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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 07.30.2019MINUTES CITY OF LAUREL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019 A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Tom Nelson at 6:30 p.m. on July 30, 2019. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: x Emelie Eaton X— Bruce McGee Scot Stokes x Richard Klose Public Input: There were none. Executive Review _x_ Heidi Sparks x Richard Herr X Iry Wilke x Bill Mountsier Nick Altonaga, City Planner Bethany Langve, Clerk/Treasurer Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director Ryan Walsh, KLJ Appointments of Justin Romero, Jayson Nicholson, Brandi Seibel, Sara Romero, Andrea Beechie, and Joe Stratton to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service. 2. Resolution - A Resolution Declaring Certain Assets Of The City Of Laurel As Surplus And Authorizing Its Disposal. This resolution is to obtain Council permission to dispose of the asset. 3. Resolution - Resolution Awarding Firstmark Construction The Contract For The City Of Laurel's 2019 Pavement Repairs Project And To Authorize The Mayor To Sign All Required Contract And Related Documents On The City's Behalf. Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director, and Ryan Walsh, KLJ, spoke on this topic. This resolution is to repair the damage from this past winter. Patching is also included in this bid. It was questioned why there was a $165,000 difference in the bids. It was clarified that each contractor approaches the project differently. It was questioned if the Council should be concerned that this bid came in lower than the engineers estimate and will there be change orders later. It was clarified that this contractor had been awarded another project in town that reduces their mobilization costs. When KLJ does their estimates, they include the cost for mobilization. This project is set up to be modified and based on the City's budget. It was questioned if the area by the Baptist church will be chip sealed. It was clarified that this bid does not include chip sealing. Approximately three years after paving, the City does want to go in, and chip seal these areas. This helps extend the life of the pavement by approximately 15 to 20 years. Looking at approximately 30 days from the time of award for the work to begin. For this project, the work should begin at the end of August beginning of September. The work should be complete before winter hits. 4. Resolution - Resolution Of The City Council Adopting The Yellowstone County Multi - Hazard Mitigation Plan 2019 Update On Behalf Of The City Of Laurel, Montana. Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director, explained the Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan is reviewed and updated every few years. They make sure all contacts are updated and understand potential issues out there. They have been working on this plan for approximately the last year. Approval of the plan is the final step. The County Commissioners, City of Billings, and the City of Laurel have to approve this plan. It is similar to the County's DES Plan. The plan is approximately 120 pages in length. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Mayor To Sign A Contract With Millennium Construction & Consulting, Inc. For Concrete And Asphalt Recycling For The City Of Laurel. Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director, stated for approximately the last 20 years, the City of Laurel has removed asphalt and sidewalk and stockpiled it. That pile is currently located on Railroad property and is leased. That lease is approximately $6000 to $7000 per year. Recently the Mayor asked the Public Works Director to look into extending the handicap parking lot near the stadium. The millings in this pile can be used for the parking lot. It is expected to be around 4500 tons. The parking lot will require approximately 18 inches of soil to be removed in that area and filled with the millings material. There will be millings left over for other projects. It was questioned where the City would store the remaining millings. It was clarified that the pile would be moved closer to the building, and the City would not need the continue the lease. 6. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Authorizing The Award Of Grants From The Tax Increment Financing District Funds Pursuant To The Lura Large Grant Request Program For Eligible Applicants And Improvements. Nick Altonaga, Planning Director, briefly reviewed the attached letter and spreadsheet. The LURA Board spent a lot of time going back and forth to get the correct numbers. A lot of great applicants this year. They were very well put together and very organized application. There was $388,697.27 in requested funds. They cut those projects back to the new limit of $225,000.00. The LURA Large Grant Committee spent a good hour or two discussing each project's value and impact on the district. The Large Grant Committee brought their recommendation back to the full LURA Board. Council stated they loved the spreadsheet. They could see the name of the applicant but did not see an address. They would like to drive past a property that was receiving grant funds and knows it was part of the grant program. One applicant, Sara Schreiner, with Sunshine Academy, was present. She stated that they asked for grant funds to purchase the old Grace Bible Church to expand their after school program. The Planning Director briefly reviewed the projects listed on the attached spreadsheet. The Planning Director did not remember the address of Nardella Investments and would email the address out to Council tomorrow. Ordinance No. 019-02: An Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 