Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 01.07.2020MINUTES CITY OF LAUREL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2020 A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Tom Nelson at 6:30 p.m. on January 7, 2020. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: _x_ Emelie Eaton _x_ Heidi Sparks Bruce McGee x Richard Herr x Scot Stokes x Iry Wilke x Richard Klose x Don Nelson OTHERS PRESENT: Stan Langve, Chief of Police Jeremiah Johnson, Police Officer Chase Rasmussen, Police Officer Nick Altonaga, Planning Director Karen Courtney, Code Enforcement Officer Levi Vandersloot, Interim Ambulance Director Candidate Judge Jean Kerr Swearing in of newly elected Mayor and Council Members. Judge Kerr swore in Mayor Thomas C. Nelson. Judge Kerr swore in Council Members Emelie Eaton, Richard Herr, Scot Stokes, and Don Nelson. Public Input: Mike Kirshenmann, 1112 Cherry Hills Drive, stated last month he was appointed to his third term for Police Commissioner. He thanked the Council for his re -appointment. He stated that recently he did a ride -along with a brand-new officer. He wanted to acknowledge four individuals Officers Rasmussen, Booth, Cortese, and Sedgwick. They were professional with everyone they encountered, even when dealing with difficult people. The Department is very young. He stated he could not be more proud to watch these young men work. Chief Langve is doing an awesome job. The training these officers are getting is phenomenal. Mr. Kirshenmann added to his comment during the next agenda item. General Items 2. LARC Presentation Evan Bruce handed out two handouts, see attached. Ken Gomer, President of LARC, stated it had been over two years since they came to Council. LARC started a few years ago seeing the pool was on its last leg. Mr. Gomer presented the attached PowerPoint presentation. Council Member Klose stated that Mr. Gomer had said there would be meeting rooms. It was questioned how many they would have and how many people they could hold. Mr. Gomer clarified that they will be able to hold roughly 300 people, which is about 75 apiece or any combination depending on how you split it up. Mayor Nelson stated he would be in touch with Mr. Gomer prior to the 20th just to let him know what the City is doing and looking at as far as getting out to that Westend. He stated once you draw a TIF District, you're done; it's why it's important to get it right the first time. He stated it will be a second TIF District out there and his vision was always to make sure that LARC Center was encompassed in it. It would not make sense to not encompass it. Hopefully, it will be in an area that it is encompassable and it is. Also, talk about that process and the meetings the he has been having to try to determine how best develop water and sewer out there which is completely necessary... [unintelligible]. Mike Kirshenmann, 1112 Cherry Hills Drive, stated he left out the most important person of the evening during his previous statement. He wanted to also acknowledge the new dispatcher, Julie, she did a great job dispatching that evening. 3. Appointment of Thomas Scott, Brenton Dorsey, Sonja Jones, Dixie Childers, Dylan Benton, Kaity Butler, and Gabriel Seibert to the Laurel Police Reserves. Stan Langve, Police Chief, stated it was a coincidence that Mr. Kirshenmann was here this evening. He stated that he is honored to have so many individuals step forward from our community, willing to be a Reserve Police Officer. Some have criminal justice degrees others have prior military police experience, but overall, they want to serve their community. Chief Langve stated that Mr. Seibert was not able to coordinate his work schedule and the Reserves training schedule and will not be able to continue. Chief Langve requested that his name be removed from the appointment at next week's meeting. Laurel's Reserves program is very good. Others around the State has looked at modeling their Reserve programs after Laurel's program. Each candidate will complete 134 hours of training, which is 8 hours each week. Each has taken and passed the Standards and Associate's National Police Officer selection test. This is the same test the Consortium uses. All full-time Police Officers are required to take the same test. All candidates were recommended to attend. Reserve Officer Childers is the big brother of Dixie Childers. It was questioned how many Reserve Officers they will have after the addition of these folks. It was stated that if all of these individuals successfully complete the program, they will have 12 Reserve Officers. Have not seen this much interest in a long time. The recruiters have been working hard getting people interested. It was reiterated that these folks have full-time employment elsewhere and that they are not paid to do this. The Police Department could