HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Committee Minutes 12.16.2019Minutes
Public Works Committee
December 16, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Council Conference Room
Those present:
Kurt Marhegard, Staff Advisor
Emelie Eaton, Committee Chair
Bill Mountsier, Committee Co -Chair
Karl Dan Koch
Marvin Carter
Heidi Sparks
Also in attendance:
Iry Wilkie
Dennis Eaton
Matt Higgins
The meeting started at 5:58 p.m. The committee had three guests in
attendance.
General items
1. Review and approve minutes of November 18, 2019 meeting.
The minutes were reviewed. Heidi Sparks moved the minutes
be approved as written. Bill Mountsier seconded this motion.
The motion passed.
New Business
2. Advanced Pump and Equipment Presentation
Matt Higgins and Dennis Eaton were there to represent
Advanced Pump and Equipment (APE). Dennis had previously
attended the November 26, 2019 Budget and Finance meeting.
Those minutes were read as it explained that the city of Laurel
had repaired a lift station pump, calling on Gorman Rupp and
that company had charged the city mileage. Dennis had
stated at the November Budget and Finance meeting that not
only does APE have an office in Laurel but that they actually
sell Gorman Rupp pumps as well as service them for their
customers. At the end of his November presentation Dennis
stated that he had hesitated to come forward for his company
because Chairwoman Emelie Eaton is his wife. The Mayor had
assured him that there was no conflict of interest and had
urged him to come before this committee with a proposal. At
that time Matt Higgins stated that APE is a company that
started 20 years ago in Big Shy, Montana. The company had
remained rather small and quiet until the Babben boom in
North Dakota where APE was called upon to maintain small
water and sewer systems for the man camps. Since then, the
company had grown in other areas and now has offices in five
locations including Laurel, Montana. Matt stated he didn't
want to presume too much and so didn't bring a proposal.
Instead he wanted to introduce themselves and the company.
He didn't want any assumption of impropriety. Matt explained
that APE currently is divided so that 60%-70% of the business
they do is wastewater management and 30%-40% is clean
water production.
Dennis stated that one of the company's customers is Cenex in
Laurel. He stated Cenex has two pumps which they used to
ship away for repairs. It cost them $3,000 a pump to ship them
back and forth. He felt that was a good example of how APE
being local can save a company money. Dennis said he would
like the opportunity to drive throughout Laurel with Kurt and
look at the pumps the City is using. He stated he would be
able to predict the life expectancy of the pumps. He stated
APE's intention is not to take jobs away from the City but to
help the City be pro-active in maintenance. He asked the
Public Works Director if the City sends guys down to inspect the
pumps. There was no response from the Public Works Director.
Matt Higgins stated that the city of )aclqson Hole, Wyoming is a
similar example. That community is downsizing its staff. It is
more efficient for Jachson to have APE put a man down in the
pump hole rather than pull the pump. Bill Mountsier asked
Matt whether the pumps were running while the man was in
the hole. Matt responded with "Yes". Bill asked if there were
any pumps APE could not work on. Matt said "yes, that there
are some pumps that have to go back to the factory". Dennis
added that if the casing breaks and there is a guarantee the
pump has to go back to the manufacturer. Public Works
Director Marbegard asked if APE does machining, like to fix a
shaft. Matt stated that APE does do machining, that their shop
in Blachfoot, Idaho is where they send most of the machining to
be done. K. Dan Koch asked if APE makes parts. Dennis stated
they do. Iry Wilke asked four questions. 1. Will representatives
from APE be able to tour the City's pumps? Public Works
Director Marbegard stated they would. 2. Does the City have
Knowledge of pending problems? P.W. Director Marbegard
stated they try to be pro -active. He relayed a story about a
pump that had been 'fried' two years ago because of electrical
problems. Dennis Eaton stated that the company worbed on a
lot of broben pumps in Williston, North Dahota specifically but
in North Dabota generally because they were not pro -active in
maintaining them. 3. Does the city of Laurel Know the life
expectancy of the pump that was just replaced that was the
topic of discussion for APE. The P.W. Director stated that pump
deals with excessive sulfuric acid problems. Iry asbed then if
Kurt felt that APE could help. The P.W. Director stated "yes".
Matt Higgins stated that lining in pump holes is an issue they
deal with and that a branch of their company, Advanced
Lining, can help protect against sulfuric acid problems. Matt
wanted to stress that they have grown and diversified quite a
bit as they have experienced common reoccurring problems.
K. Dan Koch wanted to Know if there is a bonus for the
individual that goes down in the hole. Matt Higgins stated that
it is a three man job and every field service employee has to
experience going down in the hole as part of their initial
training. Because the Public Worbs Director is going on
vacation after Christmas it was decided that Dennis would get
with him after the first of the year to tour the city's pumps.
3. Recycling Discussion
K. Dan Koch had requested this item be discussed because he
noticed that the bin off of First Avenue North "behind" the High
School parting lot that is used to collect paper was missing. P.W.
Director Marhegard stated the toe hoot was brobe. He stated that
it was full of paper but needed to be welded. It is bach now.
Emelie ashed who owns the bin and whose project is the recycling.
