HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 12.20.1999 MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 20, 1999 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Gay Easton
Gary Temple
Miles Walton
Mark Mace
Marvin Carter
Bud Johnson
Ed Steffans
Lorraine Craig
OTHERS PRESENT:
Larry McCarm
Steve Klotz
Paulette WetzeI
David Fischer
Rodney Glover
Flo Milliron
Chuck Rodgers
Ken Olson
Jay Edwards, Jr.
Larry Lippert
Renee Glover
David Yaeger
Larry and Karla Linnert - 921 Casa Linda Circle.
Larry Lippert received a letter from the City of Laurel requiring him to remove the concrete in
the gutter that is adjacent to his driveway to comply with the-ordinance. He questioned why this
was not handled long before he purchased this property five years ago, and why this is his
problem since the curb and gutter belong to the city. Mr. Lippert claimed that he received a
"threatening letter" from the City of Laurel about the violation.
Gay explained that there has been no maintenance program for sweeping curbs and gutters in the
past and there was no inspector available to enforce the codes.
Steve Klotz explained that the letter stated the problem, outlined the procedure necessary to
comply, and the consequences of non-compliance. The letter also stated that the homeowner
could contact Steve with any questions.
Steve read the letter:
"Re: Street obstruction and non-approved material stored in right-of-way at (address), Laurel,
Montana.
Dear Property Owner,
Pursuant to Laurel Municipal Code (L.M.C.) 12.16.010, Street and Sidewalk Obstructions. You
are hereby ordered to remove the material placed in the drainage flow line of the street/gutter
obstructing the designed flow path of the storm sewer storm and surface drainage.
You have ten (I0) days from the date of this notice in which to remove the obstruction from your
gutter at the above mentioned address. If in ten (10) days, we find you are still in violation, you
Public Works Committee minutes of December 20, 1999 ~'~ '-
may be served a notice to appear in Laurel City Court where you may be fined a maximum fine
of $500 for each day each violation remains.
If,, at the time of placement of obstruction, you obtained an approved permit to work in the right-
of-way, please contact this office so that we may disregard this notice. Thank you for your
cooperation resolving this matter. I can be reached at 628-4796 Ext. 3. if you have any questions
or concerns."
Steve explained that there have been 141 cases where material in the curb and gutter had to be
removed, and all but seven of them have complied. Most of these had gravel or metal ramps in
the gutter, and one concrete obstruction has been removed.
Jay Edwards - 927 Casa Linda Circle.
Jay Edwards stated that the concrete in the gutters at Casa Linda Circle does not cause an
obstruction, and the gutter flows perfectly down the hill. The only problem with standing water
is where Casa Linda Circle meets Ninth Street. lay also objected to receiving the "threatening
letter". He stated that the residents should be allowed to file for a permit to leave the concrete in
the gutter since they did not know they were in violation and did not install the concrete
themselves. Jay also asked that the present ordinance be amended to allow, them to leave the
curb and gutter as it is, and he stated that he does not agree that they are in violation.
Gay explained that the ordinance could not be changed for just a few residents, as the ordinance
applies to the whole city consistently. In Village Subdivision there is a water problem because
of the curb and gutter violations. Gay attempted to explain that it is not necessarily quick and
easy to change an ordinance.
The residents and the committee engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the curb and gutter
issue and code enforcement policy. At Gay's suggestion, the residents agreed to work with a
committee to address the problem. Gay appointed the committee: Mark Mace as Chairman,
Gary Temple, Marvin Caner, Lorraine Craig, Dave Yeager and Dave Fischer. The committee
will meet sometime in the middle of January.
David Yaeger - 909 Casa Linda Circle.
David Yaeger attended the meeting and briefly addressed the committee.
Rodne¥ and Renee Glover - 905 10t~ Avenue.
Rodney and Renee Glover attended the meeting, but they did not specifically address the
committee.
Dale Schneider - Move Motor Vehicle Department to Billings.
Dale Schneider was not present at the meeting.
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Public Works Committee minutes of December 20, 1999
Release bond at Village Subdivision - Ken Tolliver.
Mr. Tolliver has requested return of the $5,000 bond he posted eight to ten years ago. Mr.
Tolliver met the required obligations, and he no longer owns the property.
Motion by Gary Temple to refund the $5,000 bond to Ken Tolliver, seconded by Mark Mace.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
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