Laurel public meetings in 2022

City Council

The Laurel City Council is meeting to consider several resolutions, including adopting a new official schedule of fees and charges, authorizing agreements for road and sidewalk work on South 4th Street, and supporting Montana League of Cities and Towns resolutions. They will also approve routine items like claims and payroll. A public hearing will be held on the fee schedule.

• Public hearing and Resolution R22-81 to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges
• Resolution R22-78 authorizing construction and maintenance agreement for South 4th Street roadway
• Resolution R22-79 authorizing agreement with Montana DOT for sidewalk installation/upgrade off South 4th Street
• Resolution R22-82 authorizing purchase of vehicle and equipment from Kois Brothers Equipment Company
• Approval of payroll register for 12/11/2022 totaling $213,124.12

The Laurel City Council held a public hearing and then unanimously approved Resolution R22-81 adopting an official schedule of fees and charges, repealing conflicting prior resolutions. The council also approved seven other resolutions (R22-78 through R22-80, R22-82 through R22-85) covering a road agreement, sidewalk MOA, legislative support, vehicle purchase, water audit services, classification clarification, and a modification agreement. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved Resolution R22-81 adopting official fee schedule (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-78 for South 4th Street road agreement (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-79 for sidewalk MOA with MDT (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-80 supporting 2022 Montana League legislative resolutions (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-82 for vehicle/equipment purchase from Kois Brothers (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-83 for 120 Water Audit services (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-84 clarifying R05-23 classification (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-85 for Montana Natural Resource Damage Program modification (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, and a payroll register totaling $213,124.12. They will also review a Comp/OT report and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending December 11, 2022, totaling $213,124.12
• Review and approve purchase requisitions
• Review and approve council claims entered through December 23, 2022
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending December 11, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for January 10, 2022 (likely 2023)

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the December 13, 2022 meeting minutes, the claims and check register through December 23, 2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending December 11, 2022, totaling $213,124.12. The mayor reported that the city is working on a water rate increase that would affect only high water users, with residential homes not expected to notice the increase. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved December 13, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims and check register through December 23, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending December 11, 2022, totaling $213,124.12 (4-0)

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will meet to consider the Holycross Subdivision Preliminary Plat and sign permits for Beartooth Pediatric Dental and Albertsons. The board will also review the planner vacancy and past meeting minutes from October 19th, 2022.

• Holycross Subdivision Preliminary Plat
• Sign permit for Beartooth Pediatric Dental
• Sign permit for Albertsons
• Discussion regarding the Planner Vacancy

City Council

The City Council is holding a workshop to review several resolutions. These include infrastructure agreements for South 4th Street and the adoption of an official schedule of fees and charges.

• Construction and maintenance agreement for South 4th Street public roadway
• Agreement with Montana Department of Transportation for South 4th Street sidewalks
• Adoption of an official schedule of fees and charges for the City of Laurel
• Purchase of a vehicle and equipment from Kois Brothers Equipment Company, Inc.
• Agreement with 120 Water Audit, Inc. for lead service line compliance

The workshop was informational; no formal votes were taken. Council reviewed seven resolutions covering a South 4th Street road agreement, sidewalk upgrades, support for Montana League of Cities and Towns, a fee schedule (with a public hearing next week), a vehicle purchase, lead service line compliance, and a city classification clarification. Public input included a donation from Moore Montana Treasures.

• Reviewed resolution for South 4th Street road construction and maintenance agreement (no action)
• Reviewed resolution for sidewalk installation off South 4th Street (no action)
• Reviewed resolution supporting 2022 Montana League of Cities and Towns legislative resolutions (no action)
• Reviewed fee schedule resolution; public hearing scheduled next week (no action)
• Reviewed vehicle purchase from Kois Brothers Equipment Company (no action)
• Reviewed lead service line compliance services with 120 Water Audit, Inc. (no action)
• Reviewed resolution clarifying city classification as class 2 (no action)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will hold a routine meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, discuss the future of the board, and review a grant and city resolution from last year. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Election of chair and vice chair of LURA Board
• Discussion of the future of the board
• Grant discussion and city resolution passed last year

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to discuss reports regarding emergency call outs and the PERS Water System. The meeting includes a presentation by Ryan with KLJ.

• Draft PERS Water System Report presentation by KLJ
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The committee voted to move forward with KLJ for the planning of a sewer line replacement at the Elm Lift station following a rupture. The Water System PER report discussion was postponed, and the January meeting was rescheduled.

• Approved moving Elm Lift station sewer line replacement project forward with KLJ for planning (5-0)
• Approved November 21, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Moved January meeting to January 30 and cancelled February meeting (5-0)
• Postponed PER Water System Report discussion until January

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold public hearings and consider resolutions to increase municipal solid waste rates effective January 1, 2023, and to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges. The council will also consider an ordinance amending the Construction Board of Appeals provisions in the municipal code. Several appointments to city boards and commissions are scheduled, along with routine consent items and reports.

• Public hearing and Resolution R22-77 to increase solid waste rates effective Jan 1, 2023
• Resolution R22-76 to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges
• Ordinance O22-07 amending Section 14.04 on Construction Board of Appeals
• Payroll register approval totaling $246,744.73
• Appointments to Fire Department, Library Board, Police Commission, Park Board, and others

The Laurel City Council approved Resolution No. R22-77, which adopts the proposed increases in rates and charges for users of the Municipal Solid Waste Facilities and Equipment, effective January 1, 2023. The council also adopted Resolution No. R22-76, establishing an official schedule of fees and charges for the City, and Ordinance No. 022-07, amending the Laurel Municipal Code to remove the Construction Board of Appeals. All votes were 6-0.

• Approved Resolution No. R22-77, increasing solid waste rates and charges effective January 1, 2023 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. R22-76, adopting an official schedule of fees and charges (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-07, removing the Construction Board of Appeals from the Laurel Municipal Code (6-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R22-75, authorizing the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding House Bill 121 (6-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register for PPE 11/27/2022 totaling $246,744.73 (6-0)
• Approved appointments to the Laurel Fire Department, Library Board, Police Commission, Park Board, Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board, and LURA Advisory (6-0 each)
• Approved minutes of the November 22, 2022 regular meeting as presented (6-0)

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review staff evaluations and shelving upgrades. The board is also scheduled to discuss policy updates and mill levy plans.

• Shelving upgrades
• Mill levy plans
• Staff evaluations
• Policy updates
• Book sale final numbers

The Library Board approved the October and November 2022 meeting minutes as presented. They discussed plans to bring a mill levy request to the City Council by the end of January, with a goal of placing it on the June election ballot. The board also reviewed staff evaluations, planned new children's shelves, and scheduled a policy review for January.

• Approved October and November 2022 meeting minutes (motion by Kate, second by Lela)
• Planned to submit mill levy request to City Council by end of January for June election
• Scheduled review of Collection Management Policy for January
• Agreed to close library for full holiday weekends (Christmas and New Year's)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items including purchase requisitions, council claims, utility billing adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $246,744.73. They will also review a comp/OT report and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending November 27, 2022 totaling $246,744.73
• Review and approve council claims entered through December 9, 2022
• Review and approve November 2022 utility billing adjustments
• Review comp/OT report for pay period ending November 27, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for December 27, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved routine financial items including November meeting minutes, a purchase requisition for sleeping quarters in the Ambulance Department, claims and check register through December 9, 2022, November utility billing adjustments, and the payroll register for the period ending November 27, 2022 totaling $246,744.73. All motions passed 4-0. No public comment was received, and no new business was discussed.

• Approved November 22, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for sleeping quarters in Ambulance Department (4-0)
• Approved claims and check register through December 9, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved November 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending November 27, 2022 totaling $246,744.73 (4-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss and potentially act on several appointments, a proclamation, and resolutions including a solid waste rate increase and a new fee schedule. The meeting is primarily a discussion session, with formal action expected at a later date.

• Resolution to approve solid waste rate increase effective January 1, 2023
• Resolution to adopt official schedule of fees and charges
• Resolution authorizing Mayor to sign MOU regarding House Bill 121
• Ordinance amending Construction Board of Appeals (Section 14.04)
• Appointments to Fire Department, Library Board, Police Commission, Park Board, and other boards

This was a workshop meeting with no formal votes. The council discussed appointments to boards and commissions, a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an MOU related to House Bill 121, a proposed fee schedule, a solid waste rate increase, and a second reading of an ordinance. Public input was heard regarding a proposed power plant and other community concerns. No final decisions were made.

• Discussed appointments to Fire Department, Library Board, Police Commission, Park Board, and LURA Advisory
• Discussed resolution authorizing mayor to sign MOU regarding House Bill 121
• Discussed proposed fee schedule effective January 1, 2023
• Discussed proposed solid waste rate increase with public hearing scheduled
• Discussed second reading of ordinance amending Construction Board of Appeals
• Park Board requests: no contractor camping during CHS turnaround, cameras at parks, report on park maintenance district

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board is meeting to review a park donation from Melissa Saylor and discuss a Park Maintenance District. The board will also address ongoing projects at Riverside, Lions, and Thompson parks.

• Park donation from Melissa Saylor ("Love for Lexie")
• Park Maintenance District discussion
• Playground equipment at Lions Park
• Splash Park at Thompson Park
• Lighting, electrical, and building updates at Riverside Park

The Park Board meeting was largely procedural, with no formal votes recorded. Items discussed included a donation from 'Love for Lexie', a skate park group, a park maintenance district, and updates on various park projects. No substantive decisions were made.

Emergency Services Committee

The Emergency Services Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive updates from the city's emergency departments. No specific ordinances or contracts are listed for decision.

• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of September 26, 2022 minutes
• Approval of October 24, 2022 minutes

The committee approved minutes from Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 meetings, both 6-0. They received updates from police, ambulance, and fire departments, including a police report of 790 calls in November, an ambulance partnership with St. V's Walk-in, and a new fire department billing system. The committee voted 6-0 to cancel the December meeting and meet again on Jan. 23, 2023.

• Approved minutes of Sept. 26, 2022 (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Oct. 24, 2022 (6-0)
• Cancelled December 26 meeting, next meeting Jan. 23, 2023 (6-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider several resolutions and an ordinance, including participation in Montana's Intercap loan program, a memorandum of understanding with Beartooth RC&D, a contract with True North Contracting, and an MOU with MDT for West Railroad Street. The council will also appoint Rick Musson to the Police Commission and amend the Construction Board of Appeals ordinance. Most items are on the consent agenda and will be voted on together unless removed.

• Resolution R22-71: Authorize participation in Montana's Intercap loan program
• Resolution R22-72: MOU with Beartooth RC&D
• Resolution R22-73: Independent contractor contract with True North Contracting
• Resolution R22-74: MOU with Montana DOT for West Railroad Street planning/construction
• Ordinance O22-07: Amend Section 14.04 on Construction Board of Appeals

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items including purchase requisitions, council claims, utility billing adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $217,635.63. They will also review a Comp/OT report and receive updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending November 13, 2022, totaling $217,635.63
• Review and approve council claims entered through November 18, 2022
• Review and approve October 2022 utility billing adjustments
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending November 13, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for December 13, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved routine financial items, including the November 8 meeting minutes, a purchase requisition for new partitions in the Finance Department, claims through November 18, October utility billing adjustments, and the payroll register for the pay period ending November 13 totaling $217,635.63. All motions passed 4-0. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved November 8, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for new partitions in Finance Department (4-0)
• Approved claims and check register through November 18, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved October 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending November 13, 2022, totaling $217,635.63 (4-0)

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee is meeting to approve the minutes from October 17, 2022, and to receive reports on emergency call-outs and from engineering firm KLJ. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items or proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 17, 2022
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Public Works Committee approved minutes and recommended multiple fee increases, including raw water, water and wastewater system development fees, hook-up labor, septic dump, and container site fees. All motions carried 5-0. The committee also reviewed project updates, including the delayed 4th Street reconstruction and snow plowing status.

• Approved October 17, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Recommended raw water rate increase to $0.45/1000 gallons (5-0)
• Recommended water system development fee increase to $2,500 for 3/4 inch line (5-0)
• Recommended water hook-up labor increase to $6,000 and heavy equipment to $100.00 (5-0)
• Recommended septic dump fee increase to $60.00 plus $0.06/gallon (5-0)
• Recommended wastewater system development fee increase to $2,700 for residential line (5-0)
• Recommended container site fee increase to $10.00 (5-0)
• Recommended changing container site fee verbiage to per additional cubic yard $10.00 (5-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Tree Board finalized Arbor Day for Tuesday, May 2, with the theme 'Heroes for Life' by Finley Watts, to be held at Thomson Park. They discussed planting new trees in Thomson Park, applying for a DNRC grant, and raising funds via the Laurel Foundation website. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

• Set Arbor Day for Tuesday, May 2 at Thomson Park
• Chose 'Heroes for Life' as Arbor Day theme
• Approved planting 3 new ash trees south of old tennis courts and 2 elm or ash near tables
• Decided not to place plaques in Thomson Park
• Agreed to apply for DNRC grant (Matt and Kurt to apply)
• Approved setting up a Laurel Foundation webpage for fundraising

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a workshop to review several resolutions and one ordinance. The session includes discussions on infrastructure planning and appointments to city commissions.

• MOU with Montana Department of Transportation for West Railroad Street planning and construction
• Appointment of Rick Musson to the Police Commission
• Service contract with True North Contracting
• MOU with Beartooth Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc.
• Ordinance amending Section 14.04 of the Municipal Code regarding the Construction Board of Appeals

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on November 15, 2022, with no formal votes or decisions. They discussed several upcoming agenda items, including a resolution for a memorandum of understanding with Beartooth RC&D, a contract with True North Contracting, a resolution for the West Railroad Street project, and an ordinance to remove the Construction Board of Appeals. The council also reviewed the appointment of Rick Musson to the Police Commission and heard public input on community organizations.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded at this workshop.
• Discussed appointment of Rick Musson to Police Commission (term ending April 30, 2024).
• Reviewed resolution for MOU with Beartooth RC&D (no action taken).
• Reviewed resolution authorizing contract with True North Contracting (no action taken).
• Reviewed resolution for MOU with Montana DOT for West Railroad Street (no action taken).
• Reviewed ordinance to remove Construction Board of Appeals from city code (no action taken).

