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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04.02.1996Minutes of the City Council of Laurel April 2, 1996 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Chuck Rodgets at 7:03 p.m., on April 2, 1996. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Gay Easton Bud Johnson John Minch Chuck Dickerson Ron Marshall Dirk Kroll Donna Kilpatrick COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Miles Walton INVOCATION: Invocation was given by Alderman Johnson. MINUTES: Motion by Alderman Marshall to approve the minutes of the of March 19, 1996, as presented, seconded by Alderman Dickerson. 7--0. regular meeting Motion carried CORRESPONDENCE: None CLAIMS: Claims for the month of March were reviewed by the Budget/Finance Committee and recommended that they be paid. Motion by Alderwoman $255,330.29 for the month carried 7--0. Kilpatrick to approve the claims in the amount of of March, seconded by Alderman Dickerson. Motion WESTERN DAYS AT WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Claudia Fife presented a letter and a map to the council on behalf of the West Elementary School PTA, acknowledging that Western Days will be held on April 12, 1996. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is a major fund raiser for the school. Claudia stated Don Coutts from Red Lodge will bring a horsedrawn wagon as one of the rides. The wagon is the same one that is used for the Herbslest and Christmas to Remember celebration. Claudia would like permission from the council to have a horsedrawn wagon ride as part of the Western Days. The map shows the route of the wagon ride that will last approximately ten minutes and will stay within the area of West School. The wagon will start at the school on 8th Avenue, go south to 5th Street, turn east going to 5th Avenue. It will proceed north on 5th Avenue to 7th Street, turn west to 8th Avenue and then south, returning to the school. Sergeant Mike Zuhoski stated the only problem there may be with the route, is the use of 5th Avenue. It is a main through street and traffic is more heavy. He suggested the route turn north on 6th Avenue and extend the route to 8th Street and then west to 8th Avenue returning south to the school. This would be the same amount of distance. He didn't see a problem with using 8th Avenue between 8th Street and 5th Street. Motion by Alderman Marshall to grant permission to West Elementary School PTA for a horsedrawn wagon ride with the previsions mentioned by Sergeant Zuhoski, seconded by Alderman Minch. Motion carried 7--0. YELLOWSTONE COUNTY HISTORICAL PRESERVATION HOARD: Fred Alley, Director of Community Service Department for the City of Billings, spoke to the council as the Historical Preservation Officer for the Yellowstone Preservation Board. He is requesting that the City of Laurel authorize Mayor Rodgers to submit a letter to the State Preservation office, authorizing them to review the City of Laurel, City of Billings, Crow Tribal Council, and Yellowstone County as being a certified local government of the National Historical Preservation. The National Historical Preservation Act of 1980 was amended to provide for local certified governments. It is a program that was developed at the National level to promote and encourage historical preservation activities across the nation. In January 1993, the board entered into an inner local agreement between the Crow Tribal Council, Yellowstone County, City of Billings, and City of Laurel to create a very comprehensive Historic Preservation Board. It replaced the City of Billings Historic Preservation Board that was in existence since 1969. Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 2 Council Meeting of April 2, 1996 government program. At this time, the Historical Preservation Board is recommending that all four entities submit a letter to the State Historical t t r r o o review. The review can take up to approximately forty-five days. The Historical Preservation Board has been attending the Certified [ Local Government Program' s annual meetings for the past three years. This is a formal step that must be completed to officially become certified. Motion by Alderman Dickerson to authorize Mayor Rodgers to sign the letter to the State Historical Preservation Boa d seconded by Alderman Marshall. Motion carried 7--0. LeAnn O'Donnell is the new representative from Laurel for the Yellowstone Historical Preservation Board who replaced Rom Bushnell. Fred stated they are pleased to have her on the board. He mentiored that Laurel is on the new mailing list and will receive copies of all agendas and minutes. The board meets on the second Tuesday of the month on the fourth floor of the City of Billings Library. t'le They are focusing their efforts, at this xm , on the City of Billings Historic I . District along Montana Avenue and the renovation of the depot. PUBLIC HEARING - FLUORIDATION OF THE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM: This being the time and place advertised, ~ public hearing was held the continuance of fluoridation of the municipal water system. Proponents: regarding Poly VanNice stated that sometimes money has to be spent to act in the best fluoridation are not of age to vote. Sh speak on their behalf. She has worked with children through PTA And foster care and knows that many r children in Laurel don't have a tooth bush. They are instructed in school on caring for their teeth, however, there needs to be a safety net for these children. Some kind of benefit, so theyc4nmiss out on extra visits to the dentist. She realizes there needs to be caution taken in spending money, but tax payers will save money because of the reductxon in cavities that they have to pay to have filled. She is asking the city/to continue to fluoridate water in Laurel. Dr. Michael Stevens, D.D.S., handed out literature to the council regarding dental caries in the child and adolescent. He spoke on the fact that fluoride is a health measure. He pointed out in the a~ticle that fluoridation of communal water supply is the most effective