HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 05.11.2009MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MAY 11TH, 2009 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Public Input: None
Snow Removal Routes:
Chairman Mark Mace
Emelie Eaton
Chuck Rodgers
Bill Kampfer
Troy Kelsey, Norman Stamper, Dave Siljestrom
Kurt Markegard
Kelly Rhoads
Mark asked if the maps, that Chuck Rodgers brought from the last meeting was a go. Kurt
stated that we have a sweeping district, and questioned why we don't have a plowing district
for downtown. Kurt stated that according to the sweeping contract, the city is to decide when
we are to sweep. Kurt stated that he would like to see a plowing contract with the state also,
for the central business district. Kurt stated that the Central Business District is the ones that
want the snow removed. Kurt stated that a bigger fee should be assessed to the Central
Business District, because they are the ones that want the streets plowed. Kurt asked why
should residential customers pay the same amount in street maintenance, as the Central
Business District. Residential customers do not get the streets plowed every time it snows.
Kurt stated that if a larger amount was assessed to these customers, then the city could use the
funds to purchase new equipment. Kurt stated that the city could possibly purchase a deicer
tank to help remove the snow also. Mark stated that a letter could be mailed to the customers
in the central business district and to the customers on S.E. Fourth Street, to let them know of
the possible increase. Kurt also stated that the city ordinance does not state that the snow must
be plowed and removed. Kurt stated that we could use liquid deicer to remove the snow. Mark
stated that there are three issues that we are actually dealing with. 1. Update the amount that
needs to be assessed. 2. Where the plowing district will be. 3. Create a plowing district with
additional areas. Kurt stated that we sand the stop signs when it snows and then sweep up the
sand when the snow melts. Kurt stated that the street maintenance should help pay for part of
the street sweeper.
Street Maintenance Re air Program Bids:
Kurt stated that three bids we put in for the street maintenance program. Hardrives
Construction submitted a bid for $355,888.89. Knife River Construction submitted a bid for
$377,000.00, and Riverside Sand & Gravel Inc. submitted a bid for $624,350.00.
Kurt stated that if we repair the cracks every year we would save millions of dollars. Streets
are to be maintained regularly to prevent costly repairs. Kurt stated that the Laurel streets are
so far behind because there was not a program put together. Kurt stated that when the water
seeps through the cracks it ruins the clay and therefore ruins the streets, by causing potholes
and bad streets.
Chuck made a motion to recommend to the council that the Public Works Director write a
letter to the council stating that a street maintenance program be established. Bill Kampfer
seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Public Works Street Sweeping:
Kurt stated that there is not enough money in the street maintenance fund to buy a new street
sweeper. Kurt explained that the street sweeper is old and someday a new sweeper will have
to be purchased. Mark asked how the state pays for the sweeping district. Kurt stated that the
Montana Department of Transportation pays the city a rate of $55.00 per hour for the time
spent in actual sweeping operation not to exceed $5084.10 per year.
Kurt stated that he thinks we need to put a street maintenance program together. Mark stated
that we need to work on the program. Mark asked who will put the program together. Kurt
stated that he would. Kurt stated that he gets many calls from residents asking what the street
maintenance money goes for. Bill asked where the money comes from for the emergency
snow routes. Kurt stated the money comes from the street maintenance fund. Kurt mentioned
that he will need some help from the committee to put the program together. Kurt explained
that there isn't anything in place for when the city sweeps or plows. Mark stated that by
putting the program together, it would show business and residential where the street
maintenance funds go. More discussion followed.
Other None
The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
ARespe submitted,
g Clerk