Laurel public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider a consent agenda, including claims and a payroll register, and hold a public hearing. Scheduled matters include appointments to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency and an ordinance amending the municipal code related to that agency. The council will also vote on a resolution approving a signage variance for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores in the Highway Commercial district.

• Approval of payroll register for PPE 12/05/2025 totaling $309,075.15
• Ordinance O25-02 amending Title 20, Chapter 02 of the Laurel Municipal Code related to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency
• Resolution R25-103 approving Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores signage variance in the HC zoning district
• Appointment of Peggy Pollock to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for a four-year term ending December 31, 2029
• Appointment of Cheryl Hill to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory for a four-year term ending December 31, 2029

The Laurel City Council approved a variance allowing Love's Travel Stops to exceed the maximum signage limit in the Highway Commercial district by 408.53 square feet, following a 6-0 Zoning Commission recommendation. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 025-02 amending the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency code, and appointed Peggy Pollock and Cheryl Hill to LURA positions. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved minutes of Dec 9, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $309,075.15 (7-0)
• Appointed Peggy Pollock to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for term ending Dec 31, 2029 (7-0)
• Appointed Cheryl Hill to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory for term ending Dec 31, 2029 (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 025-02 amending Title 20, Chapter 02 of Laurel Municipal Code (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R25-103 granting signage variance to Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial approvals, including purchase requisitions, council claims through December 19, 2025, and a payroll register for the pay period ending December 7, 2025, totaling $309,075.15. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve purchase requisitions
• Approve council claims through December 19, 2025
• Approve payroll register for pay period ending December 7, 2025, totaling $309,075.15
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending December 7, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

The Budget/Finance Committee approved purchase requisitions for a new electronic street sander ($9,260 from Kois Brothers) and extrication gear for the new fire truck ($32,995 from Fire Up Rescue, funded by a CHS donation). They also approved the December 9 meeting minutes, claims through December 19, and the payroll register for the period ending December 7, 2025, totaling $309,075.15. No new or old business was discussed, and the mayor had no updates.

• Approved December 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved $9,260 street sander purchase from Kois Brothers
• Approved $32,995 extrication gear purchase from Fire Up Rescue
• Approved claims and check register through December 19, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending December 7, 2025, totaling $309,075.15

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to discuss updates on several ongoing projects, including ditch covering, lighting for SE 4th, and a sidewalk and lighting project. The agenda also includes updates on bylaws and board positions, as well as reports from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D. No formal decisions are listed; most items are informational updates.

• Update on By-Laws and Board Positions
• Ditch Covering Update
• Lighting for SE 4th: meeting with owners on January 14th, 4:00-6:00pm
• Sidewalk and Lighting Project update
• Updates from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved all prior meeting minutes and signed a contract for the ditch covering project, which is on schedule for completion by April. The agency also discussed updates on by-laws, SE 4th lighting, and Project #1, with an open house for SE 4th property owners scheduled for January 14. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved all prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed contract for ditch covering project (on schedule, completion by April)

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will hold a public hearing and consider two related items: Love's annexation and zoning request, and a maximum signage variance for Love's Travel Stops & Country Store. The board will also review minutes from October 15, 2025, and take public input on non-agenda items.

• Public hearing on Love's annexation and zoning request
• Love's Travel Stops & Country Store maximum signage variance request
• Consideration of Love's sign package
• Approval of minutes from October 15, 2025

The Laurel City/County Planning Board voted 6-0 to recommend Love's Travel Stops annexation and highway commercial zoning request to the City Council. The board also voted 6-0 to recommend a sign package variance allowing Love's to exceed the 300-square-foot signage limit. Both items will go to the City Council for final action.

• Approved motion to present Love's Annexation & Highway Commercial Zoning Request to City Council (6-0)
• Approved motion to present Love's Sign Package Variance to City Council (6-0)
• Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:16 PM (6-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is meeting in a workshop to consider appointments to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency and review a proposed ordinance amending the municipal code related to that agency. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major spending or zoning items listed.

• Appointment of Peggy Pollock to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency for a four-year term ending December 31, 2029
• Appointment of Cheryl Hill to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory for a four-year term ending December 31, 2029
• Mayor to present ordinance amending Title 20, Chapter 02 of the Laurel Municipal Code related to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency
• Swearing in of newly elected officials scheduled for December 22, 2025 City Council Meeting

The Laurel City Council workshop discussed appointments to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency (LURA) and an ordinance to expand the board from 5 to 7 voting members, driven by 2025 Montana SB 3. Peggy Pollock was appointed to a four-year term as a school district representative, and Cheryl Hill was appointed to an advisory role. No formal votes were taken; the ordinance was discussed for a future meeting.

• Appointed Peggy Pollock to LURA for a four-year term ending Dec 31, 2029
• Appointed Cheryl Hill to LURA advisory role for a four-year term ending Dec 31, 2029
• Discussed ordinance to increase LURA board from 5 to 7 voting members (no vote taken)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and review reports. The agenda consists of general reporting and procedural items.

• Approval of November 17, 2025 minutes
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Laurel Public Works Committee approved minutes from November 17, 2025, and heard an emergency call-out report with only two call-outs since the last meeting. The committee noted the KLJ contract expired December 8, 2025, with no RFP issued yet. The January 2026 meeting was cancelled due to a holiday, and the February meeting was moved to Monday, February 9, 2026. No substantive policy or contract decisions were made.

• Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Cancelled January 2026 meeting due to holiday (6-0)
• Moved February 2026 meeting to Monday, February 9 (6-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The committee will review routine financial documents, including the November 2025 monthly Financial Statement and utility billing adjustments. Members will also consider approvals for purchase requisitions and Council claims.

• Payroll register for pay period ending November 23, 2025, totaling $282,499.82
• November 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments
• November 2025 monthly Financial Statement
• Council claims entered through December 5, 2025

The committee approved the November 2025 financial statement, utility billing adjustments, and a payroll register totaling $282,499.82. Members also approved the claims and check register for the period ending December 5, 2025.

• Approved November 25, 2025, meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through December 5, 2025
• Approved $282,499.82 payroll register for period ending Nov 23, 2025
• Approved November 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Approved November 2025 monthly financial statement

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on amendments to appropriations and revenues for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. The body will also consider a service contract for roofing and siding and a memorandum of understanding with a conservation group.

• Public hearing and Resolution R25-101 regarding FY 2025-2026 Budget amendments
• Resolution R25-102 to authorize a service contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC
• Resolution R25-100 for a Memorandum of Understanding with Beartooth Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc.
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 11/23/2025 totaling $282,499.82

The Laurel City Council approved three resolutions: a budget amendment for FY 2025-26, a memorandum of understanding with Beartooth RC&D, and an independent contractor contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC. All votes were 5-0. The council also approved consent items including claims, payroll, and financial statements. No public comment was made on any item.

• Approved Resolution R25-101 amending FY 2025-26 budget (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-100 MOU with Beartooth RC&D (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-102 contractor contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC (5-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, payroll, and financial statements (5-0)
• Approved minutes of November 25, 2025 meeting (5-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to discuss routine business including minutes, correspondence, and a circulation report. New business includes new library cards, the mill levy, a memorandum of understanding with the Foundation and Board of Trustees, and an 'Elf on the Shelf' event. Old business covers a foundation update and final book sale numbers. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Mill levy discussion
• MOU with Foundation and Board of Trustees
• New library cards
• Elf on the Shelf event
• Book sale final numbers

The Laurel Library Board approved the minutes from October and November 2025. Members decided to initiate the process for a potential mill levy by requesting a meeting with the Mayor and City Attorney. Additionally, the board reviewed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the library foundation and finalized holiday closure schedules.

• Approved October and November 2025 minutes
• Initiated process to pursue a mill levy
• Scheduled meeting with Mayor and City Attorney regarding mill levy
• Reviewed proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Library Foundation

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will give status updates on several ongoing projects, including the SE 4th Lighting Project, a sidewalk and lighting project, and ditch covering. The agency will also report on by‑law and board position changes, future project plans, and updates from partner organizations Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D. No formal actions or votes are scheduled for this meeting.

• Update on By‑Laws and Board Positions
• Update on Ditch Covering
• Update on SE 4th Lighting Project
• Update on Sidewalk & Lighting Project
• Updates from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency met on December 8, 2025, and approved the meeting minutes. Members discussed updates on bylaws and board positions, including a request to increase the board from 5 to 7 members and to add Peggy as a voting member, but no action was taken. The agency also reviewed progress on the ditch covering, SE 4 lighting, and sidewalk and lighting projects, with a bid planned for January 2026. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed bylaws update to increase board from 5 to 7 members (no action)
• Discussed adding Peggy as voting member (no action)
• Reviewed ditch covering project status (no action)
• Scheduled SE 4 lighting meeting for Jan 14, 2026 (no action)
• Noted MDT approval for sidewalk and lighting project (no action)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board/Tree Board is meeting to approve minutes, set board members and positions for the new year, and discuss the Laurel Music and Food Festival. Old business includes renting Riverside Park in August 2026, other parks, Billie Riddle Splash Park toilets, Riverside Park campground and other items, the American Legion Building, Riverside Hall with the Lions Club, the Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building, and tree business. Public input is limited to three minutes per person on non-agenda items.

• Board members and positions for the New Year
• Laurel Music and Food Festival
• Renting Riverside Park in August 2026
• Billie Riddle Splash Park Toilets
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board approved minutes from their November 6 and October 2, 2025, meetings. The board also discussed park maintenance, facility usage, and upcoming appointments for the new year.

• Approved November 6, 2025, meeting minutes
• Approved corrected October 2, 2025, meeting minutes

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop to receive public input on non-agenda items, though no action will be taken. The meeting includes executive reviews of two resolutions: one for a memorandum of understanding with Beartooth RC&D and another for a budget amendment.

The City Council workshop reviewed a budget amendment to fund a new ambulance and fire department extrication equipment, with the fire equipment purchase supported by a $30,000 CHS grant over three years. No formal votes were taken; the items were discussed for a future meeting. The Council also discussed the state's mental health facility decision, noting the city has no property to propose and must preserve public feedback.

• Reviewed budget amendment increasing General Fund transfer by $280,676 for ambulance and extrication gear
• Reviewed $250,676 appropriation for new ambulance in Capital Projects fund
• Reviewed $30,000 appropriation for fire extrication equipment, funded by CHS grant
• Discussed Beartooth RC&D MOU and requested periodic newsletters on activities
• Noted no formal action taken on mental health facility; city lacks property to propose

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider several resolutions, including authorizing funds for a new ambulance, signing a transit cost-sharing agreement with Allies in Aging, executing a contractor contract with Prorover, declaring city property surplus, and purchasing a trailer for water/sewer funds. The agenda also includes routine consent items such as claims, financial statements, payroll, and board minutes.

• Resolution R25-98: Authorize allocation of funds for ambulance purchase
• Resolution R25-95: MOU with Allies in Aging for public transportation cost sharing
• Resolution R25-96: Independent contractor service contract with Prorover
• Resolution R25-97: Declare city property surplus for sale or trade
• Resolution R25-99: Purchase trailer from General Fund by Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds

The Laurel City Council approved all items on the agenda, including five resolutions and one appointment. Resolutions authorized a public transportation MOU with Allies in Aging, a contractor service contract with Prorover, declaring city property surplus, allocating funds for a new ambulance, and purchasing a trailer for water and sewer funds. The council also appointed Shane Lacasse to the Emergency Services Committee and approved consent items including payroll.

• Approved minutes of Nov 10 meeting (8-0)
• Approved consent items including payroll of $278,486.02 (8-0)
• Appointed Shane Lacasse to Emergency Services Committee (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-95: MOU with Allies in Aging for public transportation (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-96: Contractor contract with Prorover (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-97: Declared city property surplus (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-98: Allocated funds for ambulance purchase (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-99: Trailer purchase from general fund (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 $278,486.02 for the pay period ending November 9, 2025. They will also review a Comp/OT report and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Payroll register for pay period ending November 9, 2025, totaling $278,486.02
• Council claims entered through November 21, 2025
• Purchase requisitions review and approval
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending November 9, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved a purchase requisition to repair the sewer plant's turbo blowers, including a site visit and replacement of an HMI screen. They also approved the claims and check register through November 21, 2025, and the payroll register for the pay period ending November 9, 2025, totaling $278,486.02. No new or old business was discussed, and no public comment was received.

• Approved purchase requisition for sewer plant blower repair (unanimous)
• Approved claims and check register through November 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending November 9, 2025, totaling $278,486.02 (unanimous)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes from September and October 2025 and receive updates from the ambulance, fire, and police chiefs. No new business, old business, or other items are listed on the agenda, making this a largely procedural meeting focused on routine reports.

• Approval of minutes from September 22, 2025
• Approval of minutes from October 27, 2025
• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief JW Hopper
• Updates from Police Chief Jared Anglin

The Emergency Services Committee met on November 24, 2025, to review operational updates from the fire, police, and ambulance departments. The committee formally approved minutes from their September and October meetings. No other formal legislative actions were taken during the session.

• Approved September 22, 2025, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved October 27, 2025, meeting minutes (4-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to approve prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing projects, including ditch covering and lighting for SE 4th. Members will also discuss creating a timeline for future projects such as a parking lot, railroad crossing repair, and additional lighting. Updates from partner organizations will be provided.

• Approval of minutes from October 27 and November 10, 2025
• Update on ditch covering project
• Update on lighting for SE 4th
• Discussion of future projects: parking lot on RR property (southside of Main St), RR crossing repair on East Railroad, 1st Ave Lighting & Continue Lighting on Main St
• Updates from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved all amended meeting minutes. The board discussed the SE 4th lighting cost analysis, with plans to send the SID to property owners after Thanksgiving and hold informational meetings. The Bernhardt Ditches project is at 95% design with construction expected to begin in November 2025. No formal votes were taken on new projects; future project ideas were discussed but not approved.

• Approved all amended meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed SE 4th lighting cost analysis; SID to be sent to owners after Thanksgiving
• Noted Bernhardt Ditches project at 95% design, construction to begin November 2025
• Discussed future projects including RR crossing repair, 1st Ave lighting, and parking lot on RR property

City/County Planning Board

The meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding public transportation cost sharing and an independent contractor agreement. The body will also review the appointment of a committee member and the designation of surplus ambulance property.

• Appointment of Shane Lacasse to the Emergency Services Committee
• Memorandum of Understanding with Allies in Aging for public transportation services
• Independent contractor service contract with Prorover
• Resolution declaring certain ambulance property as surplus for sale or trade

The City Council held a workshop to discuss pending resolutions regarding public transportation, tree removal, and the declaration of surplus property. No formal votes were taken during this workshop, as it was designated for information and discussion purposes only.

