HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 11.08.2005 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
NOVEMBER 8, 2005 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson at
6:35 p.m. on November 8, 2005.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
x Dick Fritzler _x_ Doug Poehls
x Kate Stevenson x Mark Mace
x Gay Easton _x_ Daniel Dart
x Jennifer Johnson _x_ Norm Stamper
OTHERS PRESENT:
Cal Cumin
Keith Molyneaux
Chuck Dickerson
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
Planning Board:
· Governor's Subdivision
o A recommendation regarding Governor's Subdivision has not come forward from
the Planning Board yet.
· With the consent of thc applicant, Planning Board continued the November
3'd public hearing to the meeting on December 1~t.
· The State requested two more weeks to review the Traffic Accessibility
Study prepared by professional traffic engineers.
· The study recommended having a right turn lane offHighway 10 that goes
into the subdivision and would require MDT approval.
o Disenssion regarding the project. · The project is being proposed by the Laurel Development Corporation.
· Property is located one-quarter mile west of Eighth Avenue on the first
section of the Kukes property, which is divided into three long sections.
· Approximately 86 acres have been divided into 222 residential lots.
· Zoning will be R-6000, but about 95 percent of the lots will be over 7,000
square feet in size.
· A proposed commercial area is located adjacent to US Highway 10.
· The project started in Solid Foundations Subdivision would continue in this
proposed project.
· The attempt to secure the land will guarantee that Laurel has an affordable
type of honsing program for the next twenty years.
Council Workshop Minutes of November 8, 2005
· There was discussion regarding the installation of water and sewer Frees for
the proposed subdivision.
· Paved streets, boulevards, sidewalks are part of this long-term project.
· At the Planning Board public hearing, there was confusion regarding the
reimbursement provision that the city council recently approved.
· Some people thought the city was going to reimburse the developer
for all expenses.
· An explanation is given later in these minutes.
o Discussion regarding the number of proposed lots
· The program has to keep the lot cost at $35,000, and a greater number of lots
would allow the cost of each lot to be lower.
· Cai stated that the program promotes affordable homing, not large lots and
large houses.
o Cal stated that the proposed supply of housing would put Laurel in a very good
position statewide and nationally, as far as this program is concerned, and would
benefit the economic development program in Laurel.
o David Conine, representative for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation
which provides the grant money for the affordable housing program, spoke favorably
about the project at the Planning Board meeting last week.
o When Jenny asked if the project would interfere with MDT's long-term plan for a
full interchange access on the west end of Laurel, Cai stated that it would not.
· MDT is reviewing the study because of their long-range plans.
o Kate stated that costs are high to engineer a small area, and it is difficult for a small
number of lots to absorb those engineering costs.
· That is one reason to have the long-term engineering done up front and then
have the project completed over twenty years.
· Because upfront engineering costs are so prohibitive, there are not many lots
available in this price range.
· Although engineering costs for a few lots would be high, completing the
engineering on a large parcel of land would reduce the cost per lot.
o Cai stated that the price range of these lots is not a competitive market price range in
the sense that the program is not competing with private housing contractors.
· Private contractors are not obtaining lots of the same size and quantity or at
the same price.
· This project is a new dynamic that will feed into the private sector when the
homeowners sell the starter house and move up to a larger house.
Discussion regarding requirement for homeowners to repay some oftha administrative costs
if the house is sold before a certain timeframe.
Dick raised some questions regarding allowing two residences in R-6000 zoning in the code
book.
o It will be reviewed and any conflicts in the code book should be addressed.
Explanation oftbe reimbursement issue
o Cai explained that it is good planning and good economics for a developer outside
the city to hook into the city water and sewer systems, but it usually costs an
extraordinary amount o f money.
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Council Workshop Minutes of November 8, 2005
o When a developer extends the water and sewer line out to his property, there are
people between where the water and sewer lines start and the location of the new
development.
· Sometimes those people think they can just connect to the newly-installed
line for nothing or just a hookup fee, but they cannot do so.
o The current provision is that the developer who paid the money up fxont can be
reimbursed by fees charged to developers who later connect to the line for which the
original developer paid.
· Future developers have to participate in the costs and cannot capitalize on the
fact that the first developer provided the money to install the lines.
· The developer must apply for reimbursement and does not receive it
automatically.
· The city determines the amount and whether the reimbursement will be
made, based on a formula of costs paid by the developer.
o City policy and State law allow only annexed properties to hook up to city services.
· State law states that a resident must hook up to city services if you are within
500 feet.
