HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 01.09.2017 MINUTES
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
JANUARY 9, 2017 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Herr Bill Mountsier
Emelie Eaton Dan Koch
Mary Carter until 6:25
OTHERS PRESENT: Chad Hanson Kurt Markegard
Public Input: None
Parking on North 1st Avenue intersecting at East 8th Street:
Bill gave a brief description of his concerns that there is a lack of sight distance when students are parking
on North 1st Avenue on the east side of the street adjacent to the crosswalks. Bill indicated that it is a
bigger safety issue when students are using the crosswalks as cars are trying to pull out onto North 1st
Avenue. Kurt presented a handout to the committee that showed the parking distance restrictions
normally around crosswalks. Emelie asked about if the City could have different standards that the
handout and Kurt replied that was a possibility. Kurt also indicated that the Montana Highway
Commission may have to approve a sign indicating there can be no parking from a certain distance to the
crosswalk as Bill has suggested. Dan asked about the clear vision triangle and the sight distance needed
for intersection. Kurt explained how the sight distance is usually figured on street corners so that parking
is restricted for sight distance. Kurt also informed the committee that there is some interest in putting
crosswalk flashers at this intersection like on S.E. 4th Street.
Bill Mountsier made a motion that Kurt look into the placement of no parking signs at this intersection
and to investigate the sign placement with the Montana Department of Transportation. Dan Koch
seconded the motion. All in favor 5. Opposed 0.
Presentation of Water Treatment Plant Sedimentation Replacement Project by Kurt and Chad.
Kurt informed the committee of the upcoming project to replace the water treatment plant sedimentation
basins and the need for the replacement of the backwash ponds. Kurt handed out the Proposal Abstract,
the Resource and Citizens Benefits Narrative, and the Project Management Narrative. These handouts
were discussed and Kurt informed the committee that this is what went to the State in order to get the
grants from TSEP of$500,000 and from the DNRC of$125,000.
Kurt and Chad explained the site layout and the design details of the project and the need for additional
land to construct backwash ponds. Emelie asked about if any thought was given to placing the
sedimentation basins closer to the new intake site. Kurt explained that could be done but we would be
running two plants. Richard asked if we could place the new basins on the other side of the highway and
Kurt had thought about doing so until the refinery told him they had plans for that area. Chad explained
that the construction plans for the sedimentation basins are almost ninety percent complete and the only
thing left to consider is the land location for the backwash ponds.
Emelie asked Kurt if he wanted to bring back more information to the committee in the future and Kurt
was hoping to present more detailed plans before the City seeks bids for the project. Future meetings will
discuss the progress on the project.
Other:
Richard wanted to know since the City rejected the recent annexation request of proposed trailer park of
250 trailers where is the City supposed to grow. With the new interstate exchange coming in and the
possibility of new development out there and the possibility of new hotels how was the City going to get
water and sewer to them. Emelie informed Richard that this is something that this committee may not
have enough information to discuss tonight. Kurt agreed and stated that this is something planning board
should discuss but the recent improvements to the sewer and the upcoming water plant project anticipate
growth demands. Chad said that the Water PER Great West completed has information about how the
City will grow with the water system and where to put future water reservoirs and water lines. Chad also
talked about water pressure zones that would be needed to serve the areas like the new interstate
interchange.
Dan wanted to know if the City could purchase a small four wheeler with a plow on it to plow snow from
residential sidewalks after the City plows the streets and pushes snow onto them. Kurt explained that the
City crews try not to do that and if that happens to inform the Maintenance Superintendent, Matt Wheeler
and he would get crew out to take care of it. Kurt explain that the City has a Polaris Ranger with a plow
and uses it to plow snow from the city park sidewalks.
Emelie wanted to know if the committee would like the meetings to start at 6 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m...
Bill explained that it was hard for him to get to the meeting by 5:30 p.m. due to his work. The rest of the
committee seemed to agree and a motion was made and seconded to start the meetings at 6 p.m. for future
meetings. Emelie asked if this would cause Kelly Strecker from attending the meeting to take minutes
and Kurt stated that was probably the case. Kurt asked if the committee cared if the meetings were
recorded and then the minutes could be taken from those recordings. Kurt informed the committee that he
could perform the minutes and see if that worked for everyone after tonight's meeting. Motion passed 4-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Attached: handouts
Respectfully submitted,
Kurt Markegard