• Discussed appointment of Shane Lacasse to Emergency Services Committee
• Reviewed transit MOU with Allies in Aging
• Reviewed contract with Prorover for Riverside Park tree removal
• Discussed declaring city property as surplus

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and discuss committee bylaws. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and reports.

• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report
• Committee Bylaws Discussion

The Public Works Committee approved the October 20, 2025 minutes (5-0) and discussed updates on the KLJ report, including the Love's Travel Station RV park proposal and Cherry Hills 4th filing. Committee bylaws were not ready and were moved to the December meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October 20, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Moved committee bylaws discussion to December meeting

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review routine city expenditures and financial reports. The body is tasked with approving payroll, claims, and utility billing adjustments.

• Payroll register for pay period ending October 26, 2025, totaling $228,891.48
• October 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments
• October 2025 Monthly Financial Statement
• Council claims entered through November 7, 2025
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending October 12, 2025

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes, purchase requisitions for fire department equipment, claims through November 7, 2025, and the payroll register totaling $228,891.48. They also approved the October 2025 utility billing adjustments and monthly financial statement.

• Approved October 28, 2025, Budget and Finance Committee meeting minutes
• Approved purchase requisition for 20 Wildland Packs and 10 Fire Shelters from MES totaling $10,979.00 using a DNRC grant
• Approved claims and check register for claims entered through November 7, 2025
• Approved Payroll Register for the pay period ending October 26, 2025, totaling $228,891.48
• Approved October 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Approved October 2025 monthly financial statement

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider four resolutions, including awarding bids for a new ambulance and the Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project, appointing a special prosecutor, and declaring city property surplus. The council will also approve the consent agenda, which includes claims, a payroll register totaling $228,891.48, and various committee minutes. Public comment is limited to three minutes for non-agenda items and one minute for community announcements.

• Resolution R25-91: Award bid for ambulance purchase from Apgar Ambulance
• Resolution R25-92: Award bid for Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project
• Resolution R25-93: Appoint a special prosecutor
• Resolution R25-94: Declare city property surplus for sale or trade
• Payroll register for PPE 10/26/2025 totaling $228,891.48

The Laurel City Council approved four resolutions, including the purchase of a new ambulance from Apgar Ambulance and the Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project. All resolutions passed unanimously 7-0. The council also approved consent items, including claims and payroll, and appointed a special prosecutor.

• Approved Resolution R25-91 to purchase an ambulance from Apgar Ambulance (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-92 for the Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-93 appointing a special prosecutor (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-94 declaring city property as surplus for sale or trade (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, payroll of $228,891.48, and workshop minutes (7-0)
• Approved minutes of October 28, 2025 meeting (7-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to discuss routine updates on the ditch project, Project 1, and lighting on SE 4th, along with by-laws and future projects. The agenda is largely informational with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Ditch Project Update
• Update on Project 1
• Update on Lighting on SE 4th
• By-Laws discussion
• Future Projects Discussion

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will meet to discuss the management of Riverside Park and other city green spaces. The agenda includes reviewing the rental of Riverside Park for August 2026 and discussing various park buildings.

• Renting Riverside Park in August 2026
• Riverside Park Campground updates
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park
• Riverside Hall - Lions Club
• Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building

The Laurel Park Board approved a proposal to rent Riverside Park for a public event from July 30 to August 2, 2026, and will send it to City Council. They also approved a $8,400 bid for tree removal in Riverside Park and a resolution to utilize/rent the Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building. The board approved the corrected October minutes and noted several park updates.

• Approved corrected October 2, 2025 minutes
• Approved Riverside Park rental proposal for July 30-Aug 2, 2026, to send to City Council
• Approved $8,400 bid for tree removal in Riverside Park
• Approved motion to make a Council resolution to utilize/rent Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building

City Council

The Laurel City Council is meeting in a workshop to consider four resolutions: awarding a bid for a new ambulance from Apgar Ambulance, awarding a bid for the Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project, appointing a special prosecutor, and declaring certain city property as surplus for sale or trade. Public input is limited to non-agenda items, and no action will be taken on items not listed.

• Resolution to award bid and authorize contract for ambulance purchase from Apgar Ambulance
• Resolution to award bid and authorize contract for Bernhard Ditch Improvements Project
• Resolution to appoint a special prosecutor
• Resolution declaring certain city property as surplus for sale or trade

The City Council held a workshop on November 4, 2025, to review four resolutions regarding ambulance procurement, the Bernhard Ditch improvements project, the appointment of a special prosecutor, and the declaration of surplus property. No formal votes were taken during this workshop, as the meeting was designated for information and discussion only.

• Discussed ambulance bid from Apgar Ambulance
• Reviewed $587,410 bid for Bernhard Ditch project
• Discussed appointment of a special prosecutor
• Reviewed resolution to declare fire truck and trailer as surplus

City Council

The City Council will review several sets of meeting minutes and approve claims. The body is scheduled to vote on a payroll register and one personnel appointment.

• Approval of payroll register for PPE 10/12/2025 totaling $259,225.95
• Appointment of Erin English to the Laurel Emergency Medical Service

The Laurel City Council approved minutes from three prior meetings, a consent agenda including claims and a payroll register totaling $259,225.95, and the appointment of Erin English to the Laurel Emergency Medical Service. All votes were unanimous 6-0. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved minutes of special meeting Sept 25, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved revised minutes of regular meeting Sept 23, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved minutes of regular meeting Oct 14, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll register totaling $259,225.95 (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Erin English to Laurel Emergency Medical Service (6-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will meet on October 28, 2025, to review routine financial items including committee minutes, purchase requisitions, council claims, and a payroll register totaling $259,225.95 for the period ending October 12, 2025. The committee will also discuss compensatory time and overtime reports, alongside updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Review and approve payroll register totaling $259,225.95 for the pay period ending October 12, 2025
• Review and approve purchase requisitions
• Review and approve Council claims entered through October 24, 2025
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending October 12, 2025

The committee approved two purchase requisitions for infrastructure repairs, including $57,568.58 for water plant actuators and $15,570.23 to rebuild a sewer plant motor. Additionally, the committee approved the payroll register for the period ending October 12, 2025, and the claims register through October 24, 2025.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved $57,568.58 purchase for water plant actuators
• Approved $15,570.23 purchase to rebuild sewer plant motor
• Approved claims and check register through October 24, 2025
• Approved $259,225.95 payroll register for period ending October 12, 2025

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will meet to approve previous minutes and hear updates from the city's emergency service departments. No new business or specific ordinances are listed for decision.

• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief JW Hopper
• Updates from Police Chief Jared Anglin
• Approval of September 22, 2025 minutes

The committee received updates from police, fire, and ambulance chiefs. The ambulance purchase went out to bid, with a presentation at the Nov 4 workshop and a vote on Nov 11. No formal decisions were made due to lack of quorum; minutes from Sept 22 could not be approved.

• Ambulance purchase sent to bid; vote scheduled for Nov 11 (no vote taken)
• Minutes from Sept 22, 2025 not approved due to lack of quorum
• New volunteer paramedic to be approved by council on Oct 28
• Fire truck sale still under consideration to fund ambulance purchase

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to receive updates on several ongoing projects, including a ditch project, Project 1, and lighting for SE 4th, as well as reports from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D. The agenda is largely informational, with no votes on specific items listed beyond approving the previous meeting's minutes.

• Ditch Project Update
• Update on Project 1
• Update on Lighting for SE 4th
• Update from Big Sky EDA
• Update from Beartooth RC&D

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved all amended minutes from prior meetings. The agency received verbal agreement from landowners on ditch landscaping, is awaiting bids for a project, and is waiting on MDT review for Project 1. No major decisions were made; most items were updates.

• Approved all amended minutes (all in favor)
• Received verbal agreement from landowners on ditch covering landscaping, pending fiberglass decision
• Scheduled bid meeting for Thursday; recommendations to council Nov 4
• Project 1 submitted to MDT, accepted; awaiting final review
• SE 4th Lighting: gathering cost analysis for wire/solar
• By-laws and ordinance sent; committee to total 7 members
• Advisory vacancies declared by city council; new member to be approved at next workshop

City Council

The Laurel City Council is scheduled to gather for the Spook-Ghetti for Sirens Fundraiser at Riverside Hall on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The official notice states that the council will not hear, discuss, or act upon any city business during this visit.

• Spook-Ghetti for Sirens Fundraiser gathering on October 25, 2025 at Riverside Hall

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss a state forensic mental health facility, along with other general items and council issues. The meeting is primarily a discussion session, with no formal actions expected on agenda items.

• Discussion of State Forensic Mental Health Facility
• Public input limited to 3 minutes per speaker for non-agenda items
• Accommodations for disabilities available by contacting City Clerk's Office

The City Council held a workshop to discuss a proposed 32-bed state forensic mental health facility. The session was purely informational, featuring presentations from state legislators and city staff regarding the project's status and site evaluation process. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the meeting.

• Received informational presentation on state forensic mental health facility
• Heard staff statement regarding election ballot issues
• Adjourned workshop at 7:51 p.m.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to approve the minutes from September 15, 2025, discuss committee bylaws, and receive an emergency call-out report. No new business or ordinance changes are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Committee Bylaws Discussion

The Public Works Committee approved the September 15 minutes and discussed the West Railroad project's stormwater issues, noting a potential $1 million cost to use Woodland. The committee also reviewed Saddleback Ridge Estates' request to explore tying into city water/sewer infrastructure within 5-10 years, and voted 5-0 to request a conversation between invested parties be initiated. No final decisions were made on the railroad or subdivision projects.

• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Requested conversation between invested parties on Saddleback Ridge Estates wastewater tie-in (5-0)

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will meet on October 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda includes a public hearing and general items, but no specific decisions or ordinances are listed for action. Citizens may speak during Public Input but no action will be taken on off-agenda items.

The Laurel City/County Planning Board approved the Fox Field Subdivision at 4910 Lori Rae Lane, Park City, MT, with a 5-0 vote. The approval is subject to conditions in the staff report. The subdivision will create two new residential lots with shared well and septic systems, while existing residents retain their individual systems.

• Approved Fox Field Subdivision (5-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve routine financial documents. The body is tasked with approving claims, purchase requisitions, and utility billing adjustments.

• Payroll register for pay period ending September 28, 2025, totaling $268,385.63
• September 2025 monthly Financial Statement
• September Utility Billing Adjustments
• Council claims entered through October 10, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the September 23 meeting minutes, a purchase requisition for an 18-inch battery vent fan, claims through October 10, 2025, the payroll register for the period ending September 28, 2025 (totaling $268,385.63), and September 2025 utility billing adjustments. No public comment was received. The committee also discussed a $30,000 donation from CHS for extrication gear and noted a community cleanup day that will result in overtime on the next payroll.

• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved purchase requisition for 18-inch battery vent fan
• Approved claims and check register for claims entered through October 10, 2025
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending September 28, 2025, totaling $268,385.63
• Approved September 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments

Library Board

The Library Board will review minutes, correspondence, and circulation reports before discussing a mill levy presentation by an MSL Consultant and a memorandum of understanding with the Library Foundation. No formal decisions are scheduled, and public input is limited to non-agenda items.

• Mill Levy presentation by MSL Consultant Cara Orban
• MOU discussion between Library Board and Foundation & Board of Trustees
• Public Input session for non-agenda citizen comments (3-minute limit)
• Fall Workshop in Great Falls and Fall Retreat in Chico listed as upcoming items

The Laurel Library Board approved closing the library for four-day weekends at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. The board also discussed a potential mill levy campaign for the next voting cycle, with guidance from a state library consultant. Foundation funds from the estate of Virginia Gomer will be used for materials and programming, not operations.

• Approved September 2025 board minutes (motion carried)
• Approved closing library for 4-day weekends at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's (motion passed)
• Discussed pursuing a mill levy campaign for the library (no formal action taken)

City Council

The City Council will review several administrative reports and board minutes. The body is deciding on a new board appointment and authorizing contracts for roofing services and the purchase of an ambulance.

• Resolution No. R25-90: Authorization for the Mayor to seek bids for an ambulance purchase
• Resolution No. R25-89: Authorization for a service contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 9/28/2025 totaling $268,385.63
• Appointment of Renee Studiner to the Tree/Park Board

The Laurel City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an independent contractor service contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC for roof repair, despite discussion about whether to seek additional quotes. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to seek bids for an ambulance purchase. All votes were unanimous 7-0.

• Approved minutes of September 23, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, payroll register of $268,385.63, and workshop minutes (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Renee Studiner to Tree/Park Board (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-89 authorizing contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-90 authorizing bids for ambulance purchase (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:55 p.m. (7-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will host an open house for the Safety Complex project on October 8, 2025. No formal decisions, discussions, or actions on city business will occur during this event.

• Safety Complex Open House (no official business)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop to discuss an appointment to the Tree/Park Board and hold a discussion regarding ambulance services. The agenda also includes time for public input on items not listed on the agenda.

• Appointment of Renee Studiner to the Tree/Park Board for a term ending December 31, 2026
• Ambulance Discussion

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on October 7, 2025, to discuss two main items: the purchase of a new ambulance and repairs to the City Shop roof. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion and information. The Council discussed funding options for the ambulance, including fundraising and reserves, and noted a resolution would be needed to seek bids. For the roof, staff received two quotes, with Donahue's under $80,000 and not requiring a bid, but whether it is a repair or replacement is still to be clarified.

• Appointed Renee Studiner to the Tree/Park Board for term ending December 31, 2026
• Discussed ambulance purchase, requiring a resolution to seek bids (no vote taken)
• Discussed City Shop roof repair, with Donahue's quote under $80,000 (no vote taken)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will convene a meeting with no substantive decisions or votes on the published agenda. Items listed are updates or informational reports, including a ditch project, Project 1, SE 4th Street lighting, bylaws, and advisory member changes.

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved a motion to expand the battery study life for SE 4th Street lighting poles beyond five years. The agency also approved prior meeting minutes and discussed several ongoing projects, including ditch beautification, a design project, and bylaw updates. No other substantive decisions were made; several items remain pending approvals or external input.

• Approved minutes from previous meetings (all in favor)
• Approved motion to expand battery study life for SE 4th lighting poles beyond 5 years (all in favor)

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board/Tree Board will review the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss general park and tree-related business, including Riverside Park campground updates and Exxon/Mobil funding. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda beyond procedural items.

