HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 11.20.2001 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRE SENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Bill Staudinger
Gary Temple
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Larry McCann
Mary Embleton
Rick Musson
Terry Ruff
Cai Cumin
Larry stated that a windmill was installed at South Pond recently in order to aerate the pond to keep the
fish alive. The $1,200 windmill was donated by Pike Masters to show their support of fishing, and Pike
Masters is raising money to purchase another windmill. Fish, Wildlife and Parks asked the City of Laurel
to apply for a $100,000 grant for supporting native species, including fish and birds. A thirty percent
match is required, and FWP stated that they would work with Pike Masters to come up with the necessary
match money. Extra parts were ordered for the windmill, which was made in Canada. The Lions Club
installed the fence around the shelter at South Pond.
Mary explained that the Montana League of Cities and Towns fall issue included an article regarding the
Montana Energy Policy and describes how the League set up the electric aggregation program in 1998. In
anticipation of electricity deregulation, Alec Hansen sent out a letter to current participants asking to sign
an Agency Agreement so the League can go out now to solicit bids to buy power at a lower rate. Montana
Power would be the default supplier, and the price would be set by the PSC The letter was not clear as to
why the agreement needed to be signed now since the current contract expires on June 30, 2002. Mary
contacted Alec Hansen today, and he explained that the market is currently at a good place to negotiate
low prices and Agency Agreements from current participants were needed in order for the League to
proceed now. This, however, is not an agreement for purchase.
Mayor Rodgers stated that the League requested a response regarding this agreement as soon as possible.
He directed Mary to prepare a resolution for the Agency Agreement in case the council wished to
consider it at this meeting under unscheduled matters.
Mayor Rodgers welcomed and congratulated the newly elected council members that were in the
audience.
The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary