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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03.04.1997Minutes of the City Council of Laurel March 4, 1997 A regular meeting of the City Council held in the Council Chambers and called to p.m., on March 4, 1997. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Gay Easton Bud Johnson Miles Walton Norman Orr COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None of the City of Laurel, Montana, was order by Mayor Chuck Rodgets at 7:00 Dirk Kroll Donna Kilpatrick William Staudinger INVOCATION: Invocation was given by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. MINUTES: Motion by Alderman Orr to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 18~ 1997J as presented, seconded by Alderwoman gilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. CORRESPONDENCE: Received a letter of interest from Gary L. Temple for the vacant Alderman position in Ward I. Received a letter of interest from Joseph M. Bradley for the vacant Alderman position in Ward I. Received a membership bulletin from the Montana League of Cities and Towns. CLAIMS: Claims for the month of February were reviewed by the Budget/Finance Committee and recommended that they be paid. Motion by Alderwoman KilDatrick to approve the claims in the amount of $379,486.53 for the month of February, seconded by Alderman Walton. Motion carried 7--0. APPOINT REPLACEMENT FOR ALDERMAN RON MARSHALL: Mayor Rodgets announced that there are two qualified candidates for the position of Alderman in Ward I. Gary Temple and Joe Bradley were present at the council meeting. Mayor Rodgets invited the council to ask them any questions they might have. Motion by Alderman Johnson to appoint Gary Temple to fill the vacancy for Alderman in Ward I, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT TO EXISTING WATER PROJECT: RESOLUTION NO. R97-10 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Jim Flisrand explained that the resolution authorizes the existing contract with Morrison-Maierle to be amended. The water system improvements project will include an engineering review of the low service pumping operation and policy procedures regarding new service taps. Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick that Resolution No. R97-10 be passed and adoptedl seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 7--0. PUBLIC HEARING - WATER RATE INCREASE: Mayor Rodgets stated that according to the ordinance book and in order to allow everyone to speak that wish to, he would allow fifteen minutes for the proponents and fifteen minutes for the opponents. He asked that each individual limit their comments to three minutes and if there was a group speaker, they limit their comments to five minutes. He requested that each speaker come to the podium and give their name and address. Sergeant Mike Zuhoski was appointed as the time keeper. Mayor Rodgets informed the public that in 1993 the Water Quality Bureau did an inspection at the water plant. The city was in violation for not having the proper chlorine contact time. He stated tha~ Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 2 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 Jim Flisrand stated that Morrison Maierle is under contract with the City of Laurel to design all improvements and provide construction, administrative, and training services, as necessary, to complete this project. The primary modifications proposed are specifically designed to meet the federal contact disinfection requirementss assist in the treatment of the plants peak capacity of 10 million gallons, automation of the plant to develop consistency in chemical treatment, enlarge two primary water distribution trunk lines to improve mid-town fire protection and future development, and to paint and repair the existing reservoirs to increase capacity to 5.5 million gallons. Jim described the following improvements in detail: f g h. i. j. Clearwell - federally mandated Chemical handling and pump building Mechanical mixer and mixing basin Plant automation Filter modification Concrete flocculation and sedimentation basins A second sludge/backwash basin Plant basement areas will be increased to house clearwell piping Emergency generator Sandblast and paint the entire structure of the existing 4 MG steel reservoir Resurface walls and construct roof for 1.5 MG concrete reservoir that has not been in service for a number of years for additional storage Correct restrictions in two water trunk lines to increase fire protection, allow reservoir volumes to be transmitted evenly throughout the city, and provide adequate peak flows when needed The federal and state regulations continually require increased quality in water treatment with no financial assistance or guidance in obtaining funding for the improvements. The City of Laurel has made minimal improvements in the water treatment and distribution systems over the years, to maintain one of the lowest water rates in the state. The residents have benefited from the tight budgets over the past yearsl however, the city cannot continue that path and still meet state and federal mandates, increased fire protection needs, and operate a system that is in need of repair and upgrading. Jim explained the proposed cost for the project as follows: Water Plant Reservoirs Water Trunk Lines $ 2,758,135.00 550,688.00 812,277.00 Total $ 4,121.000.00 The public hearing