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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 03.11.2008MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP MARCH 11, 2008 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 March 11, 2008. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: _ Emelie Eaton _x_ Kate Hart _x_ Gay Easton Alex Wilkins _x Doug Poehls _x_ Mark Mace _x_ Chuck Dickerson _x_ Norm Stamper OTHERS PRESENT: Sam Painter Mary Embleton Bill Sheridan Kurt Markegard James Caniglia Rick Musson Scott Wilm Jan Faught Public Input (three-minute timitl: 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 x~lcome, the Council will not take action on arty item not on the agenda. There was no public input. Public Works Department: • Resolution -Agreement with the Billings YMCA for operation of the swimming pool The draft resolution and agreement with the Billings YMCA were distributed for the council's review. Bill Sheridan asked the councII to consider another option. He explained that the past pool manager met with Bill and Kurt today to discuss the possibility of the city hiring a pool manager and lifeguards for the 2008 season. This option would be cheaper than the YMCA's proposal and would give ways to improve the operation of the pool while keeping the costs down. It would also achieve more revenue and provide better service. The YMCA proposes opening the pool for thirty-three hours per week, which could be increased if the city runs the pool There was council discussion. Mayor Olson stated that the resolution with the Billings YMCA would be removed from the March 18s' council agenda. Additional information will be provided and discussed at the March 25`~ council workshop for the council's consideration on the April l ~` council agenda. Fire Department: • Discussion -Sites for proposed new fire hall Fire Chief Scott Wilm stated that the department has been looking at property on which to build a new fire station The department has developed a long range plan for twenty to thirty years. Although several lots were considered, Scott stated that the north half of the okl North School lot next to Ricci's is the best option The department needs a 26,000 to 27,000 square foot lot for construction of the proposed structure, which includes arsine-bay fire hall with offices and a second story with living quarters. This particular site would be centrally located and provide good accessibility. Vince Ricci Council Workshop Minutes of March 11, 2008 wants to sell the lot to the city but needs a commitment of the city's interest. There was discussion regarding funding for the project. The USDA interest rates are currently at 6 to 12 percent. The city would need to go to the voters for G.O. bonds. Scott stated that CTA Architects estimated the project at $5.3 million and a Wyoming architect estimated it at $3.8 million. Gay Easton expressed concerns regarding safety with locating a fire hall at the old North School lot because it is so close to the Laurel High School. He also stated that there would be no room for further future expansion. Scott explained that a satellite station would be needed next and the department did not plan to expand at that location. Mayor Olson stated that this is the beginning of a serious obligation for the City of Laurel. Mayor Olson fully supports the proposal for a new fire hall, but he stated that the council needs to receive and review all the information in order to make a decision. Mayor Olson thanked the fire department for bringing the issue forward and stated that it should be considered in a timely manner. There was further council discussion and requests for information regarding the pros and cons of the proposed sites. Public wmment is expected from the residents by the proposed site. Mark suggested forming a task force to review the issue. Doug Poehls and Gay Easton agreed to serve on the task force. Mayor Olson thanked Chief Wilm for bringing the issue to the council. Mary briefly explained a General Obligation bond, and further explanation will be presented to the council soon. Executive review: • Resolution -Authorizing the Mayor to sign the warranty deed transferring land to Yelkwstone County for the Veterans' Cemetery Mayor Olson stated that the warranty deed is needed to complete the process of transferring the land to Yellowstone County. The resolution will be on the March 18a' council agenda. • Resolution - Creating a Capital Projects Fund for the purpose of making capital improvements to the Veterans' section of the Laurel Cemetery. Mayor Olson added this item to the council workshop agenda and stated that it would be appropriate to put the money received from Yellowstone County for purchase of the land into a line item for the veterans' section of the city's cemetery. Mayor Olson commented on the brochure for the Veterans' Cemetery. Norm Stamper had distributed espies of the brochure to the council members prior to the meeting. Commissioner Kennedy, Bill Sheridan, Mayor Olson, and Norm Stamper met recently regarding the contract for the City of Laurel to provide maintenance at the proposed Veterans' Cemetery. Norm explained that Commissioner Kennedy is in agreement with the city's requests and the maintenance agreement shouk be finalized soon. The attorneys will review the agreement. Norm mentioned that the testing ofthe well water showed a high salt content in the well water. It has not yet bean determined ifthe water will be useable. Norm stated that the Veterans Council is distributing the brochure. The groundbreaking for the Veterans' Cemetery is scheduled for Memorial Day and the dedication is scheduled for Veterans' Day. A reception will be held in Laurel following those events. Norm explained that the Steering Committee will continue through the construction phase and a Veterans' Cemetery Board will be 2 Council workshop MioWes of March 11, Zoos formed to take over after construction of the cemetery has been completed. The Veterans' Cemetery Board will consist of seven members serving two-year terms. • Discussion -CTEP funds for the walk bridge on 12a' Street James Caniglia stated that Bob Moats, Yellowstone County Public Works Department, informed him that the County is using CTEP funds to pay for the entire project. Mr. Moats also told James that he thought that ownership of the bridge would be transferred to the City of Laurel after ten years. Mayor Olson stated that the project will be funded through the county. He thinks that the City of Laurel has been asked to hold a public hearing. Mayor Olson will instruct Mary to amtact the wunty tomorrow regarding notification of the public hearing. The public hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible. • Discussion -Design and construction engineering for TSEP wastewater project Mayor Olson stated that the city has been in contact with the grantor and asked for the ability