HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 03.09.2009MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MARCH 9, 2009 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Mark Mace
Dave Siljestrom
Emelie Eaton
Norman Stamper
Bill Kampfer
Chuck Rodgers
Troy Kelsey
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Public Input: None
Norman Orr
Kurt Markegard
Kelly Rhoads
Communit-y Hoye Solid Waste Rates:
Mark discussed the problem with Community Hope's solid waste rates. He stated that the
public is dumping unwanted items after hours and on weekends at Community Hope, when no
one is there. Mark stated that Community Hope has no control over this when they are closed.
Community Hope hires a man to load and haul unwanted items to the container site.
Community Hope pays commercial rates for garbage pickup. The garbage is emptied
everyday and that seems to work well. They pay $192.44 per month for this service, therefore
Community Hope wants a decrease in their garbage rate when they take the public's
unwanted items to the container site.
Kurt discussed rules and regulations regarding dumping at the container site. He stated that
commercial and non-residential customers have always been charged. Kurt stated that the
solid waste is an Enterprise Fund. It is not taxpayer driven, but it is a taxpayer utility with
solid waste fees. Laurel does not have a landfill and therefore has to dispose of the items by
hauling garbage to Billings. The city pays costs of $11.50 per ton to haul garbage to the City
of Billings. Laurel has two classifications, residential and non-residential. Community Hope
is a non-residential garbage user and pays a rate comparable for what the container site
receives. Kurt stated that city residents can take garbage to the container site and pay nothing.
Kurt explained issues with non-residents dumping garbage at various businesses in the city.
Other businesses have also asked for rate reductions because people fill their containers with
trash. Kurt stated that the garbage fund, which is an enterprise fund, has to be reimbursed
from its ratepayers for the expenses to haul the garbage to Billings.
Dave Siljestrom asked Kurt "What does Community Hope want to pay?" Kurt stated
"nothing". Emile stated that there is a possible solution. They could haul the unwanted items
to Billings, say they are in the county, and pay nothing. Emelie Eaton made a motion to have
the council direct the Public Works Director to leave the container site rates the same and to
direct him to send a letter to the director of Community Hope that there will be no change. In
the letter he could advise Community Hope that a roll off container could be suggested but
not recommended. Dave Siljestrom seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0.
Uudate on Water Intake:
Kurt explained what was going on at the water plant. Kurt stated that he spoke with COP
Construction and asked them when the lids would be replaced. He stated that they told him
when the weather permitted. Kurt explained that he wanted to know an exact date. According
to COP Construction they did not keep in contact with the engineers. The lids were to be
replaced on March 3, 2009 but with the weather not cooperating there has been a delay. Kurt
stated that the lids should be replaced shortly.
Snow Removal Routes:
Mark explained that the Emergency Services Committee has also been looking at the streets
and roads that need to be opened for emergency vehicles. Kurt stated that the city paid 9'/2
hours of overtime this past weekend for sanding the streets due to the amount of snow that the
city received. Kurt stated that he directed the guys to sand by the schools, cross walks, and
high traffic areas. Kurt explained that he is always watching the weather, so he knows when
and where we need to plow or to sand. Kurt stated that it is really hard to maintain the sand,
because it is not stored inside, and can't regulate the temperature. Kurt explained that the only
equipment that is stored inside is the sanding truck. Kurt stated that the trucks clog up because
the sand is cold and wet. Kurt also stated that we use ice slicer, mixed with sand to melt the
snow. Kurt stated that the city has already used about 510,000 in ice slicer. Kurt stated "what
do we want to do for our community"? Mark suggested the Public Works Committee get
together with the Emergency Services Committee to determine what routes need to be
serviced. Chuck Rodgers suggested that we have Kurt review the rules and regulations on
snow removal, and then go from there. Kurt also stated that he wants to find out why the City
of Laurel is not being reimbursed for snow removal on state routes. Kurt wants to have
meeting with Stefan Streeter, the DOT district manager to find out how the City of Laurel
could be reimbursed for snow removal. Mark suggested that the committee decide what routes
would work and bring them back to the next meeting.
Public Works Director Discussion:
Kurt stated that the City of Laurel should receive some money from the stimulus package.
The City of Laurel made the short list for the 8th Avenue project. There will be a meeting on
March 27, 2009 to review the final plans. Kurt stated that he did not know when, but if the
project stayed on the short list the 8`h Avenue project should be completed by 2010. Kurt said
that the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants would possibly receive money also. Kurt
explained that there are a couple of ways to get money, besides the stimulus package money.
One is a low 1.75% interest rate loan, and the other is a principle forgiveness loan. He
explained that a principle forgiveness loan is like a grant.
Kurt stated that the filter at the water plant went online Friday. Kurt stated that the plant is
discharging at about 4500 gallons per minute. Kurt explained that this is an increase of about
1800 gallons per minute, prior to filter replacement. Kurt said that the under drain and filter
media should be finished shortly and the project will be complete in about three and a half
weeks.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Res 4Bling submitted,
Ke Utility Clerk