was opened at this time. Bob Graham asked that the fifteen minute time limit be extended to allow more time for comments. Mayor Rogers replied that the time period can be extended if needed. PROPONENTS: Darrell McGillen, Fire Chief, spoke on behalf of the project for reasons of fire protection. He stated that fire departments are rated by the Insurance Service Offices for premiums paid on insurance policies. Laurel has a rating of five, which is good for a Class III city. The water distribution rating is a very important part of obtaining a favorable rating to keep insurance policies at a reasonable rate. He explained that the department could have fancy trucks and all the man power needed, but if there is no water to pump, the rating for the city would be terrible. He described the problem regarding the restrictions of the water distribution line when it comes from the river up to the reservoirs. He referred to the most devastating fire that ever occurred in Laurel, the one at the Movie Haus. The restriction of that water line played a very important role. At one time, the Billings and Laurel fire trucks were pumping at about 4800 gallons per minute. They were told by the water plant that they could not get any more water and to be careful not to start hammering the lines. The reason for the pumping shortage was due to the line restriction on 1st Avenue. He stressed the importance of keeping the rating as it is now classified, which would be an immense savings on insurance policies. If the department lost the rating, there would be an increase seen in insurance premiums. Minutes oi the City Council of Laurel Page 3 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 Lorraine Craig stated she feels the cost of water in Laurel is cheap. Like others, she doesn't want the amount to triple. She explained that by doing nothing, it would not help in the future, but make the situation worse. She said we all know the rate should have been raised years ago, a little bit at a time, but two wrongs do not make a right and we cannot go back and fix it. Keeping it the same will not help the City of Laurel. Jim Flisrand, Director of Public Works, stated that after having all the issues discussed and reasons why the water plant project is needed, the city cannot continue to turn their backs on the needs for our children's future, He feels the city needs to move ahead with the project. Mike Zuhoski, 711 3rd Avenue, believes that the number one thing to look at is the future of Laurel. He stated the city cannot continue to operate on what it has for the last fifteen or twenty years. He feels the growth of the city is far more then we expected and in order to meet future demands, the city needs to update the water plant and service lines. Earl Tufte, office manager for Morrison-Maierle, wished to comment because he feels strongly about the issue. He has worked as a consultant in many communities. He said misery likes company and he has heard comments about mandates, lack of capacity, age deterioration, reliability of the system, and the financial challenges that communities face regarding how to pay for these up dates. Most people simply don't like improvements and it is typical for opponents to be more outspoken. He would not make any comments on the level of improvements because Morrison-Maierle did the rate work. He commended the council for dealing with something that in too many communities gets left on the hack burner for too long. Lois Hanson, 320 1st Avenue, asked what happens if Laurel does not meet the mandate? Jim Flisrand replied that the city can be fined for not meeting the mandate. Lois stated that she will not pay the increase in the water rate, but she would like to help. She gave the council some ideas such as allowing the private sector to run the garbage system, the swimming pool, the park system and allow citizens to donate and volunteer their time to paint the reservoir. She said the cost of water will definitely have to be raised, but not so drastically. She hopes the city looks for other ideas and she thinks it can be done if everyone works together. OPPONENTS: Patty Armogost, 1112 Montana, said she isn't against raising the water rate because she knows it is needed, but this is a hardship for people who are on a fixed income. She stated her husband is on disability and she has a grandson to care for. Her wages do not go up and she can hardly live on what she makes. It is difficult to pay her water bill now and at times she barely beats the truck as it is being turned off. She said she has to take from somewhere else to pay for this raise and does not know where it will come from. She cannot work any more hours and needs help in knowing where the money will come from. She would also like to help in finding a solution. Bob Graham stated he realizes what the city does needl but he would like the council to consider tonight what Patty Armogost just spoke of, which would be to leave the base rate where it is and increase the usage fee. He realizes that in the past, every time the rates were raised, the usage went down and not enough money was generated by increasing the rates. This could happen again but he would strongly recommend that because of people on fixed incomes and other people in that type of situation, that the city leave the base rate where it is or increase it very little and increase the usage rate. This would put the increase