HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 10.28.2003 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 28, 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 October 28, 2003.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
x Lauren Van Roekel _x_ Doug Poehls
x Ken Olson x Mark Mace
_x_ Gay Easton _x_ Daniel Dart
x Dan Mears _x_ John Oakes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Steve Klotz Larry Tanglen
Mark Andemon Sheri Phillips
Jean Kerr Chris Shay
Gary Colley Rocky Smith, Cynroc
Joel Bamhart Tom Kaiserski, Beartooth RC&D
Cai Cumin Phyllis and Roger Bromgard
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.
* None
Economic development - Cai Cumin
· Cal Cumin mentioned that the council provided $20,000 to the Laurel Development
Corporation to hire or contract an economic development coordinator.
o Thc corporation contracted with Rocky Smith, Cynroc.
o RCDI, one of thc biggest funding sources, provides funding for economic
development administration.
· Program will become available in June 2004.
· Commits thc city to $100,000 for four years.
· Letter of interest had to be submitted last week.
· Issue is whether the city will continue to participate.
· Rocky Smith explained the RCDI Program.
o First year: City contributes $10,000 and RCDI contributes $30,000
o Second year: City contributes $20,000 and RCDI contributes $20,000
o Third year: City contributes $30,000 and RCDI contributes $10,000
Fourth year: self-sustaining entity
o Rocky thinks funding would be available.
* Rocky explained the RCAC, Rural Community Assistance Center Program.
Council Workshop Minutes of October 28, 2003
o Self-help housing program using USDA dollars
· Tom Kaiserski stated that the RCDI Program would work perfectly for the City of Laurel.
o Program requires grant funds to go to an intermediary.
o Red Lodge, Big Timber, and Hardin committed to the program.
o City of Laurel would partnership with Beartooth RC&D. who would hire or
contract an individual to work solely in each community.
o The program would be self-sustaining after the funding expires.
· Cai mentioned that the economic development coordinator was hired to get things the
city has been missing out on.
· Doug Poehls suggested placing a resolution on the next council agenda
· Rocky reported on the first two months of Laurel's economic development program.
o Major issues addressed are work force development and financing.
o A compilation of available commercial real estate was assembled and distributed
in California and three businesses have since become major players.
o Of the 38 Laurel businesses that Rocky interviewed, seven are now in the BEAR
Program, and eleven are slated to go in next month.
· Rocky explained the BEAR interview process and ongoing program.
Judge Jean Kerr
· Judge Kerr addressed the council regarding building concerns, Sheri's position, and the
judge's salary.
· Building concerns
o Jean presented a history regarding building concerns, complaints, and the present
mold/health concerns.
· Heating/cooling problems
· Rusty water in the bathrooms
· Temperature control problems
· Insects
· Mold
· Lack of necessary electricity for current technology needs
· Jean questioned the present solutions for the court location and stated her willingness to
participate in the process.
o MCA 3-11-206 states that the city shall provide office space and courtroom for
the court.
· Shed's position
o Sheri was hired as a half-time employee in July 1997.
o Explanation of the conflict of interest in the position and the need for the issue to
be addressed.
· Judge's salary
o Jean budgeted a salary increase to $28,000
o Jean made presentations to the Budget/Finance Committee regarding the issue,
but nothing has been included in the minutes.
o Other employees have received raises.
o Judge is on call 24/7 every day of the year and has to find another judge to be
available when she is not.
o Jean stated that the proposed change needed to be addressed.
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Council Workshop Minutes of October 28, 2003
· Sheri Phillips stated that Jean is effective and committed to the judge's position and has
community support.
Building reoort - Steve
· Steve explained thc Workplace Safety Order regarding elevated levels of several types of
mold in thc city court building.
o Copies of the information had previously been distributed to thc council.
· State's recommended actions are:
o Correct the water problems leading to the mold in the building and remove all
contaminated porous material.
· During this time provide employees with personal protective equipment,
including appropriate respirators and impermeable coveralls.
o Correct the water problems leading to the mold in the building and then remove
all contaminated porous material.