not handle events like the 3rd and 4th of July without the help of the Reserves. As Laurel grows, there are more and more special event requests coming in; the Police Department does not have the manpower for all of those events. They are the rock stars and are dedicated to the cause. Chief Langve reiterated that there had been quite a few Reserve Officers go on to become full-time Police Officers, however, they always hire the best candidates for full-time employment opportunities. Reserve Officers don't get much back besides a thank you. Council President Eaton thanked them for their intention to serve the community. Chief Langve stated he would let Council know when their graduation ceremony is so they have the opportunity to attend. 4. Appointment of Levi Vandersloot as Interim Ambulance Director. Levi Vandersloot, 6735 Pinto Drive Shepherd, stated that he had met most of the Council at one time or another. He stated he is excited to help in this transition. He works frill -time for CHS, owns a home inspection business, owns a small ranch, has three kids, and three foster kids. He has been on the Laurel Ambulance Services for four years, two of those years as a paramedic. He has been on CHS's Fire Team for five years. He was on the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department for two years before he moved. Mayor Nelson stated that he hopes Council will vote Levi as interim Ambulance Director. Levi is aware that they are going out and looking for a permanent director. The Mayor plans to seat a deputy director, he knows of a gentleman who Council is familiar with for that roll. Executive Review 5. Ordinance - An Ordinance Amending Certain Chapters Of Title 14 Of The Laurel Municipal Code Relating To The Adoption And Enforcement Of Building Codes For The City Of Laurel As Required By The State Of Montana. Karen Courtney, Code Enforcement Officer, stated the original Ordinance adopting the various building codes was passed in 2005, adopting the 2003 building codes. The referenced codes were updated by Administrative Order in 2015 to the 2012 building codes. As of December 7, 2019, The State of Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau adopted the new 2018 building codes with modifications. In accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana, certified cities are required to adopt those codes within 90 days. Due to the necessary changes to the language of the Chapters and the appendices that are being adopted, an amended Ordinance change rather than an Administrative Order was required. Therefore, requesting that the Council approve to adopt the ordinance amending Title 14 of the Laurel Municipal Code. There was a last-minute clarification that came in while she was out. The City will also need to adopt the International Swimming Pool and Spa code. This portion was not added to the Title 14 document in Council Packets; this will be corrected for next week. The ordinance document was updated. Plumbing was removed as they are not certified to do plumbing permits or inspections. It is only adopting the codes that Staff is certified to adopt. It was questioned if the ordinance was taking out all archaic language or just the new building codes. It was clarified that this is only the building codes not all code enforcement. Still working on all areas that need to be updated as some codes are hard to enforce or levy fines. Some draft ordinances will be sent to various committees for review before being sent to the City Attorney. This year looks to be a busy year for code updates. It was questioned why plumbing was crossed off. It was clarified that plumbing was removed because no Staff is certified for plumbing and cannot enforce. The State handles all plumbing permits and inspections. 6. Resolution - A Resolution Adopting An Amendment To The Personnel Policy Manual For The City Of Laurel Requiring Pre-employment Background and Driving Records Checks For Potential Employees And Annual Driving Record Checks For City Employees. Mayor Nelson stated when MMIA reviewed the Personnel Policy Manual; they questioned where the rest of it was. This was one of the major items that needed to be addressed. There are two more items coming to Council but will come when the entire Personnel Policy comes back before Council. Council will have more time to review that document before they vote on it. In the past Council had a few short days to review large documents, such as this. 7. Resolution - A Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Contract For The City's Prosecutor Duties Between The City Of Laurel And Thompson Painter Law, Pc. Mayor Nelson stated the City has gone out for a Prosecutor, they cast a wider net, and changed the rate of pay but still have not had any interest. Looking for other options in the meantime. The City Attorney has