HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 08.15.2000 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
AUGUST 15, 2000 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Gay Easton
Bill Staudinger
Gary Temple
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
V. Joe Leckie
Larry McCann
Mary Embleton
Cai Cumin
Rick Musson
Jim Stevens
Jan Faught
Steve Klotz
Larry McCann explained the need for Resolution No. R00-56 on the council agenda. The resolution
declares that an emergency exists at the water intake structure. The Yellowstone River is currently at
50% of its normal flow, and it was necessary to have COP Construction start digging in the river on
Monday. We have been trying to get by until the bendway weir project could begin, but we could not
wait. We have applied for a permit to dig in the river, but the permit has not yet been received. Because
of the dry weather, water consumption is up to three million gallons per day. The city must be careful not
to go below the available water necessary to meet fire code requirements. The Big Ditch Company placed
its junior water users on notice today that irrigation can be done only for hayfields, fields that will be
plowed, or profit crops.
Larry stated that the work in the channel should be done by Thursday of this week. Since the track hoe
was leased for seven days, Larry is considering hiring COP Construction to dig up the street on Hazel
Avenue so that city crews could lay the water line in that location.
Public comment period for the bendway weirs ends August 30t~. The Corps of Engineers will then decide
whether or not a public hearing should be held, which would involve a thirty-day process. If a public
hearing is not required, Larry Robson will inform Larry as soon as possible to begin the bid process.
Burlington Northern is receptive to supply the rocks for the project from their tracks. Hopefully, the
bendway weirs would be in by the end of September or the beginning of October. The Corps has
projected the cost of the bendway weirs to be $144,000. The bendway weir project is out to the grant
writers at this time.
Larry stated that his goal is to prevent having a day where the City of Laurel runs out of water.
Ken Olson asked regarding the status of the Project Impact Grant. Larry stated that no decision has been
made regarding the grant and Laurel's water intake problem. Project Impact is developing a county
project for Safe Rooms in Schools. The project would ensurea safe room in every county school for the
purpose of safety during tornadoes, high winds, etc. Communications for emergency services is another
issue that is being addressed.
Fire Chief Stevens explained the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department's involvement in assisting the
firefighting efforts in the western part of the state. The department is trying to certify some firemen with
red card in the Department of State Lands. Once that is complete, the department will dedicate a piece of
equipment from their inventory to go into a pool of available Yellowstone County equipment. There will
be a fourteen-day commitment for both firefighters and equipment. The department is doing this to assist
fellow Montanans to protect the natural resources and to assist fellow firefighters.
Maw Embleton gave a brief summary of the Final Budget. She explained two new items that were added
to the budget: the Tax Levy Requirements Schedules and the Non-Levied Funds Summary Schedule.
She explained that the budget law that was passed a couple years ago allows cities to have up to 50% of
their appropriations held in cash reserve. The city's budget was completed with 22% of appropriations in
cash reserve.
Gary Temple stated that several transients have been in Firemen's Park lately and are a public nuisance.
Mayor Rodgers stated that ChiefMusson would address the problem.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Council Secretary