HomeMy WebLinkAboutDepartment Head Meetings Minutes 10.16.2007MINUTES
DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETING
OCTOBER 16, 2007 3:10 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor Ken Olson Mary Embleton Stan Langve (3:20 p.m)
Sam Painter Jan Faught
Peggy Arnold Scott Wilm
Gay Easton James Caniglia
Council Agenda -October 16.2007
Public Hearing:
Ordinance No. 007-10: Ordinance amending certain sections ofthe "Laurel Zoning Ordinance"
located at Chapter 17 of the Laurel Municipal Code. (First reading - 09/18/2007)
James will introduce the issue at the public hearing.
Scheduled Matters:
• Resolution No. R07-89: Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an independent contractor
service contract and agreement with Engineering Inc. for the reconstruction of the city public
1'brazy pazking lot.
Peggy asked regarding Exhibit A, which is referenced in the resolution. Mayor Olson gave Peggy a
copy of the document to review. She asked regarding the next step in the process.
• Resolution No. R07-90: Resolution adopting regulations for the Laurel Cemetery.
• Resolution No. R07-91: Resolution of the City Council conveying an easement for access
purposes to Yellowstone County for the Yellowstone County Airport Road extension project.
• Resolution No. R07-92: A resolution declaring the Laurel City Council's intent to create an
Urban Renewal District with tax increment authority; declaring the existence of blight within the
urban renewal azea; declaring the need for redevelopment of blighted areas in the interest of the
public health, safety, and welfare; setting a public hearing date; and requiring publication and
mailing of the notice of hearing.
• Resolution No. R07-93: A resolution approving an agreement between the City of Laurel and
Jim Huertas Consulting, relating to maintenance and work on the City of Laurel's website.
Draft Council Workahon Agenda -October 30.2007
Police Department:
• Resolution -State and Local Task Force Agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration
Denver Field Division
The resolution will extend the agreement for another year. The resolution will be presented at the
council workshop on October 30m.
Public Works Department:
• Ordinance -Ordinance deleting a section of the "Laurel Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance"
located at Chapter 10 of the Laurel Municipal Code
Department Head Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007
The ordinance change is needed to delete the parking restrictions on the east side of the oki noddle
school Kurt stated that the school has installed bus parking signs at the high school, Graff, and West
Schools, but the signage has never been in code and should be included in LMC to make it legal and
enforceable. There was further discussion. Kurt will provide Sam with a description of the locations,
and Sam will revise the draft ordinance accordingly.
• Resolution -Agreement with MDT for Main Street from 3'~ to 8s' Avenue
Mayor Olson stated that an SID needs to be created for this area and specific dollar amounts need to be
obtained from Gary Neville of MDT.
• Resolution -Agreement with MDT for 8s' Avenue from West 12s' to West 9`~
• Resolution -Agreement with MDT for West 12s' Street from Sa' to 8s' Avenue
• Resolution -Agreement with MDT for Maryland Lane from Washington to 8th Avenue North
Mayor Olson stated that the agreements might be removed from the October 30a' council workshop
agenda for further review.
Clerk/Treasurer:
• Quarterly budget report
Mary stated that the report will address major funds. The report will be distributed to the council next
week for preview prior to the presentation at the council workshop.
Executive review:
• Ordinance -Establishing urban renewal plan and TIF District
Mayor Olson stated that the council will vote on the resolution of intent for the TIF District tonight.
• Resolution - Director of Public Works job description
Mayor Olson stated that the verbiage in the job descript~n was changed to allow a wider variety of
applicants. The job description states that a degree in engineering or comparable field is preferred. The
job description needs to be changed from "must possess appropriate Montana Operator's License" to
"Montana driver's license."
• Ordinance - City of Laurel truck route
• Resolution -Establishing the City of Laurel truck route
Mayor Olson received one comment regarding the proposed truck route. The draft ordinance will be
sent to members of the Board of Appeals for review. There was discussion regarding the proposed
ordinance. A language description of the route and a map will be included in the ordinance. Sam will
add the description of the mute to the draft ordinance and Kurt will review the description prior to
distribution.