method of reducing the dental caries problem in the general population. Less than halfiof the population visit the dental office on a regular basis and about 10% of ~ersons using toothpaste use products that do not contain fluoride. He noted ~n the article that the protection afforded by the ingestion of fluoridated wa~er persists throughout the lifetime of the person. He said there is a misconception that fluoride only benefits children. Studies have shown that the conti~uous ingestion of fluoridated water during adulthood decreases the prevalence ~f dental caries by about the same magnitude observed in children. It is reported that there is a decrease in the prevalence of root-surface caries in ul s who lived continuously in a ad t fluoridated community. His next point was o~ the economic value of fluoridation. Families with children experience a reduction in dental costs as a result of fluoridation. He stated that fluoridation i~ the greatest, most cost effective, world wide health measure available. It hashbeen studied that when fluoridation is discontinued in a community, there is~a dramatic increase in the dental caries incidence. Dr. Stevens mentioned tha~ he has done screening in the Park City School District, where children have Sot benefited from fluoride, and he can see a considerable difference in theiS teeth from children in Laurel. He figures there may be approximately a 60% savings reduction in dental costs to families in Laurel due to fluoridation. In looking at the nominal dollar amount to move and set up the fluoridation system, over a period of time, he feels it would be cost-effective per person. The average annual cost of water fluoridation varies with the size of th~ community but remains the most cost-effective caries prevention measure. Alderman Kroll asked if there is any scientific proof of fluoridation causing sterilization or cancer? Dr. Stevens stated he would let Dr. Smi!h answer this question, with the information he has directly supporting it. ~ 'I Dr. Stevens also mentioned fluorosis which ~s darkening or brown spotting on the enamel of the tooth. It doesn't weaken th~ tooth to dental decay, but it is strictly a cosmetic problem. This is Caused by the amount of natural Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 3 Council Meeting of April 2, 1996 Dr. John Smith, D.D.S., spoke on behalf of supporting fluoridation. Fluoridation in the water supply started around the 1940's and by 1985 there had been studies that found no relationship between fluoride and cancer. In 1990 an update was done by the national cancering students and they continue to find no trend between cancer risk and fluoridation. Consumer Report characterizes the persistence of the fluoride controversy as one of the major crimes of crackcry over science. Dr. Robert VanNice, M.D., referred to an article from a scientific journal dated February 1996, which gave a summation of fluoridation in the United States. With research the last four years, there is no believable evidence or motives that birth defects or diseases are caused by fluoride in the public water supply. There are several states that mandate fluoridation in all cities over twenty-five thousand people. Dr. VanNice feels it is a part of having good health in the community. Dr. Mike Wheeler, D.D.S., has seen a considerable difference in dental health between children of Laurel and those in other areas such as Park City, Red Lodge and areas outside of Laurel. He feels Laurel is very fortunate to have fluoride in a city its size. It is a plus to the community, and he hopes the city is able to maintain it. Dr. Sammual Stokke, D.D.S., supports continuing fluoride in the water supply and feels it would be very beneficial to continue. Dr. Richard Morrison, D.D.S., adds his support for fluoridation, which made it unanimous. Every dentist in Laurel was present in favor of continuing fluoridation of the municipal water supply. Opponents: None Motion by Alderman Dickerson to close the public hearing, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. Jim Flisrand presented information as to continuing fluoridation at the water plant. He stated that if the council gives approval to continue with fluoridation, they will proceed with either the dry chemical or the liquid chemical application. The city currently has the dry chemical system. The system will need to be replaced and moved to the new chemical building. The dry chemical will take less space than the liquid chemical but it is twice as expensive and is more hazardous, due to the dust. Operators would have to wear masks and proper venting is required. The liquid chemical would be a tank in the chemical building with a simplified pump process. The only hazard would be chemical contact with the skin or ingestion. The liquid chemical is considerably cheaper, approximately ten to twelve thousand dollars, half of the cost of the dry chemical. Also, the fluoride could be bought in volume, probably using a two thousand gallon tank. He stated that the new water plants throughout the state of Montana have discontinued fluoridation, however, it is strictly a decision of the community. The city currently has .75 parts per million of fluoride in the river, so the city is adding a small amount to get to the 1 to 1 1/2 parts per million, which is the standard application. The Department of Water Quality doesn't take a stand on this. They don't feel there is anything wrong with it and yet they won't take a position in making it mandatory. Jim summarizes that Laurel has fluoridation, at this time, and there are certainly some pluses to having it. There will be a slight increase in the cost of the water plant project if there is continued fluoridation. The liquid chemical operation would be a lot cheaper and is a simpler process. Alderman Dickerson asked which operation is a better system, the dry chemical or the liquid chemical, without considering cost and space? Dave Michael responded that all the new systems updated have gone with the liquid chemical verses dust and hazard of the chemical. Both chemicals protection of teeth. that have been installed or the dry chemical due to the provide the same effect to Alderwoman Kilpatrick asked Jim if he had information on the communities that upgraded their water plants and did not include fluoridation and why they chose not to? Jim heard that the people of the communities responded negatively to fluoridation. There is no scientific information or proof that fluoridation is bad or does any harm. The decision is the individual iHd~ement and mnnd nF Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 4 Council Meeting of April 2, Y996 Alderman Dickerson asked if the cost is allocated in the water plant project budget? Jim stated the cost is allocated city did not go with fluoridation, the plant. in the budget of 3.6 million dollars. If the the savings would be used in another area of Motion by Alderman Dickerson to continue with fluoridation in the municipal water system and convert to a liquid chemical operation, second by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. ANTI-DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING - CDL DRIVERS: Motion by Alderman Johnson to table the resolution adopting an anti-drug and alcohol testing plan and procedures policy for CDL drivers until the April 16, 1996 council meeting, seconded by Alderman Minch. Motion carried 7--0. Discussion regarding a Council of the Whole meeting. A meeting will be scheduled for later on this week or first part of next week. WATER INTAKE LINES - ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES: A resolution will be on the April 16, 1996 agenda. CAPITAL PROJECTS - LAUREL CEMETERY: RESOLUTION NO. R96-7 A RESOLUTION TO CREATE A CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING LAND AND/OR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE LAUREL CEMETERY Motion by Alderwoman Kilpatrick that Resolution No. R96-7 be passed and adopted, seconded by Alderman Kroll. Motion carried 7--0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: --Budget/Finance Committee minutes of March 19, 1996 were presented and reviewed. Motion by Alderwoman minutes of March 19, 1996, Motion carried 7--0. Kilpatrick into the to enter the Budget/Finance record, seconded by Alderman Committee Dickerson. --City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of March 19, 1996 were presented. Motion by Alderman Dickerson to Whole minutes of March 19, 1996, into Motion carried 7--0. enter the City Council Committee of the the record, seconded by Alderman Marshall. --Fire Committee minutes of March 26, 1996 were presented and reviewed. Alderman Marshall stated they met with the Budget/Finance Committee regarding the Arden property. It was recommended that an amount be put towards the agreement with Mr. Arden for the city to have the first right to purchase the property. Motion by Alderman Marshall to enter the Fire Committee minutes of March 26, 1996, into the record, seconded by Alderman Easton. Motion carried 7--0. --Street/Alley Committee minutes of March 21, 1996 were presented and reviewed. The committee recommended a contribution of $4,475.00 to the street restoration of West 6th Street, near West School. This restoration is for just the paving of 6th Street, up to the turnaround. The funds would be allocated out of the operations budget. Motion by Alderman Dickerson to allocate the funds of $4,475.00 for the street restoration of West 6th Street, near West School, as recommended by the Street/Alley Committee, to be taken out of the operations budget, seconded by Alderman Marshall. Jim stated the street restoration is only asphalt. There is curb and gutter on West 6th Street. The school will take care of the cost for the turnaround and the curb and gutter within it. The city is only committing to the cost of the street asphalt of $4,475.00. Minutes of the City Council of Laurel Page 5 Council Meeting of April 2, 1996 Discussion regarding the Murray Subdivision, SID 110, recommendation by the Street/Alley Committee to require curb, on all the streets. The $8,832.62 is an assessment per lot. regarding the gutter and asphalt Motion by Alderman Dickerson to accept the recommendation of the Street/ Alley Committee for curb, gutter, and asphalt on all the streets in the Murray Subdivision, SID ll0, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried 7--0. Discussion concerning the concrete pad built by Leroy Wenz with Frontier Communities. The pad was built to high and if garbage is picked up at that location it will damage the trucks. Mr. Wenz met with the city and has options to correct the problem. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Margit Thorndahl thanked the city council for their work and help with the West School turnaround project. It is a project that will benefit the safety of the children. Alderman Minch and Alderman Dickerson announced they will not be available to participate with the competition for the Bright and Beautiful Clean-up on April 2?, 1996 due to other commitments. Jim stated he will need two more volunteers and will work on it. Police Committee meeting on Thursday, April 4, 1996 at 4:30 p.m. regarding the computers. Park Committee meeting on Thursday, April 11, 1996 at 5:30 p.m. Public Utilities Committee meeting on Monday, April 8, 1996 at 5:30 p.m. APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Rodgets appointed Sharon Herman as Assistant Ambulance Director to replace Ken Reil. Motion by Alderman Dickerson to confirm the appointment of Sharon Herman as Assistant Ambulance Director, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick. Motion carried MAYOR'S COMMENTS: Mayor Rodgers thanked Jim Flisrand for all the work he has done with the Anti-Drug and Alcohol program. Mayor Rodgers thanked Andy Loebe and Dave Michael for their continuous work on the streets and at the water plant. There being no further business to come meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. before the Council at this time, the Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, this 16th day of April. Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk Charles Rodgers, M~