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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 02.13.2007 MR~TUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13, 2007 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 February 13, 2007. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: x Emelie Eaton x Kate Hart _x_ Gay Easton x Vonda Hotchkiss x Doug Poehls x Mark Mace x Chuck Dickerson x Norm Stamper OTHERS PRESENT: Sam Painter Perry Asher Mary Embleton Jan Faught Rick Musson Steve Klotz Larry McCarm Mark Richards Scott Wflm Gary Colley Chris Brink, Beartooth RC&D Jason Ness Tryn Benzing Nancy Chiddix Dean Rankin Public lnnut ~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 Chris Brink. Beartooth RC&D: Memorandum of Understandino. Chris Brink, the Economic Development Coordinator for Beartooth RC&D, stated that the RC&D serves a five-county area, including Yellowstone, Carbon, Big Horn, Stillwater, and Sweet Grass Counties. The non-profit economic development organization based in Joliet receives funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. RC&D receives a $52,000 grant from thc federal government and must provide 30 percent matching funds from the areas it serves. The City of Laurel has been part of this for a long time, and there are no significant changes in the Memorandum of Understanding. The various entities in Yellowstone County provide $23,381, including $8,381 ~om the City of Billings, $8,000 from Big Sky EDA, $5,601 from Yellowstone County, and $1,400 from the City of Laurel. Beartooth RC&D works for economic development within the five-county region. It has a revolving loan fund to assist business in thc are0. Beartooth RC&D worked with the Solid Foundations Subdivision in the Laurel self-help housing project. It also worked with Laurel's downtown development and gave a presentation last year to help small businesses deal with big box stores. The goal is to work to provide services in all five counties, and they are requesting funding. Mayor Olson introduced Mary Carter as the council's representative on the RC&D. Mary stated that Gay Easton is a dose representative, as he serves on the Yellowstone Conservation Board. Council Workshop Minutes of February 13, 2007 Lanrel Volunteer Amhulunee Service: · Appointments of Jason Ness and Tryn Benzing Ambulance Director Jan Faught introduced Jason Ness and Tryn Benzing, who have completed the reserve program and met all the qualifications. She requested that they be appointed as attendants for the Laurel Ambulance Service. Jason Ness, who was an attendant before, was called to active duty and ha~q returned and is now volunteering with the service. Jason is also a fireman. Christiani Benzing is an EMT and previously worked for a paid ambulance service in Maine. Norm Stamper expressed thanks to jaSOn for his service to our country, and he thanked Jason and Tryn for their service to our community. Mayor Oison also stated his appreciation for their effort, time, and service to the community. Council Discussion: City's abatement and zonine enforcement authority reeardine the old asphalt plant Mayor Olson stated that a council member brought this to his attention, and he put it on this agenda for the council's discussion~ Public Works Director Steve Klotz and Code Enforcement Officer Gary Colley attended the meeting to provide an update on the issue. Steve Klotz stated that this issue is non-typical fi.om the other issues that the department deals with because the buildings are owned by a private owner and the land is owned by the railroad, which is like all leases offered through the ralkoad. This particular owner let the structures default back to the bank that had the loan on it. When the Public Works Department addresses property or structures through Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, the property owner is contacted. That way, if everything falls through, the city steps in, does the job, and assesses the cost against the property taxes. That is the reason the city goes through the property owner, which is the railroad. The railroad then goes through their lessee and deals with it. At this point, the lessee fi.om the railroad is the bank, who has considerable interest in the structures on the property. Since there is a possibility of injunctions and fi.eezing the whole process, the railroad expressed interest to have the city work with them on this issue. The railroad's preferred solution is to relocate another rail customer there to utilize the present structure. Steve Klotz, Gary Coney, Joe Gentry and another lVlRL representative went through the site recently and identified some mediate hazards. The most obvious hazard was the structural sheeting and insulation that were flying offthe structure in the wind. The railroad agreed to step in and abate the immediate haT~n:ls. The railroad has strapped down the sheeting and insulation. They are also in the process of reviewing some environmental issues to identify what is in the tanks and what hazards are there in case it has to be broken down and salvaged if they cannot relocate a customer there. As far as a timeline, the railroad is pretty good. The city also met with the railroad regarding some properties on East Main, and they abated the immediate hazards. The windows on the Blue Bell Antiques building were boarded up. A nearby building will be demolished, and the railroad is in the process of applying for the demolition permit. The timefi'ame for the railroad to review the hazardous materials at the asphalt plant is expected to take up to three months. There was discussion regarding the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code, the liability of the railroad versus the lessee, the ongoing process of the Code Enforcement Depa~hnent to inspect and address the issues of various properties, demolition of buildings, the grain 2 Council Workshop Minutes of February 13, 2007 r elevator and nearby buildings, the Laurel Trading Post building, the Community Decay Ordinance, the historical status of certain buildings, and the Sonny O'Day's building. Gay Easton stated that there are still pieces of sheeting that are not secured at the asphalt plant. He thinks the city needs to force the railroad to address the issue further. Steve said that the city would require the railroad to use a different means to secure the hazards if the metal straps