HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 12.15.1998 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 15, 1998 6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Dirk Kroll Gary Temple
Ken Olson Miles Walton
Gay Easton Norman Orr
Bill Staudinger Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
V. Joe Leckie
Larry McCarm
Cal Cumin
Don Hackmann
Jim Stevens
Mike Zuhoski
Cal Cumin commented on the home occupation application for candy making that is on
the agenda. No meeting was held, but the Planning Board approval was done by polling
the members over the telephone. Bud Johnson questioned whether or not this home
occupation would include the manufacture of food items, which is restricted by the
ordinance. Cal stated that several home occupations have been granted for similar things
such as cake decorating. He does not consider it to be manufacture of food items when it
is a one-person operation.
Gary Temple questioned the number of home occupations that currently exist. Cal
agreed that it would be advantageous to know how many home occupations there are, but
a system will have to be worked out to keep track. Cal stated that, if the terms of the
approval of a home occupation are violated, the business license should not be renewed.
This should be enforced on a yearly basis. Gary questioned why a home occupation
should be granted when there is a similar business downtown. In order to promote
business in the business district, Gary thinks we should know how many home
occupations have been granted. Cai stated that there are no limitations to the number of
home occupations that can be granted. There was discussion regarding possibly
designating home occupations on the business licenses.
Cal has applied for an $85,000 grant and should be notified this week if the City is
invited to make full application for the grant. The major focus of the comprehensive plan
update is the downtown area, a major component of any planning process. He is trying to
establish what the downtown is, set up a mechanism for funding improvements in the
downtown area, get it organized, and get the leadership involved and focused. Monthly
meetings are being held and Cal is pleased with the progress that is being made. He
recently met with the Resource Conservation and Development Council regarding getting
a small grant fi.om US West. He urged everyone to attend the next meeting, which is
scheduled for Tuesday, January 12~h, 1999. Off-street parking, downtown zoning, and
building codes will be addressed.
Because of citizen involvement and concern, another problem area included in the
comprehensive plan is the north First Avenue area. Cai has met with the leaders of the
opposition to the Ricci's project and urged them to organize themselves into a task force.
Cai explained that the additional money approved in the budget is being spent on
comprehensive planning by bringing in experts and holding public hearings. Since
Laurel needs a full-time planner but cannot hire one, Cal is using the expertise of these
various people to help address the problems as they arise.
The Highway Department Grant deals with the issue of community sustainability, a
complex planning term. It is necessary to plan for the sustainability of the community,
not for more vehicles, parking lots, or additional business. Its focus is how to enhance
the assets and values of the community, as that is how to make the community grow.
Laurel is the most classic example of the impact of transportation systems. Laurel is split
in several different directions: the railroad; the frontage road; the interstate highway; the
new north-south highway six-million dollar improvement project; the major recreational
access to Yellowstone Park; and the new interchange.
Larry McCann addressed some of the items on the council agenda. He explained the
changes that were made in the Policy Statement and the Procedures Manual.
Resolution No. R98-62 extends the Water Treatment Plant contract completion date to
April 15, 1999. Larry explained that all parties concurred that it would be in the City's
best interest to keep the project moving forward and avoid a shutdown. The two pumps
will be delivered the end of February and installed by March 15th. If the contract is
extended, R. H. Grover can continue working on the project. The completion date of
April 15, 1999 would also include completion of the asphalt paving.
Resolution No. R98-63 is the only change order for the water line project. The increase
of the project cost includes some changes and improvements made during the installation.
Resolution No. R98-64 addressed the five items included in Change Order No. 2. The
total value of the change order is $9,105.00. · -
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Secretary