City of Laurel Workshop Meeting - October 20, 2026

The City of Laurel held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Council discussed several items slated for formal action at the next meeting, including a $200,000 change order request for the LURA downtown sidewalks project, the purchase of an octagon columbarium, and budget amendments for police vehicle equipment and a new K-9 unit vehicle. Public comment featured updates on local environmental and community issues and strong praise for the police department's grant writing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Gilg (Laurel CARED): Informed the council about the ongoing public comment period for the Quantica data center wells and a recent court ruling dissolving an injunction on the environmental assessment. She requested the city provide better public education on the difference between Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district funds and the city general fund, specifically regarding the LURA sidewalk project funding. She also expressed strong support for the police department's successful grant applications, calling the officers' efforts a "testament to how much they care about Laurel."
• Zach (2nd Response Upfitters): Commended Detective Booth's persistence over a two-year period in securing the Gary Sinise Foundation grant for the new K-9 vehicle.

Discussion Items

Smith Garson and MLUPA Updates

• Smith Garson: Staff reported representatives from Smith Garson will visit Laurel on October 30 to review water and sewer infrastructure. They are also assisting the city with a USDA Rural Development emergency grant application for intake repairs and requested council members' help contacting Congressional offices for support.
• MLUPA Update: A planning staff member updated the council that the Planning Board will meet on October 21 to discuss the MLUPA contract, scope, and fees. A formal update from the board will be presented at the next council action meeting.

LURA Sidewalks and Lighting Improvements (Change Order No. 2)

• The council reviewed a request for an additional $200,000 in contingency funds for the LURA downtown project. The project sponsor detailed that MDT-required changes ($132,750.50) and city-requested enhancements ($55,093) consumed most of the original $280,000 contingency. Total project changes stand at $289,000, but the total project cost is still projected at $2.7 million, under the $3 million budget. Council general consensus supported the expenditure.
  • Public Exchange: Elizabeth Gilg confirmed this funding comes from the TIF district. Staff acknowledged a contractor error where concrete was poured into planned landscape islands; the contractor will remove and replace the concrete at no extra cost to the city.

Purchase of 96-Niche Octagon Columbarium

• Council Vice President Closey presented a resolution to purchase an octagon columbarium from Dakota Granite for $77,000, a capital-budgeted item. The facility is expected to generate revenue split between the cemetery and the general fund.

Budget Amendments and Police Grants (Resolutions 5-9)

• Budget Amendment: Staff presented amendments to the FY26-27 budget to account for a $68,000 grant for police MDTs and a $29,264 appropriation from K-9 donation funds to equip a new vehicle.
• Police Vehicle MDTs: The Chief of Police reviewed a two-year process to secure a $68,000 SHSP grant for 10 MDTs, which will be combined with $10,000 from the police capital fund to cover price increases. Councilmember McKay praised the department's patience and perseverance.
• K-9 Police Vehicle: The council discussed a gifted vehicle from the Gary Sinise Foundation ($47,500 value, paid directly to the dealer) and a contract with 2nd Response Upfitters for outfitting, funded by donations.

Key Outcomes

• Action Items: The council gave general direction to formally approve the LURA change order, columbarium purchase, budget amendments, and police equipment resolutions at the next action meeting.
• LURA Project: The contractor will correct the concrete landscape islands. Staff will produce education materials on TIF funding for the public.
• Council Report: Councilmember McKay reported no response from the interim budget board regarding questions about allegations against the city.
• Attendance: Council Vice President Closey noted that he, Councilmembers Banks, and Naylor will be absent from the next action meeting due to school concerts, potentially impacting the council quorum.
• Upcoming Meetings: The next Emergency Services meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2026.

Announcements

• Council Vice President Closey: Announced a chili cook-off, trunk-or-treat, and visit from a national commander candidate at the Laurel American Legion on October 29.
• Elizabeth Gilg: Announced a Day of the Dead fundraiser at La Takiera restaurant on November 1st and encouraged community input on the redevelopment of the old middle school building, which is being considered for mixed community uses.