HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 06.05.2001 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMAVIITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JUNE 5, 2001 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Gay Easton
Bill Staudinger
Gary Temple
Mark Mace
Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Larry McCann
Mary Embleton
Jan Faught
Terry Ruff
Duke Nieskens
Mayor Rodgers stated that Dan Dart would not attend the council meeting since his mother passed away
recently. The mayor expressed his condolences.
Larry McCann stated that the recent rain has slowed down the work of hauling dirt to the soccer field.
The school district is preparing to install the sprinkler system and the grass.
The Public Works Department is working on policy issues regarding work done within the city. Work is
now being done on a work order basis directed by the Public Works Director and the Mayor. The work
orders are compiled to group task in order to be more efficient.
Pat Murtaugh is working on a grant to match the grant monies awarded recently for the restroom and
concession stand at the soccer field. The new grant requires a recreation survey, which was taken out of
the public-wide survey done last fall. The State of Montana prefers that a telephone survey be completed
for the requirements, but there is a possibility a paper survey would be accepted. Pat would send
recreation surveys to 350 people who returned the last survey. The grant application is due in Helena on
June 30th. Construction of the restroom and concession stand will not begin until notification is received
regarding this grant application.
The YMCA has approved the swimming pool agreement with a stipulation requiring a yearly meeting
between the Public Works Director and the YMCA.
The Budget/Finance Committee has completed the preliminary budget hearings. The committee will
schedule the next round of meetings soon.
Mary reminded the council of the HB 124 Workshop on June 11t~, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Billings
Hotel and Convention Center.
Mary also reminded the council to submit the order forms for the Effective Meeting Techniques
brochures.
Jan stated that Care 1 and Care 2 were manned and available for ambulance service at the park and the
airport during Aviation Technology Week. No injuries were reported. The Laurel Medical Center
recently presented the Laurel Ambulance Service with a check for $580.55 as part of the employee's
"Share Our Spirit" program of giving. Jan expressed appreciation for the generous donation.
City Council comnUttee of the Whole minutes of June 5, 2001
Fire Chief Terry Ruff mentioned the Educators' Award received from the school district for service
during Aviation Technolo~y~ Week. The Montana State Volunteer Firemen's Convention will be held in
Laurel next week, June 14 through 16th. A parade is scheduled for Friday, the 15th, at about 4:15 p.m.
Gar~ stated that he has had a difference of opinion with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department regarding
city property. Three constituents recently told him that the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department would not
respond promptly to their fire call if they support "Gary Temple for Mayor". Gary asked Terry to respond
to the statement. Terry stated that he had not heard anything regarding that and said that it is the
department's job to respond to all fire calls.
Bill Staudinger mentioned that some of the weeds are getting too tall and the city needs to be cleaned up
on a regular basis.
Gay Easton mentioned that the drought situation is a concern. A recently released study on water
rationing and the severity of the drought situation should be made available to the Laurel Outlook in order
to better educate the public.
Four employees were called out during the Memorial Day weekend to repair the water main break on 5th
Avenue. Ken Olson thanked the employees for their willingness to work on the holiday.
Lauren Van Koekel asked regarding a day care located at 313 Forrest. The City-County Planning Board
will address the situation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Council Secretary