Discussion regarding flag pole annexation.
o Chuck Dickerson asked if this would be considered a flagpole annexation like Alder
Ridge, as he thought the city was not going to do that any more.
o Cal stated that that has never been established as a city policy and this does not have
to be a flag pole.
o Since this is a petitioned annexation, it does not have to be contiguous.
o Dick stated that there are flag poles and there is one with the request to annex the
street to Elena Subdivision.
o Doug stated that the city is growing toward Golf Course Road, and some property
owners between the current city limits and the new subdivisions would never petition
to annex; however, that does not mean the city should stop developing.
Resolution of annexation of Maryland Lane extension
· The resolution will be on the council agenda on November 15th.
· The annexation request was submitted by Jerry Neumann, the developer of Cherry Hills
Subdivision.
· The request is at the behest of Dave Bequette, the developer of Elena Subdivision to the
west.
· Before Elena Subdivision can be finalized, the developer has to deal with obtaining city
water and sewer, and the only way he can get city water and sewer is across city water and
sewer right of way.
· This provides for the future road and for the soon-to-he water and sewer location of the
extension westward to Elena Subdivision.
· Mr. Bequette is an example of a developer that is willing to pay a large amount of money to
extend water and sewer to the subdivision that he is developing.
o Since the land is owned by Jerry Neumann, the request comes tiom him.
· This will make Elena Subdivision a flag pole subdivision, but Cai prefers flag poles to
reaching out and picking up property.
· There were no public questions or comments at the Planning Board meeting.
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Council Workshop Minutes of November 8, 2005
· Cai stated that this is good for the City of Laurel and the Growth Management Plan
encourages developments that are served by city water and sewer.
· The subdivision on Valley Drive really wanted city water and city sewer, but neither the city
nor the developer could afford to do it at that time.
· This developer can afford to do this, this is how the process starts, and it would be good for
the City of Laurel to get water and sewer services out to Golf Course Road.
· Mark asked if this would be a dedication of the public right-of-way, as opposed to an
easement.
o Cai stated that this is a perpetual right of way.
o The developer is going to give the right of way to the city when they need to.
o It is being presented as a perpetual right of way easement; when it has become
subdivided, it will be given to the city.
o Right now they arejnst requesting annexation of it.
· Easements are otten between private parties, but when public facilities are involved, it is a
public right of way issue.
· Chuck asked if the addition of Governor's would impact on the sewer and water plants and
if the taxpayers would have to pay for it.
o Cai stated that the system has been improved since Chuck was in office.
o Elena Subdivision will put in a water pressure booster pump to provide the service.
o Demands and standards are required of new subdivisions in order to meet specific
city and State standards.
o Perry explained that enterprise funds are supported by development fees, which pay
for the system and upgrades.
· Mark stated that the city recently went through an upgrade and has the ability to add more
capacity to that.
o The addition of subdivisions like Governor's, Elena, and the Neumann subdivisions
is the only way a city can grow.
o The City of Laurel can tell the developers how to build the city's infrastructure.
o Mark commented on the failing pre-1920 infrastructure throughout the city that was
developed a little bit at a time, which is the wrong way to do it.
o Now the city needs to figure out a way to replace the infrastructure from the
pumping station to the new subdivisions, and he stated that the citizens will have to
pay for that because they have not paid for it in the past.
o Mark reminded the council that Solid Foundations Subdivision is different from
Elena Subdivision and Neumann's subdivision.
· Solid Foundations provides affordable housing, and the houses in the other
two developments will sell for a lot more money.
· Mark stated that the affordable housing project is good for Laurel.
· Dick commented on the sewer line project from Railroad Street to the sewer plant, which is
being done this fall.
· Chuck stated that there is a lot of interest in Elena Subdivision from people in Billings since
it is located by the golf course.
· Mayor Olson made a statement regarding Chuck Dickerson's involvement in the council
discussion.
o There has never been opportunity for a newly-elected council person to be part of the
council discussion before.
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Council Workshop Minutes of November 8, 2005
o Although Chuck had been allowed to speak during the council workshop, Mayor
Olson stated that the workshop is for the council's input into issues it is addressing
now and in the fiature.
o Mayor Olson would like to allow Chuck to participate in the discussion during the
council workshop with the council's agreement.
o Chuck apologized, stating that he has not attended any prior council workshops and
was not familiar with the procedure.
o He appreciates the council allowing him to participate because it is important for him
to get a grasp on the issues.
o Mayor Olson welcomed him aboard, stating that he did not feel any hesitancy on the
council's part.
· Doug asked ifNeumann is in full agreement with the annexation and ifthare is any progress
on his subdivision.
o Cal stated that Jc~' No, mann is in agreemgnt and is working on his development in
phases of five or six lots at a time.
