HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial City Council Minutes 08.09.2011 (2) MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL
August 9, 2011
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was held in the
Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Ken Olson at 6:10 p.m. on August 9, 2011.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Emelie Eaton Doug Poehls
Bruce McGee Mark Mace
Tom Nelson Chuck Dickerson
Norm Stamper (6:15 p.m.)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Chuck Rodgers
OTHER STAFF PRESENT: Sam Painter
SCHEDULED MATTER:
• Resolution No. R11 -68: A resolution approving a Temporary Construction Easement
between the City of Laurel and ExxonMobil Pipeline Company.
Motion by Council Member Poehls to approve Resolution No. R11 -68, seconded by Council
Member Nelson. There was no public comment.
Council Member Dickerson asked regarding the depth that the pipe would go. The Temporary
Construction Agreement makes reference to a 12 -inch pipeline. The letter received from the State of
Montana, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, states that "the pipeline is proposed to
be at least 42' below the existing riverbed, with the majority of the pipeline exceeding 48' below the
bed of the Yellowstone River." Council Member Dickerson stated that he has heard the figure of 30
feet going across the riverbed and the attorney's memorandum said that the city should consider
requiring Exxon to bury the pipeline 48 feet.
Mayor Olson stated that, in today's meeting with ExxonMobil, it was verified that the pipeline
would be below the 48 feet required by the state.
Council Member Dickerson stated that there was discussion last week regarding the possibility of
running a city waterline across the river with the Exxon pipeline. He does not want to drop that
possibility unless there is a good explanation as to why it cannot be done at this time. If there is
room in a 12 -inch pipe to run a line across, he thinks it would be the perfect opportunity to get a
waterline across the riverbed.
Mayor Olson stated that the Temporary Construction Easement between the City of Laurel and
ExxonMobil Pipeline Company is the issue before the council at this time. The agreement identifies
the days that the park will be closed and the amount of compensation ExxonMobil will pay the city.
Mayor Olson stated that tonight's council workshop agenda includes discussion regarding the right -
of -way and the waterline could be discussed at that time. Approval of the Temporary Construction
Easement would allow ExxonMobil to stage and begin the process of boring into the ground.
Riverside Park will be closed until the process is completed.
Council Member Stamper arrived at 6:15 p.m.
Mayor Olson stated that Exxon has indicated the project would last between 30 and 40 days and the
contract includes a payment of $1,000 per day of closure. At this special meeting, the council's
consideration was the agreement for the park closure. The right -of -way and the accompanying facts
would be discussed at the regular council workshop following the special council meeting.
Council Member Dickerson stated that he was not sure if this was the right time to mention the
waterline, but he wanted it as a matter of record and for Exxon to note the council's thoughts and
future possibilities going forward.
Special Council Minutes of August 9, 2011
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Resolution No. R11 -68. All seven council members
present voted aye. Motion carried 7 -0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Council Member Dickerson to adjourn the council meeting, seconded by Council
Member Mace. There was no public comment or council discussion. A vote was taken on the
motion. All seven council members present voted aye. Motion carried 7 -0.
There being no further business to come before the council at this time, the meeting was adjourned at
6:17 p.m.
Cindy Allen C�'ouncil Secretary
� Y
Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 16 day
of August, 2011.
• enneth E. Olson, Jr., ■ ayor
Attest:
ltt,� -f ,;r:
Shirley Ewan, Clerk/Treasurer
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