HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 11.04.1998 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
November 4, 1998 6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Dirk Kroll Gary Temple
Ken Olson Bud Johnson
Gay Easton Norman Orr
Bill Staudinger
OTHERS PRESENT:
V. Joe Leckie
Larry McCann
Jim Stevens
Rick Musson
Don Hackmann
Billy Johnson
Bill Staudinger mentioned that there is a problem with cars being parked in the area south
of the high school where the Parks Committee is attempting to create a park. Some steps
need to be taken so cars are not parked in this area.
Bud Johnson reported that the Laurel Drug and Alcohol Task Force meeting was held on
Wednesday, October 28th. Several presenters gave presentations about their involvement
with the drug and alcohol problem in Laurel and there was some community input. The
next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24th.
Bud distributed an example of an ordinance that would address the concern of
community decay. During previous ward meetings, people have voiced concerns about
various situations, but generally nothing was done about them. Bud emphasized that we
need to provide a positive path for people to address their concerns. Mayor Rodgers
suggested that the councilmen and Joe Leckie review the ordinance and give their
suggestions to Bud. This ordinance could be placed on the next agenda.
Gary Temple commended the Public Works and the Police Departments for routing the
traffic during the ongoing construction.
Jim Stevens informed the council that Bruce Teeters has resigned from the Fire
Department after ten years of service. The mayor expressed thanks for his dedicated
service to the Fire Department.
Larry McCann reported that the water line leak should be finished by Friday. The
sandblasting on the digester at the Sewer Plant should be completed this month. The
Water Plant completed one 48-hour total shutdown last week and it went smoother than
expected. Duke is investigating the chemicals that are available to treat the water during
the time the Water Plant will be shut down and we will be on direct filtration. The water
will come straight from the river, through the filters to be treated and into the lines.
The Laurel Planning Meeting will be held at the Locomotive Inn on November l0th at
6:30 p.m. The last meeting was not well attended, and Larry encouraged the council to
attend the next meeting. They will be considering some grants that are available.
Someone from the Beartooth Resource Conservation District will be speaking at the
November 10th meeting.
Rick Musson distributed the crime activity report for October. Officer Jay Hatton started
today, November 4th. Officer Jeff Fowler was injured in the line of duty last week and
will have his wrist in a cast for ten days. He is currently on sick leave. Officer Jason
Wells will be completing the academy this Friday, and Rick will be attending his
graduation in Helena. When both officers return to duty, the department will be complete
again. Two additional officers will be sent to the Police Academy in February.
Mayor Rodgers explained the resolution regarding the traffic study that was on the
agenda. The Traffic Engineer requested a letter or a resolution from the council so that
they can do a study of the speed from the Cemetery down to the bottom of the hill. Now
that Bee Hive Homes is located on Twelfth Street, the city limits may be expanded a half
block. The mayor wants to keep them informed of our needs in order to make it possible
to get a westend exit in the future.
Ken Olson mentioned that the Laurel YMCA held a meeting on November 4th. He is
representing the City of Laurel on two committees. Their present concern is to get the
winter programs started.
Mayor Rodgers and the City Council expressed congratulations to the Laurel
Locomotives and wished them the best of luck for Saturday's football game.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
City Council Secretary