where it belongs, in the hands of the people. If they want to use the water, they pay for it. There will still be plenty of burned yards but suggests that the council consider that. The council may have to reevaluate the rates because not as much money will be received, as if the base rate were increased. Bob said this would be a more democratic and acceptable way to do it. Mike Baer, 613 6th Avenue, stated he is opposed to the increase because of the size of it. He realizes there are improvements that need to be done in the city's water system. He also realizes that there are many people on fixed incomes, many elderly people, and many working people who are not getting raises. He feels it is a good idea to keep the base rate low, so if people are conservative they can keep the amount of their water bill down and survive. He would like to see the city back up, take a look at how much money is being spent, and see if there are ways to save it. He said there will be engineers, backhoe operators, and big machine operators mak~nff a ]n~ ~f m~,~ ~ ~h~ Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 4 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 will work cheaper. He said that people have to budget money and time in a valuable way in their homes, and feels the city needs to do that too. He feels that this should have been dealt with years ago by putting money away and that someone needs to take responsibility for mismanagement, if this is the case. Larry Thomas, 101 1/2 East Main, asked the council when will this go to the vote of the people? Mayor Rodgets stated this is a decision of the council. Larry said State Law 7-5-4304 reads, "Certain contracts to be submitted to voters. No contract may be let pursuant to 7-5-4302 that extends over a period of 5 years or more~ except contracts for solid waste management systems as defined in 75-10-103, which may not exceed 10 years, without first submitting the question to a vote of the electors of the city or town". Marlene Bares, 406 West 12th Street, said she knows that some improvements have to be made, but asked if they could be made more gradual? She commented that the water pressure on West 12th Street is low and asked if these improvements will correct the problem? She has talked to young couples, who have moved into the area the last few years, and they have told her that due to the sewer rate increase and now the water rate increase, they are moving out. They said they cannot afford it, will sell their homes, and move out of the city limits. Marlerie stated this will hurt our community. These young people are needed in our community. Marlcue is concerned that people will not be watering and the community will not stay beautiful. She does not like the chlorine taste in the water at times, so she has gotten a filter system from Culligan. It is the only way she will drink the city water. She wishes the council the best of luck for a big job ahead of them and knows something has to be done. Harry Frank, 519 Washington, commented that the fire department said they needed more water. The city will charge more for water and less people will irrigate their grass and this becomes a fire hazard. He stated people on social security make $400.00 to $500.00 dollars a month and asked how are they going to pay for this? Taxes are already high and he feels Laurel is dying anyway. He noted that businesses will not pay; they will raise their prices to make up for it. Richard Barnhardt, 413 2nd Avenue, asked the council if they have to adhere to state laws or is it just the public that has to? Mayor ~odgers answered that the council does what the state laws read. Richard replied that the law says this cannot be done without a vote of the people. Does the city have to adhere to the law or is the city exempt? Richard was told that the city addresses the law as it reads. Richard stated he kept track of everything that the city council did and came to all the meetings. He said he has seen money wasted needlessly by giving raisesl hiring people that were not needed and gave them big wages. He feels that the Public Works Director is not qualified for the job, but is getting big wages. He said the money for a new $140,000.00 fire engine could go towards the water improvements, that the fire department is doing alright with the equipment they have. Richard said the city is wasting money and now wants the people to pay for the improvements. Richard quoted what he read in the paper, "Its time we pay our dues". Richard commented, maybe when Mr. Johnson said this he had a pot full of money, but others do not. He stressed that people cannot afford these raises. Richard also mentioned that when the city did the test well sites, which the state mandated for clean up, the city council wrote a letter to the state and said they could not do it, and the state said okay, forget it. Mayor Rodgers replied that the council did not write a letter. Jim Flisrand and himself went to Helena and had a hearing with the Quality Control and Environmental boards. They fought to get the mandates taken off so everyone would not have to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of three to ten million dollars for water testing over a period of thirty years. Richard commended Mayor Rodgets and asked why he did not do this for the water? He stressed there are people that cannot afford to pay their water bills and then what is