• Review of Tree Board minutes from September 4, 2025
• Exxon/Mobil funding allocation (budgeted item)
• Riverside Park campground: $5,000 approved for additional picnic tables
• Arbor Day event planned for October 7 with tree planting in Thompson Park

The Laurel Park Board approved the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting. They discussed a request to rent Riverside Park for a regional public event in August 2026, with questions about charges. The board also addressed campground enforcement issues, picnic table purchases, and other park maintenance items. No major decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved minutes from September 4, 2025 (motion by Richard Klose, seconded by Tom Canape)
• Discussed renting Riverside Park for a public event in August 2026, no decision made
• Noted Nutting Park sidewalk completed, sprinkler to be done in October
• Discussed campground enforcement for next season, no action taken
• Discussed developing a policy for uniform painting colors, no decision made
• Noted Billie Riddle Splash Park closed for season, bathroom costs to be determined
• Noted Arbor Day on October 7, 2025, with 3 trees planted in Thompson Park

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a special meeting with a single scheduled matter: a resolution authorizing the mayor to approve a change order with Knife River for the Southside Paving Project. The rest of the agenda consists of standard procedural items such as minutes approval, public comment periods, and council reports.

• Resolution R25-88 authorizing mayor to approve change order with Knife River for Southside Paving Project

The City Council held a special meeting and approved Resolution No. R25-88, authorizing the mayor to approve a change order with Knife River for the Southside Paving Project. The motion passed unanimously 7-0 with no public comment or discussion. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution No. R25-88 authorizing mayor to approve change order with Knife River for Southside Paving Project (7-0)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to approve standard financial documents, including minutes, claims, payroll, and monthly financial statements. No new decisions or major changes are scheduled; the meeting focuses on routine oversight of city finances.

• Approve payroll register totaling $264,949.22 for pay period ending September 14, 2025
• Review and approve July and August 2025 monthly Financial Statements
• Review and approve Council claims entered through September 19, 2025

The committee approved several purchase requisitions, including $25,471.36 for truck transmission repairs, $45,200.00 for fire department bunker gear, and $18,848.00 for new fire gear lockers. Additionally, the committee approved the payroll register for the period ending September 14, 2025, totaling $264,949.22, as well as the monthly financial statements for July and August 2025.

• Approved September 9, 2025, meeting minutes
• Approved $25,471.36 for roll off truck transmission repair
• Approved $45,200.00 for 10 sets of fire department bunker gear
• Approved $18,848.00 for new fire department lockers
• Approved claims and check register through September 19, 2025
• Approved $264,949.22 payroll register for period ending September 14, 2025
• Approved July 2025 monthly financial statement
• Approved August 2025 monthly financial statement

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider several resolutions, including appointing Jarred Anglin as Police Chief, a zone change for Iron Horse Station Subdivision from R-6000 to RMF, and contracts for roofing and other services. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, claims, financial statements, and payroll. Public comment periods are scheduled.

• Appointment of Jarred Anglin as Police Chief
• Resolution R25-83: MOU with Yellowstone County for GIS services
• Resolution R25-84: Zone change for Iron Horse Station Subdivision from R-6000 to RMF
• Resolution R25-85: Contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC
• Resolution R25-86: Contract with Bartram Services, LLC

The Laurel City Council denied a zone change for the Iron Horse Station Subdivision from Residential R-6000 (Duplex) to Residential RMF (Multi-Family) on a 0-8 vote, after concerns about fire access, parking, and lack of sidewalks. The council then approved an alternative resolution (R25-84B) for the same subdivision, though the minutes do not specify its details. Other actions included appointing Jarred Anglin as Police Chief and approving several resolutions for GIS services, roofing, animal shelter services, and a contractor contract.

• Approved minutes of August 26 and September 9, 2025 (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, financial statements, payroll, and workshop minutes (8-0)
• Appointed Jarred Anglin as Police Chief (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-83 for GIS services MOU with Yellowstone County (8-0)
• Denied Resolution R25-84A for zone change to RMF (0-8)
• Approved Resolution R25-84B for Iron Horse Station Subdivision (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-85 with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-86 with Bartram Services, LLC (7-1)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The agency will receive updates from Triple Tree Engineering regarding ditch covering, SE 4th lighting, and Project 1. The body will also discuss the status of updated bylaws and receive reports from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D.

• Update from Triple Tree Engineering on Ditch Covering
• Update from Triple Tree Engineering on Project 1
• Update from Triple Tree Engineering on SE 4th Lighting
• Status of updated Bylaws
• Updates from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved a motion to increase the committee size from five to seven members to include representatives from the county and school district. The agency also voted to remove two individuals from their roles as advisory members. Additionally, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting (all in favor)
• Approved motion to remove Janic and Shawn as advisory members (all in favor)
• Approved motion to increase committee membership from 5 to 7 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:20 a.m. (all in favor)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from previous meetings and receive updates from the Ambulance, Fire, and Police Chiefs. No decisions are scheduled on new items; the committee will only discuss bylaws and receive public input.

• Approval of minutes from July 28 and August 25, 2025
• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief JW Hopper, and Police Chief Jared Anglin
• Discussion of committee bylaws

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee approved the meeting minutes from July 28, 2025, and August 25, 2025. The committee also heard operational updates from the police, ambulance, and fire departments, discussed potential ambulance purchase options, and reviewed plans for upcoming committee bylaws drafted by the City Attorney.

• Approved minutes from July 28, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from August 25, 2025 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review the appointment of a new Police Chief and a zone change for the Iron Horse Station Subdivision. The body will also discuss public works projects and a GIS services agreement with Yellowstone County.

• Appointment of Jarred Anglin as Police Chief
• Zone change for Iron Horse Station Subdivision from Residential R-6000 (Duplex) to Residential RMF (Multi-Family)
• Memorandum of Understanding with Yellowstone County for GIS Services
• Independent Contractor Service Contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC
• Discussions regarding Nutting Park sprinkler system and Laurel Rod and Gun Club building

The City Council promoted Jarred Anglin from Interim Police Chief to Police Chief. The council also discussed a proposed zone change for the Iron Horse Station Subdivision, a GIS services agreement, and a roof repair contract, but no formal votes were taken at this workshop. The meeting was informational, with decisions expected at a future regular meeting.

• Promoted Jarred Anglin to Police Chief
• Discussed GIS services MOU with Yellowstone County (fee increase from $2k to $4k annually)
• Discussed zone change for Iron Horse Station Subdivision (R-6000 to RMF) with Zoning Commission recommending denial
• Discussed roof repair contract with Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC for Water Plants
• Discussed potential use of old Laurel Rod and Gun Club building
• Discussed Nutting Park sprinkler system installation

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee is meeting to approve August minutes, review an emergency call-out report and a KLJ report, and discuss committee bylaws and guidelines. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or contracts listed.

• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2025
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report
• Discussion on Committee Bylaws and Guidelines

The committee discussed the need for formal bylaws and reached consensus to formalize its authority to make recommendations to the City Council. The city attorney will draft bylaws for review at the October meeting. The committee also approved the August minutes and received updates on water tank inspections and a potential lawsuit over the Love's sign variance.

• Approved minutes from August 18, 2025 (6-0)
• Consensus to formalize committee authority to make recommendations to council
• City attorney to draft bylaws for October review

Library Board

The Library Board will discuss a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foundation and Board of Trustees. Members will also review the LPL Internet Use Policy and Library Use Rules. The meeting includes updates on the budget and summer reading program numbers.

• MOU between Foundation & Board of Trustees
• Review of LPL Internet Use Policy & Library Use Rules
• Budget update
• Summer Reading Program final numbers

The Laurel Public Library Board approved the minutes from June, July, and August 2025. A Memorandum of Understanding between the library board and the library foundation was tabled until a later date. The board also discussed policy revisions and upcoming training events.

• Approved June, July, and August 2025 minutes (motion by Katie, second by Paige)
• Tabled Memorandum of Understanding with Library Foundation

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to approve minutes, purchase requisitions, council claims totaling $279,256.38, and payroll for the pay period ending August 31, 2025. The committee will also review utility billing adjustments, compensation reports, and receive updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Approve payroll register totaling $279,256.38 for pay period ending August 31, 2025
• Approve Council claims entered through September 5, 2025
• Review August 2025 Utility Billing adjustments
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending August 31, 2025
• Receive Mayor's Executive Update and Clerk Treasurer's Financial Update

The Budget/Finance Committee approved an emergency $8,417.93 repair for a garbage truck radiator, along with routine approvals for prior meeting minutes, claims, payroll, and utility billing adjustments. No public comment was received. The committee also noted the Splash Park will remain open until October 1, weather permitting, and heard updates on upcoming projects and financial reporting.

• Approved August 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved $8,417.93 emergency garbage truck radiator repair
• Approved claims and check register through September 5, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending August 31, 2025, totaling $279,256.38
• Approved August 2025 utility billing adjustments

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on alcohol sales, zoning changes, and annexation. The body is also deciding on several board appointments and a service contract with True North Contracting.

• Public hearing and conditional use permit for alcohol sale and consumption at 203 E. Main Street (Owl Café)
• Zone change from R-6000 to RMF for Ironhorse Subdivision
• Annexation and zoning of Cherry Hill Fourth Filing
• Signage height variance and conditional use permit for Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
• Payroll register approval for PPE 8/31/2025 totaling $279,256.38

The Laurel City Council approved a variance allowing Love's Travel Stops to erect signage up to 145 feet, exceeding the 45-foot limit, by a 7-1 vote. It also approved a conditional use permit for on-premise alcohol sales at the Owl Café (203 E. Main) by a 5-3 vote. The council approved the Cherry Hill Subdivision 4th Filing annexation and preliminary plat (8-0), and tabled the August 26 minutes due to noted errors.

• Approved Love's Travel Stops signage variance to 145 ft (7-1)
• Approved conditional use permit for Owl Café alcohol sales (5-3)
• Approved Cherry Hill Subdivision 4th Filing annexation and preliminary plat (8-0)
• Tabled August 26, 2025 minutes until next meeting (8-0)
• Approved consent items including payroll of $279,256.38 (8-0)
• Appointed Michelle Mize to Tree/Park Board (8-0)
• Appointed four volunteer firefighters (8-0)
• Appointed Kay Wilcox to Library Board (8-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to discuss updates to its bylaws and membership. The body will also receive updates on Project 1, ditch covering, and lighting for SE 4th St.

• Update of Bylaws
• Update on Board and Advisory Members
• Update on Project 1
• Update on Ditch Covering
• Update on Lighting for SE 4th St

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved a motion to amend its bylaws to allow for the removal of committee members due to non-attendance. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and received status updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, including ditch covering and shoulder work on E. Railroad Path.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved bylaw amendment to remove members for non-attendance (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:20 a.m.

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to discuss general park business, including the Exxon/Mobil money, merging with the Tree Board under a new ordinance, and various park facilities. The agenda includes items on Riverside Park Campground, the American Legion Building, Riverside Hall, Billie Riddle Splash Park, and the Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building. The board will also review minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting.

• Exxon/Mobil Money
• Merging with the Tree Board New Ordinance
• Riverside Park Campground/other items
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park
• Billie Riddle Splash Park

The Laurel Park Board approved a motion to purchase additional picnic tables for the Riverside Park campground, spending up to $5,000. The board also discussed several other items, including the upcoming vote on a Nutting Park sidewalk, the merger with the Tree Board, and the closure date for the Billie Riddle Splash Park. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved purchase of picnic tables up to $5,000 for Riverside Park campground
• Approved minutes from August 7, 2025 meeting

City Council

The Laurel City Council will discuss various board and volunteer fire department appointments, planning items, and a public works contract during its workshop. Scheduled items include a zone change for the Ironhorse Subdivision, a conditional use permit for the Owl Café at 203 East Main, an annexation proposal for the Cherry Hill Subdivision, and sign variance and conditional use permit requests for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores.

• Appointment of Jon Rutt to the Tree/Park Board
• Appointments of Cody Olvera, Keith Guy, Justin Lackore, and Jarit Fitchener to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department
• Appointment of Kay Wilcox to the Library Board for a five-year term ending June 30, 2030
• Zone change from R-6000 to RMF for Ironhorse Subdivision
• Conditional use permit for the Owl Café to allow on-site alcohol sales and consumption at 203 East Main

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on September 2, 2025, to discuss agenda items for the upcoming September 9 meeting. No formal votes or decisions were made; all items were informational, including appointments to boards and several planning items scheduled for public hearings. The council reviewed a zone change, conditional use permits, an annexation, and a variance request, all to be addressed at the next meeting.

• No formal decisions made; workshop only
• Reviewed appointment of Jon Rutt to Tree/Park Board
• Reviewed appointments of four firefighters to Laurel Volunteer Fire Department
• Reviewed appointment of Kay Wilcox to Library Board (term to 2030)
• Discussed zone change from R-6000 to RMF for Ironhorse Subdivision (public hearing Sept 9)
• Discussed conditional use permit for Owl Café alcohol sales (public hearing Sept 9)
• Discussed annexation of Cherry Hill Subdivision 4th Filing (public hearing Sept 9)
• Discussed Love's Travel Stops variance and RV conditional use permit

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve minutes, purchase requisitions, council claims totaling unspecified amounts, and a payroll register of $255,886.52. The meeting includes discussions on the Airport Authority Mill and updates from the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer.

• Review and approve payroll register for $255,886.52
• Review and approve Council claims entered through August 22, 2025
• Airport Authority Mill Discussion
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending August 17, 2025
• Mayor's Executive Update

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the August 12 meeting minutes, the claims and check register through August 22, 2025, and the payroll register for the pay period ending August 17, 2025, totaling $255,886.52. No purchase requisitions were reviewed. The committee discussed the pass-through mill levy process for the Airport Authority, noting the City levies mills on their behalf with no expense to the City. The budget was completed and presented at the council meeting that evening.

• Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through August 22, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending August 17, 2025, totaling $255,886.52

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold public hearings and vote on amendments to the current fiscal year budget and on resolutions adopting the final FY 2025-26 budget and levying taxes. The agenda includes multiple resolutions to levy assessments for special districts (lighting, street sweeping, street maintenance, sidewalk improvements) and to collect delinquent water/sewer charges. Also scheduled are approvals for a school resource officer agreement, a managed network services contract, converting the city court to a court of record, and joining fire truck antitrust litigation. The meeting includes consent items for claims and payroll, plus routine minutes and committee reports.

