HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 04.17.2001 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
APRH, 17, 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
Daniel Dart
Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Steve Klotz
Mary Embleton
Cai Cumin (6:50 p.m.)
Rick Musson
Terry Ruff
Jan Faught
Jeanne Bender, Holland & Hart
Ken Staton, Mesa Communications
Jeanne Bender, the attorney for Mesa Communications, presented information regarding cell towers and
cellular technology to the council. Cell towers need to be located on transportation routes in order to
provide the best service to customers. There are two kinds of waves, radio waves and microwaves. Radio
waves can go through obstacles, but microwaves need a line of sight and cannot pass through obstacles.
Overlapping coverage areas are needed for towers in order to provide a seamless communication system.
Zoning commission decisions include the choice of approving a greater number of short towers or a lesser
number of tall towers. Jeanne stated that the city's zoning ordinance does encourage the location of high
towers that can service up to five providers.
Bud Johnson asked how a fair public heating could be conducted after twenty minutes of information was
presented for one side of the issue.
Gary Temple stated that the location of this cell tower application is at the major entrance to our
community, and he does not think it would be an enhancement to or in the best interests of the
community.
Mayor Rodgers stated that ground rules would be set for the public hearing during the council meeting.
Gary Temple expressed concerns regarding city vehicles without City of Laurel labels displayed and
concerning employees who are not using seatbelts or following the traffic laws.
Ken Olson reminded the council of the Safety Fair on Sunday, April 22na from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bill Staudinger mentioned the city clean-up day on April 28th.
Steve Klotz reported on the Public Works Department activities. He stated that the wading pool slab was
poured recently, the pool slab would be poured next week, and the non-functioning gutter system would
also be filled in.
The water supply at the intake is still dropping, and contractors have been contacted in case an emergency
situation arises.
City Council comrmttee of the Whole minutes of April 17, 2001
Bids are out on the first twelve repairs in the Water Service Line Repair Program, and the first emergency
repair was just completed.
Work is progressing on the soccer field, and efforts are being made to find a way to haul topsoil for that
field. An application is being completed for a $20,000 Fish, Wildlife and Parks Grant for the
development of the soccer field. This grant will be used to match the grant received from Ken Olson's
efforts.
Garbage containers will be located in Firemen's Park during Bright and Beautiful Day on April 28m.
Alley clean-up week is scheduled for April 30t~ through May 4t~.
The Miranda C. Fenner Foundation event is scheduled for April 22na during Crime Victims Week, and
several groups will be involved. First Street will be closed from First Avenue to Second Avenue during
the event. All state flags will fly at half-mast from April 20-23.
Montana-Dakota Utilities will submit a water meter-reading proposal after reading the meters during the
month of May. Labor costs and data compatibility will be determined by MDU after they complete the
meter reading in May.
Mary Embleton reminded the council to submit registrations for the Elected Officials Workshop in
Billings on May 9-11.
Matt Erekson stated that he would distribute copies of the cell tower ordinance between the pre-council
and council meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Council Secretary