Cemetery Commission

The Laurel Cemetery Commission met on November 15, 2022, with no public input and no new business. They approved the minutes from the July 19, 2022 meeting. Old business included noting that a kiosk had been delivered and placed but not yet cemented in, and that a rate increase had been approved by the committee and city council. The next meeting was set for January 17, 2022.

• Approved minutes of July 19, 2022 (motion by Hall, second by Olson)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending special event permit rules, and will vote on resolutions to declare city property surplus, authorize a loan for a garbage truck, and set a public hearing for solid waste rate increases. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, claims, and payroll.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending Title 12.18 special event permits
• Resolution R22-68 declaring city property surplus for sale or trade
• Resolution R22-69 authorizing loan from Montana Board of Investments for garbage truck purchase
• Resolution R22-70 setting public hearing for solid waste rate increase
• Payroll register approval totaling $210,580.86

The City Council approved a loan for the purchase of a garbage truck and adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding special event permits. The council also declared certain city property as surplus and initiated the process to increase solid waste rates.

• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved consent items including $210,580.86 in claims (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-68 declaring certain city property as surplus (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-69 authorizing loan documents for a garbage truck (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-70 intent to increase solid waste rates (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 022-06 amending special event permit code (8-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, and a payroll register totaling $210,580.86. They will also review compensation/overtime reports and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending October 30, 2022, totaling $210,580.86
• Review and approve purchase requisitions
• Review and approve council claims entered through November 4, 2022
• Review Comp/OT reports for pay period ending October 30, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for November 22, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the October 25 meeting minutes, claims through November 4, 2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending October 30, 2022, totaling $210,580.86. All motions passed unanimously 4-0. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on a city surplus sale and CD rates.

• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved claims and check register through November 4, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending October 30, 2022, totaling $210,580.86 (4-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board met on November 8, 2022, with no public comment and no substantive decisions. The board received the circulation report for October, noting increases in traffic, book circulation, internet use, and Wi-Fi use, but no formal actions were taken.

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to discuss several park-related items, including a potential donation from 'Love for Lexie', a skate park group, and a park maintenance district. They will also review old business on playground equipment, bike parks, splash parks, and lighting at various parks.

• Love for Lexie park donation request
• Skate Park Group discussion
• Park Maintenance District
• Playground equipment at Lions Park
• Splash Park at Thompson Park

The Park Board voted 6-0 to recommend a park maintenance district to the city council, citing current general fund costs of $65,000 for wages and $150,000 for mowing. The board also approved signs advertising JC Hall and shelter rentals, and unanimously approved adding a playground and sprinkler system to Russell Park Retention Pond. No public speakers attended.

• Approved minutes from October 6, 2022 meeting
• Recommended park maintenance district to city council (6-0)
• Approved signs for JC Hall and shelter rentals (6-0)
• Approved playground and sprinkler system at Russell Park Retention Pond (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop on November 1, 2022, to discuss several administrative and legislative items. The agenda includes resolutions regarding surplus city property, a loan for purchasing a garbage truck, and a proposal to increase solid waste rates. The council will also review an ordinance amending special event permits.

• Resolution declaring certain city property as surplus for sale or trade
• Resolution authorizing a Montana Board of Investments Intercap loan to purchase a garbage truck
• Resolution of intent to increase solid waste rates and set a public hearing date
• Ordinance No. O22-06 amending Laurel Municipal Code Title 12.18 relating to special event permits

The City Council held a workshop to review proposed increases to solid waste rates to prevent fund depletion. A public hearing for the rate changes is scheduled for December 13, 2022. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Scheduled public hearing for solid waste rate increases for December 13, 2022
• Discussed declaring city property as surplus for online auction
• Reviewed loan documents for the purchase of a garbage truck
• Reviewed proposed amendments to special event permits (Ordinance No. 022-06)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to review board minutes, correspondence, and circulation reports. New business includes a discussion on the library budget and mills. Old business covers final numbers for the Summer Reading Program and Summer Lunches, alongside workshop reports.

• Library Budget - Mills?
• Summer Reading Program - final numbers
• Summer Lunches - final numbers
• Workshops - reports

The Library Board decided to request a mill levy resolution from the City Council in January, aiming for a June ballot vote. The board discussed a 44-mill levy as optimal, estimating it would cost about $8.59 per month for a median-priced home. The board also approved a new Hotspot Policy and accepted the September minutes as corrected.

• Approved September 2022 minutes as corrected (motion by Lela, second by Kate)
• Approved new Hotspot Policy unanimously (motion by Katie, second by Kate)
• Decided to present a mill levy resolution request to the City Council in January
• Discussed 44 mills as optimal levy amount for ballot in June

City Council

The City Council will vote on a special review application for alcohol sales at 701 East Main Street. The body is also considering updates to the municipal code regarding special event permits and filling several committee appointments.

• Resolution No. R22-67: Special Review for Pelican Café, Llc for onsite sale and consumption of alcohol at 701 East Main Street
• Ordinance No. O22-06: Amending Title 12.18 of the Laurel Municipal Code regarding special event permits
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 10/16/2022 totaling $218,444.63
• Appointment of Aron Kostelecky and Jonathan Gotschall to the Public Works Committee
• Appointment of Camilla Nelson to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency and Richard Klose to the City/County Planning Board

The City Council approved a special review for the Pelican Café to sell and consume alcohol on-premises. The council also adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding special event permits and confirmed several board appointments.

• Approved Resolution No. R22-67 for onsite alcohol sale and consumption at Pelican Café (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-06 amending special event permits (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Aron Kostelecky to Public Works Committee (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Jonathan Gotschall to Public Works Committee (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Camilla Nelson to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Richard Klose to City/County Planning Board (6-0)
• Approved payroll register for PPE 10/16/2022 totaling $218,444.63 (6-0)
• Approved claims through October 21, 2022 (6-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve city expenditures and payroll. The body will also receive updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Payroll register for pay period ending October 16, 2022 totaling $218,444.63
• Council claims entered through October 21, 2022
• Purchase requisitions
• Comp/OT reports for pay period ending October 16, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the October 11 meeting minutes, claims through October 21, and the payroll register for the period ending October 16, totaling $218,444.63. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely routine financial approvals and updates.

• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims and check register through October 21, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending October 16, 2022, totaling $218,444.63 (3-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The Emergency Services Committee will meet to review updates from the city's ambulance, fire, and police departments. The body will also consider the approval of minutes from the September 26, 2022 meeting.

• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of September 26, 2022 minutes

The Emergency Services Committee meeting on October 24, 2022, had no quorum present and recorded no substantive decisions, discussion items, or votes.

• Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum

Tree/Park Board

The Tree Board finalized May 2 as Arbor Day, with the theme 'Heroes for Life' by Finley Watts, and chose Thomson Park as the location due to aging trees. They discussed shirt colors and soil sampling, and approved the September minutes. The board also noted the Laurel Foundation's acquisition of the Meadowlark Gallery building and its interest in downtown improvements, possibly using TIF funds.

• Approved September minutes
• Finalized May 2 as Arbor Day date
• Selected Thomson Park for Arbor Day tree planting
• Discussed using Laurel Foundation's online donation system
• Noted Laurel Foundation's acquisition of Meadowlark Gallery building

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will hold a public hearing and review a request for alcohol sales at 701 E. Main Street. The board will also consider a sign permit for two local businesses.

• Public hearing for alcohol sales at Pelican Cafe (701 E. Main Street)
• Special Review for alcohol sales at Pelican Cafe (701 E. Main Street)
• Pole sign permit for Chen's Express and City Brew

The Laurel City/County Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council approve on-site alcohol consumption at Pelican Cafe, 701 E. Main Street, without an additional public hearing. The board also approved a pole sign permit for Chen's Express and City Brew, and voted to cancel the November 16, 2022 meeting. No public comment was received on any item.

• Approved minutes of September 21, 2022 (5-0)
• Recommended approval to City Council for on-site alcohol sales at 701 E. Main Street (Pelican Cafe) without additional public hearing (5-0)
• Approved pole sign permit for Chen's Express and City Brew (5-0)
• Cancelled November 16, 2022 planning board meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:25 p.m. (5-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a workshop to discuss a vision statement and review an ordinance regarding special event permits. The body will also consider several appointments to city committees and boards.

• Ordinance amending Title 12.18 of the Laurel Municipal Code regarding special event permits
• Appointment of Aron Kostelecky to the Public Works Committee
• Appointment of Jonathan Gotschall to the Public Works Committee
• Appointment of Camilla Nelson to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency
• Appointment of Richard Klose to the City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City Council held a workshop and made several appointments, including Aron Kostelecky and Jonathan Gotschall to the Public Works Committee, Camilla Nelson to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency, and Richard Klose to the City/County Planning Board. The council also discussed a proposed ordinance amending special event permit regulations and a vision statement, but no final decisions were made on these items.

• Appointed Aron Kostelecky to the Public Works Committee
• Appointed Jonathan Gotschall to the Public Works Committee
• Appointed Camilla Nelson to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for term ending December 31, 2024
• Appointed Richard Klose to the City/County Planning Board for term ending June 30, 2024

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and approve previous meeting minutes. The agenda focuses on operational updates rather than new ordinances or budget changes.

• Approval of September 19, 2022 minutes
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Public Works Committee approved the September 19, 2022 minutes (4-0) and received reports on emergency call-outs and the KLJ project status update. No other formal decisions were made; items discussed included 4th Street Reconstruction delays, WTP Lift Well Replacement timeline, and a special review for Pelican Cafe's liquor license.

• Approved September 19, 2022 minutes (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss authorizing grant applications for water, sewer, and stormwater improvements on South 4th Street. The body is also considering a request for Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Program funds.

• Resolution R22-65: Application for ARPA grant funds for South 4th Street Water, Sewer Stormwater, Infrastructure Improvements Project
• Resolution R22-66: Request for Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Program Funds
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 10/2/2022 totaling $220,496.95

The City Council approved two resolutions: one authorizing an application for American Rescue Plan Act funds for the South 4th Street water, sewer, stormwater, and infrastructure improvements project (with the word 'competitive' struck), and another requesting Bridge and Road Safety Accountability Program funds. The council also approved consent items, including claims totaling $220,496.95 and financial statements, and heard public concerns about a proposed multi-family development on Maple Avenue.

• Approved minutes of September 27, 2022 (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims totaling $220,496.95 and financial statements (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-65 authorizing ARPA grant application for South 4th Street project, amended to strike 'competitive' (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-66 requesting Bridge and Road Safety Accountability Program funds (8-0)
• Approved Council Member Mountsier's absence from the city for more than ten days (8-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, utility billing adjustments, a payroll register totaling $220,496.95, and financial statements from February through June 2022. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Payroll register for pay period ending October 2, 2022 totaling $220,496.95
• Council claims entered through October 7, 2022
• September 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Financial statements for February through June 2022
• Comp/OT reports for pay period ending October 2, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee unanimously approved the September 27 meeting minutes, claims through October 7, utility billing adjustments, the payroll register totaling $220,496.95, and financial statements for February through June 2022. The committee also discussed checking CD interest rates, with examples from local banks, but took no action on that item.

• Approved September 27, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved claims and check register through October 7, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved September 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending October 2, 2022, totaling $220,496.95 (4-0)
• Approved February 2022 financial statement (4-0)
• Approved March 2022 financial statement (4-0)
• Approved April 2022 financial statement (4-0)
• Approved May 2022 financial statement (4-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several park-related items, including the creation of a park maintenance district, renting tables and chairs at Jaycee Hall, and updates to various parks. The agenda includes both new and old business, with no final decisions indicated in the agenda text.

• Park Maintenance District
• Tables and Chairs for Rent at Jaycee Hall
• Irrigation System at Lions Park
• Playground Equipment at Lions Park
• Splash Park at Thompson Park

The Laurel Park Board approved allowing the 4-H Shooting Sports Program to use Jaycee Hall for BB gun and archery activities. The board also approved adding rental information for tables and chairs to the Building Rental Webpage, and discussed creating an enterprise fund for campground and building rental fees, which will be brought to the City Council. No city representatives attended the meeting.

• Approved minutes from September 1, 2022 meeting
• Approved 4-H Shooting Sports use of Jaycee Hall for BB gun and archery
• Approved adding Rod and Gun Club table/chair rental info to Building Rental Webpage

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to review and vote on resolutions, including adopting a new vision and mission statement for the city and applying for a federal grant to fund South 4th Street water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure improvements. The council will also discuss the distribution of Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Program funds.

• Adopt Vision and Mission Statement for the City of Laurel
• Apply for American Rescue Plan Act Competitive Grant for South 4th Street water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure improvements
• Request distribution of Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Program funds

The Council discussed a resolution to adopt a vision and mission statement, requesting removal of the words 'inclusiveness' and 'environmental' and scheduling a public hearing before a vote. They also reviewed two grant-related resolutions, one for ARPA funds for the S. 4th Street project and one for bridge and road safety funds, with minor edits. No formal votes were taken; all items were tabled for future action.

• Removed 'inclusiveness' and 'environmental' from draft vision statement
• Scheduled public hearing before vote on vision statement resolution
• Struck 'competitive' from ARPA grant resolution for S. 4th Street project
• Reviewed annual bridge and road safety fund request resolution

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet to approve minutes, payroll registers totaling $431,580.77, and two ordinances amending the municipal code. Two public hearings will be held on court clerk and code adoption changes. Appointments and a resolution regarding city accounts will also be considered.