to go forward in negotiations with Morrison-Maierle for the design and construction of engineering. He stated that TSEP gave approval to go forward. He will direct Public Works Director Sheridan to start the process. Mayor Olson stated that the engineering firm will give a presentation on the scope of the project in the near future. He stated that the council must recognize the need to be able to support the fundmg for this project. The city was awarded a $750,000 TSEP grant for the project. The city's sewer rates will be reviewed while addressing the city's obligation to address the funding mechanism for the project. Other items: • Discussion of annexation of Riverside Park Mayor Olson stated that the staff discussed the annexation issue at the department head meeting. He encouraged the council to ask for the staff s perspective on the issue. Kate Hart stated that the Park Board discussed the annexation of Riverside Park at last week's meeting. The Pazk Boazd recommended that the council proceed with annexation. Kate asked the department heads to speak regarding the issue. Chief Musson stated that he has been a proponent of annexing Riverside Park for years. This is a city pazk, so the officers check it even though the department does not investigate the crimes in the park. When a crime is committed, the county does the investigation. Since it is city property, it makes sense for the city to take care of it and the police department to address the security issues. The Police Reserves have provided security in the park for different functions, but there are issues oftotal authority. Chief Musson stated that annexation of Riverside Pazk would be a wise choice for the council to review. Sam Painter stated that the issue was raised on whether or not the city can annex property that is not contiguous. He stated that Part 46, MCA, provides the authority and is an alternative method of annexation of a parcel like this. It is necessary to provide a plan of how police, ambulance, fire, water and sewer services would be provided, as well as the future plans. Sam stated that some work needs to be done. He met with James to discuss how a plan would actually look. Since the city owns the park, 100 percent of the owners will request annexation and there will not have to be a vote. It can be done by council resolution. Sam stated that a legal description of the park is needed, and James will work on that. Council Workshop Minutes ofMarc6 11, 2008 Bill Sheridan stated that it is refreshing to know that the pazk might be in the city. The Public Works Department does a tremendous amount of work in the park to take care of bathrooms and maintain the trees, walkways, and driveways. With annexation of the park, the police department could address vandalism issues. Bill stated that the Public Works Department has done its best to provide the very best place it can be and now this will give even more support to push forward on some improvements there. Norm asked regarding the feasibility of getting the park annexed before the celebrations. Mayor Olson will get information regarding the possible timeline. Doug stated that there is water service in the pazk and the sewer is provided through a septic system. He stated that the shooting issue would have to be curtailed sooner than expected if the park is annexed, and he asked if the clubs had been informed. Kate stated that there are currently no leases other than with the Rifle Club, but a meeting would be needed. There was further discussion. Mayor Olson stated that the council would be given options in that regard to see the legal requirements. He stated that the council's direction to staff to pursue the annexation of Riverside Pazk would open up many questions for review, and the appropriate options would be presented for the council's consideration. Norm asked whether annexation of the Water Treatment Plant, the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Cemetery should be considered at the same time or if the focus should be on Riverside Pazk at this time. There was further discussion, including a recommendation to concentrate on the annexation of Riverside Pazk and the legal issues involved. Mayor Olson stated that the staff would prepaze information for the council's review. • Laurel High School Honors Civics Class Mayor OLgon was contacted by the Honors Civics Class regarding co-sponsoring a forum for discussion by political candidates. This is a class activity through the high school The class would like to put out a letter stating that they would invite candidates to come forward in a moderated forum for discussion. Mayor Olson told them that he would present the request to the wuncil and get advice from the city's legal staff. Sam will provide a response soon. Review of draft council agenda for March 18 2008• • Scheduled Matters: o Ordinance No. 008-03: An ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Laurel, Montana, extending the boundaries of the Central Business District. (First reading - 02/19/2008; PH - 03/04/2008; Second reading - 03/18/2008) The resohtkion for the agreement with the Billings YMCA will be removed from the council agenda. The appointment of the task force for the fire hall site will be added to the Confirmation of Appointments on the Mazch 18u' council agenda Mayor Olson asked the task force to meet in the neaz future in order to have information to report at the next council workshop. Doug PoehLs will be appointed as the chairman of the task force. Council Workshop Minutes of March 11, 2008 Attendance at the March 18s' council meetin All council members present will attend. Announcements: Kate stated that she has some of Elsie Johnston's photographs, which she gave to Gay to use for the Centennial Celebration. One panoranric photograph of Main Street in 1917 was damaged and Main Street EFX Photography has volunteered to restore the photograph at no cost. Steve will make a lazge photograph for Kate and she suggested that the city might like one. Kate encouraged Steve to offer espies ofthe photographs for sale and to give the proceeds to the Centennial Committee. Chuck stated that the next Centennial Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19'x, in the council chambers. Chuck asked if that the light over the entryway to the council chambers at city hall be fixed. The Public Works Department will address it. Doug Poehls thanked the Public Works Department for the irrigation channels on the south side and asked that the crew be thanked for a good job. Mayor Olson thanked Gay and Emelie for their efforts in bringing forward the documentation and chronological order of pictures and narrative for the Centennial Celebration. Students in the public school system are excited about participating in this process. The wuncil workshop adjourned at 7:44 p.m Respectfully submitted, v 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.