· Cai informed the council about a request the County Commissionars will submit soon
regarding what to do with West Maryland Lane as it is presently used.
o It is about a half block south of where Maryland Lane goes west.
o Cal mentioned this at a recent department head meeting, and the depa~haent he, ads
suggested calling it Northwest Maryland Lane, which he does not think is a good
idea.
o The street is called Woods Way on the subdivision plat for Blena~
o Between Woods Way and Maryland Lane there is one tier of lots, but there is really
no other way to get through with Maryland Lane and that is where it is supposed to
go through.
o The county department heads said to make Maryland Lane what it is supposed to be
and not allow the existing West Maryland Lane to mess things up in the future.
o The commissionars will contact thc city regarding this issue.
· There was further discussion regarding Maryland Lane being a main arterial, the possibility
of changing the name of thc street, the responsibility of the developer regarding the ditch,
and an SID to build the bridge across the ditch.
Variance request from Robert & Michele Barron, 804 West Maryland~ for Code 6.16.010
Section A.
· Keith explained that this section of thc code says that no person shall keep swine, chiekeus,
ducks, etc.
· The Barrons are requesting permission to keep a pot-bellied pig at this address.
· The request was termed a variance, but it is not a land use or zoning issue.
· Keith stated that it would have to be addressed with an ordinance to amend the current
ordinance.
· Mayor Olson and Keith talked to Michele Barton right before the council workshop.
o Keith told her that the proper avenue to get this on the council floor is to have an
alderman or the mayor present an amendment to the current ordinance to allow a
citizen anywhere in the city to keep a pot-bellied pig.
· According to Michele, a pot-bellied pig is not a pig and is more like a dog.
· The variance cannot be requested for one address.
o Michcle Ban'on will probably call the Ward 3 aldermen regarding this request.
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Council Work,hop Minutes of November 8, 2005
· Dan questioned whether the people requesting a variance have to be the landowners of the
property or if they could sublet the property.
o He stated that the Barrons moved into the basement of this property several weeks
ago and brought their pig with them.
Dan brought up the recent Granny Flats issue.
The property is owned by a realtor and has been leased to people who have sublet the
basement to the Barrous.
o The Barrons have a Texas license plate on their vehicle.
o Dan does not understand the proper venue for this to be petitioned or brought
o Dan stated that the neighborhood dogs can smell the pig and go wild when it goes
out into the yard.
· Discussion regarding the procedure to amend an ordinance.
o Keith stated that the only way to amend an ordinance is to pass an amended
ord'mance.
· Perry will speak to the code enforcement inspector regarding Dan's concerns about this
property.
Cemetery sprinkler bid
· Dick Fritzler explained that the first design only bid for the sprinkler system came in at
$14,500.
· Thc Cemetery Commission decided to try again and went out for bids on the sprinkler
design and materials.
o One bid was received t~om Midland Implement, Inc. for $88,638.07.
o The design portion of tho bid was $500 and the material costs were $88,138.07.
o Due to the rising costs of pipe since the hurricanes, the bid for the materials was only
good for three days.
· The Cemetery Commission rejected the bid, but asked Steve to see if the city could purchase
the design.
o Iftha design can be purchased, Dick would like to go to the council for approval to
RFP for the cemetery master plan.
· Dick explained a recent conversation with Commissioner Bill Kennedy.
o A new military cemetery is being considered and would require a community to
donate 36 acres of land.
o Laurel has adequate land for this and would be an opportunity for Laurel to get a
nice cemetery.
o The project for a military cemetery would be funded by the Federal government.
Administrative Assistant:
· Resolution- Non-union compensation adjustment
o Perry stated that the non-union compensation adjustment needed more review and
would be presented at the next council workshop.
Executive review
· None
Review of draft council agenda for November 15, 2005
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Council Workshop Minutes of November 8, 2005
Resolution - to accept a grant fi.om the United States Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase fired department equipment
for the city.
o The fire department applied for a grant for public safety equipment.
o The City of Laurel was awarded a $229,900 grant to purchase public safety
equipment.
o The Federal share is $218,405 and the City's share is $11,495.
o The City's share will be paid out of the Fire Department's Capital Improvement
Fund.
o Perry explained that the department will be able to bypass the full bid process and
piggy back on an existing government contract with Industrial through Western
States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) to purchase the equipment.
o The equipment must be purchased by the end of November.
o The $20,000 savings will allow the fire department to purchase additional
equipment.
o The resolution will be on the council agenda on November 15m.
Announcements
· Gay Easton shared an interesting story about a snow storm on Election Day in the spring of
1955.
Attendance at the November 15th council meetinu
· All will attend.
Other items
· Perry commented regarding a letter of complaint that was received about the police
department.
· The matter is being investigated, a report will be written, the police chief will make a
recommendation, and Perry will present it to the council soon.
· The council retreat is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 18m and 19th.
The council workshop adjourned at 7:40 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.
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