taken over those duties for the time being. The contract for these services will go over the $5,000 mark and will need Council approval. A Council Member stated that they were surprised to see the rate of pay written into the contract. They questioned if that was because a new prosecutor will be found in the year. It was clarified that this is the goal. Council Issues 8. Discuss what to do with buildings in Riverside Park. Nick Altonaga, Planning Director, stated that upon review of the Riverside Park Master Plan it listed an 18 -month period, not a 24 -month period for a building champion to come forward then start deliberating what to do with the buildings. The plan was adopted in February of 2018 and contained a lot of details about the various assesses in the park and what to do with them, including what to do with the buildings. The plan clearly states the want to reuse and restore the buildings, page 33 of the Riverside Park Master Plan. Currently, no groups have come forward to champion the buildings. Staff has not created criteria to judge projects. After speaking with the Public Works Director, the Mayor, other City Staff, and upon review of the Master Plan, the plans states remove all the buildings. The City needs to prioritize buildings based on the need to remove. The Care Takers building has mold, and the Rifle Club building has lead contamination. These are both well worn, hazardous, damaged buildings or extremely expensive remediation scenarios. The Care Takes building and the Rifle Club building need to be dealt with properly. There are four main goals to preserve historic places: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. The value of an investment will important as discussions continue regarding these buildings. The Public Works Director let him know that there is 1 I for building maintenance in the park. These funds could be used to investigate if there is asbestos in any of the buildings, especially in buildings that are most usable. Currently, the Jaycee Hall building needs its floor fixed, the American Legion building needs a new roof, and the Rod and Gun Club building need the damage from the flooding taken care of. Septic systems need to be replaced. These three buildings are a lot easier to deal with over the Rifle Club or the Care Takers buildings. In the past few weeks, he stated that he had spoken with the Yellowstone County Historic Preservation Board. They are interested in helping find funding to assist in remediation of the buildings. It is impossible with the current City budget to address these buildings, but with a partnership, help from grants it may be possible to support these efforts for rehabbing the buildings. The City just passed the window for a 100k opportunity to assist in the park. The buildings too hazardous should be slated for removal. A Council Member stated it was stated that homes around Laurel that are slated for demo are documented and photographed prior to demolition. Several Planners previous had put that into place for historical reasons. It was clarified that the process would go into effect before any buildings were demoed. It was questioned with the remaining three buildings if they fall under the standard, like the new outhouse, in needing to be raised due to the flood stage worries. It was clarified that if the buildings are listed on the National Registry for Historic Places, then they would not need to be raised. He stated that he had spent a lot of time reviewing the floodplain regulations and overall, it seems to be worth being on the NRNP, but there are costs associated with it. It was further questioned that that does not protect the buildings from future flooding. That the park has flooded in the past. Will the work the City does be worth it. It was clarified that it is part of the conversation that needs to happen. There is grant funding but how much money does the City want to spend and for what return on investment. Council thanked the Planning Director for working through the complex web of rules and decision making. Mayor Nelson stated that the Park Board has already recommended that the Care Takers building be removed. Looking for Council view on that building as it is not good shape. The Parks Board Chair stated that Park Board is looking to this issue and that the Care Takers building needs to be the first one to go and even have gotten a few bids on the removal of that building. They are also looking into if Staff can remove them as another avenue for removal. The Planner stated upon looking into grant funding reconstruction is an option. Theoretically, if the City removes the hazards now, they may be able to get grant funding to rebuilding the buildings down the road if it became a historic site. Mayor Nelson stated that he had directed the Public Works Director to get costs associated