2.10.030 Of The Laurel Municipal Code For The Purpose Of Changing The Regular Meeting Day Of The City Council. (Public Hearing 8.6.2019) Mayor Nelson stated this ordinance would be changing Council meetings from the 151 and 3`d Tuesdays to the 2nd and 4d' Tuesdays of every month. Council Workshops will move to the I' and 3`d Tuesday's of each month. There will be no meeting on the fifth Tuesday of the month. Next week will be the public hearing and second reading of this ordinance. This change will take effect after the September 3`d meeting. Council Issues 8. Handicap Parking Update Mayor Nelson stated that the Public Works Director covered this item with the previous agenda item regarding crushing asphalt. The project is expected to take place this fall/winter before the weather gets bad. It will be done before spring. This spring will stripe for angled parking on both sides. Council questioned if the City will get better enforcement for illegal parking such as better ordinances or better signage. It seems like it is less of a priority for those that do it than those that sit at these tables. It was clarified that the Police get many calls, and it is challenging to handle those calls. They are actively looking for infractions and impaired drivers. The City can look into alternative methods to make sure people are correctly parking and obeying the law. Council noted that they need to enforce ordinances we have or change those ordinances if they are not good enough. It was further clarified that the Planner and his Staff are looking at making some ordinance changes. Council can let the Mayor know of areas that they feel need to be addressed. 9. Rescinding Resolution 08-123 LURA Statutory Powers Discussion Council President Eaton read the attached statement into the record. She requested the Clerk/Treasurer speak to the TIF District's history. She would also like to hear from the Planner if this would be a burdensome addition to his duties. The City of Laurel created the TIF District. Its oversight is by the Council. Council had the option to let the TIF sunset after its 15 -year term or vote on a bondable project and extend the TIF an additional 25 years. Laurel Urban Renewal Agency (LURA) was a board created long after the TIF District to help facilitate some of those funds. Bethany Langve, Clerk/Treasurer, stated LURA has bylaws that very clearly list their authority. LURA Board was created by 008-09; they were created by law. Their authority was given via R08-123. MCA 7-15-4232 states that the Council may give some of their authorities to a Board/Department/Staff. Council gave very specific powers to LURA in resolutions R08-123. However, the Council kept most of its authority for itself. Ordinance 009-04 updated language, and 012-01 changed residency language so that people who owned property or a business within the agency could sit on the Board. However, MCA states you must reside in the municipality. The Clerk/Treasurer brought this point forward to the City Attorney, and he is looking into this. The LURA Grant programs started in 2010. Before 2010 LURA had no financial authority. They assisted with plans such as the Urban plan. Their main focus was blight clearance. The first grant program established was the Large Grant Program. Then the Technical Assistance Program. When it comes to the East Downtown Infrastructure Improvement (EDII) project, the Council kept the authority to enter a contract. Council is the arbiter of taxpayer funds. No public spoke for or against the project. At the following meeting, Council voted in favor of that project. The Mayor did exactly, per MCA, what he was supposed to do. The EDII project fits within MCA (7-15-4251; 7-15-4233D) and the Urban Renewal Plan. The Mayor brought the EDII project forward, and Council supported this project. This project follows the Urban Renewal Plan. The Gateway Plan is NOT the Urban Renewal Plan. The Urban Renewal Plan is an ordinance and is the law. The Gateway Plan is a resolution and guidance. The only way to change the Urban Renewal Plan is to update the ordinance, which requires a public hearing and public input. A Council Member noted that while attending LURA meetings that two grants were used to pay for the Gateway Plan in addition to LURA funds. It was clarified that LURA paid $96k but not sure what Beartooth RC&D paid. Mayor Nelson clarified that the EDII project stemmed from citizen complaints of stormwater backing up on their property. Then multiple business owners approached both the Mayor and Staff regarding the issues with stormwater. Last winter, there was a water main break at Ohio and East Main Street. The infrastructure in that area needed repair. At that time, there was a discussion about this project being used to extend the TIF District. While driving through various parts of the TIF District, this area was in the worst condition. The Mayor directed the Public Works Director to work with KLJ to survey the area and determine a cost estimate. Infrastructure is part of the TIF District. When Council signed off on the project, it went to Bond Counsel and found that the project is within the TIF District's scope and intent. Nick Altonaga, City Planner, read the attached memo. It was questioned if the Planner felt he had a good working relationship with the LURA Board and if he would like to steer them back to a cooperative stance with the City Council. Alternatively, if it is better to use his time to do the heavy financial lifting himself and have LURA focus on other things. The Planner clarified that he would like to try and steer things back. There are merits to granting the Planning Department the authority to approve grants. It would be a faster process, but the LURA Board offers valuable input