Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 01.02.1996 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 2, 1996 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHER'S PRESENT: Chairman- Chuck Ron Marshall Dirk Kroll John Minch Bud Johnson V. Joe Leckie Mike Atkinson Andy Loebe Dave Michael Rodgers Chuck Dickerson Gay Easton Donna Kilpatrick D.L. McGillen Jim Flisrand Vicki Metzger Don Hackmann The Mayor commented that Miles Walton won't be here until about 7:00 p.m. Dirk said that he is glad to be on board and hopes that we can work together the next four years. Dave said that if any of the new council members would like to tour the plants or other City facilities to just let him know. Jim distributed and reviewed the DPW Update of 1-2-96. Jim explained the difference between a container site and a transfer site. The basic difference is that a transfer site is where the garbage is collected and sorted by the type of materials and then transferred out to the appropriate recycling vendors. The container site, which Laurel has, is where garbage is placed in containers and then transported to a landfill. Jim mentioned that we will have some recycling containers to be used on a voluntary basis. There will be no sorting which will not get us into the category of a transfer site. There are rules and regulations for both types of operation. A transfer site needs to be licensed by the state and a container site does not require any state license. Jim reviewed and explained the CTEP Program (Community Transportation Enhancement Program). Laurel had a $38,000 wheel chair ramp project approved with anticipated construction in 1996. This program involves federal money with the city matching 13°6 for most projects. The program has to be related to transportation, but you cannot use the money for roads. It is for sidewalks, and landscaping adjacent to streets and highways. You cannot replace all curb and gutter on a street, but you can replace all wheel chair ramps. Some money can be spent on museums if the building is on the historical register. Jim pointed out that the 1995 assessment for snow removal was printed incorrectly on the tax statements. It should have read snow removal/street maintenance. The 1995 assessment was $10.50 per 4200 square foot lot. t The assessment is to be used for snow removal, sanding, storm sewer, street repairs, curb and gutter, sweeping residential areas and other street functions. Darrell reported that there was an attempted arson fire at the Merchant apartments last night. A box boy at Ricci's happened to notice it and between he and his supervisor was able to extinguish it. The Fire Department investigated it and flammable liquids were used. Gasoline was poured through a window and luckily it ended up in a porcelain bathtub and happened to burn out. This was a deliberate attempt to burn the building down. Darrell said that he has been suggesting for about 2 years that something needs to be done with this building. The Fire and Police Departments can't be "babysitting" it. Mike Atkinson reiterated what Darrell said about the Merchant Apartments. Mike reported that a new police officer has been hired. Scott Conrad will start work on January 18th. Dave informed the council that Joe Leckie has moved into the room next to the council chambers and the Police Department will use the smaller office previously occupied by the City Treasurer. 9 The Mayor suggested that everyone review the rough draft of the committee appointments and he will get it finalized by next week. The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Don Hackmann, City Clerk 9 • F -1 L-.J FROM: Jim Flisrand, Director of Public Works TO: Mayor and City Council DATE: January 2, 1996 SUBJECT: Public Works- UPDATE STREET & ALLEY 1. Continuing our street maintenance programs including pothole patching, sweeping, and sanding. 2. Sign replacement as needed. PARKS & CEMETERY 1. Equipment, building and ground maintenance continuing throughout the parks, cemetery maintenance, as needed. WATER & SEWER 1. Meter replacement and testing program. 2. Plants continuing with normal treatment and maintenance activities. 3. Water Improvements Project continuing with final design. SOLID WASTE 1. Proceeding with collection and container site operation as required. 2. The new container site is basically completed with shaping and grading being done as weather permits. Final surfacing and office placement will be done late spring. ADMINISTRATION 1. Building activity is continuing due to mild weather. 2. Working with all department on year end activities. 3. A brief overview of Public Works Activities in 1995 is enclosed for your information. Maintenance activities and minor projects are not included in this overview. Each committee will receive a specific update on all work associated within their realm of interest, for the year of 1995. CJ l., '-City Projects a. Montana Avenue (11th Street to 12th Street) Widened street and install 24" storm/irrigation culvert. 1. Benefits local residents and school bus activity. b. South 5th Street (Yellowstone to Cedar) 1. Obtained right of way. 2. Completed rough opening for winter months- more spring work intended. 3. Benefits local residents and school bus activity. C. Waterline construction- 4th Street West (history of problems). d. New container site. 1. Completed except for landscaping and road construction. 2. Will accommodate more users at one time. 3. Will be more accessible and convenient for the public. 4. Will include limited recycling. e. Water Plant/Transmission lines/Reservoir Renovation 1. Currently under design. 2. Improvements include a. Contact Basin, new piping, pumps and valuing, and general plant update. b. Increase size of transmission line to improve service and fire safety. C. Renovate 1.5 mg Reservoir- increase capacity and allow draw down of both reservoirs for maintenance. 3. Anticipate spring advertisement with summer construction. (2 year project) 2. Other Projects a. Closing the landfill. 1. The City was required to monitor groundwater for 30 years and was being pushed into an indefinite testing program at the 2nd level of testing which is more intense and expensive (approx. 20,000 to 30,000 annually) not including additional consultant fees. 2. Through intense effort by the entire staff we were able to eliminate all testing requirements by the State, and acquire a complete closure of the landfill in 1995. b. CTEP Funds (Community Transportation Enhancement Program) 1. City submitted project proposal in 94 and received approval in 1995. Construction will begin spring/summer of 96. 2. Project consists of wheelchair ramps at the intersections of key areas near schools and City parks. 3. Additional. money is available for new projects. Grant Committee will be proceeding on other local projects. C. Underpass Drain - &- I. Project is funded and designed through the Statue Transportation Department. 2. City and State has come to an agreement on design and project will begin early spring. State will be responsible for all maintenance and all contaminated storm waters that originate on the state system. 3. General Information 1. City initiated a Maintenance District in 95 which will replace the current snow assessment to all property owners. a. The funds will be used for snow removal, sanding, street repair, curb and gutter, sweeping residential areas and storm sewer concerns. b. Approximate cost is $10.50/lot annually. 2. Building activity a. New home construction - 16 (same as 94) b. New commercial 6 in 95, 0 in 94- $2,859,000.00 C. Commercial remodel- 3 in 95 248,000.00 d. The number of building permits were down compared to 1994, however the difference is related to less trailer activity in 1995. e. City has requested expansion of building code area. State will hold a public hearing during the month of January. 3. Change of personnel. a. Due to a need of developing maintenance programs for all Public Works Departments and assurance of follow through, we have added one additional supervisor, Andy Lobe, to monitor all up town construction/maintenance and Dave Michael will be responsible for the construction/maintenance of the Water & Sewer Plants. L] 4.