HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 11.14.2017 MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSI30P
NOVEMBER 14, 2017 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Mark Mace at
6:30 p.m, on November 14, 2017.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
_x Emelie Eaton _x Doug Poehls
x Bruce McGee x Richard Herr
_x Chuck Dickerson x Scot Stokes
_Tom Nelson x Bill Mountsier
OTI3ERS PRESENT: '
Heidi Jensen, CAO
Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director
Public Input
There were none.
General Items
• Re-appointment of Steve Solberg to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for a four year term
ending December 31, 2021.
There was no discussion.
Executive Review
• Arbor Day Proclamation—May l, 2018
Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director, gave an update on what Tree Board is working on for the
upcoming Arbor Day event. Tree Board has been working on the theme and location for this year's
Arbor Day event. They plan to hold the event at the Lions Family Park and hope to get involvement
from the schools. They are currently applying for grants from Walmart and Montana Department of ,
Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The proclamation is needed to apply for the DNRC
grant. The City is eligible for a grant up to $750 with no match required from the City. The City is
eligible for this grant because we are a tree city USA, which means the City donates at least $2 per
capita for tree care within the City. j
Emelie clarified the date on the proclamation should read 2018 and not 2017. ',
• CouncilIssues: '
o Update on 2011 Yellowstone River flooding event '
Heidi stated that they are still working on closing this project out. There is one property owner who '
has placed a claim on his land. The City is working with the property owner to clarify what those �
damages are and if and how they relate to this project. The City will continue to correspond via
writing to this property owner and will continue the close out process.
Council Workshop Minutes of November 14,2017
o Garage Sale Signs
Heidi stated that the City was unable to find an Eagle Scout willing to work on this project. The
Mayor has decided to build and donate the sign after the first of the year.
The Mayor asked if the Council had an idea of what that sign would look like.
Heidi stated that she only had one magazine and had not distributed to the Council. The sign will have
two large posts with a large sign, and it can be built with or without a door. Heidi has talked to the
Code Enforcement O�'icer, Karen, about policing the board. It will be noted when signs go up and
when they come down. '
Emelie questioned where this sign will be located.
Heidi stated that during the original discussion of this sign, the thought was to place it on the south
end of the pool. The location is up for discussion. �
The Mayor stated that there should be a notification sign stating not to post garage sale signs on trees
or boxes, along with information of how to properly post those types of signs.
Chuck stated he is thankful for the work that has been done on this project.
Other Items
Doug questioned the ability for the mayor-elect/city employee to become mayor.
The Mayor stated the City Attorney and MMIA both have stated that anyone can run for Mayor, but ',
he must pick the city employment or the mayor position. It is an Attorney General's opinion that it is ,
a conflict of interest.
Doug questioned what will occur if a decision by the City employee is not made until after the first of
the year and the City's response if those events do occur. He also questioned how a delay will effect
staffs ability to work and make decisions.
Heidi clarified that in order to address this prior to January 2"d there needs to be a complaint from a
registered voter within the City of Laurel who voted in this election. That complaint has to state that �
they are concerned about the status of this election and a person holding both an elected position and �
position of employment. This must be done in writing and submitted to the City. Then at that point the
City Attorney can become involved.
Doug questioned if a Council Member could write the letter.
Heidi stated that anyone who is a registered voter within the Laurel City limits who voted in this
election is able to write the letter. If the employee chooses to turns down the mayor position then the
City would take applications for Mayor and the Council would vote to appoint a Mayor. '
Review of draft Council agenda for November 21 2017
There were no changes.
2
Council Workshop Minutes of November 14,2017
Attendance at the November 21 2017 Council meetin
Council Member McGee will be absent at the next Council meeting.
Announcements
Richazd shared the dump station at the Waste Treatment Plant has donated $17,500 to the City.
Chuck agreed with Doug regarding the mayor-elect/City employee issue.
Emelie clarified what Richard shared in regards to the dump station. Since April the hauling fees
totaled $17,557.72. The average is $2,508.52 per month. The City needed to average $2,000 to pay
for the durnp station. Both Budget/Finance and Public Works Committee are satisfied that this is '
bringing in sufficient revenue.
Emelie stated that at the last Public Works Committee meeting there was lengthy discussion regarding
the SED Basins, addressing the history and why the SED Basins are in need of replacement. It does
not change the fact there are not funds to complete the project, however, it explained why the project
is needed.
The Mayor stated he received a letter of resignation from the CAO, Heidi, yesterday. Her last day will
be December 8, 2017.
Recog�ition of Employees
• John Volmer 32 years of service on November 29"' WTP
• Geralyn Stevens 27 years of service on November 19`h Laurel Library
• Mark Guy 23 years of service on November 12`h Police Captain
• Susan Canape 22 years of service on November 10`h Police Dispatch
• Travis Pitts 21 years of service on November 13"' Police Officer
• Monica Salo 16 years of service on November 2"d City Court
• Jessica McCartney 10 years of service on November ls` Police Dispatch
• Roy Voss 8 years of service on November 9th City Shop
• Mike Mudd 4 years of service on November 18'h City Shop
• Dylan Ceasar 4 years of service on November 18"' WTP
• Brandon Corey 3 years of service on November 12`�' WWTP
The council workshop adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brittney Moorman
Administrative Assistant
NOTE: TWs meedng is open to the public. TWs meeting is for information and discussion of the Councii for the
listed workshop agenda items.
3