Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 05.08.2000 MINUTES PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MAY 8, 2000 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Gay Easton Gary Temple Bill Staudinger John Oakes Jeanette Koch Mark Mace Ed Steffans Larry McCann OTHERS PRESENT: Ken Olson Allen Broyles Alan Hicks Patrick Murtagh Duane Swecker Rick Shaver Robert Shaw Collette Decker Allen Brovles and Rick Shaver - 404 West 12th Street These individuals are building a house at 404 West 12th Street. On March 13th, they requested to have the meter set and the water turned on. When the meter was set, there was a leak on the check valve and meter loop, and our serviceman wanted to leave it off Rick said to leave the water on and he would repair the leaks, which were still leaking on May 1st. They called on April 24th and insisted that they had not used any services and did not want to pay the bill. After changing the shut-off time several times, the service was shut off on May 1~t. They stated that their water meter reading was zero, and they did not have any consumption. It was explained that the service was available, so the minimum charge was billed. The disputed bill was for $51.68 (WSG) and the $15.00 fee to turn on the water. Motion by Gary Temple to assess the water, sewer and garbage charges, seconded by Bill Staudinger. Motion carried. Ted Proctor- 906 SecondAvenue Ted Proctor did not attend the meeting. He has moved to Billings and the house is for sale. They want the water on for lawn watering, but they do not want to pay for sewer and garbage. No action was taken. Robert Shaw - 20 4th Avenue Robert Shaw requested that his water be shut off when they moved last summer. When this curb box was turned off and the water service at 18 Fourth Avenue was also turned off, it was determined that both houses were on the same shut-off valve. The Shaws were advised to get a plumber, and we continued to bill them monthly because the service was still on. On April 27th, Curb Box Specialists dug around the curb box and found a second curb box, very deep and to the side, for this house. The curb box was defective and Mr. Shaw had it repaired. Since the city had been unable to locate the curb box last summer, he is asking regarding the possibility of having his $437.65 account reduced. Motion by Gary. Temple to deny the request for a reduction of the water bill for Robert Shaw at 20 Fourth Avenue, seconded by John Oakes. Motion carried. Duane Swecker - 520 7th Avenue Duane owns the houses at 520 and 520~ Seventh Avenue. The houses used to be on the same curb box, but he had Bob Brown put them on individual curb boxes. The first time we attempted to shut off 520 7th Avenue, the curb box would not work, and Duane feels that we broke it. Since the water could not be shut off, the account was put in his name. He does not want to pay the $53.21 WSG charges and the $15.00 service charge. Mark Mace explained that he plans to propose a program to cover the costs of repairing various repair such as curb boxes. This program would be financed by charging each water user $1.00 per month, and the fund would be used for repair expense. Motion bv Gary Temple to grant the request to waive the WSG bill of $53.21 for Duane Swecker, seconded by Bill Staudinger. Motion carded. AI Hicks - Pro Pumo and Ecluit}ment There have been citizen complaints about sand and water standing in the streets. The City of Laurel Ordinance 8.12.020 Lawn Irrigation, states, "No person shall irrigate lawns or shrubbery and allow the water to collect thereon to such an extent that the same overflows on another's property, or overflows and collects in the gutter of the city streets." AI Hicks asked for direction regarding the requirements of drilling wells within the City of Laurel. The committee discussed the problems of debris, sand, and excessive water flow that result from wells being drilled. After a lengthy discussion, Gay stated that an ordinance should be considered to address the problem, and it would be necessary to consult the city attorney regarding it. It was agreed that the contractors should continue doing what they have been doing until further notice. Undate on Park on Fir Avenue - Ken Olson Ken Olson displayed a drawing of the architect's conception of the soccer field at this location. The soccer field would be a joint effort between the City of Laurel and the Laurel School District. The Laurel School District has agreed to provide the seed, the sprinkler system and the fence for the area. They have asked for consideration of the water needed to maintain the field. The area has already been annexed into the city. The Laurel School District would maintain the soccer field. Pat Murta~h - Grant Writer for the City of Laurel Pat Murtagh explained the needs assessment survey. This survey is required to be completed before application could be made for most grants, particularly CBDG Grants. The survey would consist of about thirty questions and would be sent to about 400 Laurel residents. Three considerations are made: health and safety, cost, and public opinion. The cost of the survey is $2.00 per survey, making the total cost $7,370. Larry explained two resolutions for the committee's consideration. One resolution authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Montana Engineering & Administration (ME&A) for grant writing services. The second resolution authorized the mayor to sign a contract with ME&A for a needs assessment in the City of Laurel. Motion by Gary Temple to accept the resolutions for council approval, seconded by Mark Mace. Motion carried. Contribution to YMCA Summer Recreation Program Collette Decker explained that the YMCA would be hiring a program director by May 204, and they would be organizing various activities and summer camps for the youth in Laurel. Larry McCann explained a resolution that would contribute $3,000 to the YMCA Laurel Summer Recreation Program. The City has budgeted that amount for summer recreation programs but does not have the human resources to conduct a program. The city will offer swimming and swimming lessons this summer. Motion by Gary Temple to accept the resolution to contribute to the YMCA Summer Recreation Program, seconded by Bill Staudinger. Motion carried. Palace Bar & Lanes The Palace Bar & Lanes is in negotiations for property to build a parking lot. This is a joint effort for several area businesses. The businesses are questioning the impact that diagonal parking will have on the parking situation. The Palace is requesting an extension of time to provide parking for their business. Motion by Bill Staudinger to allow the Palace Bar and Lanes an extension of time to provide parking, seconded by Ed Steffans. Motion carried. UNSCHEDULED MATTERS: Bids - 5th Avenue project and water line oroiect Larry McCann distributed information regarding the bids received for the 5t~ Avenue project and the water line replacement project. The following contractors were recommended for award of their bid: 5th Avenue project - Flack & Flack, Billings, for $124,968.15 Water line replacement - AME, Billings, for $92,910 Motion by Bill Staudinger to accept the bids, seconded by Mark Mace. Motion carried. 5th Avenue - Truck Route In order to save money, 5th Avenue will be closed during the rebuild project. Since it is a track route, it is necessary to put up signage to inform track drivers that the road will be closed. The state will install the signs, but the city will have to purchase three signs at a cost of $567. Motion by Mark Mace to purchase the signs, seconded by Bill Staudinger. Motion carried. Curb box nolicv Jeanette asked regarding the policy for shut off when two or more houses are on one curb box. Larry stated that this problem would be addressed in the Rules and Regulations that are being reviewed. John Oakes - Businesses conductinl~ business on city nronertv John stated that ACE Hardware and Thomae Lumber should not be allowed to conduct business on city property. Gay explained that these businesses pay an encroachment fee for the right to do so, and the continuing problems regarding Thomae Lumber are being addressed. The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Alien Council Secretary