HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 01.27.2004 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JANUARY 27, 2004 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson
at 6:30 p.m. on January 27, 2004.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
x Dick Fritzler _x_ Doug Poehls
x Kate Stevenson _x_ Mark Mace
_x_ Gay Easton _x_ Daniel Dart
x Dan Meats x John Oakes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Rick Musson Ty Felton
Larry McCann Shani Rich
Sam Painter Shad Waddell
Shawn Wichman Shane Waddell
Public Input (three-minute limiO
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. · No public comments were made.
· Mayor Olson welcomed Dan Dart's son, Joshua, to the council workshop.
SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) follow-up on the 10-year plan: Rocky Mountain
College - Shanc Waddell, Shani Rich, and Ty Felton
· Copies of the Laurel, Montana, Economic Development Plan and Strategy were
distributed to the council.
o A copy is attached to these original minutes.
· The Plan was written by students involved in SIFE in February 2003 and was entered into
competition on the district and national levels.
· Shani Rich asked if the council had any input or questions.
· Kate Stevenson mentioned that the Laurel Development Corporation recently hired
CynRoc as the economic development coordinator.
· Doug Poehls asked if figures were available for the following:
o The percentage of the population of Laurel that is not employed
o · Thc percentage of Billings' residents who work in Laurel
· Discussion regarding population projections
· Dan Dart suggested that a letter of recognition be written for thc students that completed
the Plan.
· Mayor Olson stated that the Plan displays a great amount of professionalism.
Council Workshop Minutes of January 27, 2004
Police Department: Appointment of police officer- Shawn Wichman
Chief Musson introduced Shawn Wichman to the council.
Shawn passed the Montana POST written exam, the Montana Physical Fitness
Performance Test, and the B-Pad.
· Shawn has successfully passed a criminal history check, background check,
psychological evaluation, medical exam, and a drug screen.
· Shawn was given a conditional job offer.
· Chief Musson recommended that Shawn Wichrnan bc appointed as a Laurel Police
Officer at the council meeting on February 3rd.
Public Utilities Department
· Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with Environmcntai Development
and Management, Inc., to conduct an environmental assessment of the MRL property at
thc comer of 1 st Avenue and Main Street (Dean Rankin lease).
o Environmental Development and Management, Inc., will perform phase one of
the environmental assessment for under $1,500.
o The purpose of the assessment will be to evaluate the environmental condition of
the parcel.
o The objective will be to document thc presence or likely presence of hazardous
substances or petroleum products on the property that pose a potential or existing
environmental concern to public health or the environment.
· Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Montana Department of
Transportation to include installation and administration of a new water line in Main
Street to bc installed during construction from 1st to 3rd Avenue.
o The $187,000 MDT Grant will replace sidewalk, curb, gutter, and a twelve-foot
wide pavement strip on the north side of Main Street from 1st to 3rtl Avenues.
o The twelve-foot wide pavement strip is over a water line that has a history of
water leaks.
o The State will hire the contractor to replace the water line during construction of
the project.
o Cost to the City of Laurel is estimated at $90,000.
o Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2004.
· Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services
Agreement with ME&A.
o The City of Laurel desires to pursue TSEP and DNRC grants for the wastewater
system during 2004.
o Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract with Montana
Engineering and Administration, P.C., includes the following:
· Establishes 2003 CDBG Grant administration at $21,000
· 2004-2005 grant application (writing)
· Set fee of $7,500
e Up to $1,000 of conditional fees if grant application is successful
· If successful with 2004/2005 grants, administration is based on a
percentage of the project.
2
Council Workshop Minutes of January 27, 2004
· Resolution No. R04-__: Collection of annual service fee for all water users, pursuant to
the Public Water Supply Program.
o Montana Department of Environmental Quality has assessed the City of Laurel
fees for funding of the Public Water Supply Program for the 2004 fiscal year.
o The $2.00 annual fee is assessed against all service connections on the city water
system.
o Fee will be included on the regular utility billing for the month of February 2004.
· Discussion regarding extending water service to outlying areas of the City of Laurel
o Subdivisions could create an SID.
o Annexation would be required.