and discussion. There are pros and cons to keeping it as is. The Planner would like to go over the founding documents and the roles and responsibilities with the Board. It was noted that the TIF Districts' value would grow over time and that those funds will be used for other projects in the future. The LURA Board has an important role. Not all TIF Districts are created the same; the next one will be different. A TIF District has so many options depending on how they are set up. The LURA Board can continue with good guidance from Staff. Can have Staff bring back a proposal on overseeing the Board and making sure the Board is aware of the bylaws and creation documents. Council stated they would defer to the Planner as he is the one who is taking the brunt of the responsibility on how LURA conducts themselves; if LURA is an entity that can be reigned in, then ok, but not able to control 24/7. The Board needs to have an understanding that running around town will only drag themselves down. If it takes rewording the structure of LURA that the Planner is the Director and is the one who is the decision -maker for the grant program. It was questioned if the Council would see a resolution to rescind the resolution in the foreseeable future. It was clarified that the resolution is R08-123. There will need to be more discussions before bringing forward that resolution. Council requested this item come back to the last Workshop of August. The Clerk/Treasurer stated during her research; she has found many occasions that LURA has gone outside their bylaws as far as a conflict of interest in as recent as June 17`s of this year. Does LURA have a small grant program — No. Can LURA approve over $5k — No. Who holds that Authority — Council. The Clerk/Treasurer stated she would not pay that. Council noted an excellent job with the EDII project to continue the TIF District. Multiple Council Members stated they support this project and did not make this decision lightly. Other Items There were none. Review of Draft Council Agendas 10. Review of Draft Council Agenda for August 6, 2019. There were no changes suggested to next week's Draft Council Agenda. Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting Council Member McGee will not be in attendance at next week's meeting. Announcements Council noted that recently there was an issue with an abandoned boat. Code Enforcement stated that it was a Police matter, and the Police stated it was a Code Enforcement matter. It seems there is a miscommunication. It was questioned if this is an issue the Mayor can address with Staff or if it should come back as a discussion item to Council. Mayor Nelson stated Code Enforcement will be at the next Workshop for a separate issue and can discuss then. Recently added code enforcement to the white vehicle, so it does not look like a police vehicle. It will have yellow hazard lights as well. A Council Member noted that parking near the stadium needs to be addressed and enforced before something happens. Council noted the City's website is live and looks nice. They thanked those who had worked on the website. Mayor Nelson stated that if Council sees an area that needs to be addressed on the website or items that should be on the website and are not to pass that information along. The Council Secretary put a lot of time and effort into the website. The council workshop adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Respectfu su fitted, Brittney an 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. 26110a6al hoed 61111M; MT 59102-1329 406 245 5999 F 11, PJB. s 0,11 July 24, 2019 Kurt Markegard City of Laurel 115 W. 1st Street Laurel, MT 59044 Re: 2019 Pavement Repairs Project — Recommendation of Award Dear Kurt: <C KLA Bids for the 2019 Pavement Repairs project were received July 18, 2019. Two bids were opened and read aloud, totaling $259,750.00 and $425,493.50, respectively. The bids were checked for mathematical accuracy and no discrepancies were found. The low bidder is FlrstMark Construction. The total bid amount Is $259,750.00 for the overall project. We recommend the contract be awarded to FirstMark Construction, accordingly, Enclosed is the Notice of Award (NOA) for the City's approval and a Certified Bid Tabulation. Please sign, date and return four (4) original NOA forms; upon receipt, we will work with FlrstMark Construction to route final Contracts for the City's approval. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (406) 245-5499. Sincerely, KU Ryan E. Welsh, PE Project Engineer Enclosure(s): Notice of Award Tabulation of Bids Project #: 1904-00962 cc: file ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED TABULATION Of BIDS 2019 Pavement Repairs - KLJN1906-00962 CITY OF LAUREL, MONTANA <KLJ< July 18, 2019 "V This represilpTs awe bbubbonpywa6Npffiar 1arikv July 142019. Projea Engineer Date:luly 23, 2019 bid opening. 19 Enebwan Opwbn aftmt itrue6ar4 CwsN[gvn Relh N.er "Wo Owdo'bon pry UM Unn Putt Toth Prom Una Ma Total PM UMP" Toth Pno, 103 Mabilita0on 1 IS 526.900. $]6,000. S 16,95x.00 5 1635x.00 $ 36360,00 S 36,3W.0o 103 e.n, eondh A W.. i LS $4000. $40 W. S 3ASCM $ 3.650.00 S 5mm $ 5,500.00 103 Cdonluod.O TMfic Convol i LS 513.000 $U,000 $ 10.=M 5 10,000.00 S x4850.00 5 x0.b5om 100 x'Aapnak ConctttePM.,P ing-T".B-Su Coune FUBO bWb6B and FWKk) U,= SF 59 $31],M0 S 6.15 S 365,]]0.00 S 10.50 S 134100.00 105 a'Aspnan Cpncran Parxrtan[-type-9uAxe Coupe 631 v SU. 53x,934 S AAO $ 3619" 5 ri.A $ a,]u.fio 106 3Vapnah Concn:x Pawmant decoy -Type C-SUAaca Cpum 13! TN $169.76 521,332. S 1b0.00 3 21,600.00 S 23].00 $ 14635.W 10 6'va11e1 Gun., aa1 Y 517. Sb1e0 3 10.00 $ x.600,00 S 1130 5 4320.00 Total e9 gaee gib 5309,110.00 S 135,3l6.m S 425,4113.50 This represilpTs awe bbubbonpywa6Npffiar 1arikv July 142019. Projea Engineer Date:luly 23, 2019 bid opening. 