• Approval of payroll registers totaling $216,114.43, $4,632.18, and $210,834.16
• Public hearings on ordinances amending city court clerk and municipal code provisions
• Appointment of Gabriel Seibert to the Laurel Police Department
• Resolution R22-64 authorizing Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Amber Hatton to access all city accounts
• Ordinance O22-04 amending city court clerk provisions in the municipal code

The City Council approved two ordinances amending the municipal code regarding the City Court Clerk and general provisions. The council also confirmed a police officer appointment and authorized a deputy clerk's access to city accounts.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-04 amending Sec 2.20.010 regarding the City Court Clerk (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-05 amending Chapter 1.01 regarding General Provisions (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Gabriel Seibert to the Laurel Police Department (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R22-64 adding Amber Hatton to all city accounts (7-0)
• Approved payroll registers totaling $210,834.16, $216,114.43, and $4,632.18 (7-0)
• Approved claims entered through September 23, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from August 23, September 6, and September 13 meetings (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review various city expenditures, including payroll registers and purchase requisitions. The body will also examine utility billing adjustments and financial updates from the Clerk Treasurer.

• Payroll register for period ending September 4, 2022: $216,114.43
• Payroll register for period ending September 18, 2022: $210,834.16
• Retro payroll for September 14, 2022: $4,632.18
• August 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Claims entered through September 23, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved routine financial items, including meeting minutes, claims, utility billing adjustments, and three payroll registers. All motions passed unanimously 3-0. No new or old business was discussed.

• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims entered through September 23, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved August 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending September 4, 2022, totaling $216,114.43 (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending September 14, 2022, totaling $4,632.18 (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending September 18, 2022, totaling $210,834.10 (3-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee will meet to approve prior meeting minutes and hear updates from the ambulance, fire, and police departments. No decisions or new business items are listed on the agenda.

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee approved the minutes from its August 22, 2022 meeting by a 6-0 vote. The committee received updates from the Police Chief and Ambulance Director, noting dispatch short-staffing and increased simultaneous ambulance calls. No other formal decisions were made; the mayor agreed to follow up on a Main Street traffic study request.

• Approved August 22, 2022 committee minutes (6-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Tree Board approved the August minutes and discussed several items without formal votes. They considered setting a date for Arbor Day 2023, reviewed artwork for the event, and discussed removing a dead willow tree at South Pond. The board also talked about partnering with the Community Foundation for fundraising and possibly focusing on Thompson Park instead of South Pond. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved August minutes
• Discussed Arbor Day 2023 date (no firm date set)
• Discussed dead willow tree removal at South Pond (potential spring removal)
• Discussed partnering with Community Foundation for fundraising (no action taken)
• Discussed focusing on Thompson Park for tree planting (no decision)

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board approved sign permits for Carlton and On the Run. The board also approved the sign and remodel plans for the former IGA store to become Albertson's.

• Approved Carlton sign permit (5-0)
• Approved On the Run sign permit (5-0)
• Approved Albertson's sign permit and remodel plans (5-0)
• Accepted June 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet for a workshop to discuss city vision, garbage rates, and potential new advisory boards. The body is also reviewing ordinances regarding the City Court Clerk and general code adoption.

• Discussion of garbage rates
• Proposed Revenue Advisory Board and Parking Advisory Board
• Ordinance O22-04 regarding the City Court Clerk
• Ordinance O22-05 regarding general provisions of the Laurel Municipal Code
• Resolution to add Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Amber Hatton to all city accounts

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on September 20, 2022, discussing several items but taking no formal votes. They discussed a potential five-year solid waste rate proposal, including a possible capital improvement surcharge, and considered options like charging fees at the Container Site or installing a scale. The council also discussed a draft City Vision statement, possible new advisory boards for revenue and parking, and reviewed official statements on parking and extra-territorial zoning. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion only.

• Motion to allow Council Member Sparks to be absent from the City for more than ten days (no vote recorded)
• Appointment of Gabriel Seibert to the Laurel Police Department (no vote recorded)
• Resolution to add Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Amber Hatton to all city accounts (no vote recorded)
• Ordinance 022-04 amending City Court Clerk section of municipal code (no vote recorded)
• Ordinance 022-05 amending Code Adoption chapter of municipal code (no vote recorded)
• Discussed five-year solid waste rate proposal and capital improvement surcharge (no action taken)
• Discussed possible Revenue Advisory Board and Parking Advisory Board (no action taken)
• Discussed City Vision statement revisions (no action taken)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and discuss water infrastructure. The agenda includes a discussion regarding the water reservoir.

• Water Reservoir Discussion
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The committee approved the minutes from the August 15, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the potential construction of a 1-1.5 million-gallon water reservoir estimated to cost between $9 million and $11 million. No formal votes were taken on new projects or funding.

• Approved minutes from August 15, 2022 (6-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to discuss general operations, including a mill levy discussion, budget update, and reports on the summer reading program and summer lunches. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Mill Levy Discussion
• Budget Update
• Summer Reading Program
• Summer Lunches
• Circulation Report

The Board approved the final FY22/23 budget and accepted the August 2022 minutes. Members discussed preliminary research on pursuing a dedicated mill levy and the need to update library policies, specifically the hotspot policy.

• Approved FY22/23 budget of $279,000
• Approved August 2022 minutes as corrected
• Scheduled special meeting for October 28, 2022, to examine mill levy process

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and consider ordinances to update building codes and amend city code provisions, as well as a resolution granting a sewer system variance for a subdivision. The agenda also includes routine approvals of claims, payroll, and committee minutes.

• Public hearing and Ordinance O22-03 amending Title 14 building codes
• Resolution R22-63 granting variance for low-pressure sewer system at Goldberg Sporting Estates Subdivision
• Ordinance O22-04 amending City Court Clerk provisions
• Ordinance O22-05 amending code adoption chapter
• Payroll registers totaling $217,920.27

The City Council approved an ordinance adopting residential building codes as required by the state. The council also passed ordinances regarding the City Court Clerk and general code adoption provisions. A request for a sewer system variance for Goldberg Sporting Estates was denied.

• Approved payroll registers through 8/21/2022 totaling $217,920.27 (8-0)
• Denied Resolution No. R22-63 for a low-pressure sewer system variance at Goldberg Sporting Estates (4-5)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-03 adopting residential building codes (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-04 regarding the City Court Clerk (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 022-05 regarding general code adoption provisions (8-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The committee will review various financial records, including purchase requisitions and utility billing adjustments. Members will consider approving a payroll register and claims for submission to the City Council.

• Payroll register for period ending August 21, 2022 totaling $217,920.27
• Claims entered through September 9, 2022
• August 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Purchase requisitions
• Comp/OT report for pay period August 21, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the August 23, 2022 meeting minutes, a purchase requisition adjustment for Ace Electric ($205.00), a purchase requisition for Morrison Maierle to replace Dispatch computers and software ($5,434.00), claims entered through September 9, 2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending August 21, 2022 ($217,920.27). The August 2022 Utility Billing adjustments were deferred to the next meeting for approval. No new or unfinished business was discussed.

• Approved August 23, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition adjustment for Ace Electric ($205.00) (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for Morrison Maierle for Dispatch computers and software ($5,434.00) (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through September 9, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending August 21, 2022 ($217,920.27) (4-0)
• Deferred August 2022 Utility Billing adjustments to next meeting

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a special meeting to adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 and to levy property taxes for general and specific purposes. The agenda includes a public hearing on the budget and tax resolutions, followed by a consent agenda containing numerous resolutions that levy assessments for special districts (lighting, street sweeping, street maintenance, sidewalk improvements) and delinquent utility charges. The meeting is largely procedural, focused on annual fiscal actions.

• Public hearing on budget and tax resolutions for FY 2022-23
• Resolution R22-47: Adopting final budget for FY 2022-23
• Resolution R22-48: Levying taxes for general and specific purposes
• Resolutions R22-49 to R22-62: Levying assessments for lighting, street, sidewalk, and garbage districts, plus delinquent water/sewer charges
• Consent agenda with multiple resolutions voted on together

The Laurel City Council held a special meeting and unanimously approved the final budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, along with a series of resolutions levying taxes for general and specific purposes. The council also approved assessments for special improvement districts, street maintenance, sidewalk improvements, and delinquent water and sewer charges. All resolutions passed 8-0 with no public comment or opposition.

• Approved Resolution R22-47 adopting the FY 2022-23 final budget (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-48 levying taxes for general and specific purposes (8-0)
• Approved Resolutions R22-49 and R22-50 for lighting district assessments (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-51 for street sweeping district assessment (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-52 for street maintenance district assessment (8-0)
• Approved Resolutions R22-53 through R22-59 for special improvement district and sidewalk assessments (8-0)
• Approved Resolutions R22-60 and R22-61 for delinquent water and sewer charges (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-62 for garbage district assessments (8-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to discuss and potentially vote on several ordinances and a variance request. Items include a resolution for a low-pressure sewer system in the Goldberg Sporting Estates Subdivision and amendments to building codes and municipal code chapters. The meeting also includes a discussion on parking expectations.

• Resolution granting variance for Goldberg Sporting Estates Subdivision low-pressure sewer system
• Ordinance O22-03 amending building code enforcement (public hearing scheduled 9.13.2022)
• Ordinance amending City Court Clerk provisions in municipal code
• Ordinance amending general provisions in municipal code
• Discussion on parking expectations

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a variance request for a low-pressure sewer system at Goldberg Sporting Estates. No formal vote was taken; the matter was presented for information and discussion. The council also discussed parking expectations and reviewed several ordinances without action.

• Discussed variance request for low-pressure sewer system at Goldberg Sporting Estates (no action)
• Discussed parking expectations; attorney to draft legal framework (no action)
• Reviewed ordinance on building code adoption (no action)
• Reviewed ordinance on city court clerk (no action)
• Reviewed ordinance on code adoption general provisions (no action)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to approve minutes and discuss several park-related items, including the South Pond water system, a pool project with LARC, a splash park, and a kids' swing at South Pond. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Approval of Park Board minutes from August 4, 2022
• Jamie Krug: 4-H; 22 Project
• South Pond water system
• Elizabeth Terrel with LARC (pool)
• Camii Nelsom splash park

The Board approved a donation of playground equipment from the Lions Club for Lions Park. A request to use Jaycee Hall for a shooting sports program was tabled, and the Board agreed to let non-profits form a committee to raise funds for a new Splash Park.

• Approved donation of playground equipment from Lions Club for Lions Park
• Tabled request from Jamie Krug to use Jaycee Hall for 4-H Shooting Sports Program
• Agreed to allow non-profits to form a committee to raise funds for a Splash Park
• Approved Park Board minutes from August 4, 2022

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a special workshop on August 30, 2022, to discuss the city budget during an executive review. The meeting also includes time for public input on items not on the agenda.

• Budget Discussion

The Mayor and Council discussed cuts to the General Fund budget and reviewed preliminary budgets for Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the workshop.

City Council

This is a special City Council workshop meeting focused on budget discussion. The agenda includes public input for items not on the agenda, but no formal action is expected. The meeting is primarily for discussion, with an upcoming public hearing noted for some items.

• Budget discussion
• Public input limited to 3 minutes per speaker
• Upcoming public hearing for discussion items

The City Council held a special workshop to review the proposed General Fund budget for fiscal year 2023, line by line, with department heads. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and information only. The proposed budget includes a total General Fund revenue of $4,003,696 and expenditures of $4,955,979.

• Reviewed proposed FY2023 General Fund budget line items (no vote)
• Discussed budget with department heads (no formal action)

City Council

The City Council will consider an ordinance to update building code enforcement to meet state requirements. The body is also deciding on several resolutions involving a labor union MOU, a school resource officer program, and an encroachment permit.

• Ordinance O22-03: Amending building code adoption and enforcement per state requirements
• Resolution R22-43: Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME Local 303
• Resolution R22-45: Agreement with Laurel Public Schools, District 7 & 7-70 for School Resource Officer Program
• Resolution R22-44: Encroachment permit for Billings Bench Water Association
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 8/7/2022 totaling $215,632.52

The Laurel City Council approved several resolutions and an ordinance at its August 23, 2022 meeting. Resolutions included a school resource officer agreement with Laurel Public Schools, an AFSCME union MOU, an encroachment permit for Billings Bench Water Association, and an amendment to Cherry Hill Subdivision. The council also adopted the first reading of Ordinance 022-03 updating building codes. All votes were unanimous 8-0.

• Approved Resolution R22-45 for School Resource Officer program with Laurel Public Schools (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-43 AFSCME Local 303 MOU (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-44 encroachment permit for Billings Bench Water Association (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-46 amending Cherry Hill Subdivision 3rd Filing resolution (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 022-03 first reading on building code adoption (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $215,632.52 (8-0)
• Appointed Casey Wheeler to Board of Health until Dec 31, 2024 (8-0)
• Appointed Jodi MacKay to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency until Dec 31, 2025 (8-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve minutes, purchase requisitions, claims, utility billing adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $215,632.52 for the pay period ending August 7, 2022. The agenda also includes reviewing comp/OT reports, along with updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Review and approve payroll register totaling $215,632.52 for pay period ending August 7, 2022
• Review and approve July 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Review and approve claims entered through August 19, 2022
• Review purchase requisitions
• Review Comp/OT reports for pay period ending August 7, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved routine financial items including meeting minutes, a purchase requisition adjustment, claims through August 19, 2022, July utility billing adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $215,632.52. No new or unfinished business was discussed. The committee also noted the FY 2023 budget will be discussed at the next Council meeting.

• Approved August 9, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved purchase requisition adjustment for Industrial Systems (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through August 19, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved July 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending August 7, 2022, totaling $215,632.52 (4-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee is scheduled to meet on August 22, 2022, to review department updates and discuss ongoing committee business. The agenda includes updates from the Ambulance Director, Fire Chief, and Police Chief, as well as a status report on the state traffic study.