· During this time have employees work at another location until
remediation work is completed.
o Abandon this section of the building and move the employees to a new location.
· Discussion regarding the molds, carbon dioxide levels, and lack of ventilation in the
building.
· Discussion regarding a proposal received from Northern Industrial Hygiene.
o Proposal to complete an inspection to determine the magnitude of the problem,
the extent of the contamination, the source(s) of water intrusion and other
building related information.
o Would develop a detailed mold remediation plan for presentation to area mold
abatement contractors.
o Mayor will contact Northern Industrial Hygiene to complete an inspection.
Draft nuisance ordinance - Steve · Council reviewed the draft junk and vehicle ordinance at a workshop on June 24, 2003.
· The staff, police department, attorney, and Public Works Committee have reviewed the
issues.
· Steve explained some of the changes regarding occupying campers in the city and storage
of inoperable vehicles.
· First reading of the ordinance will be on the November 4th council agenda.
Fire Department - New bfllin~ resolution for rate increases · Gary Colley stated that it has been seventeen years since the department billing costs
were increased.
· Rates apply to non-residents of the City of Laurel and the established fire districts.
· Rates were determined on a cost factor in order to provide an equitable cost based on
services received by individuals who pay nothing for fire protection.
· Ken Olson applauded the efforts to increase the fire department's revenue stream.
Wastewater reserves - Mary (rescheduled) · Mayor wants the council to be more aware of decisions made in placing funds.
· Item will be rescheduled for another council workshop.
Council Workshop Minutes of October 28, 2003
Draft franchise enabling ordinance
Mark Anderson explained the draft franchise ordinance.
· Ordinance would give the city authority to enter into franchise agreements.
· Actual agreements need to include a clause to indemnif3~ the City of Laurel.
· Discussion regarding the draft ordinance.
· Mayor stated the need to give a copy of the draft ordinance to MDU for review by their
legal deparWaent.
· Public Works and Public Utilities Departments also need to review the draft ordinance.
Council planning
· Budget process
o Budget process needs refinement.
· Street maintenance
· Mayor added the CIP to the list.
Executive review
· A list of issues regarding 8th Avenue Project has been submitted to Bruce Barrett.
o Need to schedtfle three sessions to review the project with the MDT.
o Council suggested scheduling three successive Tuesdays.
· BFI requested an opportunity to make a presentation regarding solid waste.
<~ Council suggested scheduling the presentation in early 2004.
· Attorney interviews are scheduled for Thursday, October 30th.
· An energy business representative requested an opportunity to address the council.
o Council suggested scheduling the presentation in early 2004.
· Mayor recently distributed a draft graphic regarding the process for agenda items.
· Discussion regarding e-mail the Mayor sent to the council.
· Review of the calendar
o Council meetings scheduled on
· Tuesday, November 4th -- Election Day
· Tuesday, November 18th
· Tuesday, December 2aa
· Tuesday, December 16th
~ Council workshops scheduled on
· Tuesday, November 1 lth _ Veterans' Day
· Tuesday, November 25th
· Mayor will invite newly elected councilman to attend.
· Tuesday, December 9th
· Tuesday, December 30th
· Question regarding letter from Airsports Skydiving.
o City has no influence over the Airport Authority, except to appoint its members.
· Review of city council minutes
~ Minutes need to be read by the councilman who motions to accept the minutes.
Resolutions:
Council Workshop Minutes of October 28, 2003
· Resolution No. R03-__: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign all documents for
the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
· Resolution No. R03-__: Budget amendment resolution reflecting changes in the
budget for fiscal year 2004.
· Resolution No. R03-__: A resolution establishing rates to be charged to non-
residents by the Fire Department and repealing Resolution No. 2676.
Announcements:
· Discussion regarding restructuring the Air Pollution Control Board is continuing.
Attendance at the November 4th council meetinR
· Dan Mears will not attend.
The council workshop adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Cindy All(a~, Council Secretary
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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