HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 06.08.2009MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
JUNE 8TH, 2009 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark Mace Troy Kelsey
Emelie Eaton Chuck Dickerson
Chuck Rodgers Dave Siljestrom
Bill Kampfer Norman Orr
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Kurt Markegard
Kelly Rhoads
Public Input: None
Street Patchinn Project:
Kurt stated that Hardrives has been hired to do the patching of the city streets. He stated that
they are out working on them now. Kurt stated that they are patching and filling the alligator
cracks. Kurt explained that they are working on the primary collecting streets, which are 11 '
though West Sixth Street. Kurt explained that they will patch 5th, 6th, 8th, Railroad, downtown,
Washington and on the south side, they will patch S.E. 4th Street. Kurt stated that the crack
sealing process will start in about two weeks. Kurt stated that Hardrives is laid about 45 tons
down the first day of repairs. Chuck Dickerson asked if the city crews are still filling potholes
as well. Kurt stated that the city crews are working on the alleys and taking care of the
complaints, while Hardrives takes care of the streets. Kurt stated that Hardrives is primarily
working four ten hour days. If they get rained out on a weekday, then they will work on
Saturdays. Chuck Dickerson asked if there was any stimulus money. Kurt stated that we have
not received any stimulus money yet, so the moneys are coming out of the street maintenance
fund. Kurt stated that we should receive about $200,000.00 in August which will be stimulus
money, and then we should receive more money the following year. Kurt stated that the
$355,888.89 that we are paying Hardrives is for maintenance on the streets. Kurt stated that
crack sealing is something that should be done every year to prevent the street problems that
we have now. Kurt stated that if we exceed the $355,888.89, it might come back to the Public
Works Committee to make a recommendation to the council to continue the project. Kurt
stated that he only wants trained employees using heavy equipment to prevent injuries, which
would exclude any new or temporary employees from using the equipment.
Temporary Em to lees:
Kurt stated that there are three new seasonal workers in the parks, one new seasonal worker
on the streets and that a new caretaker was hired for Riverside Park. Chuck Dickerson
suggested that Bud and Bruce split up and each take a new seasonal worker and show them
how to use the equipment. (Weed eater, mowers, etc.) Kurt stated that Bud and Bruce are
working hard to get the pool opened for the upcoming weekend. Kurt stated that the pool
opens on June 12'b. Kurt stated that the pool is fully staffed with 13 lifeguards and one
manager on board. Kurt stated that the Maintenance Superintendent position closes Friday
June 12d. Kurt explained that the applications will be reviewed and then the interview
process will begin. Kurt stated that he has received about 10 applications.
Other:
Kurt stated that that the Wastewater Treatment Plant has received a grant of about
$750,000.00. Kurt explained that with the $750,000.00 stimulus money, the citizens of Laurel
do not have to come up with about 1.5 million dollars to fund the project.
Kurt stated that water and sewer rates are being looked at by Montana Rural Water. Kurt
stated that 2" meters have a ratio of about 1-4, to residential customers. Kurt explained that 2"
and larger metered customers should be paying about 7.14 times that of a residential
customer. Kurt stated that the Public Works Committee should discuss rate increases and then
make a recommendation to the council. Kurt stated that Harry from Montana Rural Water will
be at city hall on Thursday, June 11'x"° for a full discussion on EDU's and water and sewer
rates.
Kurt stated that a natural gas line broke in the river over the weekend. Kurt explained that
Riverside Park and the river were evacuated. Kurt stated that the gas was shut off and remains
off until the line is repaired.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m