Executive review
· Set date for joint meeting
o Council agreed to tentatively schedule the joint meeting on Thursday, February
26t~.
· Committee list
o Mayor Olson asked the council for input regarding the committee list.
o Committee list will be on the next agenda for council approvail
o Discussion regarding appointments on the City-Connty Planning Board
o Mayor asked committee chairmen to contact members regarding continued
service on the committees.
· Council Retreat
o Mayor asked the council to read the excerpts from Dr. Ken Weaver's book that
were distributed.
o At the recent council workshop, the council was presented a challenge to come
forward with a resolution outlining four goals, which would reflect accountability
among the council.
Resolutions:
· Resolution No. R04-__: Collection of annual service fee for all water users, pursuant to
the Public Water Supply Program.
· Resolution No. R04-__: A resolution adopting the Laurel BikePed Plan 2003.
· Resolution No. R04-__: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with
Environmental Development and Management, Inc., to conduct an environmental
assessment of the MRL property at the comer of 1st Avenue and Main Street (Dean
Rankin lease).
o Discussion regarding the cost to continue the annual lease
o Discussion regarding MRL's response to the possibility of rounding the comer at
the intersection
o Discussion regarding uses of the land after demolition of the elevator
o Discussion regarding the Streetscape Plan that was adopted by the city council
o Discussion regarding Dr. Weaver's statement that the city should acquire land
when it has the opportunity to do so
· Resolution No. R04-__: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the
Montana Department of Transportation to administer the installation of a new water line
in Main Street to be installed during construction from 1st to 3ra Avenue.
Council Workshop Minutes of January 27, 2004
· Resolution No. R04-__: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 1 to
the Professional Services Agreement with ME&A.
Ordinances:
· Ordinance No. 004-__: Ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the Laurel Municipal
Code. First reading.
o Ordinance will bring the LMC in line with State statutes.
Announcements
· Dan Mears and Gay Easton stated when they would be out of town.
Attendance at the February. 3, 2004 council meeting · Gay Easton will be absent.
The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion
of the Council for the listed worl~hop agenda items.
4
And
Strategy
INTRODUCTION
In accordance with governmental and state regulations the City of Laurel has been Lmtructed to
devise and implement an operational economic development plan and strategy. This process of
research, analyzing, and interpretation has been outsourced to the Rocky Mountain College SIFE
(Students in Free Enterprise) Team. The crux of this report will be based on:
· historical information,
· census statistics,
· current impending status of thc city of Laurel,
· reports prepared by the Better Business Bureau,
· regional newspaper publications, and
· data provided by city and country agencies.
The multifaceted aspects of this plan will include, but will not be limited to: · an economic historical background,
· the current business and financial setting of Laurel,
· the strengths and weaknesses and tho/r possible manipulations,
· population projections,
· incremental steps of implementation, and finally
· a conchiding snapshot of the current Laurel as well as guided direction for the next 15
years.
The goal of this economic development plan is to portray an accurate depiction of the current
situations inflicting Laurel, Laurel's potential to become a thriving, successful, regional
counterpart, and to provide historically and statistically based recommendations and predictions
for the future Laurel.
ECONOMIC ]~ACKGROUND
Thc economic foundation of Laurel is strongly tied to its long held refinery and rail industries, its
proximity to Billings, and its regional business ties. Laurel's economy heavily relies onits local
residents for business as well as a substantiated tourism industry. The underpinning of Laurel's
local economy is multifaceted, diversified, and chief basis consists of seven major businesses.
COMPANY NAME PRODUCT/SERVICE ESTABLISHED YEAR 2003 EMPLOYEE #
Cenex Refinery ......................... Petroleum Products ................. 1943 ............................ 250
Montana Rail Link .................... Rail Transport ....... .................. 1987 ............................ 300
Laurel School District ............... Education ................................ 1909 ............................ 230
Wood's Power Grip .................. Materials Handles ................... 1990 ......................... ~.... 90
Jan's IGA .................................. Groceries..; .............................. 1979 ......................... ;.... 78
Laurel Ford ................................ Vehicle Sales ........................... 1993 .............................. 45
Burlington Northern Santa Fe...Rail Transport ........................ :1800's ........................... 60
Source: Better Business Bureau; Montana Department of Labor & Industry; Interviews ~Data 2003)
Laurel Economic Development Plan -1- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
]~M?LOYM2ENT SIZE
NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEES 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
1-4 .............. 131 ............ 137 ............ 140 ............. 128 ................ 138 .................. 136
5-9 ................ 51 .............. 46 .............. 44 ............... 43 .................. 38 .................... 34
10-19 .............. 25 .............. 29 .............. 32 ............... 37 .................. 35 .................... 28
20-49 .............. 15 .............. 21 .............. 18 ............... 15 .................. 14 .................... 18
50-99 ................ 3 ................ 4 ................ 5 ................. 4 ............... ~....4 ...................... 5
100-249 ............. ,1 ................ 0 ......... ....... 0 ................. 1 .................... 0 ...................... 0
250-499 .............. 1 ................ 1 ................ 1 ................. 0 .................... 0 ...................... 0
500-999 .............. 0 ................ 0 ................ 0 ................. 0 .................... 0 ...................... 0
1000-up .............. 0 ................ 0 ................ 0 ................. 0 .................... 0 ...................... 0
*Source: 59044 2000 County Business Patterns (Number of Establishments)
The propinquity of the interstate, the nearness of Montana's largest city and regional hub, and
advantage of rail availability has helped sustain Laurel as a natural site £or industry, slxipping,
and light manufacturing. A multifaceted mergence of agriculture, industry, manufacturing,
transportation, and services has helped sliape and define the balance of thc indigenous economy.
2000 DATA
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY NUMBER OF LAUREL RESIDENTS PERCENTAGE
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining ........................ 100 .................................................... 3.5%
Construction ................................................................. 94 .................................................... 3.3 %
Manufactunng ............................................................ 341 .................................................. 11.8 %
Wholesale Trade ........................................................ 103 .................................................... 3.6%
Retail Trade ................................................................ 538 .................................................. 18.7%
Transportation & warehousing & Utilities ................ 281 .................................................... 9.8%
Information .................................................................. 19 ....................................................... 7% '
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, &
Rental, & Leasing ...................................................... 169 .................................................... 5.9%
Professional, Scientific, Management ........................ 169 .................................................... 5.9%
Administrative & Waste Management
Educational, Health, & Social Services ..................... 498 .................................................. 17.3%
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation,
Accommodation & Food Services .......................... 281 .................................................... 9.8%
Public Administration ................................................ 111 .................................................... 3.9%
Other Services ............ : .............................................. 177 ...... ' .............................................. 6.1%
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the City of Laurel Montana (Data 2000)
Laurel Economic Development Plan -2- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
1990 DATA
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY NUMBER OF LAUREL RESIDENTS PERCENTAGE
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries .............................. 69 .................................................... 2.78%
Mining ............................. : ............................................ 28 ........................... . ........................ 1.13 %
Construction ................................................ i .............. 146 .................................................... 5.88%
Manufacturing, nondurable goods ............................. 130 .................................................... 5.24%
Manufacturing, durable goods .......... ........................... 48., .................................................. 1.93%
Transportation ............................................................ 254 ............................. : .................... 10.23%
Communications and other pubhc utilities .....: ............ 30 ....... ~ ................................. ........... 1.21%
Wholesale trade .......................................................... 103 .................................................... 4.15 %
Retail trade ................................................................. 657 .................................................. 26.46%
Finance, insurance, and real estate ............................. 156 ........................................... : ........ 6.28%
Business and repair service ........... , ............................ 134 ......................... , .......................... 5.40%
Personal services. ..................................................... :...68 ................................................ ?2.74%
Entertainment md recreation service ........................... 20.....: ................................... : ............. 081%
Health service ...................................... ~ ...................... 184 .................................................... 7.41%
Educational ' o
serrate .................................................... 186 .................................................... 7.49 ~
Other professional and related services ..................... 169 .................................................... 6.81%
Public administration ................... : ............. 2. .............. 101 .................................................... 4.07%
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the City of Laurel Montana (Data 1990)
Laurel has a population base of approximately 6,255 individuals within the city limits, and the
greater area, encompassing the entire 59044 zip code has approximately 9,618 people. Of these
individuals considered in the City limits, Laurel has a civilian labor force of approximately 4,651
individuals and 1,592 people not in the work fome, with about 12 individuals being in the armed
forces and not counted in the civilian work force. This accounts for 65.8 percent employed and
34.2 percent outside of the work force. According to the 2000 census reports, the City of Laurel
has 173 individuals who are unemployed, accounting for 3.7 percent of the civilian work force.
According to the Montana Department of Labor reports, Montana's unemployment rate was
4.6% in 2001 down from 4.9% in 2001. In this perspective the City of Laurel seems to be
positioned better in terms of unemployment than the state average.
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the City of Laurel Montana (Data 2000) & Montana Department of Labor
Laurel has an economic base and income level similar to and congruent with that of many other
similar communities in Montana. The median household income, according to 2000 Census
reports, is $32,679, for the City of Laurel. The median family income for the City of Laurel is
$40,068. The Per Capita income is $16,953. The Per Capita income for Yellowstone County is
approximately $25,253 and the average annual wage is $25,552**
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the City of Laurel Montana (Data 2000)
**Source: MT Dept of Labor & Industry, Dept of Commerce, Area Income& Employment (Data 1999)
Laurel Economic Development Plan -3- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
The average household incomes for the city of Lanrel are as follows:
1999 1989
INCOME NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
PER HOUSEHOLD HOUSEHOLDS PERCENT HOUSEHOLOS PERCENT
Total ..., ................................ 2445 .................. 100.0% ........................... 2280 ....... : .......... 100.0%
LeSs than $10 000 .................. 261 .......... ; ......... 10.6% ............................. 416, ................... 18.3%
$10,000-$14 999 .................... 252 .......... ~ ......... 10.3% ............................. 330 .................... 14.5%
$15,000-$24 999 .................... 448 .................... 18.2% ............................. 640 .................... 28.1%
$25,000-$34 999 .................... 338 .................... 13.8% ............................. 391..; ................. 17.2%
$35,000-$49 999 .................... 492 .................... 20.0% ............................. 338 .................... 14.8%
$50,000-$74 999 .................... 390 .................... 15.9% ............................. 148 .................. ~...6.5%
$75,000-$99 999 .................... 206 ...................... 8.4% ............................... 17 ......................... 8%
$100,000-$149,000 .................. 40 ...................... 1.6 ¼ ................................. 0 ...................... 0.0 ¼
$150,000-$I99,999 .................... 7 ............. : ........ 0.3% .......................... , ...... 0 ............... ; ...... 0.0%
$200,000 or more ..................... 21 ...................... 0.9% .~ ............................... 0 ...................... 0.0%
Median household income ($) 32,679 ......... (X) ......................... 24,328 ........................ (X)
*Source: U.S. Ceusus Bureau Re£ort for the City of Laurel, Montana (Data I990 and 2000)
Laurel has gone through some historical development and continues to be the site for continued
expansion and progress. Laurel has several new subdivisions and several locations zoned for
commercial use.
HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Residential New/Remodel .................................................... 180 Permits
Commercial New/Remodel ................................................... 24 Permits
Average Selling Price of Homes ........................................... $101,900
Average Monthly Rental ....................................................... House $600 Apartment $400**
*Source: Better Business Bureau; City of Laurel-Building Permits
** A House Of Realty, Laurel Montana
Often referred to as "the Hub of Montana" for its tourism and transportation, Laurel isa major
connecting and transit point. According to the Better Business Bureau, Laurel is the busiest
interchange in Montana with twelve thousand cars passing through daily. The foundation of the
economic basis of Laurel rests on the core of the local Cenex Refinery, Montana Rail Link, the
Laurel School District, Laurel Ford, Wood's Power Grip, Jan's IGA, Burlington Northern Santa
Fe, and vahous other vital businesses and services. New entrepreneurial ventures and a
revitalized downtown are helping contour a better economic forecast for the city of Laurel.
Laurel has extensive assets, a sound economy harmonious with the times, and an outlook for a
bright future. Bearing in mind, the stagnant economy of the State of Montana, Laurel is doing
marginally well in comparison. While many other commurdties are drying up and experiencing
little marked growth or little potential, Laurel does not have into these characteristics.
Laurel Economic Development Plan -4- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
HOUSEHOLDS nY TYPE'
2000 1990
Numbers Numbers
Total Households ................. : ........................................ 2,529 ....................................... 2,262
Family Household (families) ........................................ 1,741 ....................................... 1,609
With own children under 18 years: ............................. 825
Married-couple family .................................................. 1,381 ....................................... 1,338
With own children under 18 years ....................... ; ...... 604
Male Householder, no w/fe present ................................. (X) ............................... ............. 57
Female householder, no husband present ........................ 255 .................... ...................... 214
With Own children under 18 years ............................. 159
Non-family households .................................................... 788 .......................................... 653
Household living alone ........... :..2 ............................... 701 ................... ; ...................... 607
Household 65 years and over ........................................... 369 .......................................... 3 I7
Households with individuals
under 18 years ............................................................. 881
Households with individuals
65 years and over ........................................................ 741
Average household size ..................................... 2.44
Average family Size ........................................... 3.96
Household Occupancy
2000 1990
Number Percent Numbers Percent
Total Housing Units .................................... 3,893 .......... 2100.0% .............. 2,604 ............ 100.0%
Occupied housing units ............................... 2,529 .............. 95.8% .............. 2,262 .............. 86.9%
Vacant housing units .......................... .......... 1364 ................ 4.3% ................. 334 .............. 12.8%
For seasonal, recreational
or occasional use .......... ............................... 19 ................ 0.5% ..................... 8 ................... 3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the CiO' of Laurel, Montana (Data I990 and 2000)
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
In order to fully implement any plan or strategy into a basic comprehensive city plan, a major
component needing to be taken into consideration is the future population. This data is vital to
the importance of adequately and efficiently planning a city's layout, sustaining and expanding
an infrastructure, providing adequate services and facilities, and arranging and legislating proper
governmental statutes, regulations, and zoning procedures.
Judgment is key to forecasting any future projection for population. Various factors and
elements need to be incorporated and manipulated in order to fully and accurately delineate these
forecasts. Complete analysis of these governing factors is essential £or the most accurate
predictions. Several problems in interpreting this information do however arise. In some areas,
population growth is marked by stable, predictable, and historical growth with little deviance in
Laurel Economic Development Plan -$- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
social and economic change. Other areas experience drastic fluctuations in growth resulting in
ever-changing population rates making predictions more difficult. Even the most sound
population predictions may not be accurate, especially for smaller communities the size of
Laurel. In terms of generality, the smaller the commurdty, the more complicated it is to derive
population predictions.
Further complicating predictions is the historical fluctuations in the population of Laurel.
Another viable concern to take into consideration is Laurel's proximity to Billings and the almost
at times undifferentiated flow of people and business. There is a definite impingement of
Billings on Laurel, resulting in more difficult decipherment of the two areas and their distinct
characteristics.
In an effort to provide an accurate array of sufficient projections, a base model centered on
average population projections by the United States Census for the State of Montana ~s used. We
have interpolated the average growth rates determined bythe U.S. Census for the State of
Montana and appl/ed that average growth to the population base of Laurel. Our other projections
provide both a liberal and conservative view of these forecasted population trends and
incorporate some economic factors such as local and area growth and business expansion.
Hay/rig interv/ewed many bus'messes in the Laurel area, it is apparent that most do not plan on
expansion or addition of new employees. There simply is not a drive to foster much ora
population increase over and above the base model.
The conservative projection takes the base state growth rate, reduces it by two percent, and then
applies it to the published 2000 census figures for Laurel. The higher growth projection for
Laurel takes this same base percentage provided by the census and adds an additional pement.