the city going to do, shut off water to someone who is on social security. L.D. Collins, 401 Cottonwood, stated the Outlook read the improvements would be 4.1 million dollars, but when he figures it, it comes out to about 9.7 million dollars over twenty years. He feels the city needs to look around for a way to pay for this by asking the state for help. People who are on social security will have to do without water, not only water, but without 2~nit~i~n Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 5 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 for 14% interest. L.D. only figured the $15.00 that will be tacked on the base rate every month and did not figure the 72 cents to $1.19 for usage. He figured out the flat rate on 25 hundred hookups. Charlie Sorenson, 2605 Atchison, said he makes less than ten thousand a year on social security. He thinks there are other ways to get the money. He tastes and smells chlorine in the water and he is at the end of the line. He does not know what will happen because he cannot afford this. Laurel Haggart, 806 Wyoming, asked if the consultant said the cost would be 4.1 million, then how much will it be when it is put out for bid? Will the bid be 4.1 million or will jt be less and will the city except bids that are less, if it is a qualified company? Mayor Rodgets stated that when a bid comes in, reject. It may come in less than 4.]. million. project like this going, the cost of materials making an estimate. they have the right to award or For the time it takes to get a keep increasing. The city is only Laurel Haggart questioned whether the city can do a part of the project at a time, when a bid is received? Mayor Rodgets replied that they did look at that aspect. A1 Hicks stated he does not live in the city, but owns property that is provided with city water. He asked if the 4.1 million was an engineers estimate or a construction estimate, etc., also, how was it proposed and backed up? In what he has heard, basically the clearwell contact time and water distribution time are the main problems. He asked when the mandates came in, how many are driven by the WEQT, how many are EPA standards, and how many are state or federal? He asked if these are included in the 4.1 million estimate? Jim Flisrand stated the WEQ7 i.s not addressed in the 4.1 million. The contact basln requirement is an EPA mandate. The rest are based on the engineers estimates. A1 Hicks asked if a review has been done on Morrison-Maierle to see how their estimates come out with the final, as built? He said a municipal bid or municipal estimate should be in the paper work. He asked where will the rates be in twenty years at the end of the amortization? Mayor Rodgers stated that rates may be where they are now. The reason is once the city is indebted, there is grant money available. Teresa Brohaugh, 310 1st Avenue, said she does not know how she will pay her bills with the water increase. She does not think anyone would have noticed if it had gone up a little bit each year. She hopes the city can look at this differently and maybe raise it a little over a period of three years. She said she is a retired fireman's wife and knows that they need water also. Motion by Alderman Kroll to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. RESOLUTION RAISING CITY WATER RATES: RESOLUTION NO. R97-11 A RESOLUTION RAISING CITY WATER RATES AND CHARGES TO ALL USERS OF THE LAUREL WATER SYSTEM Motion by Alderman Orr to table Resolution No. R97-11 until March 18, 1.997, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 6--0, with Alderman Walton voting "No " HOME OCCUPATION - JERRY PETER: Jerry Peter, 1126 4th Avenue, applied for a home occupation to allow a sharpening service to be run out of his home. The machine he uses makes less noise than a vacuum cleaner. He will provide pick up and delivery service in Billings and Laurel. The City-County Planning Board recommended approval, subject to no traffic/customers coming to the home. Motion by Alderman Johnson to grant a home occupation to Jerry Peter to operate a sharpening service out of his home, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 6 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 AWARD/REJECT BID - DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL: Jim Flisrand stated one bid was received from Jim's Alternate 1: $27030.00 Demolition and removal of debris of Alternate 2: $2,030.00 Demolition and removal of debris of Riccils Food. Excavating Services~ Inc. garage at 301 First Avenue. garage located behind Alternate 3: $4,380.00 Demolition and removal of trailer house and wood from garages. NOT INCLUDED IN BID: Siding of Watts Feed Warehouse east wall by time and material. It was recommended to accept Alternates 1 & 2 as bid. Reject Alternate 3 due to open bid regarding siding of Watts Feed Warehouse east wall. Motion by Alderman Walton to accept Alternate 1 & 2 for the demolition and removal and to reject Alternate 3~ seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried BUDGETARY AUTHORITY RESOLUTION-HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RESOLUTION NO. R97-12 BUDGETARY AUTHORITY RESOLUTION Motion by Alderman Kroll that Resolution No. R97-12 be passed and adopted, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. ABOLISH ELECTED TREASUREI{ ' S OFFICE: ORDINANCE NO. 097-2 (second reading) AN ORDINANCE ABOLISHING THE ELECTED OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER AND CONSOLIDATING THE TREASURER'S DUTIES AND THE CITY CLERK'S DUTIES INTO THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK-TREASURER Public Hearing: No comments. Motion by Alderman Orr to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderman Walton. Motion carried 7--0. Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick that Ordinance No. 097-2 (second reading) be passed and adopted, seconded by Alderman Kroll. A roll call vote was taken and all aldermen present voted, "YES". Motion carried 7--0. ADVERTISE FOR SALE OF CITY OWNED LOTS - CHERRY HILLS: A request was made to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for sale the 15 undeveloped residential city owned lots in Cherry Hills Subdivision. Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for sale the city owned lots in Cherry Hills Subdivision, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 7--0. COMMITTEE MINUTES: --Budget/Finance CoMittee minutes of of February 181 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderwoman KilDatrick to enter the Budget/Finance Committee minutes of February 18, 19977 into the record, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried 7--0. --City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of February 181 1997 were presented. Minutes were corrected to include Gay Easton as being present at the meeting. Motion by Alderman minutes of February 18, Orr to enter the City Council Committee of the Whole 1997, into the record, seconded bv A]derma~ Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 7 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 --Lands-Parking-Public Buildings minutes of February 27, 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderman Johnson to enter the Lands-Parking-Public Buildings minutes of February 27, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 7--0. --Laurel Airport Authority minutes of February 25, 1997 were presented. Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick to enter minutes of February 25, 1997, into the recordl Motion carried 7--0. the Laurel Airport Authority seconded by Alderman Kroll. --Park Committee minutes of February 27, 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick to enter the Park Committee minutes of February 27, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Easton. Motion carried 7--0. --Public Utilities Committe~ minutes of February 10, 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderman Orr to adjust the sewer charge for Mr. Thompson, 616 6th Avenue, to his normal average, seconded by Alderman Easton. Motion carried 7--0. Motion by Alderman Orr to February 10, 1997, into the carried 7--0. enter the Public Utilities Committee minutes of record~ seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion --Public Utilities Committee minutes of March 3, 1997 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderman Orr to enter the Public Utilities Committee minutes of March 3, 1997, into the recordl seconded by Alderman Johnson. Motion carried Pat Kimmet representing Cenex stated that the attorneys for the city and Cenex did meet to determine if an agreement can be drafted to address all concerns. He asked if the agreement was eminent, then how would the council proceed with giving Cenex the approval? Joe Leckie, City Attorney, stated he did meet with the Cenex attorney. He would like to discuss some details with Jim and then with the Public Utilities Committee. A committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 1997 at 5:30 p.m. Alderman Walton asked Jim if it would take councilIs approval for the Cenex tap? Jim said the council needs to be aware of the issues and concerns relating to the tap. As identified in the committee minutes, by ordinance, taps can be made without council approval. The tap may effect the city in future concernsl so the council's direction is important. It was suggested that after the Public Utilities Committee meeting, a special council meeting could be scheduled for next week to address this, --Street & Alley Committee minutes of February 20, 1997 were presented and reviewed. A correction was made to the minutes to include Gay Easton as being present at the committee meeting. Motion by Alderman Easton to enter the Street & Alley Committee minutes of February 20, 1997, into the record, seconded by Alderman Staudinger. Motion carried 7--0. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Bruce Teeters, 420 1st Avenue South and owner of the Laurel Creamery, addressed the council with some comments. He stated, as a business owner, the cost of doing business increases daily. We have seen very little increase in volume over the last five years, but our costs of doing business has skyrocketed. It is getting harder and harder to compete with out of state markets that are coming into Montana. The State of Montana controls our purchase price, which is sometimes completely out of line with the rest of the nation. In order to stay in business, we have to look at the options available to us. We had to cut back on employees, shorten hours, eliminate benefits. and had t~ ~ h ..... ~ ~ Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 8 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 contracted out because of less help. Initially, contracting out is more expensive, but in the long run, it is less costly. I guess what I am