• Approval of the Minutes from June 27, 2022 and July 25, 2022
• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief Brent Peters, and Police Chief Stan Langve
• Discussion regarding the Police Commission Oversight Committee
• Update on the Traffic Study from state

The Emergency Services Committee approved minutes from June 27 and July 25, 2022, both by 7-0 votes. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports from police, ambulance, and fire departments, plus discussion of a police commission oversight committee and a traffic study.

• Approved June 27, 2022 minutes (7-0)
• Approved July 25, 2022 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss updating municipal building codes to meet state requirements and a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME Local 303. The meeting includes appointments to the Board of Health and Urban Renewal Agency, as well as a budget update.

• Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Laurel Municipal Code regarding building codes
• Memorandum of Understanding with Local Union Local 303 (AFSCME)
• Agreement regarding School Resource Officer Program with Laurel Public Schools, District 7 & 7-70
• Encroachment Permit with Billings Bench Water Association
• Appointment of Casey Wheeler to the Board of Health and Jodi MacKay to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The City Council held a workshop to discuss several resolutions and ordinances, including a School Resource Officer agreement and building code updates. No final votes or formal decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to approve past meeting minutes and hear a general report, but no new decisions or actions are scheduled. Public input is allowed but will not result in committee action.

The Public Works Committee approved the minutes from the July 18, 2022 meeting with a 5-0 vote. No other formal decisions were made. The committee received reports on emergency call-outs and KLJ project status updates, including delays to the 2022 Pavement Maintenance Project and upcoming discussions on a new water reservoir.

• Approved minutes of July 18, 2022 (5-0)
• Received Emergency Call Out Report (no action)
• Received KLJ Project Status Update (no action)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is meeting to discuss and decide on several matters, including public hearings for property annexation and building code amendments. The agenda also includes scheduled votes on a roadway agreement with Montana Rail Link, board appointments, professional services contracts, and the final plat for Cherry Hill Subdivision 3rd Filing.

• Public hearing and Resolution R22-40 for the annexation and zoning of approximately one acre of property
• Public hearings and ordinances (O22-01 and O22-02) amending municipal building, energy, swimming pool, and technical codes
• Approval of Payroll Register totaling $166,233.35
• Resolution R22-39 authorizing a construction and maintenance agreement with Montana Rail Link for South 4th Street
• Resolution R22-41 for professional services with Prothman for city planner employment sourcing

The Laurel City Council held three public hearings and then voted 8-0 to approve a resolution annexing about one acre of property adjacent to the city, with initial zoning designated as Laurel Multi-Family (RMF). The council also adopted two ordinances updating building, energy, swimming pool/spa, and technical codes, and approved several resolutions including a construction and maintenance agreement for South 4th Street, a professional services agreement for a planner, and the final plat of Cherry Hill Subdivision 3rd Filing. All votes were unanimous 8-0.

• Approved Resolution R22-40 annexing ~1 acre with RMF zoning (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 022-01 updating building, energy, pool/spa codes (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 022-02 amending technical codes section 1.28.040 (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-39 for South 4th Street construction/maintenance agreement with Montana Rail Link (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-41 for professional services with Prothman for planner sourcing (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-42 final plat of Cherry Hill Subdivision 3rd Filing (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $166,233.35 (8-0)
• Appointed Justin Harris to Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and Richard Herr to City/County Planning Board (8-0)

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to vote on the budget and discuss the mill levy. The board will also receive reports on the MLA Tri-Conference and the Summer Reading Program.

• Budget vote
• Mill levy discussion
• MLA Tri-Conference attendee reports
• Summer Reading Program Book Buzz
• Summer Lunches

The Laurel Library Board accepted the final budget as presented, which includes a 2% raise for union employees and the director. The board also discussed a potential dedicated library mill levy, with further discussion planned for September. The July meeting minutes were approved, and a $25 donation was reported.

• Approved July 2022 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted final budget as presented (motion passed)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including meeting minutes, purchase requisitions, claims through August 5, 2022, and a payroll register totaling $166,233.35. They will also review compensation/overtime reports and receive updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve payroll register for pay period July 24, 2022 totaling $166,233.35
• Review and approve claims entered through August 5, 2022
• Review and approve purchase requisitions
• Review Comp/OT reports for pay period ending July 24, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for August 23, 2022 at 5:30 PM

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the July 26 meeting minutes, claims through August 5, and the payroll register for the period ending July 24, 2022, totaling $166,233.35. No purchase requisitions were reviewed. The committee also discussed a new cemetery kiosk delivery and requested payroll registers from January to July 2022.

• Approved July 26, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through August 5, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending July 24, 2022, totaling $166,233.35 (4-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board is meeting to discuss new business including rental software for JC Hall and park shelters. The board will also review updates on several ongoing park projects and water systems.

• Software for renting JC Hall and shelters in Lion's and Thompson parks
• Storm Water Project using Russell Park
• South Pond water system
• Fir Field Bike Park
• Lighting and Electrical at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board approved several actions, including awarding the Russell Park storm water project to COP Construction, requesting quotes for sprinkler repairs at Lions Park and Riverside Park, and exploring the old shower building at Riverside Park. The board also discussed a proposal from LARC to fundraise for a wading pool and splashground at Thompson Park, with the City Attorney to approach the Riddle Estate about potential funds. No public input was received.

• Approved minutes from July 14, 2022 meeting
• Awarded Russell Park storm water project to COP Construction (fall start)
• Approved motion to request quotes for sprinkler line repair/replacement at Lions Park
• Approved motion to request proposals for sprinkler system at Riverside Park
• Approved motion for City to explore old Shower Building at Riverside Park
• Discussed LARC wading pool/splashground proposal; City Attorney to approach Riddle Estate
• Noted American Legion Building repairs estimated at $85,000; $25,000 needed for plumbing/electrical

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a workshop to discuss the annexation of one acre of property and updates to municipal building and technical codes. The body will also consider several board and department appointments.

• Resolution for annexation and zoning of approximately one acre of property adjacent to the city
• Ordinance No. O22-01 regarding building, energy conservation, and swimming pool and spa codes
• Ordinance No. O22-02 amending Section 1.28.040 regarding technical codes
• Appointments of Justin Harris and Matthew Tygart to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department
• Appointment of Richard Herr to the City County Planning Board

The council workshop was informational, with no formal votes taken. Council members appointed Justin Harris to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department after Matthew Tygart withdrew his application. A motion allowed Council Member Wheeler to be absent from the city for more than ten days, and several items were scheduled for public hearings at the next council meeting.

• Appointed Justin Harris to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department
• Noted Matthew Tygart withdrew his fire department application
• Approved motion allowing Council Member Wheeler to be absent from the city for more than ten days
• Scheduled public hearings for annexation/rezoning and two ordinances at next week's council meeting

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will meet to approve minutes and consider several sign permits, including for City Brew, T-Mobile, SCL Health, Walmart, and Your Pie, along with Your Pie's development. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from June 15, 2022
• City Brew sign permit
• T-Mobile sign permit
• SCL Health sign
• Walmart sign permit

City Council

The City Council will consider updating municipal codes for building, energy conservation, and swimming pools. The body is also deciding on the final plat for the Cherry Hills Subdivision 3rd Filing and a revised agreement with the Library Board of Trustees.

• Approval of payroll register totaling $250,763.07
• Resolution No. R22-38: Final Plat of Cherry Hills Subdivision 3rd Filing
• Ordinance No. O22-01: Adoption of building, energy conservation, and swimming pool and spa codes
• Ordinance No. O22-02: Amendments to technical codes in the Laurel Municipal Code
• Resolution No. R22-37: Revised Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Laurel Library Board of Trustees

The Laurel City Council approved two ordinances updating building and technical codes, a revised library MOU, and the final plat for Cherry Hills Subdivision 3rd Filing. It also appointed Richard Klose to the Park Board and Casey Wheeler to two committees, and approved consent items including payroll. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved minutes of July 12, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved amended minutes for April 12 through June 14 meetings (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $250,763.07 (7-0)
• Appointed Richard Klose to Park Board term ending Dec 31, 2024 (7-0)
• Appointed Casey Wheeler to Human Relations and Health Insurance Committees (7-0)
• Approved Council Member Klose's absence from city for more than ten days (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-37 authorizing revised library MOU (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-38 final plat of Cherry Hills Subdivision 3rd Filing (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review financial records and expenditures. The body will consider the approval of purchase requisitions and claims entered through July 22, 2022.

• Payroll register for pay period July 20, 2022 totaling $250,763.07
• Purchase requisitions
• Claims entered through July 22, 2022
• Comp/OT report for pay period July 10, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the July 12 meeting minutes, claims through July 22, and the payroll register for the period ending July 20, 2022, totaling $250,763.07. No purchase requisitions or new business were considered. The committee also received a financial update noting new mill values expected next week.

• Approved July 12, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims entered through July 22, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending July 20, 2022, totaling $250,763.07 (3-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The Emergency Services Committee will meet to receive updates from the city's ambulance, fire, and police departments. The committee will also review minutes from the June 27, 2022 meeting.

• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of June 27, 2022 minutes

The July 25, 2022 Emergency Services Committee meeting was called to order but no quorum was present, so no business was conducted. No decisions were made or items discussed.

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will meet to approve the minutes from the June 15, 2022 meeting and review four sign permit applications: City Brew, T-Mobile, SCL Health, and Walmart. No new business beyond these items is scheduled for action.

• Approve minutes from June 15, 2022
• City Brew Sign Permit
• T-Mobile Sign Permit
• SCL Health Sign
• Walmart Sign Permit

City Council

The Laurel City Council will appoint members to the Park Board and Human Relations/Health Insurance Committees, and decide on a revised memorandum of understanding with the Laurel Library Board. They will also review a parking study, a rate study, and vote on ordinances related to building codes and technical codes.

• Appointment of Richard Klose to Park Board (term ending 12/31/2024)
• Appointment of Casey Wheeler to Human Relations and Health Insurance Committees
• Approval of Final Plat for Cherry Hills Subdivision 3rd Filing
• Amendment of Title 14 (Building/Energy Codes) and Section 1.28.040 (Technical Codes) of Laurel Municipal Code
• Motion to allow Council Member Klose’s absence for more than 10 days (LMC 2.12.060)

The City Council conducted a workshop to discuss several resolutions and ordinances, including a library MOU and the Cherry Hills subdivision plat. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes for the items presented.

Cemetery Commission

The Laurel Cemetery Commission approved the minutes from their January 26, 2022 meeting. They discussed potential street repairs for the next year and provided the Mayor with proposed cemetery rate increases. No formal votes were recorded on the new business items.

• Approved minutes from January 26, 2022
• Discussed street repairs for next year (no vote recorded)
• Provided Mayor with proposed cemetery rate increases (no vote recorded)
• Planned to pin new burial section
• Kiosk expected by end of August

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will review reports on emergency call outs and KLJ. The body is also scheduled to discuss parking for a specific property and exceptions to the parking code.

• Parking area for 714 E 5th St
• Parking Code Exceptions
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The committee approved a request from Yellowstone-West/Carbon County Special Services Cooperative to use millings for a fenced vehicle storage area. The committee also reviewed project status updates from KLJ and an emergency call-out report.

• Approved request to use millings for parking lot at 714 East 5th St (4-0)
• Approved minutes from May 16, 2022 (4-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to discuss facility rental rates and rules for JC Hall, along with updates on tennis courts, the splash park at Thompson Park, and the Fir field bike park. The board is also reviewing the Lions Club adoption of the former JC Hall storage room, the American Legion Building Contract, and lighting and electrical updates at Riverside Park.

• JC Hall rates and rules for rentals
• Tennis courts update
• Splash park at Thompson Park
• Fir field bike park
• American Legion Building Contract

The Laurel Park Board approved adding rental buildings in parks to the website, including JC Hall rates and rules, and allowed the Lion's Club to lock the small storage room. The city will hire a cleaning company to establish a standard for JC Hall rentals. No other substantive decisions were made; updates were given on park projects.

• Approved adding rental buildings in parks to the website (motion by Richard H, second by Phyllis)
• Approved allowing Lion's Club to lock the small storage room (motion by Paul, second by Richard H)
• Approved minutes from June 2, 2022 meeting (motion by Phyllis, second by Richard H)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet to approve minutes, hear reports, and vote on a resolution authorizing a contract with In Control, Inc. for water treatment plant improvements. The council will also appoint three members to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service.

• Resolution R22-36: Contract with In Control, Inc. for City of Laurel Water Treatment Plant Improvements
• Appointment of Ethan Johnson, Kate Haesemeyer, and Katie Meier to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service
• Approval of Payroll Register for PPE totaling $236,540.71
• Reappointment of Gavin Williams to the City/County Planning Board
• Approval of Claims entered through July 8, 2022

The City Council approved a resolution allowing the Mayor to execute contracts with In Control, Inc. for water treatment plant improvements. The council also approved several appointments to the volunteer ambulance service and processed routine financial consent items.

• Approved Resolution No. R22-36 for water treatment plant improvements (6-0)
• Approved appointments of Ethan Johnson, Kate Haesemeyer, and Katie Meier to Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service (6-0)
• Approved payroll register for PPE 6/26/2022 totaling $236,540.71 (6-0)
• Approved June 28, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved consent items including claims through July 8, 2022 and January 2022 financial statements (6-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes, hearing correspondence and donations, and reviewing circulation reports. New business includes officer selection, declaring a board vacancy, budget planning, and updates on library standards, the summer reading program, and summer lunches. Old business covers the book sale final numbers, a memorandum of understanding with the city, and conference attendance.

• Officer selection for the board
• Declare vacancy for board members
• Budget planning
• Library standards new requirements and signatures
• MOU with City update

The Laurel Library Board approved minutes, elected officers, and set the library director's pay increase at 2% retroactive to July 1, 2022. The board also reviewed the budget and library standards, and discussed upcoming events and the book sale.

• Approved May and June 2022 minutes as read
• Re-elected Arthur Vogele as Board Chair and Federation Representative, Katie Fjelstad as Vice-Chair
• Set Library Director's wage increase at 2% retroactive to July 1, 2022
• Reviewed budget with 2% staff raises per union agreement
• Noted library met all state certification requirements

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review city expenditures, payroll, and financial reports. The body will recommend claims for Council approval and review utility billing adjustments.

• Payroll register for pay period ending June 26, 2022 totaling $236,540.71
• Claims entered through July 8, 2022
• June 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• January 2022 Financial Statements

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the June 28 meeting minutes, claims through July 8, June utility billing adjustments, the payroll register for the pay period ending June 26 totaling $236,540.71, and financial statements from January 2022. No purchase requisitions were presented. The mayor discussed hiring a recruitment firm for a City Planner position, but no action was taken.

• Approved June 28, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims entered through July 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved June 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending June 26, 2022, totaling $236,540.71 (3-0)
• Approved Financial Statements from January 2022 (3-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop on July 5, 2022, to discuss Laurel Volunteer Ambulance appointments and an executive review of a resolution for water treatment plant improvements. The agenda also includes a years of service recognition announcement and time for public input.

• Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Appointments
• Resolution authorizing contract with In Control, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Improvements
• Years of Service Recognition

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a $357,025 contract for water treatment plant improvements and review seasonal volunteer appointments for the ambulance service. No formal votes were recorded during this session.

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve standard financial items such as past meeting minutes, purchase requisitions, claims, utility billing adjustments, payroll, and monthly financial statements from 2021. No new decisions or major policy changes are listed on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending June 12, 2022, totaling $198,297.94
• Review and approve May 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Review and approve November 2021 Financial Statements
• Review and approve December 2021 Financial Statements
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period June 12, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the June 14 meeting minutes, claims entered through June 24, 2022, May 2022 utility billing adjustments, the payroll register for the pay period ending June 12, 2022 (totaling $198,297.94), and financial statements from July 2021 through December 2021. All motions passed 4-0. No purchase requisitions, new business, or unfinished business were considered.

• Approved June 14, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through June 24, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved May 2022 utility billing adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending June 12, 2022, totaling $198,297.94 (4-0)
• Approved financial statements from July 2021-December 2021 (4-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider a resolution to amend an existing agreement with Titan Machinery, transferring it to Joe Johnson Equipment and approving a surcharge for a new jet rodder for Public Works. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of claims, payroll, and financial statements. A police ceremony is also scheduled.

• Resolution R22-35: Transfer agreement with Titan Machinery to Joe Johnson Equipment and approve surcharge for new jet rodder
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 6/12/2022 totaling $198,297.94
• Claims entered through June 24, 2022
• Clerk/Treasurer financial statements for July through December 2021
• Police ceremony

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will meet to receive updates from the city's ambulance, fire, and police departments. The session also includes the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of May 23, 2022 minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the May 23, 2022 meeting. Department heads provided updates on wildfire restrictions, police staffing, and ambulance budget requests. Members discussed communication gaps caused by county radio frequency changes.

• Approved May 23, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss amending Resolution No. R21-132, a discussion about the Fire Chief, and a closed executive session. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and comments on items with upcoming public hearings are deferred to the hearing.

• Resolution amending Resolution No. R21-132
• Fire Chief discussion
• Closed executive session

The Council held a workshop and discussed amending Resolution No. R21-132 to add a surcharge from Titan Machinery to the price of a jet rodder, as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee. No formal vote was taken. The Council also discussed the Fire Chief's proposal to explore a full-time fire department and billing for services, and entered closed session for litigation strategy.

• Discussed amending Resolution R21-132 to add Titan Machinery surcharge to jet rodder price (no vote)
• Discussed Fire Chief's proposal for full-time fire department and billing (no vote)
• Entered closed executive session for litigation strategy at 7:07 p.m.

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee will discuss ongoing updates regarding the 2022 flood event and the Thompson Park parking lot. The committee will also review the Emergency Call Out Report and the KLJ Report.

• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report
• Flood Event 2022 updates
• Thompson Park parking lot discussion

The Public Works Committee approved the May 16, 2022 minutes (5-0). No other formal decisions were made. The committee received updates on the delayed S 4th St reconstruction, flood impacts, and various KLJ projects.

• Approved May 16, 2022 minutes (5-0)

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board is meeting to consider several items, including a public hearing on the Lance Hull annexation petition and initial zoning request, a sign permit for On Target Outdoors, and a request to lift agricultural restrictions on the Bee Hive Minor Subdivision. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Public hearing: Lance Hull Annexation Petition and Initial Zoning Request
• On Target Outdoors Sign Permit
• Bee Hive Minor Subdivision - Lift Agricultural Restrictions
• Approve minutes of May 18, 2022

The Laurel City/County Planning Board approved the preliminary plat for Beehive Subdivision, lifting agricultural restrictions, and voted to recommend the Lance Hull annexation with initial RMF zoning to the City Council. The board also approved a sign permit for On Target Outdoors and accepted the May minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved On Target Outdoors sign permit (unanimous)
• Approved Beehive Minor Subdivision preliminary plat with conditions (unanimous)
• Recommended Lance Hull annexation and initial RMF zoning to City Council (unanimous)
• Accepted May 18, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a beer and wine sales permit for Your Pie at 102 South 1st Avenue and a zoning variance for a home addition at 319 3rd Avenue. The council will also appoint new members to boards and departments, approve payroll, and act on several contracts including fire services and a lift well replacement project.

• Public hearing and vote on beer/wine sales permit for Your Pie (102 South 1st Avenue)
• Public hearing and vote on zoning variance for 319 3rd Avenue setback reduction
• Approval of payroll register for PPE totaling $211,291.94
• Awarding bid for WTP Lift Well Replacement project
• Authorizing extension of prosecutor attorney contract with Lore Law Firm

The Laurel City Council held public hearings and approved resolutions for a special review allowing beer and wine sales at Your Pie restaurant (102 S 1st Ave) and a zoning variance for a home addition at 319 3rd Ave. The council also approved several appointments, including Casey Wheeler to the vacant Ward 3 seat, and multiple resolutions for contracts and services.

• Approved special review for Your Pie beer/wine sales at 102 S 1st Ave (8-0)
• Approved zoning variance for 319 3rd Ave addition reducing setback from 20 ft to 6 ft (8-0)
• Appointed Casey Wheeler to vacant Ward 3 seat (7-0)
• Appointed Josh Featherly to Laurel Police Department (8-0)
• Appointed Kurt Markegard as Building Official (8-0)
• Appointed Kelly Strecker as Clerk/Treasurer (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-29 awarding WTP Lift Well Replacement bid (8-0)
• Approved fire service agreements with Laurel Airport Authority and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (8-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items, including meeting minutes, purchase requisitions, claims, utility billings adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $211,291.94. They will also discuss compensation/overtime reports and receive updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Payroll register for pay period ending May 29, 2022, totaling $211,291.94
• Claims entered through June 10, 2022
• May 2022 Utility Billings Adjustments
• Comp/OT reports for pay period May 29, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for June 28, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the May 24 meeting minutes, a purchase requisition addition for Northwest Pipe Fittings, claims through June 10, 2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending May 29, 2022, totaling $211,291.94. The utility billing adjustments were postponed to the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved May 24, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved added purchase amount for Northwest Pipe Fittings (4-0)
• Approved claims through June 10, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending May 29, 2022 totaling $211,291.94 (4-0)
• Postponed May 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments to next meeting

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop to consider appointments to fill a vacant Ward 3 council seat and to hire a police officer, building official, and clerk/treasurer. They will also vote on several resolutions, including extending the prosecutor contract, awarding a bid for the WTP lift well replacement, and approving fire service agreements. Additionally, they will consider a special review for a beer and wine license, a zoning variance, and an encroachment permit, followed by a discussion on garbage capital improvements and rates.

• Appointment of Casey Wheeler to vacant Ward 3 seat
• Resolution awarding bid for WTP Lift Well Replacement
• Special review for Your Pie at 102 South 1st Ave for beer/wine sales
• Variance to reduce setback from 20 ft to 6 ft at 319 3rd Ave
• Garbage capital improvements/rates discussion

This was a workshop meeting with no formal votes. Council discussed appointments to the Ward 3 seat, Police Department, Building Official, and Clerk/Treasurer, plus contract extensions for the prosecutor and fire services, a lift well replacement bid, and a solid waste rate review. No decisions were made; items are scheduled for future action.

• Discussed appointment of Casey Wheeler to vacant Ward 3 Council seat
• Discussed appointment of Josh Featherly to Laurel Police Department
• Discussed appointment of Kurt Markegard as Building Official
• Discussed appointment of Kelly Strecker to Clerk/Treasurer
• Discussed resolution to extend prosecutor attorney contract with Lore Law Firm
• Discussed awarding bid for WTP Lift Well replacement (low bidder KLJ)
• Discussed fire service agreements with Laurel Airport Authority and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
• Discussed solid waste rate increase options (no rate increase since 2015)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board will meet to approve minutes from May 5, 2022, and nominate a new chair and co-chair. Members will also receive updates on park reservation systems, tennis courts, dirt track, Riverside Park, the American Legion Building, swimming pool, Lions Club closet, and American Legion Baseball contracts.

• Nomination of Board Chair and Co-Chair
• Update on reservation system
• Update on tennis courts
• Update on dirt track
• Riverside Park Update

The Laurel Park Board approved minutes from April and May meetings, and elected Irv Wilke as Chair and Jon Rutt as Co-Chair. The reservation system for Riverside Park is operational with costs covered by renters. The board discussed updates on picnic tables, pool issues, and the American Legion Baseball lease, which was referred to city council.

• Approved minutes from April 7 and May 5, 2022 meetings
• Elected Irv Wilke as Chair and Jon Rutt as Co-Chair
• Referred American Legion Baseball lease to city council

City Council

The Laurel City Council will vote on several resolutions, including seeking annexation of a property at 1702 E. 8th Street, awarding a bid for the South 4th Street Reconstruction Project, extending an agreement with Yellowstone County for a satellite treasurer's office, and contracting with True North Contracting. The council will also approve payroll totaling $205,036.16 and make appointments to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance.

• Resolution R22-24: Authorizing annexation request for 1702 E. 8th Street
• Resolution R22-25: Awarding bid for South 4th Street Reconstruction Project
• Resolution R22-26: Extending agreement with Yellowstone County for satellite treasurer's office
• Resolution R22-27: Independent contractor service contract with True North Contracting
• Payroll register for PPE 5/15/2022 totaling $205,036.16

The Laurel City Council approved several resolutions, including awarding the South 4th Street Reconstruction Project bid, authorizing an annexation request for 1702 E. 8th Street, and extending agreements for a satellite treasurer's office and a contractor for picnic tables. All votes were unanimous 7-0. The council also approved consent items, including payroll, and appointed two members to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance.

• Approved minutes of May 10, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll (7-0)
• Appointed Lynn Galovatti and Bridger Fournier to Laurel Volunteer Ambulance (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-24 authorizing annexation request for 1702 E. 8th Street (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-25 awarding South 4th Street Reconstruction Project bid (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-26 extending agreement with Yellowstone County for satellite treasurer's office (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-27 authorizing contract with True North Contracting for picnic tables (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review routine financial items, including approving minutes, purchase requisitions, claims, and a payroll register totaling $205,036.16. They will also review COMP/OT reports and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. This is a procedural meeting with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending May 15, 2022, totaling $205,036.16
• Review and recommend approval of claims entered through May 20, 2022
• Review and approve purchase requisitions
• Review COMP/OT reports for pay period ending May 15, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for June 14, 2022

The Budget/Finance Committee approved four purchase requisitions, including water plant equipment and new laptops for council members, and recommended claims to the Council. The payroll register was corrected and approved at $193,410.11. No new or unfinished business was discussed.

• Approved purchase requisition for Industrial Systems (water plant flow control) (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for Star Services (lift well piping) (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for Lockwood Precast (retaining wall) (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisition for new laptops for 8 council members (4-0)
• Recommended approval of claims through May 20, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending May 15, 2022, corrected to $193,410.11 (4-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will receive updates from the police, fire, and ambulance departments. Members will also discuss whether to have a full-time or volunteer Fire Chief.

• Discussion on Full Time Fire Chief vs Volunteer Fire Chief
• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will meet to approve April minutes, take public input, and decide on three sign-permit applications at 319 1st Avenue, 415 S. 1st Avenue Suite A, and 415 S. 1st Avenue. Two public hearings are scheduled: one on a variance request at 319 3rd Avenue and another on a special review for Your Pie at 102 S. 1st Avenue.

• Approval of April 20, 2022 meeting minutes
• Beartooth Tax Sign Permit Application - 319 1st Avenue
• Chen's Express Sign Permit Application - 415 S. 1st Avenue Suite A
• Chase Bank ATM Sign Permit Application - 415 S. 1st Avenue
• Public Hearing: Cassie Page Variance Request - 319 3rd Avenue

The Laurel City/County Planning Board approved four sign permit applications, a variance for a home addition, and a special review for alcohol sales at Your Pie. The variance will move to City Council for final approval. The special review was approved 5-1 with one board member opposed due to lack of plans and applicant presence.

• Approved Beartooth Tax sign permit at 319 1st Avenue (6-0)
• Approved Chen's Express sign permit at 415 S. 1st Avenue Suite A (6-0)
• Approved Chase Bank ATM sign permit at 415 S. 1st Avenue (6-0)
• Approved Cassie Page variance request at 319 3rd Avenue (6-0), moves to City Council
• Approved Your Pie special review for on-premises alcohol sales at 102 S. 1st Avenue (5-1, Roger Giese opposed)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to discuss three resolutions: one authorizing a property owner’s request to annex a parcel at 1702 E. 8th Street, one awarding the bid for the South 4th Street Reconstruction Project, and one extending an agreement with Yellowstone County for a satellite treasurer’s office and motor vehicle division. No decisions will be made on items not listed on the agenda.

