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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 09.11.2007 MinUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 11, 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 September 11, 2007. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Emelie Eaton x Kate Hart _x_ Gay Easton Vacant _x_ Doug Poehls x Mark Mace Chuck Dickerson Norm Stamper OTHERS PRESENT: Sm Painter Steve Klotz James Caniglia Rick Musson Jan Faught Kurt Markegard Mayor Olson asked the council and audience to stand and observe a moment of silence in respect for the events of September 11, 2001. Public lanut (three-minute llmlt}: 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. Josh Middleton, Superintendent of Laurel Public Schools, expressed thanks to the city and the council. Tho school district has had a lot of changes over the last few years, and specifically this fall with the new middle school and the grade leveling. Josh had previously asked the council to consider making Sixth Street a through street and putting stop signs on the north and south of Sixth Street. He stated that this has worked really well, and he appreciated tho work of the council and the city. School has started and a lot of the work went into preparing the streets this summer. With the new middle school, the district is looking at some of the foot and automobile traffic areas, and has had communication with the city regarding crosswalks and signs. Josh thanked the public works department, Chief Musson, and the school resource officers for making the first few weeks a very smooth transition. Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service: · Appointment of DJ Poolet as an Ambulance Attendant Jan Faught stated that DJ Poolet has served as an ambulance reserve since April and has met the requirements to become an attendant. Jan introduced DJ to the council and asked for consideration of the appointment. The appointment will be on the council agenda on September 18, 2007. Bi~ Sky EDA, Steve Zeier: · Presentation on Urban Renewal Plan for Tax Increment Finance Districts Council Worlohop Minutes of September 1 I, 2007 Mayor Olson introduced Steve Zeier, of Big Sky Economic Development Authority. Steve distributed three handouts of information regarding tax increment finance districts to the council, and copies are attached to these council workshop minutes. Steve stated that Big Sky EDA has been investigating the possibility of a tax increment finance district for the City of Laurel. One of the handouts was a graph which gave a basic visual of how a tax increment finance district works. A geographic boundary would he delineated within the municipality of Laurel, and a base taxable value would be established and remain in effect for fifteen years. The increment that is realized by private development within that district is allocated to another fund. The fund can then be spent within the district for improvements of public infrastructure, including water, sewer, westewater, storm water, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. This is local dollars and it does not increase property tax bills. That is a very comn~n question amongst potential TIF Districts. It is not an increase, but it is a reallocation of tax dollars. A TIF District could capture local dollars that would normally go to other taxing entities, such as the State of Montana. A second handout was a pie chart of property tax mill levies for 2005-2006 for School District No. 7. Big Sky EDA had a whopping four percent, which were 2.76 mills levied against the entire county. The dollars go into the EDA budget, which is a public/private partnership between the EDA and EDC. The Economic Development Corporation is a private arm end Economic Development Authority is the public urm~ The 2.76 mills funds economic development activities in the county. The City of Laurel levied 24½ percent in the sample pie chart. With a TIFD, all of the dollars that go to the State, the City of Laurel, Yellowstone County, and the School District are put into a different fund to be eligible for activities within that particular district. One of the main advantages is that Laurel will soon have a large increase in its tax base on the south part of Laurel. There was discussion regarding a TIF District in the City of Billings, the boundaries for a TIF District, the length of the term, the exclusion of county property t~om a district, and possible opposition to a TIF District by other taxing jurisdictions. The idea for a TIFD came from the MEDA Community Assessment that was held in Laurel about a month and a half ago and from a conversation between Mayor Olson and the Executive Director of the EDA. However, tax increment finance districts have been discussed in Laurel for quite some time. Steve talked to the Planning Board last week and some members were aware and understood the process. There was further discussion regarding setting taxable values. Any development that occurs within the proposed district between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2008 would be considered an increment because the taxable base is set on January 1~t. The increased tax dollars generated by Wal-Mart could be captured if a tax increment finance district is in effect by the end of the year. There was discussion regarding poss~le problems which could be encountered, the fact that taxpayers would not see any significant change on the tax bills but would see the effect and benefit of infrastructure improvements. Mayor Ohon asked for an explanation of a TIFD dollar and what a TIFD dollar can and cannot purchase. Steve explained that, according to statute, the city can have the ultimate authority on those dollars or the council could appoint and create an urban renewal agency, which would be a separate legal entity but still under the umbrella of the city. He did not think that was wise in this situation, and stated that 2 Council Workshop Minutes of September 11, 2007 the best way to control local dollars is by a local council, in his opinion. The city would provide, as a function of the urban renewal plan, a basic idea and framework of how to spend the dollars. By statute, TIFD dollars can be