. · The Laurel Development Corporation has also discussed the future nccd to hire a full- time representative. · Discussion regarding the RCDI Grant. o The grant would actually match the dollars that Laurel is providing. o A 75/25% match the first year, 50/50% the next year, and 25/75% the third year, and the fourth year becoming self-sustaining. Council Workshop Minutes of September 9, 2003 Rocky O 0 0 0 0 introduced Tom Kaisierski from Beartooth RC&D. Tom stated that RC&D has considered the proposal Laurel was on their list of communities to contact. The RCDI Program is a federal program with the US The RCDI application deadline is October 28, 2003. It needs to be a multi-community project in order for Beartooth RC&D would be the applicant for the intermediary to work with the economic developers. utilizing the RCDI funds and Department of Agriculture. it to be successful. grant and would act as the o An economic development entity in each community is required to administrate it. o Three communities, including Red Lodge, Hardin, and Laurel, are currently serious about this. Discussion regarding the positive aspects of the program, other available programs, and CYNROC's program that would help existing businesses in Laurel. SRO Grant - Rick Musson · Rick stated that the City of Laurel was selected to receive a three-year $125,000 grant for a School Resource Officer in the Laurel Middle School. o Grant would cover 89% of the officer's wage package the first year, 80% the third year, and 65% the third year. · Staff recommends that the Laurel City Council pass a resolution to accept the grant. · Staff recommends that the City of Laurel enter into an agreement with the Laurel School District to split the costs not covered by the grant. · Staff recommends starting the hiring process in order to fill the vacancy created by assigning an officer to the position. · Roger Heimbigner stated that the Laurel School District has seen positive results from the SRO Program in the high school and wants to have an officer in the middle school. o Unanimous consensus of school board members at their recent meeting was to place an officer in the middle school; it will be an action item at the next school board meeting. · Discussion regarding specific results of the SRO Program. · Discussion regarding scheduling a date for a joint meeting with the school board and the City of Laurel. o Officer Hatton will be asked to give a presentation. o It is hoped that Laurel Ford will provide a vehicle for the SRO again this year. · Resolution to accept the SRO Grant will be on the September 16th council agenda. Four 10-hour days - Rick Musson · Rick presented a proposal to allow the chief to work ten-hour days on Monday through Thursday. · Proposed change would include: o Chief- Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. o Sergeant - Thursday through Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. o Investigator - Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. · Discussion followed. · Mayor stated that it is a significant issue that needed to be reviewed very carefully. Council Workshop Minutes of September 9, 2003 Riverside Park land purchase · Matt Erekson stated that a meeting was held in July between the public works director and the Tukas. o Matt represents the Tukas in this matter. · Matt stated that a suggestion was made by the public works director that the park be sold to the Tukas. · A letter from the Tukas dated August 1st indicated that they were interested in purchasing the park. · On August 1 gth, $500 in escrow (earnest) money was put down and received by the city. o Matt stated that it is not clear where that money is at this point. · Mayor Johnson asked if we could change that issue. o Mayor Johnson stated that we would like to return the check so that that issue could be resolved. o Mayor Johnson then returned the check to Matt Erekson. · Matt stated that returning the check does not resolve the issue. · Mayor Johnson stated that we have no thoughts of accepting the check. · Matt stated that it is moot at this point, since the City already accepted the check. · Matt stated that they have the receipt and the commitment by the City to sell the park to them. · Matt questioned what needed to be done to complete the process of purchasing the park · Mayor Johnson stated that the question at this point is if the council gives direction for staff to proceed and pursue the matter. · Ken Olson asked if this type of action would take authorization from the council, and the mayor agreed that it would. · Ken asked in what position that would put the council. · Mayor Johnson read from the letter received from the Tukas on August 18th: O "This letter states our intent but is not a legally binding contract. Upon further investigation either party may change their mind. If the deal does not go through for any reason we will be entitled to our earnest money back." · Mayor Johnson stated that the issue was presented for council consideration and direction. · Doug Poehls, referring back to council discussions regarding the park maintenance district, stated that the city is not going to sell any of the parks until a parks plan has been completed. · Matt stated that he heard the issues presented. o Their position is that the public works director has offered the park for sale. o They have accepted the offer and paid $500 in earnest money. o In his opinion, the receipt from the earnest money accepted the offer and is more binding than apparently the city is currently thinking. · Mayor Johnson stated that the council has to give direction. · Matt questioned if he should ask Steve for a deed to the park or how he should get a deed to the park. · Mayor Johnson stated that, if Matt were familiar with city processes, and he presumed that he was, Matt should know that this sale could not be consummated without the council's approval. 