HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 11.29.2000 MINUTES
SPECIAL PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 29, 2000 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Gay Easton
Gary Temple
Bill Staudinger
Marvin Carter
Mark Mace
Ed Steffans
lohn Oakes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Larry McCann
Jeanette Koch
Thomae Lumber loading zone.
The Thomae Lumber loading zone issue is on the December 5th council agenda.
When Thomae Lumber remodeled, no provision was made for loading/unloading on their property.
Loading was being done on the highway side, and the Montana Highway Department's policy
would not allow it to continue. The Appeals Board waived the code and allowed Washington and
Wyoming Avenues to become loading zones for Thomae Lumber. This should not have happened,
as the Board of Appeals rules on procedure, and only the council has the authority to waive code
requirements.
The primary issues caused by use of the loading zone are the condition of the streets, public safety,
and insurance liabilities.
Larry McCann discussed the situation with MMIA, and Mr. Worthington stated specific
requirements necessary to continue permitting this unloading zone. Thomae Lumber would be
required to sign an agreement stating that they would be responsible for all safety signage in
compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. He would also be required to close the
street while unloading. The city has the authority to require him to close Washington and Wyoming
Avenues, but we do not have the authority to require him to close Main Street. Paul Bronson, of the
Highway Department, has said that they would not enforce their regulations on Main Street if the
city does not enforce their regulations on its streets.
The committee discussed the issues and the alternatives at length. After careful consideration, it
was agreed that rescinding the present ordinance and allowing Thomae Lumber to apply for
consideration of other alternatives for a loading zone would best address the issues.
Motion by Gary Temple to recommend to council to rescind 10.440.30 of the Laurel Municipal
Code. Freight loading zones, with the understanding that Thomae Lumber would be able to reapply
for further consideration, seconded by John Oakes.
Gay stated that the City of Laurel is not anti-business, but these concerns must be addressed. There
was a brief discussion regarding alternatives for unloading and enforcement of the code.
A vote was taken on the motion. Motion carded.
Public Works Committee minutes of November 29, 2000
Garbage rates for containers.
Fiberglass Structures recently tried to hire a private contractor to haul their roll-off container. City
ordinance does not allow private contractors to enter the city to haul trash. Being an Enterprise
Fund, the Garbage Fund is a moneymaking fund that has to support itself, and the city could not
afford to allow private contractors to haul garbage for residents or businesses within the city limits.
The real question is whether or not the ~:ity wants to continue in the garbage collection business,
especially the container business.
Larry McCann presented information regarding garbage collection fees charged by BFI, the City of
Billings, and MacKenzie Disposal. There was a lengthy discussion on the situation, and the
committee agreed to continue the present garbage service within the City of Laurel.
Motion by Gary Temple to continue the present policy for garbage collection within the City of
Laurel, seconded by Smokey Staudinger.
Discussion continued. Larry stated that members of the American Public Works Association
recommended that the city should stay in the container business.
A vote was taken on the motion, and the motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
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