19 Notice of Award Date: July 24, 2019 Project: 2019 Pavement Repairs Project Owner: City of Laurel Owner's Contract No.: Contract: As described in the Bid Documents Engineer's Project No.: 1904-00962 Bidder: FirstMark Construction Bidder's Address: 6611 Trade Center Avenue Billings, MT 59102 You are notified that your Bid dated July 18, 2019 for the above Contract has been considered. You are the Successful Bidder and are awarded a Contract for 2019 Pavement Repairs. The Contract Price of your Contract is Two -Hundred Fifty -Nine Thousand Seven -Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($259,750.00). 4 copies of the proposed Contract Documents accompany this Notice of Award. You must comply with the following conditions precedent within fifteen [15] days of the date you receive this Notice of Award. 1. Deliver to the Owner four 4 fully executed counterparts of the Contract Documents. 2. Deliver with the executed Contract Documents the Contract Security [Bonds] as specified in the Instructions to Bidders (Article 20) and General Conditions (Paragraph 5.01). 3. Other conditions precedent: (none) Failure to comply with these conditions within the time specified will entitle Owner to consider you in default, annul this Notice of Award, and declare your Bid security forfeited. Within ten days after you comply with the above conditions, Owner will return to you one fully executed counterpart of the Contract Documents. By: Copy to Engineer City of Laurel Owner Authorized Signature Title 2019 Pavement Repairs Project Notice of Award Form 00510 KU Project 1904-00962 Page 1 of 1 CITY HALL PLANNING: 628-4796 City Of Laurel WATER OFC.: 628.7431 COURT: 628-1964 P.O. Box 10 FAX 628-2241 Laurel, Montana 59044 July 23, 2019 Office of the City Planner Regarding the Laurel Urban Renewal Large Grant Recommendations for 2019-2020 Mr. Mayor and City Councilors, The Office of the City Planner and the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency Board respectfully requests that the City Council reviews and approves the requests made for the 2019 Large Grant Program. This letter supports the Large Grant spreadsheet submitted on July 22, 2019. Members of the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency met on June 26, 2019 as the Large Grant Committee to review, discuss, and analyze applications for the Large Grant Program. Six applications were submitted with a total request of $388,697.27. It was decided that the six applicants would receive a total of $224,737 in funding through the Large Grant Program. The applicants are as follows: Mountain Land Rehabilitation $19,957 2. The Fjelstad Family $12,589 3. Nardella Investments $15,594 4. Pelican Caf4 $64,295 5. Sunshine Academy $62,265 6. Darrell Dyer $50,037 These grants were discussed further at the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency meeting on July 22, 2019 and were approved to be recommended to the City Council for consideration and final approval. These applications were found to be eligible under MCA and to be beneficial to the TIF District by assisting applicants with the upgrading and improvement of their properties and businesses. The Planning Department can supply more information on the applications if needed to help inform your decision. Thank you for your consideration of this matter, Nicholas Altonaga City P Page 26 - LUM Applicants Large Grants Paned: 2/26/2019 :ofI f :1 19-20 UFA To, I gsmsgp= 5 Willi tdM Rehab Stru4tunlrepakaM energy elficknp 5/10/2019 6/2 9/1/2019 $ $ 19,95].00 2/Z1/2019 11/30/1901 upgrades to newly purchased building downtown for buAMSr 4p rMon. yeliad Family Demo101on, upgrades to sldewaik 4/5/2019 12/1/2018 2/10/2019 $ 1 12,589.0 2/2]12019 12)30/1901 curbs, aM gutter, and energy e8ltlenry 1a.675M improvements supporting duplei rehab. Narcielia lnvestmena Property purctrase, grading, installation 5/23/2019 5/15/2018 ]/15/2038 $ $ 15,594.00 2/22/2019 12/30/1901 of drinnge, notified in 2018 to reapply in 2019 Pelican Cafe Demolocn, Utility, upgrades. 5trttunl 5/8/2019 9/1/2019 1/30/2019 $ 129,068.00 $ 64.295.0 2/22/2019 1;/30/1901 repair and expansion for gesaunnt an on Sunihfne Academy Property Ac4uiiiii for crew chadsare 5/30/2019 2/1/2019 9/1/2019 1 25.00.0 $ 61 2/2Z/Z019 12/30/1901 ficMity, in CBD for business expamion Darrell Dyer Denwlirion, sewer, mrwreteand 3/1 8/1/2019 6/30/1 5 88.000.00 $ 50.032.00 211 12/30/1901 excavation ooh to wpyort constudion of moed u. cammecui and Nonni In CBD. $ 388,692.22 $ 124,232.00 12/30/1901 :ofI Thank you Mayor Nelson for bringing this item to tonight's workshop. Thank you as well for correctly listing this item as a discussion to rescind Resolution 08-123. That resolution gave the power to dispense funds to LURA and tonight I want to discuss giving those powers to the Planning Department, and more specifically to the City Planner. I especially appreciate it since it has been pointed out to me that the Outlook, in an editorial, has made several mis-statements regarding this request. I would like to clarify that, while the last meeting this body held was on July 16, 2019, it was a voting meeting, not a workshop. Secondly, I requested discussion about the duties of the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency, not some "Revitalization" group as the editorial printed. Lastly, I said nothing about dissolving the board. I want to discuss giving powers to the City Planner. However, that editorial along with the e-mail from the Outlook editor which we all were copied with on July 22 which accused the Mayor of "bypassing and now dissolving the LURA Board", only enhance my argument for relieving LURA of the duties of handing out grants. If the Mayor or Council