4 Council Workshop Minutes of September 9, 2003 · Matt stated that someone has acted in offering the sale of the park, and they assumed it was with authority from this council. · Matt stated that, if the individual did not act with authority, some other concerns and questions needed to be addressed. · Mayor Johnson stated that the council is here and could give direction to proceed in a different fashion. · Matt stated that they would take it to the next step. Sign code review · Changes suggested by the council have been included in a new draft copy. · Mayor Johnson requested input from the council. · Doug asked for three copies to distribute to businessmen. · There was no further input. Executive Review · Dick Fritzler is interested in serving on the Planning Board. o Appointment will be made at the next council meeting. · Doug Poehls informed the council that he talked to Engineering, Inc., today regarding a platting issue of the Laurel Business Park. · Mayor Johnson explained a change in the workshop agenda. o The Planning Board meets on the first Thursday of each month. o Workshop agenda will be changed to allow for planning issues to be included on the next agenda after the Planning Board meeting. · Doug asked regarding the mold problem in the courthouse. o Mayor stated that it is difficult to sort through the technical issues. o Jean Kerr recently informed the mayor of a toxicity/workers' compensation concern. o Jean expressed her opinion regarding the mold and bat situations to the council. o Discussion followed. Eighth Avenue street pro.iect - Steve Klotz and Larry McCann · The Montana Highway Department will attend a council workshop on September 23rd. · Larry explained the current status of the 8th Avenue Project. · The project engineer had previously been instructed to find the water and sewer line conflicts in the project. o At a recent meeting in Helena, the highway department decided to £md as little in conflict as possible. o That statement has now changed the cost and outlook of the 8th Avenue Project. · Discussion regarding the gth Avenue storm sewer line. · Larry and Steve agree that the 8th Avenue Project should not happen until the State of Montana straightens out the problems it has created in the Italian Ditch. · Larry reiterated Commissioner Bill Kennedy's statement of three years ago: o If we want something done from the highway department and we want it done right, the city needs to send a representative to every meeting in this district. · The council workshop on September 23ra will be dedicated to the 8th Avenue Project. Council Workshop Minutes of September 9, 2003 Discussion regarding the City of Laurel's 1986 Storm Water Study, the Italian Ditch, and Engineering Inc.'s $500,000 estimate for the project. o Larry would estimate the project at closer to $600,000. Resolutions: · Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign Change Order No. 9 for the temporary water intake. · Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign Change Order No. __ for the water intake. · Larry explained the resolutions. · The city received a copy of the commitment agreement for the generator from Cenex today. o Cenex will pay half of the cost of the generator. · The bid for the generator is $284,000, and the city has $216,000 in contingency funds in the project. · Larry explained the generator change order, which included two louvers. · There will be a resolution on the agenda that will accept the generator change order. Executive review · Mayor Johnson said that items of discussion should be placed on the workshop agenda. Announcements · The City of Billings will host the League of Cities and Towns meeting October 1-3. o Early registration forms need to be submitted on September l0th. · The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new water intake is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. at the water treatment plant. Attendance at the September 16th council meeting · Gay Easton will not attend. · Air Pollution Control Board may be rescheduled for next Tuesday. Other items · Mayor Johnson allowed Deanna Riesinger to address the council. o Deanna stated that she was told that Schessler was asked to put up a wall. o John Oakes offered to comment. o Mr. Boschee told John that Schessler has responded to a letter to come forward with a plan to control the dust problem. o Mayor Johnson suggested that Deanna and John talk about the issue after the meeting. The council workshop adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Cindy Allefi,~tEouncil Secretary NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion by the Council. CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM CITY OF LAUREL, MONTANA Tuesday, Sept 9, 2003 SUBJECT: School Resource Officer Grant DEPARTMENT: Police PRESENTED BY: Rick Musson, Chief of Police PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT: >Inform City Council that the City of Laurel was selected to receive $125,000 grant to place and officer in the Middle School. >Grant is for 3 years. FINANCIAL IMPACT: >The first year the grant will cover 89% of the officers wage package. The second year the grant will cover 80% and the third year the grant will cover 65%. >The Laurel School district and the City of Laurel will split the remainder of the cost that is not covered by the grant. RECOMMENDATION: >Staff recommends that the Laurel City Council pass a resolution to accept the $125,000 grant. >Staff also recommends that the City of Laurel enter into an agreement with the Laurel School District to split the costs not covered by the grant. >Start the hiring process in order to fill the vacancy created by assigning an officer to the position. (We need to hire and have the new officer ready for duty before placing an officer in the position) U.S. Department of Justice Office of Communiiy O),iented Policing Servicex (COPS) Office of the Director .I 1 O0 Vermont Avenue, NW [Vashl'ngton, DC 20530 September 4, 2003 Chief Rick Musson Laurel Police Department 215 West 1st Avenue Laurel, MT 59044 RE: Graot for Laurel Police Department ORI:MT05602 Grant Number: 2003SHWX0155 Dear Chief Musson: It is with great pleasure that I write to infoim you that your department will receive a COPS in Schools grant award for 1 new, additional full-time officer(s) and 0 part-time officer(s) at an estimated cost of $125,000.00. This is an estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded to your jurisdiction for a three-year grant period. The grant award stm't date is August 1, 2003, which means that your agency can be reimbursed for salaries and benefits of additional officers hired after this date. Upon budget approval for the officer positions, your agency will be mailed the official grant award document that will provide the actual award amount for this grant. Once your agency receives this docume~t, please sign the award to officially accept the gra~t and return it to the COPS Office within 90 days. Failure to submit the signed award document in this 90-day period could result in COPS withdrawing your agency from the grant program and de-obligating your agency's funding from this grant. We are pleased that your department has elected to participate in the COPS in Schools grant program and look forward to working with you in a productive partnership to 5.~rther your community policing efforts. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact tbe COPS Office at 1-800-421-6770. Your Grant Program Specialist will be happy to provide you with assistance. Sincerely, Carl R. Peed Director