• Resolution R25-58: Adopt final FY 2025-26 budget
• Resolution R25-59: Levy general and specific taxes for FY 2025-26
• Resolution R25-74: Approve School Resource Officer agreement with Laurel Public Schools
• Resolution R25-75: Authorize agreement with Morrison-Maierle for managed network services
• Resolution R25-76: Convert Laurel City Court to a court of record

The Council approved the final FY 2025-26 budget and tax levy resolutions, including a 10-mill reduction for the Library funded from its cash reserves. The budget passed 6-1, with Council Member Mize voting no after discussion about the library's funding. All other resolutions, including the FY 24-25 budget amendments and various special district levies, passed unanimously.

• Approved FY 2024-25 budget amendments (7-0)
• Adopted FY 2025-26 final budget (6-1)
• Approved tax levy resolution for FY 2025-26 (7-0)
• Approved levies for lighting, street, sidewalk, and garbage districts (7-0 each)
• Approved delinquent water and sewer tax levies (7-0)
• Approved School Resource Officer agreement with Laurel Public Schools (7-0)
• Approved conversion of Laurel City Court to a Court of Record (6-0, Mize abstained)
• Approved fire truck antitrust litigation agreement (7-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to review updated bylaws and discuss the annual report due September 30, 2025. The body will also receive updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects.

• Review of updated Bylaws
• Annual Report due September 30, 2025
• Update on Project 1
• Update on Task Order #5- Ditch Covering
• Update on Lighting for SE 4th St

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved sending updated bylaws to the city attorney and council to comply with city and state requirements, including adding representatives from the school and county. The agency also approved submitting its annual report, due by Sept 30, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made; updates on ongoing projects were provided.

• Approved motion to send updated bylaws to city attorney and council (all in favor)
• Approved motion to submit annual report (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of previous meetings (all in favor)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee will meet to approve the July 28, 2025 minutes, hear updates from the Ambulance, Fire, and Police Chiefs, and discuss committee bylaws. No decisions are scheduled on new items.

• Approval of July 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief JW Hopper, and Interim Police Chief Jared Anglin
• Committee bylaws discussion

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will conduct public hearings on four items: allowing on-premise alcohol sales at 203 E. Main Street, rezoning parts of Iron Horse Station Subdivision, annexing the Cherry Hill Fourth Filing, and approving a signage variance for Loves Travel Stops. The board will also discuss these items under new business and an RV parking conditional use request.

• Public hearing on on-premise alcohol sale/consumption at 203 E. Main Street
• Zone change from R-6000 to RMF for Block 6 and lots 1&2 of Block 7 in Iron Horse Station Subdivision
• Annexation of Cherry Hill Fourth Filing with zoning R7500
• Variance for signage at Loves Travel Stops and Country Stores
• Conditional Use request for RV parking at Loves Travel Stops

City Council

The City Council will review the final budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 and various tax levies. The meeting includes discussions on special improvement districts for lighting, streets, and sidewalks, as well as a proposal to convert the City Court to a court of record.

• Adoption of the final budget for fiscal year 2025-2026
• Tax levies for Special Improvement Lighting Districts No. 2 and 3
• Sidewalk improvement levies for Special Improvement Districts 115, 116, 117, 118, and 119
• Agreement with Laurel Public Schools, District 7 & 7-70 for School Resource Officer Program
• Conversion of the Laurel City Court to a court of record

The City Council workshop reviewed the FY 2025-2026 budget and discussed joining a fire truck antitrust class action lawsuit with no out-of-pocket cost. No formal votes were taken; all items were for discussion and will be considered at the next regular meeting.

• Discussed joining fire truck antitrust litigation (no vote taken)
• Reviewed FY 2025-2026 budget resolutions (public hearings scheduled next week)
• Discussed converting EMS mill levy to dollar-based calculation (staff recommendation)
• Reviewed School Resource Officer agreement with Laurel Public Schools (same as last year)
• Discussed converting City Court to a Court of Record (resolution pending)
• Reviewed IT managed network services agreement with Morrison-Maierle (added email security)

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, review an emergency call out report, and receive an update from KLJ. The main new business is a discussion of the committee's bylaws and guidelines. The agenda is otherwise routine and procedural.

• Approval of July 21, 2025 minutes
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report
• Discussion of Committee Bylaws and Guidelines

The Public Works Committee approved the July 21, 2025 minutes (4-0) and received reports on emergency callouts and KLJ project status. No new business was acted on; discussion of committee bylaws was postponed to September. The West 7th Street project is delayed to spring 2026, and a city truck's warranty was denied due to age.

• Approved July 21, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Postponed committee bylaws discussion to September 15, 2025

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will meet on August 12, 2025, to review routine financial items including payroll registers, council claims, and purchase requisitions. The agenda also includes reviewing the July 2025 utility billing adjustments, compensatory and overtime reports, and receiving updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Review payroll register for pay period ending July 20, 2025, totaling $265,966.53
• Review payroll register for pay period ending August 3, 2025, totaling $275,873.71
• Review and approve purchase requisitions and Council claims entered through August 8, 2025
• Review July 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the July 22 meeting minutes, two payroll registers totaling $541,840.24, the claims and check register through August 8, 2025, and July 2025 utility billing adjustments. No public comment was received. The committee also discussed the Airport Authority mills and the mayor mentioned a new industrial park west of the Love's truck stop, but no decisions were made on these items.

• Approved July 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through August 8, 2025
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending July 20, 2025, totaling $265,966.53
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending August 3, 2025, totaling $275,873.71
• Approved July 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes, reviewing correspondence, and receiving a circulation report. New business includes a fall workshop in Great Falls, an Early Literacy Support Grant, and a memorandum of understanding between the Foundation and Board of Trustees. Old business covers a policy review update and final summer reading program numbers.

• Early Literacy Support Grant discussion
• Memorandum of Understanding - Foundation & Board of Trustees
• Policy Review - update
• Summer Reading Program - final numbers
• Fall Workshop - Great Falls

The August 12, 2025 meeting of the Laurel Library Board was canceled because no quorum was present. No official actions were taken. The board reviewed a circulation report showing increased usage compared to the same period last year.

• Meeting canceled due to no quorum

City Council

The City Council will vote on several service agreements, including fire services and engineering tasks. The body is also deciding on a paving contract and amendments to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

• Resolution R25-54: Contract with Knife River – Billings for the Southside Paving Project
• Resolution R25-55: Amendments to appropriations and revenues for the FY 2024-2025 budget
• Resolution R25-57: Final annexation and zoning of Nutting Brothers Subdivision Lots 1 & 2
• Resolution R25-56: Task Order No. 5 for Bernhardt Ditch Improvements with Triple Tree Engineering, Inc.
• Payroll registers totaling $265,966.53 and $275,873.71

The Laurel City Council approved several resolutions, including accepting the bid for the Southside Paving Project and authorizing fire service agreements for the Laurel Airport Authority and Rural Fire District 7. The council also approved appointments to the Emergency Medical Service and City/County Planning Board, and a final annexation with zoning. One resolution (R25-55) regarding budget amendments was removed due to a clerical error and will be reconsidered next cycle.

• Approved minutes of July 22, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll registers (6-0)
• Appointed Aidan Johnson to Laurel Emergency Medical Service (6-0)
• Appointed Paul Thomae to City/County Planning Board for term ending June 30, 2027 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-51 for fire services with Laurel Airport Authority (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-52 for fire services with Rural Fire District 7 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-53 for independent contractor contract with True North Contracting (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-54 accepting bid for Southside Paving Project by Knife River – Billings (6-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to receive updates on several ongoing projects, including ditch covering, street lighting, and downtown sidewalk work. The board will also consider approving the minutes from its July 28 meeting and hear updates from partner organizations.

• Update on Task Order #5 - Ditch Covering (Bernhardt, $40,000)
• Update on Lighting for SE 4th St (Task Order #6, $3,900)
• Update on Project 1 - Downtown Sidewalks and Lighting
• Approval of minutes from July 28, 2025
• Big Sky EDA and Beartooth R,C&D updates

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will meet to review budget items and discuss several park-related facilities. The agenda includes updates on Riverside Park and the Billie Riddle Splash Park.

• Budget items
• Exxon/Mobil money
• Riverside Park Campground
• American Legion Building and Riverside Hall (Lions Club) at Riverside Park
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park

The Laurel Park Board met on August 7, 2025, and approved the July 3, 2025 minutes. The council passed an ordinance merging the Park Board and Tree Board, effective August 21, 2025, requiring members to reapply and elect officers. Other items discussed included park improvements, a donated footlocker, and building updates, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved July 3, 2025 minutes (motion by Tom Canape, second by Michele Mize)
• Council passed ordinance merging Park Board and Tree Board, effective August 21, 2025

City Council

The City Council will discuss several resolutions regarding fire service agreements and public works contracts. The body is also reviewing budget amendments for fiscal year 2024-2025 and a property annexation.

• Amendments to appropriations and revenues for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget
• Contract with Knife River – Billings for the Southside Paving Project
• Annexation and zoning of Lots 1 & 2 of Nutting Brothers Subdivision
• Task Order No. 5 with Triple Tree Engineering, Inc. for Bernhardt Ditch Improvements
• Fire service agreements for Laurel Airport Authority and Rural Fire District 7

The City Council approved the final annexation of the Nutting Brothers Subdivision property, which is needed for the school to obtain SROs before classes start in three weeks. The council also discussed a potential diagonal parking study on W. 1st and E. 1st streets, with concerns about emergency vehicle access and ADA requirements. No public input was received.

• Appointed Paul Thomae to the City/County Planning Board for a two-year term ending June 30, 2027
• Authorized mayor to execute fire services agreement with Laurel Airport Authority
• Authorized mayor to execute fire services agreement with Rural Fire District 7
• Authorized mayor to execute independent contractor contract with True North Contracting for cemetery paving
• Accepted Knife River – Billings bid for Southside Paving Project
• Approved amendments to FY 2024-2025 budget appropriations and revenues
• Authorized mayor to execute Task Order No. 5 for Bernhardt Ditch Improvements with Triple Tree Engineering
• Approved final annexation of Nutting Brothers Subdivision property with concurrent zoning designation

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency meets on July 28, 2025, to discuss updates on the ditch covering task order and SE 4th St lighting. The committee will also review responses from letters and hear a 50% design update from Triple Tree Engineering on Project 1.

• Update on Task Order for Ditch Covering
• Update on Lighting for SE 4th St
• Update from Triple Tree Engineering on Project 1 (50% design)

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved moving forward with two projects: a ditch covering on Bernhardt (Task Order #5) and lighting on SE 4th Street (Task Order #6). The ditch covering will be presented to the city council in August, and the lighting task order was approved with changes and can be signed by Kurt. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to take Task Order #5 (ditch covering on Bernhardt) to city council workshop on Aug 5 and vote on Aug 12 (all in favor)
• Approved Task Order #6 for lighting on SE 4th St. at $3,900 SID cost from Triple Tree, with changes (all in favor)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee is meeting to approve June minutes, receive updates from the ambulance, fire, and police chiefs, and discuss committee bylaws and early warning/disaster response. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from June 23, 2025
• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief JW Hopper, and Interim Police Chief Jared Anglin
• Discussion of committee bylaws
• Discussion of early warning and disaster response

The Emergency Services Committee approved the minutes from its May 19 and June 23 meetings, both by 5-0 votes. Department heads reported on ambulance, police, and fire activities, including staffing, training, and equipment updates. No new business was decided; committee bylaws were postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Postponed committee bylaws discussion to next meeting

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to approve routine financial documents including the July 8 minutes, purchase requisitions, council claims totaling $313,250.22 in payroll, and the June 2025 financial statement. No new decisions or major policy changes are listed on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending July 6, 2025, totaling $313,250.22
• Review and approve Council claims entered through July 18, 2025
• Review and approve June 2025 Financial Statement
• Review and approve Budget Finance Committee Minutes of July 8, 2025
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending July 6, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the July 8 meeting minutes, purchase requisitions including $5,100 for wood chips at Kids Kingdom, claims through July 18, the payroll register for July 6 totaling $313,250.22, and the June 2025 financial statement. All approvals were unanimous with no objections. The committee also reviewed comp/OT reports and received updates on the Southside paving bid opening and budget progress.

• Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $5,100 requisition for 110 yards of wood chips for Kids Kingdom playground (unanimous)
• Approved claims and check register through July 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending July 6, 2025, totaling $313,250.22 (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 monthly financial statement (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on updating park rules and repealing the municipal code section regarding trees and boulevards. The body is also considering a resolution to authorize a loan for the purchase of a fire truck.

• Ordinance amending Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules And Regulations) and repealing Chapter 12.32 (Trees And Boulevards)
• Resolution No. R25-50 authorizing the Mayor to apply for a loan to purchase a fire truck
• Approval of payroll for PPE 7/6/2025 totaling $313,250.22
• Appointment of David Gauslow to the Cemetery Commission for a term ending June 30, 2027

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 025-01, which amends park rules and repeals the trees and boulevards chapter, and approved Resolution No. R25-50 authorizing the mayor to apply for a loan to purchase a fire truck. Both votes were unanimous (7-0). The council also approved consent items, including claims and financial statements, and appointed David Gauslow to the Cemetery Commission.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 025-01 amending Chapter 12.28 and repealing Chapter 12.32 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R25-50 authorizing loan application for fire truck purchase (7-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, financial statements, and payroll register (7-0)
• Appointed David Gauslow to Cemetery Commission for term ending June 30, 2027 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2025 meeting (7-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and discuss stormwater management. The primary topic of discussion is southside stormwater involving CHS Refinery.

• Discussion with CHS Refinery regarding southside stormwater
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Public Works Committee voted to move forward with a conceptual stormwater project designed to mitigate flooding on the city's southside. The plan involves diverting stormwater to the west and abandoning existing undersized culverts under the interstate. The proposal will now head to the City Council for further discussion.

• Approved June 16, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Advanced southside stormwater conceptual plan to City Council (4-0)

City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City/County Planning Board will hold a public hearing and consider a major preliminary plat for the Lazy KU Subdivision 3rd Filing. This is the main item of new business. The meeting also includes public input for non-agenda items, but no action will be taken on those.

• Public hearing on Major Preliminary Plat - Lazy KU Subdivision 3rd Filing
• New Business: Major Preliminary Plat - Lazy KU Subdivision 3rd Filing
• Public input period (3-minute limit per speaker)

City Council

The City Council will meet for a workshop to discuss updates to the municipal code regarding parks and trees. The body will also consider an appointment to the Cemetery Commission.