did not work. Chuck asked for an update on this issue at the next council workshop. Mayor Olson asked if any audience members wished to speak. Linda Frickel, 1737 Groshelle Boulevard, spoke to the council regarding her concern of the deterioration of downtown Laurel. Linda stated that buildings are empty, the building fronts need to be updated, and the underpass is dirty, full of garbage, and needs to be repainted. She stated that the owner of Sormy O'Day's plans to eventually tear down the building, rebuild, and reopen the business. The windows on the Blue Bell Antiques building have been boarded up, but it is still an eyesore. The railroad allows the weeds to grow all summer, which is also an eyesore. Linda further expressed concerns regarding downtown Laurel and her desire for revitalization of the area. She suggested that some issues should be addressed with the railroad. In Red Lodge, the downtown area has lights, benches, planters, and trees to make it look inviting. The Price Pharmacy buildings look terrific with the updated look, and other businesses need updated store fronts. Chuck Dickerson suggested that the chamber be contacted to ask the high school art classes to be involved in a painting project of commemoration of the upcoming 100-year celebrations in Laurel. Kate Hart stated that, with the Transportation Community Sustainability Project, the city adopted the streetscape. Progress has been made with replacement of the sidewalks and planting of trees on three blocks on Main Street. The city can only do so much, depending on funding. She is hopeful that the economic development that is happening now will extend to the city area. Mark Mace stated that the city needs to take a more proactive approach and go to the railroad to force the issues. Portions of the city are decaying, and the only way to stop it is to take a progressive approach. There was further discussion regarding addressing the issue of weeds on railroad property, the need to for the city to take a firmer stand, the power that the city has against the railroad, and the city's current abatement codes. Sam Painter stated that the city is constrained by its current abatement codes and cannot go outside the ord'mances. If the council directs him to do so, he will review the codes to see if they could be strengthened. Mayor Olson stated that the issues need to be discussed with the MRL representative. The city and council should be well informed regarding the boundaries within the ordinance. Legal counsel will review thc codes and present an update at the next council workshop. 3 Council Workshop Minutes of February 13, 2007 Clerk/Treasurer: · Resolution - Beartooth RC&D, Memorandum of Understanding Mary Embloton explained the resolution to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Beartooth RC&D. Mr. Brink presented background information and history on how the city has contributed to the Besrtooth RC&D in the past. The contribution is budgeted in the current budget. Beartooth RC&D conducts First Time Homebuyer Classes that are required for the HOME Grants and other available housing grants on the second Saturday of every month in the council chambers. The classes have been well attended and the city has definitely benefited from its participation in the RC&D. Mary recommended approval of the resolution and agreement. · Resolution - MMIA Employee Benefit Program Representation Mary explained the resolution for ~ MMIA Employee Benefit Program representation. The city participates in the self-pooled employee health benefits program through MIVIIA. The city has had an agreement with them the last several years to contract with Dave Allen as the Employee Member Representative. As Benefits Coordinator, Mary answers or directs questions about coverage to the representative. Blue Cross administers the city's policy with MMIA. The city pays $6.92 per month/per employee that is covered under the plan. It was usually included as part of the premium, but with MMIA's changes, it is now a separate cost. The agreement is a renewal of the contract, and she recommended approval. Resolutions - Insurance Transfers and Fund Transfers Mary explained the resolutions for insurance transfers and fund transfers. The fund transfers portion is tied to the CIP and will be presented in a couple weeks. The insurance transfers resolution is a housekeeping item that is done twice a year. The city levies additional mills specifically for health insurance costs. The city has never been able to levy enough to fully pay the General Fund costs of health insurance. For the first six months of the fiscal year, the insurance costs to the General Fund were $191,778.93 and the cash balance accumulated through December 31't was $186,665. It has been fiscally responsible to be able to levy the mills in order to help cover these costs for the General Fund. Mary recommended approval oftbe resolution. Plannine Board: · Resolution - Canyon Creek Station Subdivision Preliminary Plat City Planner Mark Richards explained the resolution for the Canyon Creek Station Subdivision, Second Filing. The Planning Board considers this to be a very good projeet to benefit the community. The preliminary plat will be distributed to the council. The traffic studies have been completed. Mark explained that language in the SIA states that, as the project develops, the projeet itself will take recou~l~endations from the Department of Transportation on circulation issues. · Governors Subdivision Mark stated that the Governors Subdivision has not filed its final plat. In order to keep it workable, they need to request an extension. Unfortunately, the developers were misdirected and went to the 4 Council Workahop Minutes of February 13, 2007 County Commissioners with the letter. The County Commissioners said that it was the City of Laurel's jurisdiction. Mark distributed a letter requesting a one-year extension for Governors Subdivision. There was discussion regarding the subdivision, which was abandoned about six months ago. The project is being reconsidered with proper financing. The plats and documents that were already approved by the council would be used for the project. Mayor Olson asked if there is verbiage in the present agreement that allows for a one-year extension upon request of the developer. Mark stated that the laws allow that request to go forward. Kate stated that the LDC originally