HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 08.04.1998 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
August 4, 1998 6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Dirk Kroll (late) Gary Temple
Ken Olson Miles Walton
Gay Easton Norman Orr
Bill Staudinger Bud Johnson
V. Joe Leckie
Cai Cumin
Larry McCann
Rick Musson
Don Hackmarm
Larry McCann presented some pictures and gave a report about the problems and
progress in the water lines throughout the city. There have been some problems at Fifth
Avenue and Main Street and they are about a week behind. He said that we need to get
easements for the line at the Helena Chemical parking lot and also behind Jan's IGA.
Larry inspected the digester in the sewer plant and it will be finished in two or three days.
There were five water line breaks on Yellowstone in the first two days of this project. He
is concerned about the possibility of problems once the water pressure is all on one line.
The line is in terrible shape and almost every other water line leak is on that line.
Larry said that the contractor on the southside must provide two ways of access to the
south side. It is becoming an issue with the southside residents because of the repair
work in progress. Larry told the contractor that he needs to have a contingency plan in
place if the line is broken. He also contacted the City of Billings and lined up 1,500 feet
of six-inch fire hose to use if necessary.
The railroad has committed to install a rubber mat at the crossing on Fifth Avenue. The
railroad's contribution will be the installation of the mat at a cost of $16,700. The
Highway Department is involved but has not committed much to the project. Since it is a
mack route, the Highway Department has been asked for money for the project. The
crossing is extremely rough and Larry has received many complaints about it.
Larry stated that the Cove Ditch is still seeping water. Joe has contacted their attorney
and was told that it is not their problem. Larry said that something needs to be done or it
will be this way every summer.
Larry, Ken and Miles have been working on a new idea for the use of the swimming pool
that would generate some money. They have discussed the possibility of leasing the
swimming pool to individual groups during the off hours. It would be required to have
our lifeguards on duty. They are working on an agreement for use of the pool.
Bill Johnson will be attending a code certification class for mechanical code in Helena
the week of August 17th. Larry's goal is to be able to take on code enforcement law
codes in the city within a year.
Joe Leckie is currently reviewing an easement agreement with Cenex. Bee Hive Homes
is planning to build their second building and will probably seek annexation for the
comer lot.
Ken mentioned that the YMCA will hold their meetings at 6:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday
of each month at the Locomotive Inn. He did give them the MMIA requirements for the
skate park if they should decide to go through the city.
Bill said that there are still tall weeds around town.
Rick Musson presented and distributed the Laurel Police Department case report register
for July. There were 1,038 calls in the month of July. Rick mentioned that they are still
one man short. Some work has been done outside the building recently. He again invited
the council to visit the Police Department.
Don Hackmann reminded the council to bring their code books in so that Cindy can
update them.
Joe Leckie stated that the agenda item for a resolution to extend leases at Riverside Park
could be handled with a motion during the council meeting. We are still in the process of
working out the terms of the leases.
Cai Cumin mentioned that a date needs to be set for the Little Dude Ranchettes zone
change.
The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
Secretary