• Appointment of David Gauslow to the Cemetery Commission for a term ending June 30, 2027
• Ordinance No. R25-01 to amend Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules And Regulations)
• Ordinance No. R25-01 to repeal Chapter 12.32 (Trees And Boulevards)

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on July 15, 2025, to review an appointment to the Cemetery Commission and discuss the second reading of Ordinance No. R25-01 regarding park rules and tree regulations. No formal votes or final decisions were made during the workshop.

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to receive updates on several local projects and budget questions. The body will discuss progress on engineering and lighting improvements.

• Update on ditch covering
• Update on Project 1 from Triple Tree Engineering
• Update on E Railroad and lighting on SE 4th
• Update on budget questions

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved moving forward with the ditch covering project based on the CHS approval letter, authorizing Triple Tree to begin the work order, with completion expected in Fall 2025. The agency also approved a preliminary estimate for solar and electrical lighting costs on SE 4th St. to inform landowners, and changed the next meeting time to 10am on July 28, 2025.

• Approved ditch covering project with Triple Tree work order (all in favor)
• Approved preliminary estimate for solar and electrical lighting on SE 4th St. (all in favor)
• Changed July 28 meeting time to 10am (all in favor)
• Approved all previous meeting minutes (all in favor)

City Council

The Laurel City Council has scheduled a gathering notice for a municipal summit at the Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The official notice states that the council will not hear, discuss, or act upon any city business during the visit.

• Municipal Summit at the Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge on July 10, 2025

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025, has been cancelled. No business items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

The July 8, 2025 Laurel Library Board meeting was canceled for a farewell dinner for Arthur, and no business was discussed. The minutes include only a circulation report for June, with no decisions or actions taken. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2025.

• No decisions made — meeting canceled for farewell dinner

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including meeting minutes, purchase requisitions, council claims, payroll registers, and utility billing adjustments. The committee will also hear updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. This is a routine administrative meeting with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending June 8, 2025, totaling $279,250.12
• Approve payroll register for pay period ending June 22, 2025, totaling $255,028.12
• Review and approve council claims entered through June 20 and July 3, 2025
• Review and approve June 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Review comp/OT reports for pay periods ending June 8 and June 22, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved minutes from June 10 and June 24, 2025, and recommended approval to Council for claims entered through June 20 and July 3, 2025. It also approved payroll registers for pay periods ending June 8 ($279,250.12) and June 22 ($255,028.12), and June 2025 utility billing adjustments. No purchase requisitions were reviewed. The committee discussed specialty license plate revenue for the park ($7,435.67) and heard updates on the fire department, water rates, the Southside Overlay project bid opening (July 23, 2025), and a needed ambulance (approx. $350,000).

• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes
• Recommended approval of claims through June 20, 2025
• Recommended approval of claims through July 3, 2025
• Approved payroll register for June 8, 2025 ($279,250.12)
• Approved payroll register for June 22, 2025 ($255,028.12)
• Approved June 2025 utility billing adjustments

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on annexing city-owned park land contiguous to city limits, along with several resolutions including mutual aid, union MOU, animal shelter services, a curb and gutter variance, and a final annexation. They will also consider consent items such as claims and payroll registers, and an ordinance amending park rules and repealing the trees and boulevards chapter.

• Public hearing and Resolution R25-44 to annex city-owned park land and adjoining rights-of-way
• Resolution R25-45: Emergency services mutual aid agreement with Joliet Emergency Services
• Resolution R25-46: MOU with AFSCME Local 303
• Resolution R25-47: Agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for animal shelter services
• Ordinance R25-01: Amending Chapter 12.28 (Park Rules) and repealing Chapter 12.32 (Trees and Boulevards)

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will meet to discuss budget items and a proposed ordinance to merge with the Tree Board. The board will also review several facility and maintenance items at Riverside Park and other city locations.

• Proposed ordinance to merge with the Tree Board
• Budget items
• Lead cleanup at Riverside Park
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park
• American Legion Building and Lions Club at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board approved the June 5, 2025 minutes. No new tree board business was reported. The board discussed the upcoming vote on merging with the Tree Board, which was tabled at the last council meeting and will be voted on July 8; if approved, board members must re-apply. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (moved by Rich Klose, seconded by Tom Canape)
• Noted tree removal at Riverside Park is already covered in budget
• Discussed upcoming July 8 vote on Tree Board merger ordinance
• Reported $7,000 revenue from Riverside Park Campground in June 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to review several resolutions and one ordinance. The body is discussing updates to municipal codes, public safety agreements, and land annexation.

• Resolution to annex city-owned park land and adjoining rights-of-way in Yellowstone County
• Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Laurel and Joliet Emergency Services Department, Inc.
• Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Laurel and AFSCME Local 303
• Agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for animal shelter services
• Ordinance No. R25-01 amending park rules and repealing the Trees and Boulevards chapter of the municipal code

The Laurel City Council met for a workshop to review upcoming items, including resolutions regarding park land annexation, a mutual aid agreement with Joliet, an AFSCME union wage MOU, an animal shelter services agreement, and park rules. Council members also discussed property variance requests and street access options for E. 11th Street.

• Discussed Resolution of Annexation for city-owned park land in Yellowstone County
• Discussed Emergency Services Mutual Aid Agreement with Joliet Emergency Services Department, Inc.
• Discussed AFSCME Local Union 303 wage Memorandum of Understanding
• Discussed agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for animal shelter services
• Discussed Ordinance No. R25-01 amending park rules and regulations
• Requested a variance for E. 11th Street be brought before the Council at the next meeting

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve city expenditures and payroll. The session includes financial updates from the Clerk Treasurer and an executive update from the Mayor.

• Payroll register for pay period ending June 8, 2025, totaling $279,250.12
• Council claims entered through June 20, 2025
• Purchase requisitions
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending June 8, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025, was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions or discussions took place.

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on increasing water and wastewater rates effective July 10, 2025. The body will also consider several board appointments and a municipal code amendment regarding park rules and trees.

• Public hearing and Resolution R25-42 to increase water and wastewater rates
• Ordinance R25-01 to amend park rules and repeal the Trees and Boulevards chapter of the municipal code
• Approval of payroll register totaling $279,250.12
• Resolution R25-41 for an independent contractor service contract with True North Contracting
• Resolution R25-40 for a memorandum of agreement with Riverstone Health

The Laurel City Council approved water and wastewater rate increases to fund infrastructure projects including a new reservoir, noting rates have not risen in ten years. The council also approved multiple board and commission appointments, two resolutions for municipal contracts, and a performance bond for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. Additionally, the council tabled an ordinance regarding park rules and tree regulations to the next cycle.

• Approved June 10, 2025 regular meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved consent items as amended, excluding claims and payroll (6-0)
• Appointed Jason Gonzales as Building Official (6-0)
• Allowed Council Member Sparks to be absent from the city for more than ten days (6-0)
• Appointed Gary Blaine to the Laurel Airport Authority through June 30, 2030 (6-0)
• Appointed Richard Klose and Ken Olson to the Cemetery Commission through June 30, 2027 (6-0)
• Appointed Tom Canape and Richard Herr to the City/County Planning Board through June 30, 2027 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R25-42 for water and wastewater rate increases effective July 10, 2025 (6-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to receive updates on several local projects, including ditch covering, railroad path, lighting improvements, and downtown sidewalks. The agency will also discuss budget and grant opportunities, with no new decisions scheduled.

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates from the ambulance, fire, and police chiefs, and discuss developing committee guidelines/bylaws with Attorney Braukmann. Public input is limited to three minutes per speaker on non-agenda items.

• Approval of minutes from May 19, 2025
• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief JW Hopper, and Police Chief Stan Langve
• Discussion on developing committee guidelines/bylaws with Attorney Braukmann

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee met on June 23, 2025, but lacked a quorum (only two members present), so it could not approve the May 19, 2025 minutes. The committee received updates from the fire, police, and ambulance chiefs, including a 27.4% increase in police calls and preparations for the July 4th holiday. A discussion on developing committee guidelines/bylaws with Attorney Braukmann was tabled due to his absence. No formal decisions were made.

• Minutes from May 19, 2025 not approved due to no quorum
• Committee guidelines/bylaws discussion tabled due to Attorney Braukmann's absence

City Council

The City Council will discuss several board appointments and administrative resolutions. Key items include proposed changes to utility rates and a contract for independent contractor services.

• Proposed increase to water and wastewater rates and charges effective July 10, 2025
• Appointment of Jason Gonzales as the Building Official
• Resolution to execute a service contract with True North Contracting
• Resolution for a Memorandum of Agreement with Riverstone Health
• Ordinance to repeal and replace sections of Title 12 regarding the Tree Board and Park Board

The June 17, 2025 Council Workshop was informational only; no formal votes or decisions were made. The council discussed the appointment of Jason Gonzales as Building Official, several board vacancies, and upcoming resolutions including a water rate increase and a RiverStone Health MOU. All items are scheduled for action at a future meeting.

• No formal decisions made; workshop was for discussion only
• Discussed appointment of Jason Gonzales as Building Official
• Reviewed board vacancies for Public Works, Airport Authority, Cemetery, Planning, Library, and Historic Preservation
• Discussed resolution for RiverStone Health emergency response MOU
• Discussed paving contract with True North Contracting
• Discussed water and wastewater rate increase with public hearing next week
• Discussed ordinance combining Park and Tree Boards

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will review reports from KLJ and emergency call outs. Members will discuss updates on the W Railroad project and potential street maintenance projects.

• State of MT update on W Railroad project
• Potential street maintenance projects
• Development of Committee Guidelines/Bylaws with Attorney Braukmann

The Public Works Committee discussed the West Railroad project, now delayed to 2028 because of unresolved stormwater drainage concerns. The 7th Street Waterline Replacement project was revived, with funds available from savings for the West Railroad project. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was unanimous approval of the May 19, 2025 minutes.

• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed West Railroad project delay to 2028 due to stormwater drainage issues
• Revived 7th Street Waterline Replacement project; funding available from West Railroad savings
• Deferred committee guidelines/bylaws discussion to July meeting

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review the May 2025 minutes and a circulation report. The board is scheduled to discuss new business including security cameras and the Summer Reading Program.

• Bosch Estate
• Security Cameras
• Summer Reading Program
• Policy Review
• Foundation Update

The Laurel Library Board approved the May 2025 minutes as presented. Members discussed updating the Library Use Rules and Internet Use Policy, with changes to be reviewed at the August meeting. A donation of $7,459.06 from the David Lee Bosch estate was announced, and the library accepted bookshelves from Graff Elementary. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved May 2025 minutes as presented (motion by Katie, second by Kate)
• Discussed updating Library Use Rules and Internet Use Policy; changes to be reviewed in August
• Accepted donation of $7,459.06 from David Lee Bosch estate
• Accepted bookshelves from Graff Elementary for juvenile section
• Discussed installing security cameras; policy needed before installation
• Decided to keep Billings Gazette subscription if price does not increase next year

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, the payroll register for the pay period ending May 25, 2025, totaling $246,031.52, utility billing adjustments, and the May 2025 financial statement. The committee will also review a comp/OT report and receive updates from the mayor and clerk treasurer. No major policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending May 25, 2025, totaling $246,031.52
• Review and approve council claims entered through June 6, 2025
• Review and approve May 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Review comp/OT report for pay period ending May 25, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025, with Michelle Mize reviewing claims

The Budget/Finance Committee approved routine financial items, including the claims and check register through June 6, 2025, the payroll register for the period ending May 25, 2025 (totaling $246,031.52), May 2025 utility billing adjustments, and the May 2025 monthly financial statement. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting. No public comment was received, and no purchase requisitions were reviewed.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through June 6, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending May 25, 2025, totaling $246,031.52
• Approved May 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Approved May 2025 monthly financial statement
• Agreed to new 6-month claim review schedule

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet to discuss and vote on several resolutions, including agreements for fire services with Rural Fire District 5, the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, and the Laurel Urban Fire Services Area. The agenda also includes a resolution to annex city-owned park land, an independent contractor service contract with Redline Services, and a development agreement with Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores. Additionally, the council will review routine financial claims, payroll, and correspondence.

• Approval of Payroll Register totaling $246,031.52
• Resolution No. R25-34: Fire services agreement for Rural Fire District 5
• Resolution No. R25-35: Fire services agreement for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
• Resolution No. R25-36: Fire services agreement for Laurel Urban Fire Services Area
• Resolution No. R25-39: Late-Comer's and Development Agreement with Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores

The Laurel City Council unanimously approved six resolutions, including three fire service agreements (Rural Fire District 5, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, and Laurel Urban Fire Services Area), an annexation resolution for city-owned park land, an independent contractor contract with Redline Services, and a late-comer's and development agreement with Love's Travel Stops. All votes were 8-0. The council also approved consent items including claims, payroll, and financial statements, and discussed but did not decide on street and sidewalk projects.

• Approved Resolution R25-34 authorizing fire services agreement for Rural Fire District 5 (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-35 authorizing fire services agreement for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-36 authorizing fire services agreement for Laurel Urban Fire Services Area (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-37 declaring intent to annex city-owned park land (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-38 authorizing independent contractor contract with Redline Services (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-39 approving late-comer's and development agreement with Love's Travel Stops (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims, payroll of $246,031.52, and financial statements (8-0)
• Approved minutes of May 27, 2025 meeting (8-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to approve prior minutes and receive updates on several downtown improvement projects, including ditch covering, an E Railroad path, lighting on SE 4th, and downtown sidewalks and lighting. The board will also discuss its budget and hear reports from partner organizations Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D. No formal decisions are listed beyond the minutes approval.

• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2025
• Update on ditch covering project
• Update on E Railroad path project
• Update on lighting on SE 4th
• Update on Project 1: Downtown sidewalks and lighting

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board will meet to review minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting and discuss several items, including a proposal to merge with the Tree Board via a new ordinance. Several Riverside Park-related topics are on the agenda, such as a campground, lead cleanup, and restroom upgrades at Billie Riddle Splash Park.

• Merge with Tree Board via new ordinance
• Riverside Park campground discussion
• Riverside Park lead cleanup
• Billie Riddle Splash Park bathroom upgrades
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board approved a $174,400 project list funded by Exxon money, including a $14,400 sidewalk at Nutting Park, $50,000 sprinkler system, $10,000 Riverside Hall improvements, and $100,000 for new bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park. The board also passed a motion to ask the City Council to clarify the status of the Rod and Gun Club building. No other substantive decisions were made; the City Attorney was absent, so the tree board merger ordinance was not reviewed.

