HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 03.19.2002 MINUTES
CITY COUNCI~ COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MARCH 19, 2002 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Bud Johnson
Lauren Van Roekel
Ken Olson
Gay Easton
Dan Meats
Mark Mace
Daniel Dart
John Oakes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt Erekson
Larry McCann
Larry McCann attended a meeting regarding the State of Montana's grant program, W2ASACT. He
showed an introductory film regarding what grants are offered by the State of Montana. A big effort has
been made the last couple of years to get this city in line for grants, some of which can be used in
conjunction with each other. At that meeting, it was very evident that the process needed to begin five to
six years before the project began. The City of Laurel has begun the process. The needs assessment is
completed, and the wastewater facilities plan will be completed in June. A grant application for a water
facilities plan will be submitted next year. The video showed what some cities have done to finance their
projects and how money is being pulled together to accomplish some big projects. The video gave an
overview of what is available and the process necessary to make it work.
Following is a brief explanation of the information presented on the video:
Today we have better water and sewage treatment technologies, along with water quality standards, which
must be met to ensure community health and safety, as well as a clean environment. As we move into a
new century and a new millennium, it is vital both for our physical and our economic health, that all
Montana communities take action now to modernize their drinking water and sewage treatment
infrastructure and prepare for the challenges ahead. Lack of financial resources has always hampered the
ability of communities to improve on aging infrastructure systems. Many of Montana's communities are
relieved to learn that they are not alone as they confront an aging water or wastewater system. Standing
ready to help is a team of professionals from state, federal, and non-profit organizations that finance,
regulate, and provide technical assistance. It is known as W2ASACT or the Water, Wastewater, and Solid
Waste Action Coordinating Team. W:ASACT is comprised of professionals from Montana's Department
of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Montana Department of Commerce, the Montana Department
of Environmental Quality, the U.S.DA. Rural Development Rural Utility Service, and non-profit
technical assistance providers including the Midwest Assistance Program and Montana Rural Water
Systems, Inc. Team members have the expertise and power to help local governments meet the
challenges in their water and wastewater systems. Loans and grants are available to help communities
pay for the expenses, and W2ASACT helps a community find the correct funding package for its specific
needs.
W2ASACT agencies have provided $120 million in low interest loans and grants to Montana communities
to rebuild water and wastewater systems in the past five years. By coordinating the efforts of the
concerned agencies, W2ASACT members are able to simplify the process and help communities rebuild
their aging systems. W2ASACT members are happy to meet with a city, assess the situation, and help to
City Council Committee of the Whole minutes of March 19, 2002
determine the best, most cost-effective course of action to finance, design, construct and manage the
project.
W2ASACT members hold public planning and funding workshops each year. Agency staff members are
always available to assist you with your project. The important thing is to get in touch with one of the
participating W2ASACT members. The projects take time, and facilities plans and grant writing
applications need to be completed in advance. Communities need to plan ahead and look forward to their
future needs.
The video emphasized the need for the finance department to look for every revenue source available so
the ratepayers do not have to pay so much for the construction project.
At, er completion of the video, Larry explained that the City of Laurel would be in line for some of these
grants for our projects. The wastewater facilities plan will be completed in June, and grant applications
will be submitted for the project.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary