HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 05.18.2015 LURA Minutes May 18, 2015
Judy Goldsby called the meeting to order at 11:00
In Attendance: Richard Herr, Greg Nelson, Dean Rankin, Ken Olson, Linda Frickel, Kent Harris, Heidi
Jensen, Kurt Markegard,Janice Lehman, Steve Solberg,Steve Arveschough, Melanie Schwarz, Deanna
Johnson, Diane Lehm, Monica Plecker
Dean Rankin motioned to approve the minutes as presented.Greg Nelson Seconded.The motion carried
3-0.
Kent Harris reported on the railroad assessment. He stated he had talked with Randy and the quote
came in at$15,000 which was too high. He said he would like to see a prospective tenant like the City
propose and use and work with the RR directly.The group agreed that with not being able to view the
scope of services for the estimated $15,000 they could not vote as to whether they supported or
opposed the action.The railroad committee will continue to talk with Randy and get more information
about the appraisal and what it entails.
Monica Plecker presented a facade application for the Lohof Hotel which is located on West Main
Street. Dean motioned to approve up to $5,000 in funding and Greg Nelson seconded.The vote carried
3-0.
Monica introduced and provided cost estimates to the group for the SE 4th Street striping project. Kurt
Markegard with City Public Works summarized the striping and pedestrian improvements which totaled
102,000. He stated City Council would consider a task order with Great West for final design and
improvements could be done as soon as late July,early August.There was some discussion on the
concept layout vs.final design. Dean motioned to approve LURA funding for the project. Greg seconded.
The vote carried 3-0.
Heidi Jensen was asked to report on City Administration.She didn't have anything to report, but invited
Kurt to report.There was a brief discussion on the possibility of a new water intake. Heidi stated she is
continuing to work closely with the Governor's office to secure funding for the project.
Steve Arveschoug from Big Sky Economic Development introduced his staff and provided a brief
overview of the services they offer. He stated each team member would provide detailed information
on their projects and services. Melanie Schwarz introduced the membership investment program and
provided information on the BillingsWorks council. Brandon Berger leads the business finance program
and helps with SBA504 loans. He helps businesses acquire property and expand existing businesses.
They have the ability to fund projects statewide and have a loan funding partner.They also have an
existing revolving loan fund.The group was particularly interested in how Laurel folks could utilize the
program. Heidi stated this would be ideal for Laurel businesses as opposed to the TIF creating a RLF of
their own and being in a poor lien holder position. Deanna Johnson leads the Small Business
Development Center and BEAR program. She provided statistics on laurel specific activity. She also
stated that June 1 they will launch a regional veteran program to encourage entrepreneurship. Dianne
Lehm leads the community development department. Her department provides project management,
financial management, and project execution.She was excited to share with the group their new work
on brownfields.Steve also stated that BSEDA offers a PTAC program for government procurement.
There was brief discussion on the program areas.
Greg motioned to adjourn. Dean seconded.The meeting was adjourned at 12:57.
Respectfully submitted,
Monica Plecker