• Resolution to authorize annexation of 1702 E. 8th Street
• Resolution to award bid for South 4th Street Reconstruction Project
• Resolution to extend agreement with Yellowstone County for satellite treasurer’s office and motor vehicle division

The council held a workshop to discuss three resolutions: an annexation request for 1702 E. 8th Street, awarding the South 4th Street Reconstruction Project bid to COP Construction, and extending the lease for the satellite Yellowstone County Treasurer's Office. No formal votes were taken; these items were for discussion and will be considered at future meetings.

• Discussed annexation request for 1702 E. 8th Street (no vote)
• Reviewed South 4th Street Reconstruction Project bid from COP Construction (no vote)
• Discussed extension of DMV satellite office lease with Yellowstone County (no vote)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee met to review past minutes, discuss an emergency call-out report, and receive a KLJ report. No new business or decisions were listed on the agenda, and no minutes were available from the previous meeting due to lack of quorum.

The Public Works Committee met on May 16, 2022, and approved the March 21, 2022 minutes (5-0). No emergency call-out report was given. The committee discussed the Thompson Park parking lot, which has a mud hole and needs striping and signs, but the city lacks staffing and budget to address it. The swimming pool will not open this year due to maintenance needs and staffing shortages at the YMCA. Water and fire protection fee analysis is still pending.

• Approved minutes of March 21, 2022 (5-0)
• No emergency call-out report for May
• Pool will not open this year due to staffing and maintenance
• Thompson Park parking lot issues noted, no action due to staffing/budget

City Council

The City Council will consider several board appointments and resolutions regarding city accounts and personnel. The body is also deciding on the salary for the City Court Judge and insurance benefits for city employees.

• Payroll register for PPE 5/1/2022 totaling $205,036.16
• Resolution R22-22: Setting the salary of the City Court Judge from July 1, 2022 to January 1, 2026
• Resolution R22-23: Authorizing insurance benefits with Unum for city employees
• Resolution R22-21: Removing Council Member Emelie Eaton and adding President Heidi Sparks to city accounts
• Appointments to the Laurel Airport Authority, Tree Board, and Cemetery Commission

The Laurel City Council approved consent items including claims and a $205,036.16 payroll, and approved five board appointments (Airport Authority, Tree Board, Cemetery Commission). Resolution R22-22 setting the City Court Judge's salary failed 3-4 after the judge requested tabling. Resolutions R22-21 (account signer change) and R22-23 (Unum insurance) passed 7-0.

• Approved consent items including payroll $205,036.16 (7-0)
• Appointed Randy Hand to Airport Authority, 5-year term (7-0)
• Appointed Phyllis Bromgard to Tree Board, 3-year term (7-0)
• Appointed Richard Herr to Cemetery Commission, 2-year term (6-0, Herr recused)
• Appointed Rick Musson to Cemetery Commission, 2-year term (7-0)
• Appointed Wallace Hall to Cemetery Commission, 2-year term (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-21 removing Eaton from accounts, adding Sparks (7-0)
• Rejected Resolution R22-22 setting judge salary (3-4)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board will convene at 6:00 PM in City Hall to review and approve the April 2022 meeting minutes, receive a circulation report, and hear updates on the annual book sale and a leadership institute. No new decisions or contracts are scheduled for this procedural meeting.

• Approve April 2022 meeting minutes
• Receive circulation report
• Book sale update
• Leadership institute update
• City/Library MOU review

The Laurel Library Board approved the April 2022 minutes and received donations totaling $170. They discussed planning the next fiscal year budget, with the director to prepare numbers for the next meeting. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

• Approved April 2022 minutes as read (motion passed)
• Accepted $20 donation from Laurel Women in Business
• Accepted $150 memorial donation from Tuesday Evening Book Club

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review routine financial documents and payroll. The body will recommend the approval of city claims to the Council.

• Payroll register for period ending May 1, 2022, totaling $205,036.16
• Claims entered through May 6, 2022
• April 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Purchase requisitions
• Comp/OT reports for the May 1, 2022 pay period

The committee approved the payroll register for the period ending May 1, 2022, and utility billing adjustments through April 2022. It also approved purchase requisitions and recommended claims through May 6, 2022, for Council approval.

• Approved April 26, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved purchase requisitions (4-0)
• Recommended approval to Council for claims entered through May 6, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved April 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for period ending May 1, 2022 totaling $205,036.16 (4-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board approved a 25-year lease proposal for American Legion and Little League baseball fields, with annual fees starting at $775 and increasing every five years. The board also postponed action on the pool due to staffing issues and discussed the American Legion building at Riverside Park, recommending consultation with the city attorney. No minutes from the previous meeting were available, so they were not approved.

• Approved 25-year lease for American Legion and Little League fields with escalating annual fees (motion passed)
• Postponed further action on pool opening due to staffing issues (approved)
• Did not approve April 7, 2022 minutes because no minutes were available
• Recommended discussing American Legion building liability with city attorney

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to appoint members to the Laurel Airport Authority and several city boards, including the Tree Board and Cemetery Commission. The Council will also consider resolutions to remove a member from city accounts and set the salary for the City Court Judge.

• Appointment of Randy Hand to Laurel Airport Authority for five-year term
• Appointment of Phyllis Bromgard to Tree Board for three-year term
• Appointment of Richard Herr, Rick Musson, and Wallace Hall to Cemetery Commission for two-year terms
• Resolution to remove City Council Member Emilie Eaton from all city accounts
• Resolution to set City Court Judge salary from July 1, 2022 to January 1, 2026

The Laurel City Council made five appointments to local boards and commissions, including Randy Hand to the Airport Authority, Phyllis Bromgard to the Tree Board, and three members to the Cemetery Commission. The council also discussed a resolution to set the City Court Judge's salary with a two percent increase, but no final action was taken. A proposal to provide disability insurance to all employees was presented and discussed.

• Appointed Randy Hand to the Airport Authority for a five-year term ending June 30, 2027
• Appointed Phyllis Bromgard to the Tree Board for a three-year term ending June 30, 2025
• Appointed Richard Herr to the Cemetery Commission for a two-year term ending June 30, 2024
• Appointed Rick Musson to the Cemetery Commission for a two-year term ending June 30, 2024
• Appointed Wallace Hall to the Cemetery Commission for a two-year term ending June 30, 2024

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider several resolutions, including amendments to an engineering agreement, a memorandum of understanding with the library board, a retention fee agreement, and changes to city bank account signatories. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes, claims, and payroll.

• Resolution R22-17: Authorize amendment to Owner-Engineer Agreement with KLJ Engineering, Inc.
• Resolution R22-18: Authorize MOU with Laurel Library Board of Trustees
• Resolution R22-19: Authorize retention fee agreement with Olness & Associates, P.C.
• Resolution R22-20: Remove former Clerk/Treasurer Bethany Keeler from city accounts, add Acting Clerk/Treasurer Kelly Strecker
• Payroll register for PPEs through 4/22/2022 totaling $193,588.33

The Laurel City Council unanimously approved four resolutions: an amendment to the KLJ engineering agreement, a memorandum of understanding with the Library Board, a retention fee agreement with Olness & Associates, and removal of the former clerk/treasurer from city accounts. All votes were 7-0. No public hearings or audience participation occurred.

• Approved Resolution R22-17 authorizing amendment to KLJ engineering agreement (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-18 authorizing MOU with Library Board (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-19 authorizing retention fee agreement with Olness & Associates (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-20 removing former clerk/treasurer from city accounts (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $193,588.33 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of April 12, 2022 meeting (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial items including purchase requisitions, claims, utility billing adjustments, and payroll registers totaling over $576,000. They will also hear updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll registers totaling $186,397.11 (period ending March 20, 2022)
• Approve payroll registers totaling $196,747.05 (period ending April 3, 2022)
• Approve payroll registers totaling $193,588.33 (periods through April 22, 2022)
• Review and recommend approval of claims entered through April 8 and April 22, 2022
• Review March 2022 utility billing adjustments

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will meet to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the city's emergency service leaders. No specific ordinances or contracts are listed for decision.

• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of March 28, 2022 minutes

The Emergency Services Committee approved the minutes from its March 28, 2022 meeting. The committee received reports from the Ambulance Director and Fire Chief, including updates on staffing, reimbursement, grants, and fire department revenue options. No formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved minutes of March 28, 2022 (4-0)

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will meet to review a preliminary plat application for a minor subdivision. The board will also consider a sign permit request for a specific address.

• Sign Permit Review: MH EBY 1348 East Railroad Street
• Miller Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application

The Laurel City/County Planning Board approved a sign permit for MH EBY at 1348 East Railroad Street and recommended approval of the Miller Minor Subdivision preliminary plat to the Board of County Commissioners. Both motions passed 4-0. The board also approved the March 16, 2022 meeting minutes.

• Approved March 16, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved sign permit for MH EBY at 1348 East Railroad Street (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Miller Minor Subdivision preliminary plat to Board of County Commissioners, subject to county agency comments (4-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Laurel Cemetery Commission approved minutes from January 26, 2022, and made two decisions: changing its meeting schedule to quarterly on the third Tuesday at 5 pm, and installing a new kiosk north of the south gate at the city cemetery. No action was taken on reviewing burial sites. The next meeting is set for July 19, 2022.

• Approved minutes of January 26, 2022 (motion by Hall, second by Gauslow)
• Changed meeting schedule to quarterly, 3rd Tuesday at 5 pm (motion by Herr, second by Hall)
• Approved installation of new kiosk north of south gate at city cemetery (motion by Herr, second by Hall)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss and potentially approve several resolutions, including amendments to an engineering agreement, a memorandum of understanding with the library board, a retention fee agreement, and changes to city bank account signatories. They will also receive an update on a parking study. Public input is limited to items not on the agenda, and comments on agenda items are deferred to public hearings.

• Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 to Owner-Engineer Agreement with KLJ Engineering, Inc.
• Resolution authorizing Memorandum of Understanding with Laurel Library Board of Trustees
• Resolution authorizing Retention Fee Agreement with Olness & Associates, P.C.
• Resolution to remove former Clerk/Treasurer Bethany Keeler from city accounts and add Acting Clerk/Treasurer Kelly Strecker
• Parking Study Update

The City Council held a workshop to discuss four resolutions, including a $22,000 amendment to the KLJ engineering agreement for the S. 4th Street pavement project, an MOU with the Library Board for insurance, a retention fee agreement with Olness & Associates, and a resolution to update city accounts for the new clerk/treasurer. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussed for future action. The council also received updates on a parking study, the prosecutor's contract RFP, and the ongoing audit.

• Discussed $22K amendment for S. 4th Street rebuild (no vote)
• Discussed MOU with Library Board for MMIA insurance (no vote)
• Discussed retention fee agreement with Olness & Associates (no vote)
• Discussed resolution to update city accounts for clerk/treasurer (no vote)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board will meet on April 19, 2022, to address general items including approving minutes from February and March, reviewing correspondence on donations, and receiving a circulation report. The board will also discuss updates on the Leadership Institute, MMIA insurance notice, and Federation Meeting, with no new decisions or actions planned.

The Laurel Library Board approved the February and March 2022 meeting minutes as read. Board members discussed the proposed MMIA insurance MOU at length and agreed to support it provided section 5.C.x.x complies with Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The board also acknowledged donations totaling $250 from the Laurel Bookies Book Club and Ray Wells, with a suggestion to purchase a Louise Erdrich book kit.

• Approved February and March 2022 meeting minutes (motion by Kate, second by Lela)
• Supported MMIA insurance MOU contingent on section 5.C.x.x compliance with MCA
• Acknowledged $250 in donations from Laurel Bookies Book Club and Ray Wells

Tree/Park Board

The board approved the April minutes and coordinated logistics for the May 3 Arbor Day event, including student participation and presenters. The board identified 13 downtown tree locations requiring replacement and discussed a $700 plan for playground and flood-replacement trees.

• Approved April minutes
• Identified 13 downtown tree locations for replacement

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold public hearings and vote on two major land-use items: annexing approximately 270 acres of the Laurel Golf Club and approving a special review for Firebox Provisions to operate a bar/tap room at 331 S. Washington Street. The meeting also includes routine approvals like payroll registers, claims, and several contract resolutions, along with appointments to local boards.

• Annexation and zoning for ~270 acres of Laurel Golf Club
• Special review for Firebox Provisions bar/tap room at 331 S. Washington Street, Suite A
• Approval of payroll registers totaling $186,397.11 and $196,747.05
• Bid award for H2S Rehabilitation Improvements project
• Lease agreement for parking lot near city cemetery with Laurel American Legion Post #123

The City Council approved the annexation and public zoning of the Laurel Golf Club to facilitate a new clubhouse. Other actions included approving a liquor license for Firebox Provisions and a parking lot lease for the American Legion. A bid for H2S Rehabilitation Improvements was rejected.

• Approved annexation and public zoning of ~270 acres for Laurel Golf Club (7-0)
• Approved special review for Firebox Provisions to operate a bar/tap room (7-0)
• Denied bid for H2S Rehabilitation Improvements (0-7)
• Approved lease with American Legion Post #123 for a parking lot (7-0)
• Approved service contract with Interstate Power State (7-0)
• Approved audit contract amendment with Olness & Associates, P.C. (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Benjamin Spencer to Police Department (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Lela Schlitz to Library Board (7-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to review previous meeting minutes from February and March, correspondence regarding donations, and the circulation report. The board will also discuss new business related to the Leadership Institute and receive updates on old business including the Federation Meeting and board members.

• Review of February & March minutes
• Correspondence regarding donations
• Circulation Report
• Leadership Institute in Great Falls (May 16 - 19)
• Federation Meeting update on Coordinator & Plan of Service

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board approved motions to study the feasibility of building tennis and pickleball courts, and a bike and skate park near Fir Field. They also approved pursuing funds from the Exxon penalty for Riverside Park improvements, drafting a 25-year lease for Little League and American Legion fields, and purchasing new soccer nets for Murray Park. The board approved minutes from February 3, 2022, and noted no March minutes due to lack of quorum.