trying to say is that the way we manage a business is changing and in order to survive we have to adapt to whatever needs to be done to operate as a successful business. State and federal regulations effect all. of us either through municipalities, business or personal activities. Everybody has to try to comply. From past experience as a councilman, I am aware of the never ending rising costs to operate the city. In order for Laurel to prosper we cannot lay stagnant. We need to expand and keep developing our town which will ultimately make Laurel a better and more prosperous place to live. As always this has a cost and in order for Laurel to prosper we have to provide quality resources to the people who want to develop subdivisions, businesses, and to live here. We have a great town and quality schools, but we must always keep improving on what we do have. My question to the mayor, city council, and the people of Laurel is, "Are we getting the absolute most out of our tax dollars?" Do we have: 1. employees that are not doing their work? 2. equipment that is not being used year round or even daily? A. if so do we have employees hired to operate this equipment? a. maintenance costs on the equipment? 3. people that we do not need from elected officials and management to the most recent full or part time employees. 4. seasonal services or other services that are a drone on tax dollars (such as swimming pool, animal control, parking, ambulance, and parks)? Could we be better off having an absolute skeleton crew j.n all facets of city government and contract out some work, which over time will be less expensive? There are businesses available that offer secretarial work, water and sewage line replacement, water and sewage plant operation, street maintenance, garbage collection, and the option of consolidation of police and dispatchers in Yellowstone County. I personally do not care for some of these options, but we must at least look at what is available and what would be most economical, if any. Maybe none of these options are feasible, but how we operate a business and municipalities are definitely changing (not always for the good.] Laurel is a wonderful community to live and raise a family in. We as a community (and outlying areas) need to help Laurel to progress into the future, and not stifle it's growth, but encourage expansion in a positive way or we will regress into non-existence or be gobbled up by a non-caring city just fifteen miles east of us. Let's get up tomorrow and look at the many positive things Laurel has to offer and quit criticizing what people are trying to do, and as citizens get involved in trying to improve an already great community. Just ask any council member, and they can direct you to many committees you can be involved with. There are hundreds of volunteer groups that are always looking for new members. The Laurel Outlook could also help by instead of being so quick to criticize city government, get involved as a positive entity to the council, and help Laurel focus on the future. In closing; Ask not what the town of Laurel can do for you, but what you can do for Laurel to make it even a better place to live. Laurel Haggart, 806 Wyoming, wanted to thank the council because she feels they are very good and wanted to apologize for the people that walked out in the middle of the meeting. She asked if the company that did the consulting on the water project has been paid? When will they be paid or do we have the money to pay them? How much was it? She was told that the city will have to borrow the money. The company is going on the basis that when the loan goes through, then they will get their share at that time. Jenny Burgess, 102 4th Avenue, commented on the Cenex tap hookup. She feels this is how the city got into trouble with allowing all the taps and having no system feesl hookup fees, or anything to pay for the expansion. She suggests that there be a fee for new installation and taps. She was told there is a $500.00 fee for hookups. She feels there needs to be a system fee and a service fee and this needs to be done for the sewer also, because there will be a day when the sewer will need updating. Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 9 Council Meeting of March 4, 1997 Mayor Rodgers thanked everyone that made interesting comments. The committees have looked at the majority of the questions and will continue to look deeper into them. The committee will to get together and discuss all the comments that were made. Charlie Sorenson spoke to the council with concern about all the dogs that run loose after 5:00 p.m. He has made complaints about one particular dog. The officers at the council meeting will address his concern. APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Rodgets appointed Jan Stanford as Assistant Ambulance Director, effective March 4, 1997. Motion by Alderman Johnson to confirm the appointment of Jan Stanford as Assistant Ambulance Director, effective March 4, 1997, seconded by Alderman Orr. Motion carried 7--0. At this time Gary Temple was sworn in as Alderman in Ward I by Judge Herman. There being no further business to come before the council at this time, meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. the Approved Montana, Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of this 18th day of March, 1997. Laurell Attest: Donald Hackmann, City Clerk Charles Rodgers,~