wanted to dissolve LURA all we would have had to do is NOT select a bondable project. That would have let the life of the TIF District run out at the end of next year. Instead we, the Mayor and Council, have found a project within the TIF District that will improve the infrastructure for residents, businesses and the general public. We have consistently been bombarded with incorrect quotes, accusations and libelous articles in the local paper. The lack of and stubborn refusal by LURA Board members to understand what the City is doing, understand the Board's place, its finances or cooperate with the City was evident in the resignation letter the Council received July 16, 2019. It was stated in that letter that the Mayor hijacked TIFD funds. No one hijacked anything. Many people, going back as recently as CAO Jensen's efforts in 2015 have tried to publicly involved LURA Board members and help them understand LURA's part in what the City was hoping to accomplish. In 2015 The Laurel Gateway Plan was prepared after involvement of the LURA Board. ALL LURA Board members are listed in that document. That Gateway Plan states that there will be buy -in from LURA for a long term infrastructure project. For the resignation letter we received to have stated that "this infrastructure project was not the best use of good judgment" is a slap in the face of the Gateway Project, which cost LURA over $90,000 to have prepared. It's a slap in the face of the efforts to extend the life of the TIF District and the Mayor and each Councilmember now seated. Since its inception LURA has been offered help from no less than 3 mayors; 2 CAO's 3 City Planners and 3 City Treasurers. As time has gone on the group has increasingly rejected any efforts to open communication or explain long term goals. They now resort to slanderous statements made to entities like the Outlook editor, who seems to think she is free from recourse to print unfounded, libelous statements. It is clear the LURA does not have an understanding of Montana Code Annotated or the Laurel Ordinances and is frustrated by those laws and their perception that they should be able to do what they want. This is why I feel it would be far less confrontational and easier for all concerned, to have the City Planner dispense LURA funds. MCA and Laurel Ordinances are dry reading and I know some council members have tried to create a flow chart as an easier reference to understand the "back and forth" of LURA statements and City statements. I know that the City Clerk/Treasurer is going to give us a quick review of both as they reference TIF Districts and to clarify some of the mis-statements that have occurred. I would like to sum up by referencing a statement made on July 1, 2013 by then mayor Olson. As background, then mayor Olson was a strong supporter of LURA and still is today. However, back then frustration with an uncooperative LURA Board prompted this to go into the minutes of the LURA Board meeting. "Mayor Ken Olson addressed the group with regard to the need of a person hired to direct the LURA group. He felt that the board, while well intentioned, does not have the time or the training to bring the needs of the business community before the board". Things have only gotten worse in the six years since. What I am asking for is that a knowledgeable professional handle the TIFD funds. The board can still exist and then can still bring any citizen input forward. These efforts to slander the City Council every time it questions in the slightest, LURA's activities has got to end. By the way, I have printed everything I referenced and stated tonight. It will be provided to the Council's Administrative Assistant to be made a part of the minutes. That's in case anyone wants to correctly quote me in the future. an tioi are Pr( of CV gr el 4 — Thursday, July 25, 2019 LURA under attack From the editor's desk BY KATHLEEN GILLULY Laurel Outlook etlftor and general manager I hope more Laurel residents will watch the Laurel City Council lookts Faceabook pagede blAlthoug hmost the Facebook Live on the Laurel out though there are movements afoot to limit citizen input meetings are Should be aware of. The 'foomeetings tunevene are Tuesday evenipgstat 6:30 at one At the last workshop meeting, July 16, Council President 30 P e in Eaton requested a discussion item for the July 30th meeting. She said that in light of Steve Solberg's resignation from the Laurel Urban Revitalization Agency board, she thinks the council should consider dissolving the ,board. Most of the folks on the LURA board have dedicated themselves tOur o the betterment of Laurel for many years and their investment in should try orkino with not be tossed away. Maybe the :, Subject LURA From News <News@laureloutlook.com> roundcube 44 To Tom Nelson <citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>, Bruce McGee open source webmai wnware <Ward2B@laurel.mt.gov>, Doug Poehls <Ward1A@laurel.mt.gov>, Emelie Eaton <Ward1B@laurel.mt.gov>, Scot Stokes <Ward3B@laurel.mt.gov>, <ward2A@laurel. mt.gov>, <Ward3A@laurel.mt.gov>, Richard Klose Sr. <kloserichard@yahoo.com>, <ward4a@laurel.mt.gov> Date 07.22.2019 1:51 PM Mayor Nelson, It's really difficult to tell if you are acting in the city's best interests or just trying to get your way by bypassing (and now dissolving) the LURA board. I'd appreciate it if you could address a rumor going around. I've been told that you do a great deal of business with Thomae and that if the east Laurel street project goes through, Thomae plans to build a new shipping dock in conjunction with the project. If true, it seems to me you have a conflict of interest that needs to be addressed before you continue pushing for this project. Please let me know if this is true or not. Best, Kathleen