HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 06.19.2001 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JUNE 19, 2001 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken 01son
Gay Easton
Bill Staudinger
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
· Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Lan'y McCarm
Mary Embleton
Cal Cumin (6:40 p.m.)
Rick Musson
Rob Harris
Jan Faught
Duke Nieskens
Gay mentioned that the trip to Hardin was beneficial. The City of Hardin's lighting district, street
program, and business organization were viewed.
Bud stated that the paper and picture on the walls in the Council Chambers were presented at the
Transportation Oversight meeting last week. The paper shows a future plan for South ~t
1 Avenue. A
walk, which will cover Alder to 5t~ on Main and down South 1~t Street, is scheduled for Thursday, June
28th at 6:00 p.m. A representative from Fischer & Associates will attend.
Matt Erekson stated that item 6.c.4) on the agenda, Resolution No. R01-34, needed to be separated from
the consent agenda. This resolution authorized a grant application for a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Grant for
the soccer field. However, the paperwork for the park annexation has not been completed to transfer it to
the City of Laurel's ownership. The park is still listed as belonging to the county on the tax rolls. This
needs to be completed before the grant application is signed. Matt stated that a special council meeting
would need to be scheduled to finalize this matter.
Mary attended the meeting regarding the big bill, House Bill 124. Reading material was distributed at
that meeting and is available for review. Mary explained some of the impacts of the bill. Revenues
previously received from motor vehicles, gambling, beer, wine, and liquor and will be replaced by
entitlement. The entitlement should total what is actually received by June 30th plus 3 per cent, making
Laurel's portion about $546,000. This changes the formula for calculating mills. The tax values should
be available by July 9t~.
Larry stated that the soccer field is being turned over to the school district for completion of fencing and
grass. The swimming pool is now open.
Rob Harris thanked the city and Larry for the support of the recent Firefighter's Convention. Firefighters
from across the state were impressed with Laurel's Fire De artment
P .
The Fire Department should receive the new thermal imager by the end of June. This will be a huge asset
in lifesaving efforts.
City Council comnuttee of the Whole minutes of June 19, 2001
Rob explained that the lawsuit resulting from the 4t~ of July boot drive event in 1993 or 1994 was thrown
out of court; however, the case was appealed to the Montana Supreme Court, which recently ruled in the
department's favor by stating that there was no negligence.
Jan Faught recently asked if the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance could make a presentation to the council
regarding the department's need for space. Mayor Rodgers stated that a date would be set for this
presentation.
Cal Cumin explained some of the proposed corrections and revisions to be addressed during the scheduled
public hearing at the council meeting.
Duke Nieskens presented overhead pictures and information showing some of the problems at the
wastewater plant and in the system. One picture showed the liner that is used to rehabilitate manholes and
to line pipes. Deteriorating manholes throughout the city are becoming a big problem. It would cost
approximately $16,000 to line the manholes, with the city doing the pipe work to divert the flow. Several
manholes were checked after Laurel received a lot of rain on June 13th and some definite problems were
noted. Inflow and infiltration problems are a major concern, and the state is notified of problems on the
monthly report. Duke stated that the inflow and infiltration and the problems at the plant should be top on
the priority list, before it becomes mandated by the state.
Larry offered to take any council member on a tour of the water and sewer plants.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Council Secretary