• Approved $174,400 project budget from Exxon money for 2025-2026 (unanimous)
• Approved $14,400 bid for Nutting Park sidewalk (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for Billie Riddle Splash Park bathrooms (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 for Nutting Park sprinkler system (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 for Riverside Hall improvements (unanimous)
• Passed motion to ask City Council to clarify Rod and Gun Club building status (unanimous)
• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop on June 3, 2025, to discuss proposed resolutions for fire service agreements and a city boundary extension. The meeting includes an executive review of fire service contracts and a resolution to annex a city-owned park parcel. Members of the public may also address the council during the public input period.

• Resolution authorizing an agreement for provision of fire services for the Rural Fire District 5
• Resolution authorizing an agreement for provision of fire services for the Yellowstone Boys And Girls Ranch
• Resolution authorizing an agreement for provision of fire services for the Laurel Urban Fire Services Area
• Resolution of intent to extend city boundaries by annexing a parcel of city-owned park land and adjacent rights-of-way

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to receive updates on several infrastructure projects, including ditch covering (Task Order 5), a lighting district, and sidewalk and lighting work on E Railroad, SE 4th, and Bernhardt streets (Task Order 6). They will also consider approving the April 28, 2025 minutes and discuss the budget. The agenda is largely updates and routine business, with no final decisions listed.

• Update on Task Order 5 (ditch covering)
• Update on Lighting District
• Update on Task Order 6 (sidewalk on E Railroad, lighting on SE 4th, Bernhardt, E Railroad)
• Budget discussion
• Approval of April 28, 2025 minutes

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency approved spending up to $5,000 for city public works to blade a path and add road mix along the south side of E. Railroad Street. The agency also discussed a ditch survey and a lighting district, with next steps including meetings and letters to property owners. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved up to $5K for public works to blade path and add road mix on E. Railroad St. (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion by Judy, second by Daniel)
• Tabled Task Order 5 ditch survey pending meeting with CHS & Robertus
• Agreed to pursue lighting on south side of E. 4th St. and draft easement letter to property owners

Budget/Finance Committee

The City of Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve routine financial documents, including payroll, claims, and prior meeting minutes. No major decisions or new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending May 16, 2025, totaling $250,726.52
• Approve Council claims entered through May 23, 2025
• Approve Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of May 13, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the May 13 meeting minutes, claims through May 23, the payroll register for the period ending May 16 totaling $250,726.52, and the April 2025 monthly financial statement. No purchase requisitions were reviewed. The committee also discussed board appointments, City Court financials, Riverside Park revenue, and the mayor's update on Miles City's pool closure.

• Approved May 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through May 23, 2025
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending May 16, 2025, totaling $250,726.52
• Approved April 2025 monthly financial statement

City Council

The Laurel City Council will convene on May 27, 2025, to conduct routine business including approving minutes, reappointing a Planning Board member, and voting on payroll and financial statements. The meeting also includes public hearings, scheduled appointments, and resolutions for contract amendments and fire services agreements.

• Approval of payroll register totaling $250,726.52 for PPE 5/16/2025
• Reappointment of Ron Benner to the City/County Planning Board
• Resolution R25-31: Amendment to Task Order No. 2 with Triple Tree Engineering, Inc.
• Resolution R25-32: Agreement for fire services with Rural Fire District 8
• Resolution R25-33: Independent contractor service contract with Independent Inspection Service

City Council

The City Council will discuss several resolutions involving city services and contracts. The meeting includes reviews of agreements for fire services, engineering tasks, and inspection services.

• Amendment to Task Order No. 2 with Triple Tree Engineering, Inc.
• Agreement for provision of fire services for the Rural Fire District 8
• Independent contractor service contract with Independent Inspection Service
• Appointment of Kristofer Schaff to the Laurel Police Department
• Retirement of Stan Langve from the Laurel Police Department

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and discuss the creation of committee guidelines. The meeting also includes a review of the Emergency Call Out and KLJ reports.

• Discussion on Committee Guidelines creation
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Public Works Committee met on May 19, 2025, and approved the April 21, 2025 minutes (4-0). They discussed creating committee guidelines, including membership size, election of officers, and how to bring items to the full council. The 5th-7th Sewer Line Replacement project is complete, but the city is addressing a resident's flooding complaint. Love's project is ongoing, with talks about cost recoupment for water/sewer line connections.

• Approved April 21, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Discussed committee guidelines, including keeping membership at 7 and electing Chair/Vice Chair every 2 years
• Noted 5th-7th Sewer Line Replacement project complete; city to install asphalt berm to mitigate runoff
• Discussed Love's project; city attorney reviewing cost recoupment for line connections
• Discussed Cherry Hills project; contractor requesting financial assistance for bridge over ditch

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will receive updates from the police, fire, and ambulance chiefs. Members will also discuss the creation of committee guidelines.

• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek, Fire Chief JW Hopper, and Police Chief Stan Langve
• Discussion on Committee Guidelines creation

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve routine financial documents. The body will consider purchase requisitions, city claims, and utility billing adjustments.

• Payroll register for pay period ending April 27, 2025, totaling $262,821.61
• Council claims entered through May 9, 2025
• Utility Billing adjustments for April 2025
• Purchase requisitions

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the April 22 meeting minutes, claims through May 9, the payroll register for the period ending April 27 totaling $262,821.61, and April utility billing adjustments. No purchase requisitions were reviewed. The committee also discussed a potential loan for a new fire truck and received updates on the splash park and upcoming rate hearings.

• Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through May 9, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending April 27, 2025 ($262,821.61)
• Approved April 2025 utility billing adjustments

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to approve minutes from March and April 2025, review correspondence, and discuss the FY25/26 budget. They will also hear updates on the summer reading program, internet use policy review, and a safety report.

• FY 25/26 Budget review
• Summer Reading Program (Book Buzz) discussion
• LPL Internet Use Policy & Library Use Rules Review
• Safety Report presentation
• Minutes - March & April 2025 approval

The Laurel Library Board approved the March 2025 minutes as presented and the April 2025 minutes with corrections. The board discussed the final proposed FY 25/26 library budget, a safety report about a fallen shelf, and a community concern about the community room being used for storage. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved March 2025 minutes as presented
• Approved April 2025 minutes with corrections

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet on May 13, 2025, to discuss and vote on proposed water and wastewater rate increases, effective July 10, 2025. The meeting includes routine approvals, reports from city departments, and public participation opportunities.

• Resolution No. R25-29: Accept studies on existing water and wastewater rate structures by Raftelis Financial Consultants
• Resolution R25-30: Intent to increase water and wastewater rates, with a public rate hearing scheduled
• Approval of payroll register for PPE totaling $262,821.61
• Approval of minutes from April 22, 2025
• Police and Fire Monthly Reports for April 2025

The Laurel City Council approved two resolutions related to water and wastewater rates. Resolution R25-29 accepted a rate study by Raftelis Financial Consultants and amended a previous resolution, while R25-30 declared intent to increase rates effective July 10, 2025, and set a public hearing date. Both passed unanimously 7-0. The council also approved consent items including payroll and claims, and declared May 23 as Poppy Day.

• Approved Resolution R25-29 accepting water/wastewater rate study (7-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-30 declaring intent to increase water/wastewater rates effective July 10, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved consent items including payroll register totaling $262,821.61 (7-0)
• Declared May 23, 2025 as Poppy Day
• Approved minutes of April 22, 2025 meeting (7-0)

City Council

The Laurel City Council workshop will discuss a resolution of intent to increase water and wastewater rates effective July 10, 2025, and set a public hearing date. The agenda also includes a Poppy Day proclamation, a municipal summit review, and discussions on board appointment processes and document center training. Public input is limited to non-agenda items.

• Resolution of intent to increase water and wastewater rates, effective July 10, 2025, with public rate hearing date to be set
• Poppy Day Proclamation
• Municipal Summit 2025 executive review
• Boards/Committees/Commissions recommendation process discussion
• Document Center Training

The council held a workshop with no formal votes. They discussed a resolution to increase water and wastewater rates for five years, with a public hearing set for July 10, 2025. They also reviewed the need to establish clearer frameworks for standing committees and received training on the new Document Center website feature.

• Discussed 5-year water/wastewater rate increase resolution, public hearing set for July 10, 2025
• Reviewed standing committee framework gaps; staff to meet with committees and report back
• Received Document Center training for new website feature

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will review capital improvement projects and a new ordinance regarding a merger with the Tree Board. The meeting includes discussions on several specific park facilities and maintenance issues.

• New ordinance to merge with the Tree Board
• Lead cleanup at Riverside Park
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park
• Laurel Rod and Gun Club Building

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will hear updates from the police, fire, and ambulance chiefs. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes and a note regarding the May meeting schedule.

• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief JW Hopper
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of March 24, 2025 minutes

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The agency will review updates on ditch covering and sidewalk work on E Railroad and a preliminary cost estimate for a lighting district. Members will also prepare the 2026 budget and formalize a new monthly meeting schedule.

• Update on Task Order 5 regarding ditch covering and sidewalks on E Railroad
• Preliminary cost estimate and map for lighting on SE 4th, Bernhardt, and E Railroad
• Preparation of the 2026 budget
• Proposal to move to monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency met and decided Task 5 will focus on ditch covering, after water-rights issues delayed its council presentation; it will now go to council May 6. The committee also agreed to continue meeting twice monthly until the lighting district and Tasks 5 and 6 are resolved. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the only motions were to approve minutes and adjourn.

• Approved updated meeting minutes (motion by Judy, second by Dean)
• Decided Task 5 will focus on ditch covering, pending water-rights resolution
• Scheduled Task 5 to go to council May 6
• Agreed to continue two meetings per month until lighting district and Tasks 5/6 are finalized
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Judy, second by Cheryl)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet on April 22, 2025, to approve minutes, hear reports from boards and commissions, and vote on consent items including claims and payroll. Notable actions include appointing a new Police Commission member and authorizing agreements with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter and legal services for AFFF litigation.

• Appointment of Irv Wilke to Police Commission (term ending April 30, 2028)
• Approval of payroll register totaling $260,637.31 for PPE
• Resolution R25-27: Animal shelter services agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
• Resolution R25-28: Legal services agreement for AFFF product liability litigation
• Resignation of Evan Bruce from the Park Board

The provided minutes contain no readable substantive content — only garbled or boilerplate text with no motions, votes, or actions recorded. No decisions, approvals, or discussions can be identified from the document.

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, the payroll register totaling $260,637.31, and the March 2025 Financial Statement. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve payroll register for pay period ending April 13, 2025, totaling $260,637.31
• Review and approve council claims entered through April 18, 2025
• Review and approve March 2025 Financial Statement
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending April 13, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved purchase requisitions for two pumps at the Murray Park Booster Station ($17,847.64) and five new computers ($8,401.85), along with claims, payroll, and the March financial statement. They also discussed funding for a new firetruck, with a proposal to be presented at the next Council workshop. No public comment was made.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved $17,847.64 purchase requisition for two pumps from Granite Peak Pump Service
• Approved $8,401.85 purchase requisition for five computers from Dell Technologies
• Approved claims and check register through April 18, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending April 13, 2025, totaling $260,637.31
• Approved March 2025 monthly financial statement

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to review reports and discuss fire hydrants. The meeting includes reviews of the Emergency Call Out and KLJ reports.

• Fire hydrant discussion
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to review two resolutions. These items involve service agreements for animal sheltering and legal representation for product liability litigation.

• Resolution to authorize an agreement with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for animal shelter services
• Resolution to authorize a legal services agreement for AFFF product liability litigation

The City Council held a workshop to review two resolutions: the annual contract with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for animal shelter services, and a legal services agreement related to AFFF/PFAS product liability litigation. No formal votes were taken; both items are scheduled for action at the next council meeting. Staff will clarify whether the shelter contract covers chickens or cats before then.

• Reviewed annual animal shelter services contract with Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter; action deferred to next meeting
• Reviewed legal services agreement for AFFF/PFAS litigation; action deferred to next meeting
• Staff to clarify whether shelter contract includes chickens or cats before next meeting

Budget/Finance Committee

The committee will review and approve routine financial documents, including purchase requisitions and utility billing adjustments. Members will also receive financial and executive updates.

• Payroll register for pay period ending March 30, 2025, totaling $267,566.04
• Council claims entered through April 4, 2025
• March 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending March 30, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the March 25 meeting minutes, claims through April 4, the payroll register for the period ending March 30 totaling $267,566.04, and the March utility billing adjustments. No new or old business was discussed. The mayor reported the loss of an employee in a non-work-related accident and noted that AFFF litigation would be discussed at the next council workshop.

• Approved March 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register for claims entered through April 4, 2025
• Approved payroll register for pay period ending March 30, 2025, totaling $267,566.04
• Approved 2025 March Utility Billing Adjustments

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to discuss new and old business, including a review of the internet use policy. The board will also receive a circulation report and updates on the foundation and MLA.

• Policy Review - Internet Use
• Book Sale discussion
• Federation Meeting discussion
• Foundation Update
• Circulation Report

The Laurel Library Board met and discussed the library's circulation report, which showed increased traffic and media circulation but decreased book circulation. The board deferred approval of the previous meeting's minutes and the circulation report to the next meeting due to board member illness. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational.

• Deferred approval of minutes and circulation report to next meeting
• Discussed potential purchase of CANVA for staff use
• Discussed moving foundation funds to money-market accounts
• Discussed creating a list of library needs for the foundation board
• Corrected book sale dates to April 28 through May 10
• Scheduled Internet Use Policy review for next meeting

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet to approve minutes, hear monthly reports from police and fire departments, and vote on several resolutions including a water/wastewater rate study and a mail-in ballot election policy. The meeting also includes a public hearing and scheduled matters like an airport authority appointment and a sublease agreement for American Legion Baseball.

• Approval of payroll register totaling $267,566.04
• Resolution to accept water/wastewater rate study by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
• Resolution to conduct primary and general elections by mail-in ballot
• Appointment of Gary Blaine to Laurel Airport Authority (term ending June 30, 2025)
• Sublease agreement between Laurel High School District No. 7 and American Legion Baseball Post #123 Laurel Dodgers

The Laurel City Council approved several routine items, including minutes, consent items, and appointments. It also passed resolutions to conduct elections by mail-in ballot, accept a water and wastewater rate study, and approve a sublease for the Laurel Dodgers baseball team. A resident raised concerns about the library meeting room being used for storage.

• Approved minutes of March 25, 2025 (8-0)
• Approved consent items including claims and payroll totaling $267,566.04 (8-0)
• Appointed Gary Blaine to Laurel Airport Authority (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-24 for mail-in elections (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-25 accepting water/wastewater rate study (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-26 for Laurel Dodgers sublease (8-0)

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will review updates on two projects: covering a ditch on Bernhardt Road and adding sidewalks and lighting on East Railroad and other streets, plus a new lighting district on SE 4th St. They will also consider moving to monthly meetings and discuss the 2026 budget. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes and public input.

