HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 09.14.2004 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 14, 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 September 14, 2004.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
x Dick Fritzler
_x_ Kate Stevenson
_x_ Gay Easton
_x_ Jennifer Johnson
_x_ Doug Poehls
_x_ Mark Mace
_x_ Daniel Dart
John Oakes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Bob Carr, MSU-Billings
Sam Painter
Mary Embleton
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
Budget amendment resolution reflecting changes in the budget for fiscal year 2005 ,, The updated budget books were distributed to the council.
· Resolution needed to modify the Street Maintenance District and SID 110 assessments.
Increase of $4,640.00 in Street Maintenance District will be offset by increases in cash
reserves in the Street Maintenance Fund.
· An early payoff of SID 110 occurred after the SID 110 budget was adopted.
· Revenue increase of $1,185.00 will be offset by an increase in debt service payments in
the SID 110 Fund.
· Information on all special assessments will be electronically transmitted to the county
when they are ready.
Bob Carr: MSU-Billings
· Bob Cart is the Special Assistant to the Chancellor at MSU-Billings.
Jenny Johnson and Bob Cart attended a Shared Leadership for a Stronger Montana
Economy workshop in July.
· Mr. Cart presented the background information about the MSU-Billings office that
opened in Red Lodge this summer.
o The office is part of an ongoing initiative at MSU-Billings to provide outreach
into the communities it serves.
Council Workshop Minutes of September 14, 2004
o The Mission is to expand/enhance MSU-Billings outreach in Red Lodge and other
rural communities through partnerships with local business, educational entities
and community organizations.
o The Vision is to establish Montana State University-Billings as a recognized and
valued community partner in Red Lodge.
o Some of the options include:
· MSU-Billings Online University
· Workforee development and customized training programs to meet the
needs of businesses
Discussion regarding possible partnership and economic development opportunities
available in Laurel
Bob Cart would like to make a presentation to any interested organizations, including:
o Laurel Development Corporation
o Rotary Club
o Chamber of Commerce
Jenny Johnson will be the contact person.
Labor/Management Cooperation Committee
Dick Fritzler explained the purpose of the committee.
o Supervisors and union employees meet to resolve issues.
· Dick attends the meetings as a liaison for the council.
· Possibility that the council member will not attend future meetings.
o Attorney and the State mediator have been contacted to decide.
Executive Review
· Legislative Outlook 2005
o Discussion regarding:
· Big Box Store Tax
· Local Option Tax
· Business Equipment Taxes
· Sales Tax
o Mayor will attend the Legislative Committee meeting in Helena on Wednesday,
September 22ha.
· Legislative Committee will decide what to present at the League meeting
in October.
o Mayor will get some more infonnation from Joe McClure, BSEDA.
· Update on MDT meeting
o Bruce Barrett, MDT, will make a presentation at the September 21st council
meeting regarding a proposal for a study for a cloverleaf interchange west of
Laurel.
o Eighth Avenue Project
· Need to mitigate water runoff through a larger storm drain
· MDT's proposal would cost the city an additional $385,000.
· Possible option would be to allow a water retention facility located
at the church property at 8th Avenue and 9th Street.
· Eighth Avenue Project is scheduled for 2007.
2
Council Workshop Minutes of September 14, 2004
o First Avenue Project - Main Street to 12th Street
· Project will use federal dollars that have not yet been funded.
· Project will go out for bid in December.
· Project may include East and West Maryland.
· In case of insufficient funding, project would include East
Maryland because of anticipated growth in that direction.
o Main Street Project
· Includes the first two blocks of Main Street
· Project will be bid in December
· Council approved $90,000 to repair waterlines in the first two blocks of
Main Street.
· MDT may decide to resurface Main Street to 8th Avenue
· City may need to look at the lines underneath Main Street.
· Discussion held at MDT meeting regarding MDT addressing curb and
gutter if the City of Laurel would address handicap access.
o IvlDT ~
is considering installation of a light on South 4 Street.
o Discussion regarding access to the south side
· Trains block access to the south side.
· Cenex is looking at a method of getting trucks on the interstate using the
light at South 5th.
o Discussion regarding Railroad Street
· Funds are not available at this time.
o Discussion regarding the contract proposal to lease the 1st Avenue/Main Street
corner property from the railroad
· Sam will review the contract.
o Discussion regarding train whistles at the railroad crossings
o Discussion regarding Alder Avenue and Main Street culvert
· MDT is aware of the issue.
Cell phone contract
o Contract will be presented at the September 28th council workshop.
Health Insurance
o Participation notification deadlines have been extended for the MMIA Program.
o Issue is on the September 15th special council meeting agenda, but it may not be
addressed at that time.
o Bob Worthington will make a presentation to the employees on Wednesday,
September 15 , at 5:00 p.m.
o Mark Mace gave a brief explanation of the program.
Resolutions
· Budget amendment resolution reflecting changes in the budget for fiscal year 2005
· Cell phone contract
o Not ready for council
Ordinances
Council Workshop Minutes of September 14, 2004
Ordinance No. 004-07: Ordinance amending Section 2.68.100 of the Laurel Municipal
Code, amending the Judge's salary. (First reading 08/17/04; Public hearing 09/07/04;
Second reading 09/21/04)
Announcements · Jenny Johnson reminded the council to return their ballots for the school bond issue.
· Gay mentioned that Jim Worthington, a former city engineer, has terminal cancer.
· Kate stated that the Pool Committee received good information during the meeting with
Interstate Engineering.
* Doug will contact Rocky Smith regarding an individual that wants to find a location for a
movie theater in Laurel.
Attendance at the September 21st council meeting, · All present will attend the September 21st council meeting.
· All present will attend the special meeting on September 15th.
Other items
· None
The council workshop adjourned at 7:58 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 workshop agenda items.
4