• Appointments:
o ADA Coordinator
The appointment will be removed from the agenda as Mayor Olson has not made a decision yet.
o Laurel Airport Authority -term ending June 30, 2012
The ad for the vacancy on the Airport Authority will be published in tomorrow's Laurel Outlook.
Friday, October 26'•, is the deadline for letters of interest. The appointment will be on the October 30"'
council workshop agenda.
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Departm®t Head Meeting Minutea of October 16, 2007
o Tree Board -term ending June 30, 2009
o BSEDA - City representative
The appointments will be removed from the wuncil workshop agenda.
• Council Issues
o Maintenance of walkway by bridge on Valley Drive (Chuck Dickerson)
The walkway is located in the county, and Kurt will contact Bob Moats regarding this issue.
Review of draft council asrenda for November 6 2007
• Ordinance No. 007-10: Ordinance amending certain sections ofthe "Laurel Zoning Ordinance"
located at Chapter 17 of the Laurel Municipal Code. Second reading. (Fuel reading - 09118/2007;
Fx- lon~zoo7>
Department Reports:
Ambulance Service
• AMR contract discussion
Last weekend, Jan attended a meeting with EMS and a representative from the Department of Labor and
Industry. She explained information regarding charging for services and additional endorsements for
BLS services. There was discussion regarding liabilities incurred by carrying medication endorsements.
Mayor Olson stated that the protocols may need to be reviewed.
Jan will contact the Board of Medical Examiners to file a report regarding the ambulance employee that
was recently dismissed.
City Council President
Gay mentioned that the individual who purchased the elevator has applied for a permit to demolish the
buildings.
Clerk/Treasurer
• Quarterly Budget Report -October 30a'
This was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Mary stated that Carson Bise, of TischlerBise, will be in Laurel on November 14a' to begin the
feasibility study for impact fees.
Technical Edge will hold an event in front of Office Depot on Thursday, October 18a', from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m
Fire Department
• Tender truck
Scott stated that they are still looking.
• Sven update
Scott stated that a 60.amp fuse was replaced and the siren is now working.
• USDA grantlloan update
o Facility plan
Scott stated that the contract has been signed.
Department Head Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007
o Brush truck
• Cenex contract update
Scott asked if the Emergency Services Conmuttee would meet on Monday, October 22"d. He
questioned if Doug Poehls has contacted Cenex regarding the contract. If not, Swtt suggested that the
city write a letter to give Cenex thirty days' notice that there is no contract with the city.
Scott will be out of town from October 21 ~` through 27m.
Li ar
• Pazking lot progress
This was discussed earlier in the meeting.
Peggy asked regarding the Wal-Mart grants. The grant presentations will be made on Wednesday,
October 24'x, at 7:30 am
Police Department
• Dispatcher hiring progress
Stan stated that the relief dispatch position was posted for the union on Friday. If there is no response,
the position will be offered to the first person on the list from the recently completed hiring process.
• Website progress
The contract with James Huertas is on tonight's council agenda He will contact the department heads
for input on the website.
Public Utilities
• Report on fire hydrants at Wood's Powr-Grip
The depaztment is still working on this issue.
• Update on water line in Sheets Subdivision
Kurt stated that Dan McGee issued a plat dedicating the alley, but the legal description was not
included. A legal description, with starting and ending points, is needed. The next step is to find out
the cost of the eight-inch pipe and the supplies.
Kurt stated that Terry Fink purchased the Wagon Wheel Motel. Terry started some work on the pazking
lot, and Kurt and Gary discussed the drainage issues with him. Kurt asked why the city would not want
to extend the storm from 7a' to 8a'. The issue will be discussed with Chad Hanson during the meeting
on October 23'a.
Kurt stated that DEQ completed the final walkthrough of the sewer trunk line project today. Mary
stated that the remaining $15,000 will not be drawn down until the one-yeaz warranty is reached. Mary
mentioned an issue regarding the old line under the interstate.
Public Works
• Report on progress with South Laurel Business SID
A meeting with Great West Engineering is scheduled on Tuesday, October 23`x. Kurt stated that the
property owner of the Western Drug building has been in city hall several times. The owner has the
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Department Head Meeting Minutes of October 16, 7A07
original documents of the perpetual agreement for cooperation for parking lot flows for the businesses
in that area. The documents were filed with the county, and the city now has copies.