• Project 2: Ditch covering on Bernhardt (2025), sidewalk and lighting on East Railroad (2026)
• Project 1: Sidewalk and lighting (2026)
• Lighting District: SE 4th St
• Meeting schedule change to 2nd Monday monthly
• Budget discussion for 2026

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will review capital improvement projects and a proposed ordinance to merge with the Tree Board. The meeting includes discussions on funding from Exxon/Mobil and several maintenance items at Riverside Park.

• Proposed ordinance to merge Park Board with Tree Board
• Review of Capital Improvement Projects
• Discussion of Exxon/Mobil money
• Lead cleanup at Riverside Park
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park

The Laurel Park Board approved spending up to $10,000 for improvements to Riverside Hall, with a $14,600 budget available for building maintenance. The board also discussed merging with the Tree Board, recommending a new ordinance for a combined board with 4 council members and 3-8 at-large public members. No other major decisions were made; several items remain pending, including the Capital Improvement Projects review and lead cleanup at Riverside Park.

• Approved up to $10,000 for Riverside Hall improvements (motion passed)
• Recommended ordinance to merge Park and Tree Boards with 4 council members and 3-8 at-large members
• Discussed community garden inquiry, directed to organizers
• Noted $283,000 Exxon/Mobil funds available for CIP or budget
• Nutting Park sprinkler system and sidewalks discussed, no action
• Riverside Campground shower building demo complete, Greg Lapp to handle parking
• American Legion building tree removal noted, no action
• Riverside Park lead cleanup awaiting Health Department inspection

City Council

The Laurel City Council workshop will consider two resolutions: one to conduct primary and general elections by mail-in ballot, and another to accept water and wastewater rate structure studies and recommendations from Raftelis Financial Consultants. Public input is limited to non-agenda items, and no action will be taken on items not listed.

• Resolution to submit regularly elected officers to electorate and conduct mail-in elections per Mont. Code Ann. § 13-19-202
• Resolution to accept water and wastewater rate structure studies and recommendations from Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
• Public input limited to 3 minutes per speaker for non-agenda items

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on April 1, 2025, to discuss two upcoming resolutions: one to allow mail-in ballots for city elections if a primary is needed, and another to accept water and wastewater rate studies from Raftelis Financial Consultants. No formal votes were taken; the items were presented for review. The council also heard public input on military-related legislation and made announcements about upcoming meetings and events.

• Reviewed resolution to conduct elections by mail-in ballot (no vote taken)
• Reviewed resolution to accept water/wastewater rate studies and close Raftelis contract (no vote taken)

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve routine financial items, including the payroll register, council claims, purchase requisitions, and the February 2025 monthly financial statement. The committee will also hear updates from the Mayor and Clerk Treasurer.

• Review and approve payroll register totaling $256,822.77 for pay period ending March 16, 2025
• Review and approve Council claims entered through March 21, 2025
• Review and approve February 2025 monthly Financial Statement
• Review Comp/OT report for pay period ending March 16, 2025

City Council

The City Council will vote on the final annexation and zoning of approximately one acre of property adjacent to the city. The body is also considering an expedited subdivision application and a meeting reschedule for Veterans Day.

• Resolution No. R25-21: Final annexation, right-of-way dedications, and zoning for approximately one acre of property
• Resolution No. R25-22: Expedited subdivision application for the McLelland Subdivision
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 3/16/2025 totaling $256,822.77
• Resolution No. R25-23: Authorization to reschedule the Veterans Day City Council meeting

The minutes contain no readable or substantive content — only garbled text with no motions, votes, or actions recorded. No decisions were made or documented in the provided record.

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee approved minutes from their previous meeting and received departmental reports from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek and Fire Chief JW Hopper. The committee discussed ambulance call volumes, missed calls due to prior commitments, staff training updates, and mutual aid coverage. The next committee meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2025.

• Approved Emergency Services Committee minutes of February 24, 2025, with a 5-0 vote
• Ambulance report noting 7 missed calls during the reporting period due to prior calls
• Fire Department report detailing wildland training, personnel updates, and upcoming department convention travel

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to discuss routine business including approval of minutes, a City Council update, a project update from Triple Tree Engineering, the budget, and an update on Senate Bill 2. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from March 17, 2025
• Project update from Triple Tree Engineering
• Budget discussion
• Senate Bill 2 update
• Special meeting scheduled for April 7, 2025 for cost estimate

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency voted unanimously to cancel task order 3 and issue task order 5, which covers covering a ditch on W Bernhard Rd in 2026, planning lighting and sidewalks in 2025 with construction in 2026, and adding alleys between 2nd Ave and Montana Ave and S Main St east and west of 1st Ave. The budget was not presented due to project changes and will be provided at the April 14 meeting. The special meeting on April 7 was canceled.

• Approved minutes (motion by Judy, second by Dean)
• Canceled task order 3 and issued task order 5 (all in favor)
• Task order 5 includes ditch cover on W Bernhard Rd in 2026, lighting/sidewalks plan in 2025, construction in 2026
• Added alleys between 2nd Ave and Montana Ave and S Main St east/west of 1st Ave to project
• Bid in winter 2025, construction starts spring 2026
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Cheryl, second by Daniel)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to discuss and potentially decide on a final annexation and zoning for a one-acre property adjacent to the city, as well as approve an expedited subdivision application for the McLelland Subdivision. The Council will also consider authorizing the Mayor to reschedule a meeting on Election Day.

• Final annexation and zoning approval for ~1 acre adjacent to Laurel
• Expedited subdivision application for McLelland Subdivision
• Authorization for Mayor to reschedule Election Day meeting

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet to discuss updates regarding Phase 1 of a project. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from March 10, 2025.

• Project: Phase 1 Update

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency voted to recommend pivoting two projects to design work in 2025 and construction in 2026, citing upcoming community events and time constraints. The recommendation will be presented to the city council on March 18, 2025. The agency also approved the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion by Judy, second by Cami)
• Recommended to council to pivot projects to design in 2025 and construction in 2026 (all approved)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to approve minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting and review an emergency call-out report. No new business or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from February 18, 2025 meeting
• Review of emergency call-out report

The Public Works Committee approved the February 18, 2025 minutes (4-0) and received updates on the Laurel Water Tank Funding project, including that the city passed a resolution allowing KLJ to pursue FEMA grants. The committee also discussed the West Railroad project being pushed to 2028, a volunteer at Riverside Park, and the need for a new garbage truck. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved February 18, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Heard that Council passed resolution to allow FEMA grant pursuit for water tank project

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting a new official schedule of fees and charges for the city. The body will also review a regional hazard mitigation plan and a service contract with Fisher’s Technology.

• Public hearing and resolution to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges
• Payroll register for PPE 3/7/2025 totaling $275,277.40
• Resolution R25-19 to adopt the 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan and Annex K for Yellowstone County
• Resolution R25-20 to authorize a service contract with Fisher’s Technology
• Appointment of Dean Rankin to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The provided minutes text contains no readable content—only garbled characters and formatting artifacts. No decisions, motions, votes, or discussion items are discernible. The record appears to be a technical or transcription error, so no actions can be reported.

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review the February 2025 minutes and a circulation report. The board is scheduled to discuss new business including an employee hire and the summer reading program, as well as old business regarding the mill levy.

• Employee hire
• Mill levy
• Collection Management policy review
• Summer Reading Program
• MLA Conference

The Laurel Library Board approved the February 2025 meeting minutes. Board members discussed the future of a mill levy and agreed to wait, citing economic concerns and job losses at the mine. The board also completed the Collection Development Policy with a minor addition about including books for all demographics, including LGBTQ+ patrons.

• Approved February 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Katie, second by Kate)
• Completed Collection Development Policy with addition on LGBTQ+ inclusion
• Agreed to wait on mill levy decision due to economic concerns

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, a $275,277.40 payroll register, and utility billing adjustments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve purchase requisitions
• Approve council claims through March 7, 2025
• Approve payroll register for pay period ending March 2, 2025, totaling $275,277.40
• Approve February 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Review comp/OT report for pay period ending March 2, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the February 25 meeting minutes, claims through March 7, the payroll register totaling $275,277.40, and February utility billing adjustments. No purchase requisitions or new business were considered. The committee also discussed utility billing concerns and grant status updates.

• Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through March 7, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending March 2, 2025, totaling $275,277.40
• Approved 2025 February Utility Billing Adjustments

Tree/Park Board

The Park Board will meet to discuss maintenance and facility updates at Billie Riddle Splash Park and Riverside Park. The board is also considering merging with the Tree Board.

• Netting for baseballs at Billie Riddle Splash Park
• Lead cleanup at Riverside Park
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park
• Merging with the Tree Board
• American Legion Building and Lions Club at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board approved spending $600 to purchase baseball netting for Billie Riddle Splash Park. The board also discussed updates to the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list, including potential funding from the Exxon Mobil penalty account ($283,000) for projects like bathroom upgrades at the splash park and insulation at Riverside Hall. The merger with the Tree Board is pending a decision from the City Attorney, with two ordinances needing to be combined.

• Approved $600 for baseball netting at Billie Riddle Splash Park (motion by Tom Canape, seconded by Richard Klose)
• Approved minutes from February 6 meeting (motion by Phyllis Bromgard, seconded by Richard Klose)

City Council

The Laurel City Council is meeting in a workshop to discuss and potentially act on several resolutions, including adopting a new official fee schedule, approving the 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, and authorizing a contract with Fisher's Technology. They will also consider appointing Dean Rankin to the Urban Renewal Agency and discuss tabled minutes. Public input is limited to non-agenda items.

• Appointment of Dean Rankin to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency (term ending Dec 31, 2027)
• Resolution to adopt official schedule of fees and charges, repealing conflicting previous resolutions
• Resolution to adopt 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan and Annex K for Yellowstone County
• Resolution authorizing mayor to execute independent contractor service contract with Fisher's Technology
• Discussion of tabled minutes

The City Council held a workshop with no formal votes or decisions. Items discussed included appointing Dean Rankin to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency, adopting a new fee schedule, adopting the 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, and leasing new copy machines from Fisher's Technology. Council also discussed corrections to previous meeting minutes.

• No formal votes taken at workshop
• Discussed appointment of Dean Rankin to Laurel Urban Renewal Agency
• Discussed resolution to adopt official fee schedule
• Discussed adopting 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan for FEMA grant
• Discussed 5-year copier lease with Fisher's Technology

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will meet to review and approve city expenditures and payroll. The session includes financial updates from the Clerk Treasurer and an executive update from the Mayor.

• Payroll register for pay period ending February 16, 2025, totaling $255,231.46
• Council claims entered through February 21, 2025
• Purchase requisitions
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending February 16, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved the February 11 meeting minutes, claims through February 21, and the payroll register for the period ending February 16, totaling $255,231.46. No new or old business was discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025.

• Approved February 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through February 21, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending February 16, 2025, totaling $255,231.46

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider a resolution to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges, replacing conflicting previous resolutions. They will also vote on appointing Austin Gearhart to the Laurel Police Department and Gaurav Thakur to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, claims, and payroll.

• Resolution R25-17 to adopt an official fee schedule
• Appointment of Austin Gearhart to the Laurel Police Department
• Appointment of Gaurav Thakur to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory
• Payroll register for PPE 2/21/2025 totaling $255,231.46
• Claims entered through February 21, 2025

The Laurel City Council approved several routine items, including the appointment of Austin Gearhart to the Police Department and Gaurav Thakur to the Urban Renewal Agency, and adopted Resolution R25-17 establishing an official fee schedule. The council also tabled the minutes from two prior meetings and approved consent items, including payroll. A letter from resident Michael Hammer was read into the record, raising concerns about meeting conduct and a prior CAO appointment, but no action was taken on it.

• Tabled minutes of Jan 28 and Feb 11 meetings (8-0)
• Approved consent items including payroll $255,231.46 (8-0)
• Appointed Austin Gearhart to Police Department (8-0)
• Appointed Gaurav Thakur to Urban Renewal Agency (8-0)
• Adopted Resolution R25-17 fee schedule (8-0)

Emergency Services Committee

The committee will meet to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the police, fire, and ambulance chiefs. No new business or specific ordinances are listed for decision.

• Updates from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek
• Updates from Fire Chief JW Hopper
• Updates from Police Chief Stan Langve
• Approval of January 27, 2025 minutes

The committee approved the January 27, 2025 minutes unanimously (6-0). Department heads provided updates: Fire Chief Hopper reported on joint training and the County-Wide Protection Plan; Police Chief Langve noted all 15 officer positions are filled and a fundraiser for uparmor vests has started; Ambulance Chief Gurchiek reported one missed call in January and highlighted the need for a new ambulance due to aging vehicles. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved January 27, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Noted Fire Department joint training with PD/EMS and County-Wide Protection Plan
• Noted Police Department all 15 positions filled and Shield616 uparmor vest fundraiser started
• Noted Ambulance Department one missed call in January and need for new ambulance

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency meets on February 24, 2025, to discuss project updates from Triple Tree Engineering, advisory positions, and organization updates from Big Sky EDA and Beartooth RC&D. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting.

• Project Update from Triple Tree Engineering
• Discussion on Advisory Positions
• Update from Big Sky EDA
• Update from Beartooth RC&D
• Approval of February 3, 2025 Minutes

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency met February 24, 2025, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members voted to move meetings to the second and fourth Mondays of each month starting in March, and noted that Triple Tree will present at the next meeting on March 10. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Moved meeting schedule to 2nd and 4th Mondays starting March 2025
• Noted Triple Tree will present at March 10 meeting
• Acknowledged Dean R.'s interest in becoming a board member

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to discuss several items, including appointments to the police department and urban renewal agency, and a resolution to adopt a new official schedule of fees and charges. The fee schedule resolution would repeal all previous conflicting fee resolutions upon its effective date. Public input is limited to non-agenda items, and no action will be taken on items not on the agenda.

• Appointment of Austin Gearhart to the Laurel Police Department
• Appointment of Gaurav Thakur to the Laurel Urban Renewal Agency - Advisory for a term ending December 31, 2027
• Resolution of intent to adopt an official schedule of fees and charges, repealing conflicting previous resolutions

Public Works Committee

The Laurel Public Works Committee will meet on February 18, 2025, to review the January 21, 2025 minutes, emergency call out report, and KLJ report. The agenda also includes discussions on stop signs and a fire hydrant update.

