HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 03.08.2010MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MARCH 8TH, 2010 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Mark Mace
Marvin Carter
Dave Siljestrom
Chuck Rodgers
Norman Orr
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT
Public Input: None
Emelie Eaton
Kurt Markegard
Kelly Rhoads
Cory Krum
Chuck Dickerson
Troy Kelsy
Mike Gradwohl
Brian Anderson
Waterous Pacer Fire Hydrants ( speaker Brian Anderson):
Brian Anderson, with American Flow Control which manufactures the Waterous Fire Hydrants, gave a
presentation on fire hydrants. The company, which is out of Birmingham, Alabama, has been
manufacturing the 5 1/4" hydrant since 1967. All of the parts are interchangeable and only take one
person to maintain them. Brian explained that the hydrants are manufactured to AWWA standards,
specifications and coding and the removal of four nuts and bolts allows access to all working parts. He
stated that the Pacer hydrant has all the features expected from a high quality fire hydrant. The bronze
valve and seat and bronze seat insert ensure that the Pacer hydrant remains easy to repair. The Pacer has
been manufactured for more than 35 years while still maintaining complete parts interchangeability. Brian
explained that the main valve closure will be the compression type, opening against the pressure and
closing with the pressure. The nozzle section is designed for easy 360 degree rotation by the loosening of
no more than four bolts. The draining system of the hydrant will be bronze and be positively activated by
the main operation rod, and the hydrant will be furnished with a sliding bronze drain valve. Brian
explained that a sliding drain valve made of rubber, plastic, or leather will not be allowed. The life
expectancy of the Pacer hydrant depends on the maintenance of the hydrant, but it would probably be
about 30 years. Brian introduced Cory Krum from Ferguson Water Works in Billings, which is the
authorized distributor.
Kurt stated that the Rules and Regulations state that only one make of fire hydrants is allowed. Kurt
explained that the previous Public Works Director allowed another type of hydrant to be used in the City
of Laurel. Kurt stated that there are Pacer hydrants in Elena and Iron Horse Station Subdivisions.
Dave Siljestrom made a motion to recommend to the council to consider adding these fire hydrants to the
list of products used in the city. Norman Orr seconded the motion.
Mark stated that we need to talk to the people that are going to use the hydrants to see if this would be
something that should be recommended to the council. Mark proposed that this issue be continued to the
next meeting so the committee has time to look at the specifications and then make a motion.
Dave withdrew his motion at this time. Norman Orr withdrew his second to the motion.
Brian gave business cards to Mark and Kurt, so that they can contact him before the next meeting.
Community Hope:
Mike Gradwhol attended the Public Works Committee meeting on behalf of Community Hope. Mike
stated that he is now the board president. Mike asked for a break in the garbage rates when Community
Hope takes unwanted things to the container site. Community Hope pays the monthly garbage rate of
$212.16 for the six-day-a-week pickup. Mike explained that the community takes unwanted items to
Community Hope and drops them off after hours. People drop off the junk even though signs have been
posted around the building stating that there is no after hours drop off. Community Hope has to hire
someone to pick up the unwanted items and take them to the container site, where they are charged for the
items.
Kurt stated that, if there was a way to fence off a 20-yard container, the city could set one at the business,
they could dump the unwanted items in it, and the city could then haul it away. That might save some
money. Kurt also explained that if that is done for one business, other businesses will want the same. Kurt
stated that other businesses such as Town Pump and Conoco have also asked for a reduction in garbage
fees because their customers dump trash from their vehicles and the business has to pay for the service.
Kurt explained that the businesses are providing a service to their customers, and he will not reduce their
rates.
Mike stated that the previous financial advisor did not pay the container site bills so they were not
allowed to charge at the container site anymore. Mike asked the committee to consider letting Community
Hope charge again. The Public Works Committee agreed to let Community Hope charge again.
Stn Ave Handout:
Kurt stated that he planned to have a handout with the schedule for the 80' Avenue Project, but Knife
River called and is going to change the schedule. The project will start on Main Street and the contractor
will do two blocks at a time. Kurt is going to have a meeting with Knife River regarding the Laurel
project later this week. Kurt will get a new schedule later this week.
West Main SID:
Kurt stated that the West Main SID started out going from Third Avenue to Eighth Avenue for bulb-outs
and sidewalks to make it easier for pedestrians. Kurt stated that the city needs to create an SID for
sidewalk improvements from Third Avenue to Eighth Avenue where driveways and sidewalks do not
exist. Kurt stated that the State is going to help out with this project. They are using maintenance funds to
do the overlay and also using some urban funds. Kurt explained that the State will help with the storm
water inlets, curb and gutter and the city would be responsible for the driveways and the sidewalks. With
the West Main improvement district, the city would have to set up an SID to cover the $198,000 costs for
the improvements. Kurt stated that a property owner would be charged by the linear foot. If a property
owner has done sidewalk improvements, they would not be assessed the SID (such as Fausnaughs).
Other:
There was a brief discussion on Utilities Helping Utilities. This item will be put on next month's agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
submitted,
Utility %jAing Clerk