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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 07.05.2000 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JULY 5, 2000 6:$0 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Chuck Rodgers Lauren Van Roekel Ken Olson Gay Easton Bill Staudinger Gary Temple Mark Mace Bud Johnson OTHERS PRESENT: V. Joe Leckie Larry McCann Mary Embleton Rick Musson Jim Stevens Jan Faught (6:37 p.m.) The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department presented the second part of their presentation to the council. Chief Stevens introduced Dusty Ballantyne, the Maintenance Officer for the Fire Department. Dusty distributed several pictures and information regarding maintenance to the council. Dusty, a five- year member of the Fire Department, has been involved with maintenance of the vehicles. His goal is to serve our city and our district with the finest equipment and the best training possible at the lowest cost to the City of Laurel. The second Wednesday of each month is devoted to maintenance, and the maintenance program requires 70 man-hours each month to ensure that the equipment is in proper condition. Dusty explained the labor and improvements involved with Ladder #1, Brush #2, Tender #1 and the Cascade Air Room. A copy of the information is attached to these minutes. The addition of Ladder #1 will raise the ISO rating for the City of Laurel. Dusty invited the council to view the facility and mentioned that the department is open to the public. Jim Stevens stated that BNSF donated a 1994 Suburban four-wheel drive to the City of Laurel for use by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. The vehicle is currently in Whitefish and will be delivered to the Fire Marshall's office for installation of investigation equipment. Chief Stevens stated that Training Officer Matt Hoppel would present the third part of the Fire Department's presentation at a future pre-council meeting. Rick Musson thanked the police reserves and officers who worked during the 4a~ of July activities. The command post vehicle was used and things were fairly peaceful during the festivities. The School Resource Officer Grant was submitted on time. Rick has asked the mayor to sign a letter of retention stating that the officer would be retained for one budget year after the grant is completed. Jan Faught stated that the Ambulance Department provided plenty of coverage for the 4th of July activities. Smokey Staudinger mentioned that the weeds by Western Drug were finally cut down. He received a call from a resident on Cottonwood regarding a pipe that is located in the driveway. Larry will check on the matter. Ken Olson has contacted A1 McMilan regarding another joint meeting with the city and school to discuss the Drug Task Force and some other shared projects. Larry McCann discussed the garbage collection situation. Two trucks broke down last week and only one is back up again. This situation and the 4th of July holiday have caused problems with garbage collection, and many upset citizens have voiced strong complaints. Letters explaining the problems and stating that once-a-week pickup will begin on July 11th will be delivered to the west-end residents this week. The diagonal parking will be completed next week. The 5~' Avenue and the 2nd Avenue projects will be paved the week of July 17'. The 4th Street water line project is behind, and the street from Pennsylvania to Wyoming Avenue had to be torn out and will need to be replaced. Andy Loebe is scheduled to return to work for two hours per day on July 17th. Jim Stevens mentioned that the fireworks event was started in 1950. The fireworks were presented to the community in appreciation for their support of the Fire Department at that time, and it is a tradition that is continuing. Chief Stevens is very proud of the efforts of this community and is proud to present the fireworks to the community. Mayor Rodgers thanked the Fire Department for the awesome fireworks show that was presented to the community on the 4th of July. The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, City Council Secretary Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Maintenance Ladder # 1 Initial cost Improvements Total $18,000 $10,000 $28,000 Man Hours 200+ New Apparatus Cost=- $350,000 Savings=S322,000 Brush #2. Initial Cost Improvements Total $1,500 $2,000 $3,5O0 Man Hours 225+ New Apparatus cost=S60,000 Savings =$56,500 Tender#1 Proposed cost New from dealer Savings for the city $100,000 Man Hours ? $174,000 $74,000 (brand new) Cascade Air Room This room was completed with minimal expense to the city as some materials and all cabinets were restored from previous use. The air compressor and fill station are new and comply with all pure air and safety standards. Some other cabinets and racks were built by members and family.