• Approved minutes from February 3, 2022 (motion by Irv, second by Rick)
• Approved motion to investigate feasibility of tennis and pickleball courts (motion by Irv, second by Jon)
• Approved motion to study feasibility of bike and skate park near Fir Field (motion by Evan, second by Irv)
• Approved motion to pursue Exxon penalty funds for Riverside Park projects (motion by Irv, second by Paul)
• Approved motion to draft 25-year lease for Little League and American Legion fields (motion by Irv, second by Paul)
• Approved purchase of soccer nets for Murray Park (motion by Jon, second by Irv)

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a workshop to review several resolutions including land annexation, business permits, and city contracts. The body will also consider appointments to the police department and Library Board.

• Annexation and zoning for approximately 270 acres of the Laurel Golf Club
• Special Review application for Firebox Provisions to operate a bar/tap room at 331 S. Washington Street, Suite A
• Bid award for H2S Rehabilitation Improvements
• Lease agreement with Laurel American Legion Post #123 for a parking lot near the city cemetery
• Service contract with Interstate Power Systems and audit contract amendment with Olness & Associates, P.C.

This was a workshop meeting for discussion only; no formal votes or decisions were recorded. The Council reviewed the appointment of Benjamin Spencer to the Police Department and Lela Schiltz to the Library Board, plus several resolutions for upcoming meetings, including the Laurel Golf Club annexation, a taproom alcohol license, a bid for H2S rehabilitation, a parking lot lease with the American Legion, and service contracts. Staff recommended denying the H2S bid due to cost overruns, but no action was taken.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at this workshop
• Reviewed appointment of Benjamin Spencer to Police Department
• Reviewed appointment of Lela Schiltz to Library Board
• Discussed annexation of ~270 acres of Laurel Golf Club
• Discussed special review for Firebox Provisions taproom
• Staff recommended denying H2S rehabilitation bid at $349K
• Discussed lease with American Legion for cemetery parking lot
• Reviewed contracts for generator service and audit amendment

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from its February 28, 2022 meeting and receive updates from the Ambulance Director, Fire Chief, and Police Chief. No new business or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from February 28, 2022 meeting

The committee approved the minutes from the February 28, 2022, meeting. Members received reports on staffing challenges in the ambulance department and a drought-driven fire season outlook.

• Approved February 28, 2022 minutes (6-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review city claims, purchase requisitions, and utility billing adjustments. The body will also consider payroll registers and burial totals.

• Payroll registers for period ending March 6, 2022, totaling $198,799.95
• January 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• February 2022 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Claims entered through March 18, 2022
• Burial totals for the last four-year average

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the March 8 meeting minutes, a fire department purchase requisition for annual turnout gear replacement, claims through March 18, February utility billing adjustments, and the payroll register for the pay period ending March 6, 2022, totaling $198,799.95. All motions passed 4-0. No new business was discussed, and unfinished business included a review of cemetery burial totals and a potential columbarium project estimated at $80,000.

• Approved March 8, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved fire department purchase requisition for annual turnout gear replacement (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through March 18, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved February 2022 utility billing adjustments (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending March 6, 2022, totaling $198,799.95 (4-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will conduct a procedural meeting on March 22, 2022, focusing on routine approvals such as minutes from prior meetings and a payroll register totaling $198,799.95. Two appointments to local boards and a resolution adopting the Laurel Transportation System Coordination Plan are scheduled for discussion.

• Approval of payroll register for PPE totaling $198,799.95
• Appointment of Troy Charbonneau and Rebeca Weaver to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service
• Appointment of Jaime Swecker to the Emergency Services Committee
• Resolution R22-10 adopting the Laurel Transportation System Coordination Plan

The City Council approved a transportation system coordination plan and confirmed several appointments to city committees. The council also approved payroll and claims through mid-March.

• Approved Resolution No. R22-10 adopting the Laurel Transportation System Coordination Plan (7-0)
• Approved appointments of Troy Charbonneau and Rebeca Weaver to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Jamie Swecker to the Emergency Services Committee (7-0)
• Approved payroll register for PPE 3/6/2022 totaling $198,799.95 (7-0)
• Approved claims entered through March 18, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 8, 2022 meeting (7-0)

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee will meet to approve minutes, review emergency call outs and the KLJ report, and discuss public and private fire protection charges. They will also follow up on community meeting feedback regarding the S 4th St reconstruction project. The agenda includes public input and announcements.

• Discussion on Public and Private Fire Protection Charge
• Discussion on Community Meeting follow up - S 4th St Reconstruction
• Approval of Minutes from February 23, 2022
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The committee approved the minutes from the February 23, 2022 meeting. Members discussed project updates, including a missing annexation resolution and upcoming business openings in former restaurant locations.

• Approved minutes from February 23, 2022 (5-0)

Tree/Park Board

The Tree Board approved the February minutes and discussed plans for the Arbor Day event on May 3, including scheduling, presenters, and donations. No formal decisions were made on tree purchases or grants, as some members were absent. The next meeting is set for April 14.

• Approved February minutes
• Scheduled Arbor Day event for May 3
• Set next meeting for April 14

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will meet on March 16, 2022, to consider a special review application for Firebox Kitchen & Tap Room. The board will also hold a public hearing regarding a request for annexation and a plan of annexation for the Laurel Golf Club.

• Special Review Application - Firebox Kitchen & Tap Room
• Public Hearing on Request for Annexation and Plan of Annexation - Laurel Golf Club
• Approval of February 16, 2022 meeting minutes

The board voted 6-0 to recommend the annexation of the Laurel Golf Club property into the city with initial zoning of Laurel P-Public, and authorized the chair to forward the recommendation to the City Council. The board also approved a special review application for Firebox Kitchen & Tap Room, 6-0. The annexation recommendation includes a note that the golf course maintenance shop is excluded and that SID (special improvement district) commitments are not part of the current annexation agreement.

• Approved minutes of February 16, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved special review application for Firebox Kitchen & Tap Room (6-0)
• Recommended annexation of Laurel Golf Club with initial zoning P-Public (6-0)
• Authorized board chair to execute and forward annexation documents to City Council

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to appoint Troy Charbonneau and Rebeca Weaver to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service and Jaime Swecker to the Emergency Services Committee. The Council will also review and adopt the Laurel Transportation System Coordination Plan via resolution.

• Appointment of Troy Charbonneau and Rebeca Weaver to Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service
• Appointment of Jaime Swecker to Emergency Services Committee
• Adoption of Laurel Transportation System Coordination Plan via resolution

The City Council conducted a workshop to discuss various appointments and the annual transit coordination plan. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, claims, and a payroll register totaling $183,039.84. They will also discuss private bond sales and receive an update on the cemetery parking lot. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings on the agenda.

• Review and approve payroll register for pay period ending February 20, 2022, totaling $183,039.84
• Review and recommend approval of claims entered through March 4, 2022
• Discussion regarding private bond sales
• Cemetery parking lot update from Chair Klose
• Review vacation/sick and COMP/OT reports for pay period ending February 20, 2022

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review the circulation report and discuss a Federation Meeting. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding Library Board members.

• Circulation Report
• Federation Meeting
• Library Board Members

The meeting was canceled because a quorum was not present. No official actions were taken, though a circulation report for February was included in the record.

City Council

The Laurel City Council will vote on routine consent items including payroll registers and claims, and consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an amendment to a land use license with the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation. The council will also make appointments and approve absences for two council members.

• Payroll registers totaling $583,530.84
• Resolution R22-09 authorizing mayor to sign amendment to Land Use License No. 6202 with Montana DNRC
• Appointment of Ken Olson to Cemetery Commission until June 30, 2023
• Motions to allow Council Members Sparks and Mountsier to be absent from the city for more than ten days
• Fire, police, building, and ambulance monthly reports

The Laurel City Council approved all consent items, including payroll registers totaling $583,531.84, and unanimously approved the appointment of Ken Olson to the Cemetery Commission. The council also authorized absences for two members and passed Resolution R21-09 for a land use license amendment. No public hearings or substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved February 8, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll registers totaling $583,531.84 (7-0)
• Approved Ken Olson to Cemetery Commission for term ending June 30, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved Council Member Sparks' absence from city for more than ten days (7-0)
• Approved Council Member Mountsier's absence from city for more than ten days (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R21-09 authorizing mayor to sign land use license amendment (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss retention ponds and wages for judges. The body will also consider a state land use license and a commission appointment.

• Appointment of Ken Olson to Cemetery Commission
• Resolution regarding State Land Use License #6202
• Discussion on Retention Pond
• Discussion on Judges Wages

This was a workshop meeting with no formal votes or decisions. Council discussed appointing Ken Olson to the Cemetery Commission, allowing Council Member Sparks an extended absence, a state land use license for the Yellowstone River, a proposed retention pond at a park, and a possible salary increase for City Judge Jean Kerr. The city attorney advised that any judge pay change would require a formal resolution and could not include back pay.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at workshop
• Discussed appointment of Ken Olson to Cemetery Commission
• Discussed allowing Council Member Sparks personal absence over 10 days
• Reviewed State Land Use License #6202 for Yellowstone River ($150/year, 10-year term)
• Discussed retention pond design and potential park use
• Discussed City Judge salary increase proposal (10-20% above Clerk III base)

Emergency Services Committee

The Emergency Services Committee will receive updates from the police, fire, and ambulance departments. The committee is also scheduled to discuss ambulance volunteer pay.

• Ambulance volunteer pay
• Updates from Ambulance Director Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief Brent Peters
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee approved the minutes from its January 24, 2022 meeting by a 6-0 vote. The committee received updates from the Ambulance Director, Police Chief, and Fire Chief, covering topics such as increasing call volumes, K9 operations, and fire department training. No formal action was taken on ambulance volunteer pay, which was discussed but not voted on.

• Approved Emergency Services Committee minutes of January 24, 2022 (6-0)

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, electing a chair and vice-chair, and receiving reports on emergency call-outs and from KLJ. The main discussion item is a follow-up to a community meeting about S 4th St. No major decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from November 15, 2021
• Vote on Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report
• Discussion of Community Meeting follow-up on S 4th St

The committee approved the December 20, 2021 minutes and re-elected Heidi Sparks as Chair and Irv Wilke as Vice-Chair, both by 5-0 votes. They also discussed sidewalk shoveling concerns, emergency call-out reports, and project updates, but made no other formal decisions.

• Approved minutes from December 20, 2021 (5-0)
• Re-elected Heidi Sparks as Chair (5-0)
• Re-elected Irv Wilke as Vice-Chair (5-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will vote on its chair and vice-chair positions and hear a presentation on a Montana State University tax-increment financing study. The agency will also begin compiling a list of future projects. No formal decisions are scheduled beyond these leadership votes.

• Voting on chair and vice-chair positions
• Discussion of MSU TIF Study document
• Generation of future projects list

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve purchase requisitions, claims, and payroll registers totaling over $400,000, and discuss the renewal of the Altana CD. The committee will also vote in a new Chair and Vice-Chair and generate a new claims review schedule. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker on non-agenda items.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending January 23, 2022, totaling $190,982.99
• Approve payroll registers for pay periods ending through February 6, 2022, totaling $209,508.01
• Review and recommend approval of claims entered through February 18, 2022
• Discussion regarding Altana CD renewal
• Voting in of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the minutes, a fire department purchase requisition for annual turnout gear replacement, claims through March 4, 2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending February 20, 2022, totaling $183,039.84. All motions passed 4-0. No new business was discussed, and the committee received updates on private bond sales and the cemetery parking lot.

• Approved February 22, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved fire department purchase requisition for annual turnout gear replacement (4-0)
• Approved claims entered through March 4, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending February 20, 2022, totaling $183,039.84 (4-0)

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will meet to review a withdrawal of the Laurel Golf Course annexation request, consider two sign review applications, and receive project updates. No new business items will result in formal decisions.

• Laurel Golf Course Annexation Request - Withdrawal
• Sign Review - Fiesta Mexicana Cantina
• Sign Review - Patty's Sparkle Salon
• Project Updates: Laurel Golf Course New - Annexation Petition

The board approved sign permits for Fiesta Mexicana Cantina and Patty’s Sparkle Salon. Members also reviewed the January 19 meeting minutes and discussed upcoming public hearings for March 16.

• Approved January 19, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved sign permit for Fiesta Mexicana Cantina
• Approved sign permit for Patty’s Sparkle Salon

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board will meet to review minutes, correspondence, and circulation reports, with no substantive decisions or votes expected. Public input is allowed but will not result in action. The board will also discuss community room use, COVID test kit distribution, and updates on Hot Spots/iPads/ProBooks.

The Laurel Library Board approved allowing Celebrate Recovery to use the Community Room after hours, as their current location is closing in May. The board also approved the January minutes and discussed partnering with Riverstone Health to distribute COVID test kits. No other formal decisions were made; other items were informational or updates.

• Approved January 2022 minutes (motion by Kate, second by Katie)
• Allowed Celebrate Recovery to meet after hours in the library Community Room

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution to approve a special review for J. Johnson Properties to operate Lucky Louie’s, a bar and casino at 305 South 1st Avenue. The meeting also includes routine approvals like payroll and workshop minutes, and a ceremonial sergeant pinning.

• Public hearing on Lucky Louie’s bar and casino at 305 South 1st Avenue
• Approval of payroll register for PPE totaling $190,982.99
• Appointment of Forrest Sanderson as Interim City Planner
• Resolution R22-07: Special review for Lucky Louie’s
• Resolution R22-08: Agreement with Meridian Law PLLC for legal services

The Council approved Resolution R22-07 granting a special review for J. Johnson Properties to operate Lucky Louie's, a bar and casino, at 305 S. 1st Avenue, with a 7-0 vote. It also approved Forrest Sanderson as Interim City Planner and Flood Plain Administrator, and approved a $6,000/month civil city attorney contract with Meridian Law PLLC (6-1). Claims and payroll were removed from the consent agenda for later discussion.