with the removal of potential asbestos in those buildings. Mayor Nelson stated that there had been questions on grants, included the one that was mentioned today. There were emails that some individuals thought the City had the money for the match on these grants. They falsely thought that this money was given to the park from Exxon during the flooding event. That money was used, as voted on by the Council, for the Master Park Plan and needed to secure money from the State in which the City of Laurel got nearly 350k in which the 250k was used for matching in kind finds on those projects. Some people thought there was money lying around that the City could use for this or that and that was not the case. Jean Kerr, 1128 91h Avenue, asked when are the contracts up for the groups using the buildings in Riverside Park. It was clarified that the last lease for Jaycee Hall is up at the end of this year. It was further questioned if those buildings are restored if the Jaycee's will always have first dibs on that building. That if the building could be open to the community, it could help generate funds. It was clarified that they have looked into having the Jaycee Hall lease not renew and use it as a community building. Mayor Nelson stated that there would be an ordinance brought forward that Park Board will get funds like Cemetery Commission does to be able to do maintenance and help generate more money. It was questioned what the course of action is moving forward. If this matter goes to Park Board or sent to the Planner, it was clarified that the Park Master Plan states that the City will be in the process of removing the buildings. The Park Board will recommend to Council, Council will vote. The focus is on the Care Takers and Rifle Club buildings; both are very expensive to remediate. 9. New Committee Assignments Council President Eaton stated that she handed over the recommendation to the Mayor for new committee assignments. There were a few small changes recommended. Council Member Sparks would replace Mr. Mountsier on Emergency Services Committee. Council Member Wilke would replace Mr. Mountsier on the Public Works Committee. Newly Elected Council Member Nelson would be on Public Works Committee. Council President Eaton would step away from the Public Works Committee. Council Member Sparks would be the new Chair of the Public Works Committee. Council Member Wilke would be the Co -Chair on Public Works Committee. The list of changes will be included in next week's packet. Other Items There were none. Review of Draft Council Agendas 10. Review Draft Council Agenda for January 14, 2020. There were none. Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting All present will be at next week's meeting. Announcements 11. January 2020 -June 2020 Employee Recognition Mayor Nelson stated that this year we are trying a new process and lumping the employee recognition together doing it twice a year. He also noted the many years of service listed. Employee Recognition: Stan Langve 20 years Police Kurt Markegard 15 years Public Works Julia Torno 2 years Library Kyle Bryant 15 years Police Jarred Anglin 5 years Police Zach Cortese 3 years Police Wade Spalinger 1 year City Shop Nicholas Altonaga 1 year Planning Christopher Erb 11 years Library Daniel Nauman 1 year WTP Bruce Lefler 39 years City Shop Tim Reiter 34 years WTP Kelly Strecker 15 years Clerk's Brenda Sell 15 years Police Jodi Kinn 3 years Police Ryan Sedgwick 1 year Police Cynthia Caswell 5 years WWTP Andrew Arneson 3 years Public Works Karen Courtney 3 years Planning Brian Kline 15 years City Shop William Brew III 14 years Police Daniel Griffin 11 years Police Raymond Ezell III 3 years Planning Volunteer Recognition: Christopher Franklin 4 years Ambulance Levi Vandersloot 4 years Ambulance Jacob Hann 3 years Ambulance Morgan Ecklund 3 years Ambulance Rick Gallegos 21 years Fire Corey Mcllvain 16 years Fire John Beck 2 years Fire Jayson Nicholson 2 years Fire Jesse Gee 2 years Fire Armondo Hernandez 1 year Fire Jason Penne 19 years Fire Sean McCleary 11 years Fire Travis Nagel 11 years Fire Jennifer Winchell 3 years Fire Ken Kulesa 23 years Fire Henry Fox 9 years Fire Miquel Hernandez 11 years Fire Doug Fox 24 years Fire Brent Peters 13 years Fire Justin Kostelecky 5 years Fire Shane Willis 4 years Fire The council workshop adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, jot^—� Brittney orman Administrative Assistant NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the listed workshop agenda items. 