HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 06.01.1999 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JUNE 1, 1999 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Dirk Kroll Gary Temple
Ken Olson Miles Walton
Gay Easton Norman Orr
Bill Staudinger
OTHERS PRESENT:
V. Joe Leckie
Larry McCann
Cal Cumin
Pdck Musson
Jim Stevens
Cathy Gabrian
Bill Staudinger mentioned that there are still some tall weeds around town.
Larry McCann said that the union negotiations are still in progress. The mayor will be
informed as soon as some resolution is reached.
The walk bridge across the ditch has been closed and barricades have been installed. We
worked with the county last year, and there is an issue about who is responsible for the
walk bridge. Larry said that state law says that the county is responsible for all bridges,
including that one. The county would like the city to take it over, but Larry does not
think we want it. It is in bad shape and would require some money to repair it. Miles
asked if the county would shut down and abandon the bridge on the Big Ditch if the city
would not do anything. The county said that the bridge needs a new deck, but Larry
thinks it needs to be completely rebuilt.
Larry received a letter from Commissioner Kennedy regarding the Nutting drain. The
county is getting pressure from residents on the east end of town to do something about
the drain. Mr. Kennedy wants to know what the city wants done, and Larry will contact
him.
The Water Plant is still not finished. The water storage reservoirs have been inspected,
and Duke will be making a presentation to the Public Works Committee about the fmal
inspection.
The grant for the Willow Drive ditch was not received, but reapplication will be possible
in August. The residents are responsible to decide what they will do now. There was
some discussion regarding the responsibility of maintaining the ditch. Larry explained
that, if the city takes responsibility for this part of the ditch, residents in other areas would
expect the same. The Ditch Company will not participate in the lining of the ditch. Gary
asked who would be liable if there is an accident at the ditch. Joe Leckie said that the
city would not be liable as long as we stay out of the ditch. If the city gets into the ditch,
some liability is assumed and a precedent would have been set. Gary stated that the ditch
companies have very little respect for the community of Laurel in any aspect. Larry
mentioned that the ditch above the Water Plant is leaking because of the construction that
occurred there and that ditch needs to be lined.
Chief Musson distributed the statistics report for the month of May. The Police
Department's new computer upgrade provides a comprehensive view of the events in
each ward. Rick said that things are going smoothly at the department.
Jim Stevens said that six people would be attending the State Volunteer Firefighter's
Convention in Libby on June 10-12. We will be bidding to bring the convention back to
Laurel in 2001.
Ken Olson informed the council about the activities planned for the 4th of July. The
parade is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., the Ministerial Association will provide entertainment
from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and local talent will perform from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Fire
Department will then begin the traditional 4th of July program. The Car Club will hold a
car show on the Ricci's lot on Saturday and Sunday, July 3rd and 4th. Ken thanked Larry
th th
for his help with the 4 of July activities. The next 4 of July Committee meeting is
scheduled for June 14th.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Alien
City Council Secretary
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