• Report on Main Street, 3rd to 8m
This will be addressed at the meeting on October 23rd.
Kurt stated that the union bid for Peyton's job closed on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Kurt has asked another
employee to give an answer in writing regarding his resignation on Wednesday. If the employee
resigns, the job will be posted for five days. After the posting, one ad for the Utility II and Maintenance
II positions will be published in the Laurel Outlook and the Billings Gazette. There was discussion
regarding DEQ's requirements for certification versus the City of Laurel's requirement.
Kurt received the task order for $4,500 for curb, gutter, and sidewalk on 130' Street and Valley Drive.
There was a lengthy discussion regazding this issue, why the engineering was not done prior to
annexation, creating an SID for the three lots, annexations of one block versus less than a city block,
and the possibility of having Wayne Fox pay for the engineering. Mayor Olson would like a definite
process to be followed for annexation requests. Sam suggested negotiating an agreement, rather than
setting up an SID. Kurt will approach the property owners about paying for the engineering costs.
Kurt stated that Alley Cleanup Week is.scheduled for November 5`~ through 9d'. The normal gazbage
routes will be followed. The ad will specify the requirement that branches be bundled and tied in six-
foot lengths and leaves are bagged. Ads will be published on October 24d' and 31~`.
Interviews for the code enforcement officer position aze scheduled for Monday, October, 22"d, and
Wednesday, October 24d'.
A walkthrough will be done at Wal-Mart on Thursday, October 18"', at 9:15 a.m in order to provide
time for additional work to be done, if required, before the opening date of October 24d'.
The walkthrough of the Main Street project on Third to Ninth is scheduled for October 29d' at 10:00
a.m
City Planner
James explained an issue with the white building (formerly Tony's Pawn Shop) at the comer of Main
Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The owner wants to have athree-story apartment building. Scott
stated that the fire department cannot protect three story buildings. There was discussion regarding the
canopy at Ricci's Express and The Crossings building, which exceed the 25-foot height restriction.
Ricci's and St. John's were granted variances, and The Crossings installed a sprinkler for fire
protection. Mayor Olson asked James, Scott, and Gary to meet to resolve the conflicting issues.
James mentioned the home occupation request for a tree ttvruning business and a variance request for a
tree nursery for property krcated at 1500 Valley Drive. He recommended denial to the Planning Boazd,
but the Board recommended allowing the variance application. The area is currently zoned as
residential trails, and there was discussion regarding the drawbacks of developing the area into a
business district. Sam stated that it would defeat the spirit ofthe residential tracts zoning. The property
is located within the city's zoning jurisdiction and within 300 feet of city property. The Planning and
Public Works Departments would recommend denial James will inform the applicant that two
departments intend to protest the request for variance.
Department Head Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007
• Update on alley vacations
lames stated that portions of the Caboose were built on public land. The owners need to buy the land or
remove the items.
James stated that the Laurel Medical Center's parking lot sits on 30 feet of the Nutting Drain's right-of-
way, which is city property. They also need to purchase this land from the city.
James explained an issue with Cedar Street in Russell Park. The street was not rewned, but the
property owner has parked an RV on the street. There was further discussion regarding vacating the
street, fencing the azea, and options for the area. Mayor Olson asked dames to prepaze a map drawn to
scale with the city's property shown for further review.
City Attorney
• Truck mute issue
The truck mute will be on the October 30`s council workshop agenda
• Draft annexation ordinance
Sam distributed a revised draft of the annexation ordinance. The draft ordinance states that the city may
annex property in accordance with the methods and procedures prescribed in MCA. An annexation
agreement and format for annexation requests will be developed.
Mayor Olson
• Safety Program update
This item will be moved to future discussion.
• Schedule of Fees and Chazges
Mayor Olson asked department heads to review the current schedule of fees and chazges.
Other
Sam has not heard from Cable Montana's attorney about the agreement yet.
Kurt mentioned the issue with the storm water retention ponds at Iron Horse Station Subdivision. Kurt
said that Marvin Brown should be responsible for the maintenance of the retention ponds and the
dedicated park areas because they are not complete and aze supposed to be developed in Phase 2 of the
subdivision. Kurt stated that the city could mitigate any mosquito issues in the ponds. The city has not
received a master pazk plan for Iron Horse Station Subdivision. Kurt stated that there could be issues
with the retention pond in Solid Foundations Subdivision and that the city needs maintenance
agreements for city parks received from developers.