000� LARC Laurel Aquatic Recreadon CampMex P® Box 1086, Laurel M.T 59044 Honorable mayor and Council members. It has been over 2 years since we have been here to update you on the Laurel Aquatic Recreation Complex. The last time we were here we had little money and mostly dreams and ideas. Things have changed a lot in the last 2 years. Some of the things we have accomplished are. 1. Completed 501(c)3 application to become a nonprofit corporation 2. Acquired 10 acres of land to build on 3. We have been working with Big Sky EDA, Beartooth RC&D, and Laurel Urban Renewal authority for assistance 4. Completed our feasibility study with the Yellowstone County Sports Facility Market Needs Assessment a. As recommended with that study we are working on the following phases 1. Gymnasium 2. Community Center 3. Aquatic center 5. Have contracted with A&E Architects Ace Inc to create a site plan for our project 6. We have raised over $60,000 and over $20,000 remaining after paying for all the above. Thus far we have not asked the City of Laurel for anything except general support of our project. We ask that The Council extends the current LURA TIF to the West to include minimally the land up to and including the abandoned West Interstate ramp, or create a new TIF to cover it. We would ask to be annexed into the City, and with the TIF bring water and sewer services out to our building site. We are now dedicated to Phase one of our project to build a community Gym. We feel that of the 3 phases, the Gym is the most needed. We have no intent to ask Laurel citizens for any tax money to build or operate the facility. The Gym should be able to sustain itself. Sincerely Ken Gomer President, LARC LARC PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING JANUARY 20., 2020/ The VUE and BREW The group will present interested _ a. residen�s with the layout created by A&E Architects for the future three- phase building; how it will fit on the lo P gtAm donated by Wood's Powr-Grip; the size of each phase; and what each phase will include. � You can find LARC on Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurelarcmontana/ Their website: www.faurelarc.org/ �q ° J � •rl1-� � t i rrr •..irlVi7� LARC PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING JANUARY 20., 2020/ The VUE and BREW The group will present interested _ a. residen�s with the layout created by A&E Architects for the future three- phase building; how it will fit on the lo P gtAm donated by Wood's Powr-Grip; the size of each phase; and what each phase will include. � You can find LARC on Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurelarcmontana/ Their website: www.faurelarc.org/ PHASE GYMNASIUM AND FITNESS B ME C PHASE GYMNASIUM AMD FITNESS J i t� � c i o �i ° � s .a a m � U LL j LL m W 4 v Q o m co O S .= °'ti Q -o a� nri '3 O aN ' LL1 O hY I Q e C e a I LL I 1 z O ca.. O Z Q J OL O W O t co�4 ate'11 W w S ll m M W 4 v Q o m co O S .= °'ti Q -o a� nri '3 O aN W Q O a u M 1/9/2020 N \T\ O gygQ� {yNJ WNf�i „ u J ry tm b W, =6 IM AS Registered IVIT Non -Profit Corporation Certified IRS 501(c3) Corporation Raised or Acquired Assets in Excess of $150,000 Completed Feasibility Study Completed Site Layout plans Jan 20, Community Presentation at Vue & Brew Feb, Strategic Planning Capitol Fundraising Plan Work With Strategic Partners 4 1/9/2020 2 • i • Laurel Montana Community Foundation A&E Architects Laurel Urban Renewal Authority Ask You to be a Strategic Partner Ask for Sewer & Water Service When We Build Ask For Any Questions You Have For Us Say Thank You For Your Time! 1/9/2020 3 Phase 1: Gymnasium Phase 2: Community Center Event Space Phase 2 Parking 5.000SF Gymnaisum Phase 3: Aquatic Area 20.0005E 7 Phase 1 - 1st Floor 3 Basketball Courts Main Lobby Locker Rooms Climbing Wall Multi -Purpose Room For Classes, Presentations Offices I Aquatic Area 15,000 SE Phase 1 Parking Lobos— 900 Mach Sfara90 Inne p � MuMi- 800 sf U)LL scar. z 1— U LL z a j Wa - -_ M (5: a0'f Racquetball 'Oonao`"°^� 800 sf Lobby 1.280 sf J — r 1/9/2020 Ell 1/9/2020 Seating for 42 x 8 = 336 Seating for 336 x 2 = 672 Seating per event 504 10 llflllill NUNN. 11111111111 MMI.... I IIIMM 11121,11 1.111111111 . ......... iiiiiiiii Ilfllllllll 111110111 ...... !:::: MER1111 .I.ov.falld,ii MININ MIMI 14,111 . .11, 10 Good togo svo^oruc� �|/2�2U19 Good togo �mo aruce. 1l/2�2O�e Phase 1- 2nd Floor Running Track Optional programmable Space Workout Area Clinic Exercise Classes 11 U) U) W Z LL 0 Z a D U) wa U)Z Q i (a 0 Phase 2 — Catering/ Event PHASE II Service Drop-off Community Center COMMUNITY CE T - E fANSlON—� Event Center r Kitchen 1,230 sf Weddings, Fundraiser, Fairs Club/Organization Meeting Room ° Mech. SmallKitchen Meeting 950 sf Events 6,000 sf 0 in R.R. 450 sf R.R. 450 sf Lobby 0 goo sf ---- s�dco--= mmuae----- :h. Storage a a 12 1/9/2020 Phase 3 - Aquatic Center' 6 Lane Competition Pool Locker Room Expansion Family Locker Room Pool Party Room wellness /fun pools 13 0000 BOH/Service PHASE III AQUATIC EXPANSION Stor. . . - - - - - - ---,. Aquatic Support 3.200 sf Offices 820 sf Aquatics 15.000 sf Lobby 1.280 sf (OD l Party Room 600 SF i Storage I) i 1/9/2020 7