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
BASE, CONSERVATIVE, AlVD LIBERAL SERIES
5 YEAR INCREMENTS
LAUREL AND THE GREATER 59044 AREA
Series ................... Pooulation/Year .....1990 ............. 2000 ........... 2005 .............. 2010 2015
Base ...................... Laurel ...................... 5,686 ............ 6,255 .......... 6,624 ............. 6,832 7,046
Outlying ................. - ...... . ........... 3,363 .......... 3,562 ............. 3,674 3,789
Total ....................... - ..... . ........... 9,618 ........ 10,186 ........... 10,506 10,835
Conservative ........ Laurel ...................... 5,686 ............ 6,255 .......... 6,499 ............. 6,638 6,780
Outlying ................. - ...... . ........... 3,363 ........ ~.3,494 ............. 3,568 3,646
Total ....................... - ...... . ........... 9,618 .......... 9,993 ........... 10,207 10,426
Liberal .................. Laurel ...................... 5,686 ............ 6,255 .......... 6,686 ............. 6,963 7,251
Outlying ................. - ...... . ........... 3,363 .......... 3,595 .....: ....... 3,744 3,899
Total ....................... - ...... . ........... 9,918 ........ 10,281 ........... 10,707 11,150
*US Census Bureau 1990 and2000; Rocky Mountain College $lFE Projections
Laurel Economic Development Plan -6- Rocky Mountain College SII*'E 1/03
LAUREL~S ASSETS AND STRONG FEATURES
1. Bedroom Communitv
The community of Laurel is located approximately 15 miles away from the city of Billings. Due
to its location Laurel could be developed as a bedroom corrununity offering competitive housing.
The median cost of an average family home in the Laurel area is $85,800 compared to the
median cost of $99, 900 in the Billings area.* The cost of housing, both in terms or real estate
and rent are substantially lower and more than compensating for the short commute. Laurel also
provides an alternative to School District #2. The Laurel school district provides smaller
classroom sizes allowing for children to become more involved in both acad~nic and athletic
activities. These benefits of a smaller community are coupled with the benefits of having a large
selection of jobs and a market of 100,000 peoples just a short commu~ away.
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau Report for the Cities of Laurel and Billings Montana (Data 2000)
2. Small Town Environment
The environment of a small town is becoming increasingly appealing to the masses laying to
escape the problems facing urban areas. Community oriented activities should be encouraged to
complement the small town atmosphere such as the farmers market and promoting the Christmas
light display more. Local businesses should become involved in these events which would in
mm lead to growth and development in Laurel's downtown and an expanded sense of
community awareness.
3. Gatewav to Tourism
Laurel is close to some of Montana and Wyoming's main tourist atlractinns including the Red
Lodge ski and resort area, Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Mountain Range, Pompey's
Pillar, and the Big Horn National Battlefield. According to the Montana Department of
Transportation in 2001, 9.6 million nonresidents visited Montana spending $1.7 billion during
their stay. Reports from the University of Montana-Mis. soula show that in 2002 the number of
nonresident tourist had increased to approximately 9.8 million, spending $1.8 billiun. The
largest percentages of spending took place in retail sales and the purchase of gas. In order to
capitalize on its unique position as a gateway to many tour destinations Laurel should provide
incentives for travelers to stop and spend time in the community. Making Laurel's appearance
more attractive to passersby and promoting local activities such as the Fourth of July fireworks
display could influence tourists to make Laurel one of their stops. Local events held throughout
the summer months should be expanded, for example baseball and golf tournaments and the air
show.
4. A£fordabilitv and Imt~roved Bureaucratic Structure
Economical real estate, established zoning, and lower taxes in comparison to surrounding areas,
makes Laurel a good location for new businesses. Due to these factors, start up costs are lower
in Laurel than in larger commun/ties, and attracting more industries to the Laurel area would
help increase employment and generate further new businesses.
Laurel Economic Development Plan -7- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03
5. Airport
attract businesses that would allow Laurel to become a distribution hub in Montan~ The
continuing expansion of the airport will aid in bringing more business to the Laurel community.