spent on anything concrete and tangible in tho ground. Whether or not personnel are included is still a matter of conjecture. Mayor Olson stated that the council is in the preliminary phase of education about tax increment finance districts. He thanked Steve for the presentation. Police Detmrtment: · Resolution- Laurel Middle School SRO contract · Resolution - Laurel High School SRO contract Chief Musson stated that the two contracts are one-year contracts with the school district for SRO funding and operation~ The school district will pay 70 percent and the city will pay 30 percent for both officers. The school district wants to continue with one-year contracts because of funding issues, particularly for the middle school SRO. When Rick spoke to Josh Middleton tonight, he indicated that the school district is ready to sign the contracts. The resolutions will be on the September 18th council agenda. Public Works Department: * Resolution - Change order for Small Services Contract with Concrete R Us Steve Klotz explained the charade order for the contract with Charlie White, Concrete R Us, for the work across the street. The project includes the approach next to city hall, the approach across the street, the entrance to the perking lot, and the curb end gutter along the 100 block of West First Street. The bank participated in the project by replacing the sidewalk. As the project progressed and the final elevations for the flow and curb line were laid out, it ended up pretty flat for the last five feet of curb and gutter prior to going into the storm drain on the comer of First Avenue and West First Street. The change order is to take out a portion of the ramp, install a new ramp, and get the flow to go across in a steeper manner. Steve did not want to leave anything flat there so water would pool up where the handicap ramp cut was in the flow line, and that is why the change order is needed. Steve indicated that he will visit with Sam to see ifa contingency could be included in small contracts up to a certain amount to allow for change orders. The resolution will be on the September 18a council agenda. · Resolution- Canyon Creek Crossing Agreement Steve explained the easement agreement with the Canyon Creek Ditch Company. A letter from the Canyon Creek Ditch Company was attached to the draft resolution. The crossing has been in place for a long time. During the recent trunk line project, the city recrossed the line with a different configuration of pipe that was there previously. The city started visiting with the Ditch Company at that point regard~g who was there first, the city or the ditch company. Some research was done and the letter informs the city that the Ditch Company was there first. The resolution and agreement will be on the September 18~ council agenda. Clerk/Treasurer: · Tax resolutions Mayor Olson stated that the tax resolutions will be on the September 18a~ council agenda. Executive review: * Ordinance - Temporary use permit 3 Council Workshop Minutes of Soptember 11, 2007 Mayor Oison stated that the main issue is the change in the bonding requirements for t~l~tJorary use permit. A bond will be allowed rather than cash. The first reading of the ordinance will be on Septernber 18~. · Resolution - Revisions to code enforcement job description and hiring additional staff Mayor Oison stated that the city is going forward with the opportunity to increase the code enforcement division and has advertised for a code enforcement officer. The drai~ job description will be attached to the applications so applicants will have an understanding of the job requirements. Four responses have been received so far. Mayor Olson is still reviewing whether the building department will be a separate department or remain under the public works department. The resolution will be on the September 18~ council agenda. · Discussion - Laurel City Track Route Mayor Olson stated that the truck route issue has been ongoing for the last several months and a draft product has been completed. He has asked the staffto submit vendor names and addresses to send the proposed draf2 to for input. The staffwill review the responses to detemfine what would be best for the City of LaureL The final dratt will be presented to the council in the future. · Ward 4 council seat vacancy Mayor Olson stated that two letters of interest were received for the Ward 4 council vacancy. The letters are from Lisa Scribner and Alex Wilkins. As has been the practice of prior appointments for elections to the council by council members, both candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and make a statement at the next council meeting. The council will vote by paper ballot, the mayor will read the results with the name of the person selected and the council person who made that selection. It will be a recorded vote for the proceedings. · Council issues: o Report on patcher machine (Council Member Mace) Kurt Markegsrd stated that the city crew is patching again after a brief hiatus to complete the school routes. The city ordered $6,300 worth of product, which should be enough to get through the rest of the winter. The crew has been dealing with complaints and issues of large potholes by filling them at the beginning and end of the day. At the present time, Village Subdivision, parts of the south side, and moat of the east side have been completed, and the crew is working on the avenues on the west side. o Report on traffic light at SE 46 and S. 1't Avenue (Council Member Dickerson) Steve recently visited with Wal-Mart and the contractor that is installing the traffic lights. The traffic lights have been installed with black bags over them. September 24~ is the target date for the traffic lights to be operational, pending that everything goes right with the contractor. Although they are under no timeframe within this month to have it done, Wal-Mart wants to get the store opened and that is one of the off'site improvements that must be completed. Later this month when the water flow will be small enough in the Italian Drain, they will do the additional work needed on the southeast comer. The State will do the adjustment on the traffic signals in order to time it with the signal off the