had Governors Subdivision platted with Engineering, Inc., but could not afford to do it because of lack of fimding. Having the platting done makes it mere economically feasible for someone to complete the project within the timeframe. If the council does not extend the deadline, the subdivision would have to start over. Mary clarified that a resolution is needed to approve an extension of the preliminary plat. Mayor Olson stated that a resolution would be in the council boxes by the weekend for the council's review. Sam stated that the letter read: "we hereby request the City of Laurel to extend the time for completion of the annexation for a period of one year." He thinks they are requesting a one-year extension of the preliminary plat, not the annexation, and asked Mark to contact the developer for a revised letter. Mark Mace asked if the request came within the year's timeframe. Mark Richards stated that there is some ambiguity that allows the city to be flexible from the time the thing was first mentioned until the time the letter was received. The letter was generated and then was misdirected, but the intent was to be able to meet the timeframe. Mark Mace asked that the question be cleared up before the council voted on the resolution to approve the extension. Mayor Olson stated that the information would be available so that when the council decides to take action on the issue, it will be well aware of the parameters, if it does meet the parameters, and also if there is a history of allowing outside of that parameter. Executive review: · Appointment: CTEP Administrator As some information was received at, er the agenda was distn'outed, Mayor Oison removed the appointment from the agenda for further review until the February 27t~ council workshop. · Resolution - Fencing for Neumann/Elena Subdivision Booster Station 5 Council Workshop Minutes of February 13, 2007 Mayor Olson removed this item from the agenda, as he bus been unable to contact the developer. Capital Improvements Plan Mayor Oison removed the Capital Improvements Plan from the agenda. He explained that the product will be presented at the next council workshop. Mayor Oison, Perry Asher, and Mary Embleton have had four meetings of at least two hours per session to try to deliver to the council a good plan that will enable the taxpayers to use their resources and better enable our departments to be more efficient with their services. · Maps (Alderman Dickerson) Alderumn Dickerson asked when the completed maps would be available. Steve Klotz explained that requests/or the PDF have been made to the county GIS Department, but the information has not been provided yet. Mayor Oison explained that several different maps are available. After a lengthy discussion regarding the maps, the council members agreed that ward maps and zone maps should be placed alternately under the glass on the council tables for two council members to share. An update will be given at the council workshop on February 27th. · Only $1 Store building (Ald~tlilan Dickerson) Mayor Oison stated that the Only $1 Store will be closing and the building is for sale. At a recent Department Head meeting, it was discussed that the city should look at certain aspects of the building regarding its integrity and defects. Architect Scott Atwood and the real estate agent will be available for a walkthrough of the building on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Mayor Olson stated that this would he a major decision and every poss~le avenue must be investigated. Chuck Dickerson stated that it is exciting to have the opportunity to consider the building as far as city-owned property to use as offices and to keep another building from being vacated in the downtown area. The depa~haents are growing and there are requests for additional space. He thinks it is an opportunity that might not come around again and the city should be open minded and look at the possibilities. The building stops where the $1 Store stops. And going back it does not include the Dynamic Designs portion, nor does it come this way and include the Teen Center that is there. Other items Doug Poehis mentioned the need to fill vacancies on the Big Sky EDA and the Emergency Services Committee. Mayor Oison will appoint a council member to be a non-votkng member on the BSEDA Board. The other vacancies will be reviewed and appointments will be made. 6 Council Workshop Minutes of February 13, 2007 Mark Mare requested that a clarification of the ward boundaries be presented at the next council workshop. Emelie Eaton asked if the meeting regarding the Only $1 Store building was open to the council. Mayor Olson stated that it is open to anyone but cautioned that the meeting needed to be posted if the whole council attended. There was further discussion. Sam explained that posting notice of a meeting is a protection for the city council. If someone sees a group of council members going into a building, the council could be accused of having an illegal meeting or making a decision outside the public. The protection is to post a notice to the public that the council is going to tour the building and no decisions would be made. The posting is needed to protect the council and the city. Mayor Olson stated that he would like to schedule a council retreat with Ken Weaver and Judy Mathre on a Saturday in March. There was further discussion. The meeting will be scheduled on March l0th or 24~'. Further information will be available soon. Review of draft council aeenda for February 20~ 2007 · Public Hearing: Storm Water PER A resolution for the extension of the preliminary plat of Governors Subdivision will be added to the council agenda. Attendance at the February 20th council meeting All council members will attend. Announcements: Mayor Olson informed the council regarding a discussion at today's department head meeting. The department heads had discussed the proper titles for introducing staff members at council meetings. Mayor Olson proposed that council members be addressed es Council Member Poehls, Council Member Mace, etc., and Council President Eeston. There was discussion regarding whether the formality was necessary at both council workshops and council meetings. There will be further discussion at the council retreat in March. The council workshop adjourned at 8:07 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. 7