The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m
Respectfully submitted,
/1~n nl, , ~-.ti
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
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Public Works Staff Meeting
Monday, October 15, 2007
Kurt Mazkegazd
Gary Colley
James Caniglia
Rita Mus-Temp
Public Works
Gary is on Call this week.
There aze 3 wallcthroughs this week. They will be on Wal-Mart, Railroad Rd., and the SE
4a' street extension. Gary and Kurt need to review the plans before the walkthroughs to
make sure everything is proper.
There will also be a wallcthrough on the trunk line on the sewer project with the DEQ.
On the 29a' of October there is to be a walkthrough on the 3`d to 8"' street water and sewer
line. It is to be the one year warranty walkthrough.
Kurt will start forwarding the Department Head minutes to Gary and Cheryl] once he
receives the a-mail so they are aware of what's going on. James aheady receives the e-
mailed minutes.
Streets
For the road in front of Wayne Fox's new house on West 13a' Street that doesn't have
engineering for the curbs and gutters a task order will be formed to get the engineering
done. It should be formed sometime this week.
The intersections for Wal-Mart aze on schedule and will be finished before they open.
Kurt will be talking to the DOT to find out about the traffic light and when it will be
operational.
The SE 4s' Street Extension and Baznhart Road need to have signage for no parking put
up.
Rob Harris's curb cut needs to be taken care of.
Charley White is finished pouring the curb cutout and approach to the alley at City Hall.
It will need to cure for several more days. Maintence will be working on fixing the
asphalt in the next several days while they still have hot mix.
The handicap spots still need the signage.
Parks
Park sprinklers are almost done winterizing. There are only 21eft that need the sprinklers
blown out. One of them is Riverside Park.
Solid Waste
Wal-Mart will need to get rid of the BFI containers before they open and use city
services.
Bid Specifications on the new truck aze complete. Kurt will be working on getting them
out for bid.
Water and Sewer systems
The waterline issue for Brent Milliron's property on Woodland is still being reviewed by
the City Attorney.
WWTP &WTP
Kurt is still working on the wastewater discharge permit. This is an important item that
has to be obtained before we can get federal funding for a grant project.
Kurt is also still working on the tour of the plants for all interested city employees.
The posted job for utility workers closes today. If no one has applied in-house then there
will be an ad worked up for the paper and the job will be open to the public.
Kurt is working with Mary and Kelly about a letter to be sent out to all the Mobile home
owners to remind them to check that heat tape is on their water meter and water lines to
prevent frozen meters this winter.
Cemetery
The fill dirt is going to be pushed in this week.
The cemetery is working on giving a section of land to the county so they can put in a
new road connecting Airport road to Buffalo Trail road.
Code Enforcement Hire:
The applications have been reviewed and 8 candidates have been selected for irnerviews.
They will beheld on October 22°d and 24a'. The questions need to be selected and given
to Cheryll by Friday so that she has time to type them up.
Building Department/Code Enforcement: Gary
Wagon Wheel Motel is preparing to put in a concrete pazking lot. It needs to be looked at
because right now it looks like it drains across the sidewalk and it isn't supposed to do
that. It looks like they will need to put a drain in and that needs to happen before they
pow the concrete.
Wal-Mart still has a fire inspection to have done. One has been completed.
Subdivision
Mayor Ken Olson called for a meeting to be set up with him, James, Sam and Kurt to
discuss the park at the Iron Horse Subdivision.
Planning: James
Sam is looking into the handicap issues at Cherry Hill to see if the new codes can be
enforced.
James will be working in Billings this afternoon on a plat
Ron Seder was in this morning and has plans fora 3 story rental building. It is in a
commercial district that has a height restriction of 25 feet. There needs to be a discussion
about changing the restriction from 25 to 35 feet. If the code isn't changed Ron will seek
a variance. There have been two other variances granted in the same area.
A committee needs to be set up to review all the codes in Laurel and compaze them to
Billings' codes. It would be beneficial if both codes matched as it would be easier for
architects and engineers if they were able to work off of the same codes.
Rita Mus