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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 07.13.2009MINUTES PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE JULY 13TH, 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 Solid Waste Fees: Kurt stated that the City of Billings has increased their solid waste fees. Kurt stated that the City of Billings has sent the City of Laurel a new contract, stating that the new fee per ton is $15.00. Kurt stated that this is about a 23% increase. Kurt stated that the City of Laurel spends about $80,000.00 annually on solid waste fees at the City of Billings landfill. Kurt stated that with the increase it will go up to about $100,000.00 per year. Kurt explained that the annual expenses and the total revenue are about even, in the solid waste fund, with an ending balance of about $800,000.00. Kurt stated that out of that fund a new garbage truck will need to be purchased and another employee will need to be hired. Kurt explained that with increased population in Laurel it takes more time to empty trash cans, therefore the city will have to hire another employee to compensate for the extra garbage. Kurt stated that right now they have to pull employees from other departments to cover the garbage pickup, especially if there are large containers that need to be hauled. Kurt stated that within the next year, an increase in garbage rates may need to be discussed for residential customers. Kurt explained that as of July 15t, 2009 residential customers are paying the same rate as commercial customers. Kurt stated that some businesses are reducing their volume, by recycling and using trash compactors. Kurt stated that customers are charged by volume and not by weight. Tour Laurel City Pool: Kurt stated that the doors to the city pool are in bad shape. Kurt explained that the piping that is downstairs will need to be replaced or repaired. Kurt stated that the pool is in overall good shape but the bottom needs to be repainted. Tour of Streets: Kurt stated that he would like some feed back from the public works committee on their thoughts about the streets so far. Kurt stated that the main purpose is to smooth over the roads, by taking care of the potholes and the cracking. Kurt stated that there are about 300 potholes on the south side streets that need to be filled. Kurt explained that Montana, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Washington Avenues are not being worked on at this time. Kurt stated that new water lines will be replaced on those streets and he does not want to spend the money, when those streets will be torn up. Kurt stated that hopefully more of the streets will be chip sealed, depending on how the alligator cracking and the potholes are repaired. Kurt explained that the streets running east and west are more traveled and take most of the abuse. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Respec fully submitted, ell o Utility Bi ' g Clerk