interstate ramp. o Request for street closure and use of city buildings for filming crew Mayor Oison stated that Intrepid Films submitted a letter of request, which was distributed to the council. Originally, they requested the area around the Cosner CPA building and the parking lot 4 Council Workshop Minutes of September 11, 2007 across the street. Since then, they have also requested use of the mayor's office and the area south of the mayor's office, as well as an area in the FAP building. The filming should be done during the week of September 24a'. Further information will be given to the council when it is available. Other items: · Change in form of government Mayor Olson has been unable to contact Ken Weaver or Judy Mathre regarding scheduling a public meeting, but he will continue to try to contact them. The certificates have been published in a pamphlet form and will be mailed to the voters in the City of Laurel. Additional copies will be distributed in different areas of town. Mayor Olson stressed the importance of face to face contact with people and public forums for education oftbe issue. The ballots will be mailed to the electorate on October 12th. Mark Mace stated that the Budget/Financo Committee would like the council to consider a resolution for the agreement with TischlerBise relating to the impact fee feasibility study. Mayor Olson stated that the resolution would be on the September 18th council agenda. Review of draft council agenda for September 18, 2007: · Ordinance No. O07-09: Ordinance emending a section of the "Laurel Subdivision Ordinance" located at Chapter 16 of the Laurel Municipal Code. Second reading. Mayor Olson stated that the ordinance for the time limit for subdivision plats will be on the September 18th council agenda. The opportunity for the applicants for the Ward 4 council vacancy to address the council will be on the September 18th council agenda under Scheduled Matters. Both candidates will be informed of this. Attendance at the September 18th council meeting: Doug PoeMs will not attend the meeting. Announcements: There were none, The council workshop adjourned at 7:45 p.rr~ Respectfully submitted, Deputy Clerk NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the listed workshop agenda items. 5 Tax Increment Financing Proposed Laurel TIF District What is Tax Tncrement Financing? · Authorized under the Montana Urban Renewal Law, specifically MCA 7-15-4282 · Allows a community to direct the increment in property taxes within a designated blighted geographic area to public improvements · A base year is established from which incremental increases in property values are calculated Steps to creating a TTF District as part of an Urban Renewal Plan in a municipality. 1. Establish the boundaries of the proposed district. Determine where the need for public improvement exists and show blight. 2. Begin development of the Urban Renewal Plan. Plan must contain the provision for Tax Tncrement Financing as well as llF Bonding. 3. Urban Renewal Plan must be approved by the Planning Board and comply with the Growth Policy 4. Urban Renewal Plan must be approved by the City Council and Council must pass a resolution of blight and Resolution of Intent to Create a 'IIF District. Public Hearing must be set. 5. Notify all property owners within the proposed district of public hearing not less than 10 days prior to hearing. 6. Conduct first reading of ordinance creating T~F, 14 days after the submission of the Urban Renewal Plan. 7. Conduct Second reading of ordinance establishing TTF 8. District becomes effective 30 days after second reading. Eligible Activities MCJ~. 7-15-7288: (:L) Land acquisition; (2) Demolition and removal of structures; (3) Relocation of occupants; (4) the acquisition, construction, and improvement of infrastructure, industrial infrastructure, or aerospace transportation and technology infrastructure that includes streets, roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pedestrian malls, alleys, parking lots and offstreet parking facilities, sewers, sewer lines, sewage treatment facilities, storm sewers, waterlines, waterways, water treatment facilities, natural gas lines, electrical lines, telecommunications lines, rail lines, rail spurs, bridges, spaceports for reusable launch vehicles with associated runways and launch, recovery, fuel manufacturing, and cargo holding facilities, publicly owned buildings, and any public improvements authorized by parts 41 through 45 of chapter 12, parts 42 and 43 of chapter 13, and part 47 of chapter 14 and items of personal property to be used in connection with improvements for which the foregoing costs may be incurred; (5) Costs incurred in connection with the redevelopment activities allowed under 7-15-4233; (6) Acquisition of infrastructure-deficient areas or portions of areas; (7) Administrative costs associated with the management of the industrial district or the aerospace transportation and technology district; (8) Assemblage of land for development or redevelopment by private enterprise or public agencies, including sale, initial leasing, or retention by the municipality itself at its fair value; (9) The compilation and analysis of pertinent information required to adequately determine the infrastructure needs of secondary, value- adding industries in the industrial district or the needs of an aerospace transportation and technology infrastructure development project in the aerospace transportation and technology district; (10) The connection of the industrial district or the aerospace transportation and technology district to existing infrastructure outside the industrial district or the aerospace transportation and technology district; (ll) The provision of direct assistance, through industrial infrastructure development projects or aerospace transportation and technology infrastructure development projects, to secondary, value- adding industries to assist in meeting their infrastructure and land needs within the industrial district or the aerospace transportation and technology district; and (12) The acquisition, construction, or improvement of facilities or equipment for reducing, preventing, abating, or eliminating pollution. ®nwa ®lqexe.I.