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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 07.07.1998 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE July 7, 1998 6:30 P.M. Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Chuck Rodgers Dirk Kroll (late) Gary Temple Ken Olson Miles Walton Gay Easton Norman Orr Bill Staudinger Bud Johnson OTHERS PRESENT: V. Joe Leckie Cai Cumin Rick Musson Larry McCann Bud Johnson put a tentative agenda in the mailboxes regarding the joint meeting with the Laurel School Board and the City Council. The suggested meeting date was Monday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m., but this date has since been changed. A final date will be decided at the council meeting on July 21 Miles Walton thanked Larry McCarm and Andy Loebe for all their work at the park area for the Fourth of July activities. Gary Temple commended everyone on the Fourth of July activities, Gary said that jobs and the growth of this town are important. He announced that Initiative 98-1 had 861 certified signatures on the petition that was sent in June 16th, and it will be on the ballot in November. He said that he would gladly resign if it is defeated, and he asked those who voted against it to consider doing the same if it is passed. Norm stated that Gary was out of line with this suggestion. Gary said that they should be voting the wishes of their constituency. Bill Staudinger mentioned that there is still a problem with weeds throughout town. One specific problem area is south of Western Drug. Ken Olson thanked Miles and Larry for their work during the Fourth of July celebration. Mayor Rodgers thanked the Police Department for their work during the Fourth of July. Rick Musson gave a report regarding the Police Department. There were 911 calls for service during June. Rick thanked the Reserves and Sergeant Zuhoski for their help during the Fourth of July activities. Fourteen local reserves and five county reserves worked during the celebration. Cai Cumin explained that he would be asking the council tonight to give the mayor the authority to sign the contract for South Pond when it is complete. Joe has received a copy of the contract. It is being signed by the consultant now and will go to the state for approval. The Lions Club has also received a copy of the contract. Larry McCann reported that the State of Montana sent a letter requiring the city to have a certified inspector. Bill Johnson began his employment as the certified inspector for the City of Laurel on July 7. Lan-y said they are working on the weed problem. Larry mentioned that the remodeled storage reservoir is being filled and the water will be tested in a few days. The contractor has started digging holes by the Water Plant. There is a groundwater problem but it is the contractor's responsibility. Due to an oversight, the gas line to our building has to be relocated. Francis Schweigert has been hired as the new mechanic. Gay and Lan'y met with Cenex to coordinate the future projects. Cenex has developed their easement agreement on our pipeline through their property and Joe has a copy to review. New sidewalk has been put in across the street from City Hall, by the library and by the pool. Dirk reviewed the joint meeting held with School District No. 2, the City of Billings and the County Comrnissioners. He said that subcommittees would be looking at Senate Bill 195, tax reform, budget state mandates and local control like CTEP and manufactured housing. Dirk mentioned that JoAnn Fox had called him regarding trucks parking at her house and causing traffic congestion from the asphalt plant. It is difficult to identify the public right of way because there is not a definite area of curb and gutter. Dirk said that the trucks might be parking on the railroad property, but there have been no complaints about that. Mike Zuhoski said they have been parking behind the trees in that area. There was some discussion regarding this. The Yellowstone Boat Float will be in Laurel on Sunday, July 12th. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Allen Secretary