Gilluly Editor/general manager vublisher@laureloutlook.com Laurel Outlook 415 E. Main St., P.O. Box 278 Laurel, MT 59044 628-4412 CITY OF LAUREL STAFF Heidi Jensen Chief Administrative Officer Monica Plecker Planning Director LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL BOARD Judy Goldsby Chair Dean Rankin Vice -Chair Shirley McDermott Secretary Linda Frickel Dan Klein Non -Voting Members Janice Lehman Dierk Frickel Mardi Spaulinger COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Beartooth RC&D Big Sky Economic Development Laurel Chamber of Commerce rig1)KY A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT TEAM EPS Sanderson Stewart a SANDERSON V:• STEWART The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) was completed in 2014 and addresses the broad and long range goals of the transportation system within Laurel. Elements of the LRTP include street network, non -motorized transportation, system improvements and prioritized projects. Several projects identified within the LRTP are located within the District boundaries and those recommendations were considered as part of the overall findings. City of Laurel Urban Renewal Plan was completed in 2008 as part of the creation of the tax increment financing district. The goals that were established as part of that plan were evaluated and referenced as part of the overall findings. Those goals are: T 1. Encourage an economically and culturally vibrant downtown. 2. Create a vibrant and cohesive extension of the core downtown Laurel area. 3. Improve traffic patterns to further enhance the business experience for the owner and consumer. 4. Create a destination place where people will want to repeatedly visit. 5. Have state of the art, updated utilities and infrastructure. 6. Encourage more housing and business choices within the district. 7. Have rational consideration of all neighborhoods and sites for public fund expenditures Revenue $0 $435,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Starting Balance $585,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 Net Cash Flow [1] 350,000 358,750 367,719 376,912 386,335 395,993 405,893 Prior Year Surplus 0 281,000 4,750 4,469 1,380 1,715 9,708 Bond or Loan [2] 0 0 0 0 0 4,000,000 0 LURA Funding Available $935,000 $639,750 $372,469 $381,380 $387,715 $4,397,708 $415,601 Project and Program Expenditures Grants and Loans Revolving Loan Fund Deposit $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $20,000 Improvement Grants [3] 100,000 100,000 100,000 0 0 15,000 40,000 Subtotal $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $35,000 $60,000 Capital Proiects Intersection Improvements $0 $435,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Washington Street Stormwater 450,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 350,000 350,000 Other Major Capitol Projects [4] 0 0 160,000 380,000 385_,000 4,000,000 0 Subtotal $450,000 $435,000 $160,000 $380,000 $385,000 $4,350,000 $350,000 Small communitv proiects Better Block Project 3,000 0 3,000 0 0 3,000 0 Park(Ing) Day 1,000 0 0 0 1,000 0 0 Public Arts Program 0 0 5,000 0 0 0 33,000 Subtotal $4,000 $0 $8,000 $0 $1,000 $3,000 $3,000 Total Projects and Programs $654,000 $635,000 $368,000 $380,000 $386,000 $4,388,000 $413,000 Surplus or Gap $281,000 $4,750 $4,469 $1,380 $1,715 $9,708 $2,601 111 Estimated at $350,000 based on FY 2014/15 budget revenues of approximately $476,000 less approximately $100,000 In debt service to the Water department (ends In 2019). Assumes 2.0% annual revenue growth. (2) Could be done In year 6 or sooner depending on available revenue or anticipated State legislation changes. (31 Ulf lity Upgrades, Fagade Improvements, Building Demolld on, Landscape Improvements, Sidewalk Improvements0 141 Ughti ng, streetscape, additional intersection orstreetprojects, or utility Improvements. 0 Laurel Gateway Plan Revenue Starting Balance $S8S,000 Net Cash Flow [1] 350,000 358,750 367,719 376,912 386,335 395,993 405,893 Prior Year Surplus 0 281,000 4,750 4,469 1,380 1,715 9,708 Bond or Loan [2] 0 0 0 0 0 4,000,000 0 LURA Funding Available $935,000 $639,750 $372,469 $381,380 $387,715 $4,397,708 $415,601 Project and Program Expenditures Grants and Loans Revolving Loan Fund Deposit $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $20,000 Improvement Grants [3] 100,000 100,000 100,000 0 0 15,000 40,000 Subtotal $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $35,000 $60,000 Capital Projects Intersection Improvements $0 $435,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Washington Street Stormwater 450,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 350,000 350,000 Other Major Capitol Projects [4] 0 0 160,000 3&1_000 385,000 4,000,000 0 Subtotal $450,000 $435,000 $160,000 $380,000 $385,000 $4,350,000 $350,000 Small community Projects Better Block Project 3,000 0 3,000 0 0 3,000 0 Parking) Day 1,000 0 0 0 1,000 0 0 Public Arts Program 0 0 55,000 0 0 0 3 000 Subtotal $4,000 $0 $8,000 $0 $1,000 $3,000 $3,000 Total Projects and Programs $654,000 $635,000 $368,000 $380,000 $386,000 $4,388,000 $413,000 Surplus or Gap $281,000 $4,750 $4,469 $1,380 $1,715 $9,708 $2,601 I1j Estimated at $350,000 based on FY 2014/15 budget revenues of approximately $476,000 Is" approximately $100,W01n debt service to the Water department (ends in 2019). Assumes 2.0% annual revenue growth. 121 Could be done In Year 6 or sooner depending on available revenue or anticipated State legislation changes. 