• Approved Resolution R22-07 for Lucky Louie's bar/casino special review (7-0)
• Approved Forrest Sanderson as Interim City Planner and Flood Plain Administrator (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-08 for Meridian Law PLLC civil attorney services at $6,000/month (6-1)
• Approved consent items excluding claims and payroll (7-0)
• Removed claims and payroll from consent agenda for next meeting

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board is meeting to discuss the placement of pickleball courts and the design of Russell Park. The board will also consider the removal of horseshoe pits at Riverside Park.

• Pickleball Courts Placement
• Horseshoe Pits Removal at Riverside Park
• Russell Park Design
• Riverside Park Update

The Laurel Park Board approved removing fencing around horseshoe pits and installing new fencing between remaining pits and the campground road. The board also discussed a proposed storm water pond at Russell Park and heard public support for a longer lease for Little League and Legion Baseball Fields and for purchasing undeveloped park land on W 12th Street. No final action was taken on these latter items.

• Approved minutes from December 2, 2021, meeting
• Approved minutes from January 6, 2022, meeting
• Approved horseshoe pits removal: keep concrete pits, remove fencing, install new fencing between pits and campground road

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to appoint Forrest Sanderson as interim City Planner and Flood Plain Administrator and review a resolution to approve a bar-casino license for J. Johnson Properties at 305 South 1st Avenue. The council will also discuss hiring Meridian Law PLLC for civil legal services and review the draft agenda for the February 8 meeting.

• Appointment of Forrest Sanderson as interim City Planner and Flood Plain Administrator
• Resolution to approve Lucky Louie’s bar-casino at 305 South 1st Avenue
• Resolution to authorize Mayor to sign agreement with Meridian Law PLLC for legal services
• Review of draft council agenda for February 8, 2022

The February 1, 2022 council workshop was a discussion-only meeting; no votes were recorded. Council reviewed a proposed appointment of Forrest Sanderson as interim City Planner under an existing KLJ task order, a special review resolution for a bar and casino at 305 South 1st Avenue, and a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Meridian Law PLLC for civil city attorney services. The draft agenda for February 8, 2022 drew no suggested changes, and the workshop adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

• No substantive decisions recorded; workshop was for information and discussion only
• Reviewed appointment of Forrest Sanderson as interim City Planner, Flood Plain Administrator under Resolution R18-12 (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed special review resolution for Lucky Louie's bar and casino at 305 South 1st Avenue (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed resolution authorizing mayor to sign agreement with Meridian Law PLLC for civil city attorney services (no vote recorded)
• Draft council agenda for February 8, 2022 reviewed with no suggested changes

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission is meeting to discuss infrastructure needs and burial capacity. The body will review bids for a kiosk and evaluate the need for a columbarium.

• Review of bids for kiosk
• Identification of new burial locations
• Review of burial rates
• Discussion of area by the flagpoles
• Evaluation of need for columbarium

The Commission accepted a bid for a new kiosk and approved a phased increase for burial fees over the next five years. Members also decided to cement the area by the flagpoles and tasked the Chair with inquiring about a land purchase for new burial locations.

• Approved $16,000.00 bid from Mt. Ironworks for kiosk delivery
• Approved increasing burial fees by $100.00 per year for the next 5 years
• Approved cementing the area by the flagpoles
• Approved September 30, 2021 meeting minutes

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review city payroll registers, purchase requisitions, and claims. The body will also examine compensatory and overtime reports for the pay period ending January 9, 2022.

• Payroll registers for pay periods ending through 01/09/2022 totaling $208,094.18
• Claims entered through 01/21/2022 for recommendation to City Council
• Purchase requisitions review
• COMP/OT reports for the pay period ending 01/09/2022

The committee approved the payroll register for the period ending January 9, 2022, and the claims register through January 21, 2022. Members also reviewed compensation and overtime reports and received a financial update from the City Clerk/Treasurer.

• Approved January 11, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved claims entered through 01/21/2022 (3-0)
• Approved $208,094.18 payroll register for period ending 01/09/2022 (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several resolutions, including an agreement for low-income housing and a contract for civil legal services. The body will also vote on multiple appointments to city emergency services and police reserves.

• Resolution No. R22-05: Development agreement with GL Development LLC and Laurel Depot LLLP for low-income housing
• Resolution No. R22-04: Agreement with Thompson Painter Law Pc for civil legal services
• Resolution No. R22-06: Authorization to remove USPS from official county tax rolls
• Approval of payroll register totaling $208,094.18
• Appointments to Police Reserves, Emergency Services Committee, and Volunteer Fire Department

The City Council approved a development agreement for low-income housing and authorized a contract for civil legal services. The council also confirmed several appointments to city committees and emergency services.

• Approved development agreement for low-income housing (Resolution No. R22-05) (7-0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign civil legal services agreement with Thompson Painter Law Pc (Resolution No. R22-04) (7-0)
• Authorized removal of USPS from official county tax rolls (Resolution No. R22-06) (7-0)
• Approved $208,094.18 payroll register for PPE through 1/9/2022 (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Ryan Roache to Police Reserves (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Bruce McGee to Emergency Services Committee (7-0)
• Approved appointments of Jonathan Gotschall and Lorenzo Olvera to Volunteer Fire Department (7-0)
• Approved Mayor's Committee Appointments for Park Board, Budget/Finance, and Public Works (7-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee will review minutes from two prior meetings and receive updates from the Ambulance Director, Fire Chief, and Police Chief. A report on increasing volunteer ambulance pay will also be presented. No decisions are scheduled.

• Review of Emergency Services Committee minutes from September 27, 2021
• Review of Emergency Services Committee minutes from December 27, 2021
• Updates from Ambulance Director, Fire Chief, and Police Chief
• Report on suggested plan to increase Volunteer Ambulance pay

The committee approved previous meeting minutes and elected Heidi Sparks as Chair and Irv Wilke as Vice-Chair. A discussion on ambulance volunteer pay occurred, but no vote was taken; the committee requested that Council President Heidi Sparks bring the issue to the full council for a resolution. No updates from fire, police, or ambulance directors were provided because none were present.

• Approved September 27, 2021 minutes (4-0)
• Elected Heidi Sparks as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Irv Wilke as Vice-Chair (4-0)
• Requested council resolution for ambulance volunteer pay increase

Tree/Park Board

The Tree Board approved the December meeting minutes and decided to order 10 tie-dyed shirts for the committee and student artist. Members discussed plans for the May 3rd Arbor Day event, grant applications, and strategies for replacing downtown trees.

• Approved December meeting minutes
• Approved order of 10 tie-dyed shirts for committee and student artist

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board is meeting to consider a public hearing on the Laurel Golf Course annexation request, review building permits for City Brew/Chen's Express, and approve the December 15, 2021 meeting minutes. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on non-agenda items.

• Public hearing on Laurel Golf Course annexation request
• Building permit review for City Brew/Chen's Express
• Approval of December 15, 2021 meeting minutes
• Project updates and next meeting scheduled for February 16, 2022

The City/County Planning Board approved the Laurel Golf Course annexation request as stated in the staff report, following a public hearing with both proponents and opponents. The board also approved a building permit for City Brew/Chen's Express with the condition that the building not be occupied until full site improvements are made. Both motions carried; no vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved Golf Course annexation request as stated with provisions in staff report (motion carried)
• Approved City Brew/Chen's Express building permit with condition that building not be occupied until full site improvements are made (motion carried)
• Approved December 15, 2021 meeting minutes (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council will discuss appointments to city committees and the police reserves. The body is reviewing resolutions regarding a low-income housing development and the provision of civil legal services.

• Development agreement between GL Development LLC, The Laurel Depot LLLP, and the City for low-income housing
• Agreement with Thompson Painter Law Pc for civil legal services
• Appointment of Ryan Roche to the Police Reserves
• Appointment of Bruce McGee to the Emergency Services Committee
• Resolution to remove the United States Postal Service from official county tax rolls

The January 18, 2022 City Council workshop was a discussion-only session; no votes or final decisions were recorded. Council reviewed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a civil legal services agreement with Thompson Painter Law PC during the transition to a new City Attorney, a development agreement with GL Development LLC and Laurel Depot LLLP for a 24-unit low-income housing complex off 8th Ave, and a resolution to remove the United States Postal Service from the county tax rolls after an accidental assessment. Appointments of Ryan Roche to the Police Reserves and Bruce McGee to the Emergency Services Committee were presented, and the workshop adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

• No substantive decisions or votes recorded; workshop was for information and discussion only
• Reviewed resolution authorizing Mayor to sign civil legal services agreement with Thompson Painter Law PC (no vote)
• Reviewed development agreement with GL Development LLC and Laurel Depot LLLP for 24-unit low-income housing off 8th Ave (no vote)
• Reviewed resolution to remove United States Postal Service from county tax rolls after accidental assessment (no vote)
• Appointment of Ryan Roche to Police Reserves presented, bringing reserve officers to 14 (no vote)
• Appointment of Bruce McGee to Emergency Services Committee presented (no vote)
• Mayor Waggoner moved Council President Sparks to Public Works Committee and Council Member Herr to Budget/Finance Committee
• No changes suggested to draft January 25, 2022 City Council agenda

Budget/Finance Committee

The committee is meeting to review financial records, including purchase requisitions and utility billing adjustments. Members will consider a payroll register and recommend city claims for City Council approval.

• Payroll register for period ending 12/26/2021 totaling $175,231.78
• City claims entered through 01/07/2022
• December 2021 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Purchase requisitions

The Budget/Finance Committee approved its December 28, 2021 minutes, the December 2021 utility billing adjustments, claims entered through 01/07/2022, and the payroll register for the pay period ending 12/26/2021 totaling $175,231.78. No purchase requisitions were presented, and there was no new or unfinished business. The committee also reviewed Comp/OT reports; the Clerk/Treasurer and Mayor reported no updates.

• Approved December 28, 2021 committee minutes (3-0)
• Approved December 2021 Utility Billing Adjustments (3-0)
• Approved claims entered through 01/07/2022 (3-0)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending 12/26/2021 totaling $175,231.78 (3-0)
• No purchase requisitions were presented
• No new business or unfinished business

Library Board

The Library Board will hold a procedural meeting to approve minutes, review correspondence and circulation reports, and receive updates on book challenges, cabling, and computers. No substantive decisions are scheduled.

The Laurel Library Board approved its December 2021 minutes and confirmed it had already sent a letter declining to ask the MSC to remove books from the shared collection. The board also discussed an undeclared board vacancy and directed Director Schmidt to meet with Mayor Waggoner about it. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the rest of the meeting covered reports, donations, and announcements.

• Approved December 2021 minutes (motion by Kate, seconded by Katie)
• Declined to ask the MSC to remove challenged books from the shared collection; letter sent to Mr. Mathews by the Board Chair
• Directed Director Schmidt to arrange a meeting with Mayor Waggoner about the undeclared board vacancy and a possible June departure
• Adjourned at 6:51 PM (motion by Kate, seconded by Katie)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on two annexation resolutions, including one for contiguous city-owned properties and another for a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue. They will also consider a software development agreement for Riverside Park camping management, approve payroll and claims, and elect a council president and vice president.

• Public hearing and Resolution R22-02 for annexation of contiguous city-owned properties
• Resolution R22-01 for annexation of a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets
• Resolution R22-03 authorizing agreement with Daysel Consulting for Riverside Park camping software
• Payroll register approval totaling $175,231.78
• Nomination and voting of Council President and Vice President

The Laurel City Council elected Heidi Sparks as Council President for the next two years on a 5-3 silent ballot vote, and Irv Wilke as Vice President after a 4-4 tie that Council President Eaton broke as acting Mayor. The Council approved three resolutions: R22-01 authorizing an owner's annexation request for a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue, R22-02 annexing contiguous city-owned properties (7-1, Herr voting nay), and R22-03 authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with Daysel Consulting for Riverside Park camping software. The Mayor's committee appointments item was pulled at the Mayor's request, so committee assignments stay as they were. A public hearing on the city-owned properties annexation drew no proponents or opponents.

• Heidi Sparks elected Council President for two years (5-3 silent ballot)
• Irv Wilke elected Council Vice President after 4-4 tie broken by acting Mayor Eaton
• Approved Resolution R22-01 authorizing owner's request to seek annexation of one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R22-02 annexing contiguous city-owned properties (7-1, Herr nay)
• Approved Resolution R22-03 authorizing Mayor to sign agreement with Daysel Consulting for Riverside Park software (8-0)
• Approved consent items including payroll register for PPE 12/26/2021 totaling $175,231.78 (8-0)
• Approved minutes of December 28, 2021 regular meeting (8-0)
• Mayor's committee appointments pulled at Mayor's request; assignments remain unchanged

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board meets to discuss park planning items, including the removal of horseshoe pits and placement of pickleball courts at Riverside Park, alongside a design review for Russell Park. The board will also consider minutes from its December 2, 2021 meeting and receive a Riverside Park update.

• Horseshoe Pits Removal at Riverside Park
• Russell Park Design
• Pickleball Courts Placement
• Riverside Park Update

The meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No substantive decisions were made.

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss and potentially act on two annexation resolutions: one for a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets, and another for contiguous city-owned properties. The council will also make committee assignments and review the draft agenda for the next meeting. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and comments on items with upcoming public hearings will not be part of the official record.

• Resolution authorizing owner's request to annex a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets
• Resolution of annexation of contiguous city-owned properties
• Committee assignments
• Review of draft council agenda for January 11, 2022
• Employee recognition

The City Council held a workshop on January 4, 2022, to discuss upcoming resolutions, committee assignments, and draft agendas. No formal votes were taken during this session, as it was designated for information and discussion purposes only. The meeting included public input regarding local pipeline concerns and city governance.

• Mayor Waggoner swore in Council President Eaton for a term ending Dec 31, 2023
• Reviewed resolution for annexation of a one-acre lot west of 8th Avenue
• Reviewed resolution for annexation of contiguous city-owned properties
• Council President Eaton submitted committee recommendations to the Mayor
• Mayor Waggoner recognized city employees and volunteers for years of service