HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Urban Renewal Agency Minutes 02.22.2021
MINUTES
CITY OF LAUREL
LAUREL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021
11:00 AM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Public Input: Citizens may address the committee regarding any item of business that is not on the agenda. The duration
for an individual speaking under Public Input is limited to three minutes. While all comments are welcome, the committee
will not take action on any item not on the agenda.
1. Roll Call
The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:02am
Don Smarsh
Janice Lehman
Mardi Spalinger
Judy Goldsby
Nick Altonaga (City of Laurel)
General Items
2. Approve Meeting Minutes: November 16, 2020
Members
Mardie Motioned to appove
Don Seconded.
Motion Carried.
3. Big Sky EDA Update
A number of trainings coming up (all virtual). Can tune into those via the website. One specifically for
Women, (Women on the Rise), 6 trainings, one every Wednesday.
There are a lot of options for trainings
Covid Program update: We are assisting with PPP and other loans to businesses. Big Sky Trust Fund
grant is also available for workforce and other needs.
4. Beartooth RC&D Update
New Business
5. Small Grant Application: Atkins 3rd Avenue
Members discussed the need for further.
Members would like to get further details on the project, either concept, or current status. Would like
more Details on the work being completed.
The Chair tabled the item until such time as the applicant provides additional information and details on
the project.
6. Small Grant Application: Rutt - Kwiki Car Wash Sign
Members reviewed the Kwiki Car Wash application. Discussed the application and the design images.
Don motioned tyo approve the application for the sign grant for Kwiki Car Wash in the amount of
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
7. Small Grant Application: Sunlight Properties - S. 1st Ave
Members
Don motioned to approved the Small Grant Application for Sunlight Properties for $2,111.14
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
Old Business
Other Items
8. Discussion: 2021 Large Grants
Nick discussed that he will be opening the Large Grants Program from March 1st to June 1st.
Discussion on projects downtown including:
Landscaping Plans
Parking Plan (angled parking)
Lighting Plan
Nick will also try to reach out to the RR for possible landscaping along the southern portion of Main
Street.
Cotter has train car on his property that could make a great RR Museum.
Members discussed increasing the Large Grant to 275,000. People are hurting and they WANT to do
projects but need help.
Don Motioned to recommend an increase the Large Grant Program Budget to $275,000.
Mardie Seconded.
Motion Carried.
Richard Herr mentioned that providing MORE information to Council is better. Provide information on
the previous grants and the impacts.
Michelle asked if any previous recipients could come forward to vouch for the program?
Don said that many of them would definitely come back because they were greatly helped.
Mardie suggested that a letter, or other correspondence.
Richard Herr said that the Council appreciates people coming in front of them to speak about issues.
Janice asked if we can mail something out to the major property owners within the district?
Members discussed how no one knew about the program for a very long time. Have had an issue with
marketing and awareness of the program.
Michelle suggested doing a Facebook Live session to discuss LURA and its grant programs.
Form Letter
Facebook Post/Live session
Laurel Chamber of Commerce
Outlook.
Announcements
9. Adjourn
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 11:51am.
10. Next Meeting: March 15, 2021
The City makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to
participate in this meeting. Persons needing accommodation must notify the City Clerk’s Office to make needed
arrangements. To make your request known, please call 406-628-7431, Ext. 2, or write to City Clerk, PO Box 10, Laurel,
MT 59044, or present your request at City Hall, 115 West First Street, Laurel, Montana.
DATES TO REMEMBER