LIMITING I~ACTORS
1. Lack of Marketin~ to Billings
One of the greatest attributes of Laurel is the capability to bring capital into the community from
Billings due mainly to its low housing costs. The cost ora residence in Billings is much greater
than the cost ora residence in Laurel. One possibility is to market Laurel as a bedroom
community for Billings. Travel time from one end of Billings to the other is comparable to
travel from Laurel to the Billings westend. Laurel needs to attract westend and downtown-
located employees to live in Laurel. This can be accomplished by preparing a marketing
campaign directed to new residents and first time buyers. The City should consider a "first-time"
buyers fund to peak interest fi~m young families and really focus on Laurel's lower priced real
estate and small commanity setting.
Within a 15 mile radius there is a market of over 100,000 people. Laurel needs to capitalize on
this market and increase its market share. Th/s is attainable by marketing unique and diversified
businesses and settings. In order for businesses in Laurel to be successful, they need to market a
niche that positions themselves against other businesses, but at the same time sets them apart.
2. Lack of Coordination for Develo~in~ the Economy
In order to appease all parties involved and in an effort to provide fairness, a local economic
coordinator needs to be outsourced. This individual would coordinate economic development
activities with and for downtown located area businesses and industries, local government, and
regional development agencies such as Big Sky Economic Development Author/ty, Beartooth
RC&D, and the State Department of Commerce. The effort should be to utilize the existing
economic development professionals and to make Laurel competitive in the regional economic
dynamic.
3. Income Tax Laws/Laws That Don't Encourage Develot~ment
The City Council should also recommend that the "Laurel Enterprise" committee review local
laws and resaictions for development, and provide input into change that would allow growth
both within the city and the county area surrounding Laurel. Tax incentives and other political
attributes could be legislated to encourage business development.
Laurel Economic Development Plan -8- Roek3r Mountain College SIFE 1/03
4. Community Infrastructure
The needs to maintain and up-grade water, sewer, streets, and other community systems is a
basic part of communal living. The requirements for adequate and safe drinking water, sewage,
and garbage deposal, and the need for firefighting, police, and emergency services are the same
for Laurel, a town 0£6,000; as the requirements where the costs are spread over 100,000 or a
million people. The only way to address such issues is through utilization of the very best
management techniques and through technology; the citizens need to insure that their Council is
doing so accordingly. Short-term solutions and band aiding problems only prolongs real
resolutions and increases the cost.
5..4plJearance
The unatlracfiveness of a community is as much ora deterrent as an inability to affectively Offer
quality sewage and water systems to a resident. The appearance as you enter Laurel is not poor,
but could be improved· The recent adoption of the Entryway Zoning District is a step in the right
direction. In the downtown area many old buildings have boarded windows and peeling paint.
Outsiders often base their impression ora community on its downtown appearance. Laurel
needs revitalization of its downtown and has begun the process using the Transportation and
Community Sustainability (TSCP) grants received in 2000, and an effort needs to be made to
capitalize on such larger and significant economic enterprises. The City, store owners, and the
economic development/revitalization efforts need to work together to comprehensively address
areas of need in the downtown. This needs to include everything fi.om clean up and fagade
renovation to br/dge loan financing and new construction. An additional possibility might
include looking to the refinery and the railroad to landscape a greenbelt as well as some other
contributions to improve the view.
PRESCRII'TIONS AND PROTOCOL
The problems afflicting and concerning Laurel now are not new. Firefighting and band aiding
these problems will only prolong them and offer no realistic solution.' Lanrel's vitality and
ultimate success as an economically viable community lies within better marketing and building
a more attractive community. Laurel has parallel characteristics to some communities but
possesses more assets than most and can really market itself as a unique and satisfying place to
live, work, recreate, shop, and do business.
Laurel should position itself as a bedroom community to Billings and a gateway to tourism.
From this stance, Laurel can attract people to live there for the benefits of affordability and small
town atmosphere, while at the same time capitalize on the benefits of being a regional hub and
stop-over point for tourism. The future outlook of Laurel is going to be pivoted on how well
Laurel can do this and how well local businesses can market themselves and Laurel as a whole to
the greater Billings area. The market for people and their business is present. Laurel needs to
just capitalize on its uniqueness and its diversified businesses in order to gain a greater market
share and demonstrate what the City really has to offer. Continued efforts to beautify the city
and to create new businesses will only contribnte further success.
Laurel Economic Development Plan -9- Rocky Mountain College SIFE 1/03