HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 10.06.1998 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October 6, 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
Don Hackmann
Cai Cumin
Rick Musson
Jim Stevens
Bill Staudinger remarked that there has been some action taken on the weed problems
around the city. He said that the weeds by Western Drug are still a problem.
Gay Easton commented on the cleaning of the intake down by the river. He expressed
concern regarding the trees by the river and asked if the railroad would participate in their
removal. Chuck Rodgers said that we have permission to remove them at our cost. Gay
suggested that Chuck should draft a letter asking the railroad to do something about the
problem. Gay said that the crew and Duke are doing a good job.
Ken Olson mentioned that he recently attended a Municipal Officer's Workshop where
he learned about budget and finance procedures. After participating in this workshop, he
realized that Laurel is privileged to have a financial officer of the caliber of Don
Hackmann. He said that Don is valuable to the City of Laurel and he personally thanked
Don for a job well done. Ken said that he had not realized the responsibilities or the
actions that Don takes on a day-to-day basis, and he stated that his expertise puts the City
of Laurel in a good light with the rest of the state. He has found many things that can be
contributed directly to Don's diligent work. Ken expressed regret that Don has decided
to retire from the City of Laurel, and he thanked Don for his work.
Mayor Rodgers agreed that we often do not tell Don how much we appreciate all that he
has done and that we regret to see him leave.
Jim Stevens reminded the council that October 4th-10th is Fire Prevention Week. "The
Great Escape" is the theme for the week. Open House will be held on Wednesday,
October 7~, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fire Hall. The firemen have been visiting the schools this
week and will present a program at the high school auditorium on Friday at 9:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m.
Rick Musson presented a statistics list for the month of September. They need to hire
another officer, but things are going well at the Police Department.
Don Hackmann thanked Ken for his remarks. He then thanked the office staff for their
support and hard work.
Joe Leckie ~informed the council that the city has been served with a lawsuit. It has been
submitted to M.M.I.A. and they have accepted it. A lady fell on the sidewalk at Burger
King. She sued Burger King, Burger King sued the contractor, and the contractor is
suing the city on the basis that the city failed to enforce its building codes. Joe does not
think that the city will be held liable. Joe wanted the Council to be aware that the city can
be brought into a lawsuit for failing to enforce the code when we are aware of violations.
Chuck Rodgers mentioned that the water project is progressing. They should be past the
underpass by Wednesday, October 7th, and will be starting across on the north side. The
paving should have been done on Tuesday, but the paving machine broke down. He said
that there have been very few complaints.
Ken Olson explained that the Fourth of July Committee meeting would be held at 4:30
p.m. on Thursday, October 15th, instead of on the 8t~ as listed on the agenda.
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Secretary