• Stop Sign Discussion
• Fire Hydrant update
• Emergency Call Out Report
• KLJ Report

The Public Works Committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes. The KLJ report noted that the Laurel Water Tank Funding grant was denied, but the city is applying for additional grants, including through MT DES, which has assigned a grant writer. The committee discussed snow removal on 1st Ave, summer street maintenance (patching and chip sealing), and potential lighting/pathway along East Railroad out to Walmart. No formal action was taken on these items.

• Approved January 21, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Water tank grant denied; pursuing other grants including MT DES
• Snow piles on 1st Ave to be removed by Public Works
• Summer street maintenance limited to patching and chip sealing to save funds for West Railroad Street project

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a zone change and zoning map amendment for the Old Middle School. The body will also consider equipment purchases and contractor agreements.

• Public hearing and Resolution R25-14 for zone change and zoning map amendment (Old Middle School)
• Payroll register for PPE 2/2/2025 totaling $274,683.20
• Resolution R25-15 to purchase a mini excavator from Bobcat Of Big Sky, Inc.
• Resolution R25-16 to execute an independent contractor service contract with True North Contracting
• Appointments of Richard Herr to Public Works Committee and Craig Baumgartner to Police Commission

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to discuss new business including a mill levy and an open position. The board is also scheduled to review the Collection Development policy.

• Mill levy discussion
• Open position discussion
• Collection Development policy review
• Trustee learning via MSL YouTube videos

The Laurel Library Board voted to postpone pursuing a mill levy for at least another year, citing the current political climate and potential state legislation affecting funding. The board also approved the January 2025 minutes and discussed the resignation of a staff member, leading to plans to repost the open position. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved January 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Katie, seconded by Kate)
• Postponed mill levy discussion for at least a year
• Will repost open library position to union employees then public

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, a payroll register totaling $274,683.20, utility billing adjustments, and the January 2025 financial statement. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Payroll register for pay period ending February 2, 2025, totaling $274,683.20
• Council claims entered through February 7, 2025
• January 2025 Utility Billing Adjustments
• January 2025 monthly Financial Statement
• Comp/OT report for pay period ending February 2, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved a revised purchase requisition for garbage truck repairs, increasing the cost from $11,166.12 to $11,832.23 to include an arm tie rod repair. The committee also approved the January 28 meeting minutes, claims through February 7, the payroll register for the period ending February 2 totaling $274,683.20, January utility billing adjustments, and the January 2025 monthly financial statement. No substantive policy decisions were made; all items were routine approvals.

• Approved revised garbage truck repair requisition totaling $11,832.23
• Approved January 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved claims and check register through February 7, 2025
• Approved payroll register for period ending February 2, 2025, totaling $274,683.20
• Approved January 2025 utility billing adjustments
• Approved January 2025 monthly financial statement

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is meeting to discuss merging with the Tree Board, community garden groups, and park facilities including bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park. They will also review old business regarding Riverside Park, the American Legion Building, Riverside Hall, and Riverside lead cleanup.

• Merging with the Tree Board
• Community Garden Group
• Bathrooms at Billie Riddle Splash Park
• Riverside Park Campground/other items
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss several resolutions and appointments. The body is reviewing a zoning map amendment and contracts for public works equipment and services.

• Resolution to approve zone change and zoning map amendment
• Resolution to purchase a mini excavator from Bobcat Of Big Sky, Inc.
• Resolution to execute an independent contractor service contract with True North Contracting
• Appointment of Richard Herr to the Public Works Committee
• Appointment of Craig Baumgartner to the Police Commission

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will review and vote on moving its meetings to the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. The board will also discuss advisory positions on the LURA Board and receive a project update from Triple Tree Engineering.

• Approval of minutes from January 6 and January 21, 2025 meetings
• Vote on changing meeting schedule to 2nd & 4th Monday of each month
• Discussion of advisory positions on the LURA Board
• Project update from Triple Tree Engineering

City Council

The City Council will vote on several resolutions authorizing the Mayor to execute service contracts and an employment agreement. The body will also review financial statements and payroll for the period ending January 19, 2025.

• Resolution R25-10: Agreement for provision of fire services for the Laurel Urban Fire Service Area (LUFSA)
• Resolution R25-13: Employment agreement for the position of Chief Administrative Officer
• Resolution R25-11: Independent contractor service contract with Ace Electric, Inc.
• Resolution R25-12: Independent contractor service contract with Interstate Power Systems
• Approval of payroll register for PPE 1/19/2025 totaling $250,361.49

The council approved Resolution R25-13, authorizing the mayor to execute an employment agreement for the Chief Administrative Officer position, by a 5-3 roll call vote. A motion to table the resolution failed because it did not receive the required super-majority, despite a 5-3 vote in favor. The council also unanimously approved three other resolutions and the consent agenda.

• Approved Resolution R25-13 (CAO employment agreement) 5-3
• Motion to table R25-13 failed (5-3, lacked super-majority)
• Approved Resolution R25-10 (fire services agreement for LUFSA) 8-0
• Approved Resolution R25-11 (contract with Ace Electric, Inc.) 8-0
• Approved Resolution R25-12 (contract with Interstate Power Systems) 8-0
• Approved consent items including claims, financial statements, payroll register, and workshop minutes 8-0
• Approved minutes of January 14, 2025, as presented

Budget/Finance Committee

The Budget/Finance Committee will review and approve routine financial documents, including minutes from the January 14 meeting, purchase requisitions, council claims, payroll, and the December 2024 financial statement. No major policy decisions are scheduled.

• Approve Budget/Finance Committee minutes from January 14, 2025
• Approve payroll register totaling $250,361.49 for pay period ending January 19, 2025
• Approve Council claims entered through January 24, 2025

The Budget/Finance Committee approved an emergency purchase requisition for $11,166.12 to repair a garbage truck, including replacing worn kingpins, knuckles, and bushings. They also approved the January 14 meeting minutes, claims through January 24, the payroll register for January 19 totaling $250,361.49, and the December 2024 monthly financial statement. All approvals were unanimous with no objections.

• Approved $11,166.12 emergency garbage truck repair (unanimous)
• Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved claims and check register through January 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved payroll register for period ending January 19, 2025, totaling $250,361.49 (unanimous)
• Approved December 2024 monthly financial statement (unanimous)

Emergency Services Committee

The Laurel Emergency Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes from November 25, 2024, and receive updates from the ambulance, fire, and police chiefs. No new business, old business, or other items are listed on the agenda. The next meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2025.

• Approval of minutes from November 25, 2024
• Update from Ambulance Chief Lyndy Gurchiek
• Update from Fire Chief JW Hopper
• Update from Police Chief Stan Langve

City Council

The Laurel City Council is holding a workshop to consider four resolutions authorizing the mayor to execute agreements: a fire services agreement for the Laurel Urban Fire Service Area, two independent contractor service contracts with Ace Electric, Inc. and Interstate Power Systems, and an employment agreement for the Chief Administrative Officer. Public input is limited to non-agenda items, and no action will be taken on non-agenda topics.

• Resolution authorizing fire services agreement for LUFSA
• Resolution authorizing contract with Ace Electric, Inc.
• Resolution authorizing contract with Interstate Power Systems
• Resolution authorizing employment agreement for Chief Administrative Officer

Cemetery Commission

The Laurel Cemetery Commission is meeting to review previous minutes from October 15, 2024, and discuss old business including an Eagle Scout Project and a flag collection box. New business features discussions on repairing the New Nelson SR100 Big Gun Less Nozzles and cemetery streets. The meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers.

• Approve Minutes of OCTOBER 15, 2024
• Eagle Scout Project
• Flag collection box
• Repair New Nelson SR100 Big Gun Less Nozzles
• Repair cemetery streets

The Laurel Cemetery Commission approved buying one new Nelson SR100 BIG GUN sprinkler nozzle and rebuilding another, and discussed spring asphalt millings for cemetery roads. The commission also approved the October 15, 2024 minutes and noted an Eagle Scout fire pit installation needing keys.

• Approved purchase of one new Nelson SR100 BIG GUN nozzle and rebuild of another (motion by Wally, second by Ken)
• Approved minutes of October 15, 2024 (motion by Wally, second by Tom)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to approve the minutes from December 16, 2024, and receive updates on the West Railroad project and stop sign placements. No formal decisions are scheduled, and public input will not result in action.

• Approval of December 16, 2024 meeting minutes
• Update on West Railroad project
• Update on stop sign placements

The Public Works Committee learned that Laurel was not selected for grant funding for the water tank project. The committee approved the December 16, 2024 minutes and moved the February meeting to February 18, 2025. The West Railroad Project was pushed to 2028, and the stop sign discussion was carried over.

• Approved minutes from December 16, 2024 (5-0)
• Moved February meeting to Feb 18, 2025 (5-0)
• Noted denial of water tank grant funding
• Pushed West Railroad Project to 2028
• Carried over stop sign discussion to next meeting

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency met on January 21, 2025, but took no substantive decisions. Members approved moving the next meeting to February 3, 2025, and discussed shifting future meetings to the 24th starting in March. The lighting proposal and contract update were presented, with a proposal still to be requested.

• Approved moving next meeting to Feb 3, 2025 (all in favor)
• Discussed moving future meetings to the 24th starting in March (no action)

City/County Planning Board

The City/County Planning Board will hold its January 15 meeting in Council Chambers at 6:00 PM. The body will elect a President and Vice President and receive an update on the current legislative session. No substantive decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

City Council

The Laurel City Council will vote on several resolutions, including a zone change and zoning map amendment, approval of a transportation coordination plan and maintenance plan for city transit, and multiple contracts with Triple Tree Engineering for TIF engineering and Lura project tasks. The council will also appoint Tom Canape to the City/County Planning Board and consider routine items like payroll registers and monthly reports.

• Resolution R25-04: Intent to change zoning and amend zoning map, with public hearing to be set
• Resolution R25-05: Contract with Triple Tree Engineering to act as TIF engineer
• Resolutions R25-06 through R25-09: Task orders with Triple Tree Engineering for on-call engineering, Lura surveys and Project #1 design, Lura Project #2 conceptual design, and grant writing/administration
• Payroll registers totaling $248,277.97 and $274,388.59
• Appointment of Tom Canape to City/County Planning Board

The Laurel City Council approved all items on the agenda, including nine resolutions covering transit agreements, a zoning change intent, and multiple contracts with Triple Tree Engineering. They also approved consent items, including payroll registers totaling over $522,000, and appointed Tom Canape to the planning board. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved consent agenda including claims and payroll registers totaling $522,666.56 (8-0)
• Appointed Tom Canape to City/County Planning Board (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-01 for transit MOU with Adult Resource Alliance (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-02 for Transportation Coordination Plan (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-03 for Preventative Maintenance Plan for vans/buses (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-04 for zone change intent and public hearing (8-0)
• Approved Resolution R25-05 for TIF Engineer contract with Triple Tree Engineering (8-0)
• Approved Resolutions R25-06 through R25-09 for engineering task orders with Triple Tree Engineering (8-0)

Library Board

The Laurel Library Board is meeting to discuss routine business including December minutes, correspondence, and circulation report. New business includes trustee learning videos and an update on the library card application. Old business covers holiday activities, soffit and fascia updates, and a policy review of collection development. The meeting is open to the public with a Zoom option.

• Policy Review - Collection Development
• Library Card Application - update
• Soffit & Fascia - update
• Library Holiday Activities - update
• Trustee Learning - MSL Videos

Budget/Finance Committee

The Laurel Budget/Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including purchase requisitions, council claims, payroll registers, and utility billing adjustments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Payroll register for pay period ending December 22, 2024, totaling $248,277.97
• Payroll register for pay period ending January 5, 2025, totaling $274,388.59
• Review and approve December 2024 Utility Billing Adjustments
• Review Comp/OT reports for two pay periods
• Heidi Sparks scheduled to review claims for next meeting

City Council

The Laurel City Council will hold a workshop meeting to review several resolutions, including a zone change and zoning map amendment, and to authorize new contracts with Triple Tree Engineering for transit planning and engineering services. The meeting also includes proclamations, appointments, and employee recognitions.

• Zone change and zoning map amendment with public hearing scheduled
• Contract with Triple Tree Engineering as TIF consultant
• Transportation coordination plan for City of Laurel Transit
• Memorandum of Understanding for public transportation cost-sharing with Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County
• Preventative maintenance plan for city vans and small buses

The Laurel City Council held a workshop and discussed multiple resolutions, including setting a public hearing for a zone change of the Old Middle School property from R6000 to RLMF. The council also reviewed resolutions for transit agreements, maintenance plans, and contracts with Triple Tree Engineering for TIF consulting and various project tasks. No formal votes were taken during the workshop.

• Set public hearing for zone change of Old Middle School from R6000 to RLMF
• Discussed MOU with Adult Resource Alliance for transit services
• Discussed Transportation Coordination Plan for Laurel Transit
• Discussed Preventative Maintenance Plan for vans and small buses
• Discussed contract with Triple Tree Engineering as TIF consultant
• Discussed on-call engineering task order with $5,000 cap per task
• Discussed task order for LURA Project #1 design and construction
• Discussed task order for LURA Project #2 conceptual design and funding plan

Laurel Urban Renewal Agency

The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to elect officers, review a contract with Triple Tree, and receive updates on a Technical Assistant Grant and projects. The agenda also includes approval of December minutes and an update from Big Sky EDA. Most items are routine administrative or discussion items, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Election of officers
• Review of contract with Triple Tree
• Technical Assistant Grant update
• Project updates
• Update from Big Sky EDA

Tree/Park Board

The Laurel Park Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes approval of the December minutes, discussion of other parks in Laurel, tennis courts, Riverside Park campground and other items, the American Legion Building, lead cleanup at Riverside Park, and Riverside Hall with the Lions Club. No votes are listed on the agenda; items appear to be for discussion only.

• Approval of December 5, 2024 minutes
• Discussion of tennis courts
• Riverside Park campground and other items
• American Legion Building at Riverside Park
• Lead cleanup at Riverside Park

The Laurel Park Board met on January 2, 2025, and took no formal votes on substantive matters. They heard a public comment from Morgan Cole of Groovy Grazers proposing a community garden at Fireman's Park, which was placed on the February 6 agenda. The board also discussed park maintenance items, including playground repairs, shower house removal at Riverside Park, and a possible foul ball net at Billie Riddle Splash Park. The meeting was adjourned after approving the previous minutes.

• Approved minutes from December 5 meeting (motion by Klose, second by Bromgard)
• Placed community garden proposal on February 6 agenda
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Richard, second by Phyllis)