13] U81ity Upgrades, Facade Improvements, Bulldi ng Demoligon, Landscape Improvements, Sidewalk Improvemems0 [4] Ughting, streetscape, additional Intersection or street projects, or utl lay Improvements. WLaurel Gateway Plan June 26, 2019 Mayor Tom Nelson City of Laurel PO Box 10 Laurel, MT 59044 Dear Mayor Nelson and City Council Members, Please accept this letter as my resignation from the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency (LURA) Advisory Board. As a significant property owner and tax payer in the Laurel Tax Increment Financing District (TIFD), I felt I could help provide some input for the City regarding business improvements and growth. I think the entire Laurel TIFD Advisory Board has done an amazing job of helping Businesses in the District improve their appearance and enhance their business and property values. This funding has been a re -inspiration and source of pride of owning a Business in Laurel. When you hijacked the TIFD Funds for your East Main Street Project without consulting, advising, nor informing the LURA Advisory Board, you made it obvious to me that the LURA Advisory Board has no value. 1 am sure that you and all the City Council members have only the best of intentions for the betterment of this Community and I commend you all for being willing to serve. However, this infra structure project was not the best use of Good Judgement. Good luck to you all in the future. Sincerely, 500 SE 4" St Laurel, MT 59044 406-860-4004 Laurel Urban Renewal Agency July 1, 2013 Owl C66 Meeting Room At 11:00 AM, in attendance were Linda Frickel and Judy Goklsby from the board, and Mayor Ken Olson, Heidi Jensen, and Monica Plecker from the City. As this did not constitute a forum, there was no meeting called. At 11:30, Daniel Klein arrived and at that time a meeting was called to order. Minutes: Minutes were approved as submitted with no changes or corrections. Reports: No reports were submitted. Board discussion and action: Mayor Ken Olson addressed the group with regard to the need of a person hired to direct the LURA group. He felt that the board, while well intentioned, does not have the time or the training to bring the needs of the business community before the board. The mayor, Heidi, and Monica have attended the EBURT (East Billings Urban Renewal District) and felt that there was a wealth of information there that we could benefit from. It was agreed by the board that we should request a representative from EBURT to attend our next meeting and give input and advice to our board. There was further discussion on the poor attendance of our Monday meetings. Some have voiced opinions on conflicts and timing of our meetings. It was agreed that a morning meeting might be better attended. It was further agreed that perhaps a breakfast meeting would be better. Daniel made a motion, seconded by Linda that we make our July 15'" meeting a breakfast meeting at 7:30 AM, and further the board will pay for the breakfast of those in attendance. Motion passed. We will include a breakfast menu with our agenda, and ask that those who plan on attending submit their order in advance of the meeting date. There were no fagade or technical assistance grant applications submitted. There being no further action, meeting was adjourned. Next meeting July 15, 2013, 7:30 A.M., Owl Caf6 Meeting Room Judy Goldsby, Chair Dean Rankin, Vice Chair CITY HALL 115 W. IST PLANNINNG:G:628-4796 City Of Laurel 6 WATER OFC.: 628-7431 P.O. Box 10 COURT: 628-1964 FAX 628-2241 Laurel, Montana 59044 7/30/2019 Office of the City Planner City Council Talking Points regarding Rescinding Resolution R-08-123 LURA Statutory Powers Urban Renewal Plan states that: ➢ "The Use of Tax Increment Financing is one of a few tools available to municipalities in the State of Montana that allows that municipality to improve the community infrastructure without raising property taxes or mill amounts to do it." Three Directives: 1. Adopt currently existing design and economic guidelines that are critical in how the design of projects aided by tax increment financing should look 2. Establish tax increment financing as a tool to encourage urban renewal 3. Define and establish how the Laurel Urban Renewal District is the be managed Guidelines established to have development exist within a framework to create cohesion within the district. Goal: An economically and culturally vibrant Downtown Laurel ➢ Preserve and promote economic development of downtown laurel ➢ Create a strong central `core' for our community ➢ Establish downtown as a recognizable landmark Goal: To Create a vibrant and cohesive extension of the core Downtown Laurel area. ➢ Adopt where it makes sense the positive aspects of the downtown core ➢ The Laurel Urban Renewal District becomes known as a part of downtown rather than a separate area Goal: Improve Traffic patterns to further enhance the business experience for the owner and the consumer ➢ Slowdown traffic to facilitate more shopping opportunities and business exposure ➢ Reconfigure traffic patterns where it makes sense to encourage two way traffic and theoretically double business exposure ➢ Improve the pedestrian environment by adding well designed streetscape and sidewalks Goal: Create a Destination Place where people will want to repeatedly visit ➢ Through streetscape and street front improvements to manufacturing and industrial uses, create a friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment ➢ Be conducive to out of town customers to obtain goods and services that cater to trucks and trailers ➢ Create a sense of pride through home ownership ➢ Improve quality of life ➢ Encourage more live -work environments ➢ Reduce crime in the area Goal: Have state of the art, updated utilities and infrastructure ➢ Bring up to code water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and electrical services Goals in Regards to Growth Management Plan Goal: The Attractiveness of our community needs improvement ➢ Preserve and promote economic development of downtown Laurel ➢ Create a strong central `core' for our community ➢ Establish downtown as a recognizable landmark Goal: More Housing and Business choices within the district ➢ Improve the quality of life ➢ Encourage more live -work environments ➢ Reduce commuting and subsequent drain on natural resources ➢ Develop more self-contained neighborhoods Focus on Mixed use developments and greater variety of choices Reduction of vehicle commuting Goal: Rational Consideration of all public funds expenditures ➢ Identify and prioritize district needs ➢ Empower public to provide direction on infrastructure improvements expenditures ➢ Leverage public funds with other resources Five potential growth factors 1. Improvements to existing businesses and land uses 2. Downtown housing that serves the needs of local residents 3. Expand opportunity for medical offices and clinics that complement and expand the current medical services and facilities in Laurel 4. Retail influx that is combined with a conference center, offices, or entertainment establishments 5. Professional offices to expand opportunities for new or relocated businesses The LURA Board meets monthly to discuss any new grant applications for the large grant, fagade, and technical assistance programs. These meetings also contain general conversation about ongoing projects and new developments within the District. Members of the LURA Board are active, engaged, thoughtful, and experienced in their many different fields. They bring many viewpoints to the discussions on the grant applications and provide important input. LURA Members are dependable in attending meetings and voicing their opinions regarding local issues/topics. There are stated review criteria for grants that include: LURA Application Review Criteria Relevance to the Laurel Gateway Plan Impact Assessment Economic Stimulus Financial Assistance Tax Generation Project Feasibility Employment Generation Developer Ability to Perform Elimination of Blight Timely Completion Special or Unique Opportunities Payment of Taxes I value the thoughtful and insightful viewpoints of the LURA Members while at the same time see that there has been a major breakdown in the understanding of the role and purpose of LURA. LURA functions under the city council, and within the larger TIF District as an advisory board. Resolution R08- 123 outlined specific responsibilities for LURA and its membership. Resolution R08-123 The City hereby authorizes and assigns the following urban renewal project powers to LURA: 1. To formulate and coordinate a workable program as specified in MCA 7-15-4209 2. To prepare urban renewal plans 3. To prepare recommended modifications to an urban renewal project plan 4. To disseminate blight clearance and urban renewal information 5. To enter any building or property in any urban renewal area in order to make surveys and appraisals in the manner specified in MCA 7-15-4257 6. To prepare plans for the relocation of families displaced from an urban renewal area and to coordinate public and private agencies in such relocation 7. To prepare plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements 8. To conduct appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other preliminary plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of urban renewal projects 9. To negotiate for the acquisition of land 10. To study the closing, vacating, planning, or re -planning of streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places and to make recommendations with respect thereto, and 11. To perform such duties as the local governing body may direct so as to make the necessary arrangements for the exercise of the powers and performance of the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the local governing body Much time is spent within the approved Urban Renewal Plan discussing housing, transportation, and mixed-use development. These items are discussed in conjunction with place -making, transportation improvements, housing improvements, and building a downtown destination. The business community is not the primary beneficiary of the TIF District. The wider Laurel community itself is the beneficiary. These funds are able to be used for creating a more robust and diverse Downtown area through community infrastructure projects, streetscape improvements, traffic safety changes, housing planning, facility upgrades, and other vital projects. The tone of the ongoing conversations surrounding the East Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project (EDII) has revealed that while the board members care deeply about the TIF District and Laurel, they have been misinterpreting the role of the Board and the stated/official purpose of the TIF District itself. This has showed that there is a great need to regularly review to the bylaws and founding documents, to communicate with city council, and to ensure that their grant awards are approved properly and are in line with the aims of the TIF District itself. It is my opinion that a great deal of opportunity has been wasted by not utilizing the original stated powers of the board, and the established goals, objectives, and responsibilities to focus on larger scale projects and focusing on more traditional development patterns within the District. There has been an overall lack of cohesion when it comes to considering projects within the District, especially the SE 4' area. The TIF District and the LURA Board present great opportunities to assist in the funding of projects and to gain feedback and insight from interested community members. It would be useful to think on the founding documents, discuss the effectiveness of the Board and the projects thus far, and to decide if any changes are necessary to help move the board, the district, and the downtown vision forward. 4