P.W. Director Marhegard stated that Karen Altman started
collecting papers for special needs students as a worh study
program. The program is no longer in place and Ms. Alman is
retired from teaching but the bins were left in place. The city, as a
gesture of good will, still collects the bins, tabes them to Billings and
hands over the proceeds to the school. He stated that currently
there is only one place that doesn't charge to accept recycling. He
then stated that Pacific charges $100 to tale recycling but it is a $20
fee to dump at the landfill in Billings, so it is cheaper to dump it as
garbage. It was further stated that Allied or Republic will still tale
donations of paper. The P.W. Director stated that there is no
marbet for plastic recycling. He said there was a good Net Flichs
documentary titled Broken, that shows Malaysia and China burning
plastics. He stated that sorting plastic is a very labor intensive task
and it costs too much right now to recycle.
Old Business
4. Sewer Dump Station — a monthly breabdown of income from the
Septic Dump Station was distributed in everyone's packets along
with a color photo of the screen over the septic dump area. Total
income for)anuary through the end of November, 2019 showed
$23,673.65. It was stated that there are five local septic sucking
businesses locally. There are out of Billings and presently only
Frank's and Cotter's dump in Laurel. Bill Mountsier stated that he
thought that Cotter's had recently been sold. Iry Wilke stated that
the business had been sold to a man out of California who chose to
beep the "Cotter's" name on the business. He then inquired why the
income from May was so low ($1,164.28) compared to April and June.
The response was that the station had been plugged up.
5. Emergency Call Outs: There had been one on December 8, 2019 to
sand the streets due to ice.
6. Update on Rules and Regulations for Utility Services -Design
Standards The last update had been in 2003 when Morrison-
Maierly had been the City Engineer firm. They had simply copied
from Billings' standards and changed names where necessary but
they were the same standards. Thursday of the previous week the
P>W. Director had met with KLJ to begin the process of writing new
rules for Laurel. Currently the City can cover new builds with
Planning Department specific requests. Iry Wilke inquired as to
whether subdivision standards need to meet City standards. The
response was that the City has to treat everyone equally.
Geotechnical reports will support the reason for specific
requirements. There will be a draft of the new Rules and
Regulations in January. It will discuss such things as curb built vs.
having boulevards. The P.W. Director would like the new Rules and
Regulations finalized by spring.
7. Engineering Report from KU Engineering Consultants.
*WWTP Screw Press -this project is done.
*WWTP Screw Pump A Replacement -an Emergency Request had
been made for a new Screw Pump which was installed January 11,
2020. The Manufacturer still needs to inspect the new pump. It will
be until February or March before the grout can be put in. Heidi
Sparks clarified that the screw pump cannot be used until the grout
is in. It was stated that the city is currently using a Bypass Pump.
*Sanitary Sewer H25 Remediation -the company providing the
additives in the Pilot Study stated they would lite to give the City a
free month of additional study. They think they are malting
headway.
*East 61h Street Improvements -this project is categorized as done. At
this point Heidi Sparbs stated she would recommend KL) simply list
these projects that reoccur categorized as done but are waiting for a
warranty inspection as "complete pending warranty inspection".
She felt it would cut down on the length of the report KU provides.
*Data and Asset Management- this is being wonted on with the
Rules and Regulations discussed earlier. Presently the city maps are
all paper. The information has not been updated since 2008.
*East Downtown Infrastructure Improvements -This project is on
schedule. Presently the City Clerb/Treasurer and Dorsey & Whitney
are wonting on the amount that needs to be borrowed. Heidi
5parl:zs wanted clarification that the start date is weather pending
but will be at least the end of March. Iry Willie inquired about
mobilization fees and whether the City would be able to save
money on this project lite it had on the E. 6t" St. project and street
maintenance wont. It was explained that since nothing had gone
out to bid no one knew if it would be the same contractor for all
projects.
*Design Standards & Rules Update -the committee had already
discussed this.
*Pavement Management Plan -project is done.
*2019 Pavement Maintenance -this project is completed.
*Laurel Planning Services -this is wont which KU does with the City
Planner.
*Riverside Parlt Campground- A final design is expected January 2,
2020.
*Other Notes and Information -
Anticipated FY20 Projects -none of the projects has moved forward
a. West Railroad Street Reconstruction -it was stated that the Tash
Order on the $85,000 that KL) had billed the City had been broben
down but had not come before the Council for review because the
P.W. Director was researching issues about a very small bridge near
the corner of West Railroad Street and Woodland Avenue. It had
been discovered the city had put the bridge in with the help of the
Northern Pacific Railroad circa 1946. The P. W. Director stated he
would rather do the research because KL) was going to charge
$6,000 to do the research. The intention is to prove that the state
should provide money toward improving West Railroad Street
because they establish the weight restrictions. It was explained as
review that the new, 10 item Tasks Order shows what KU will be
doing for the City and is a 10 item Tasb List that totals $85,000. The
City has to pay for items 1-9 to get to item 10 which will determine
how much the City will have to pay KU to do the worn to repair
West Railroad Street. It also will list what portions of the project the
State will duplicate.
b. Water Storage Tanks Recoat-it was clarified that this is the tanIq
on the hill north of 14th Street.
This ended the review of KU's Report. Heidi Sparbs stated that
she wanted to repeat that she has previously stated that the City
of Laurel needs a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan, just
lite Billings. Thanks to KL) the City of Laurel has a CIP for water
and sewer and Street Maintenance. However, there is not one
for the Fire Department, Ambulance or Police.
Other Items
a. Emelie Eaton stated that she had been provided the links to
report problems with streetlights but it was far too long to
state so she would text or e-mail it to the committee members
and then provide it publicly in the minutes. The links is:
https://www.northwesternenergy.com/contact-us/report-
street-light-issue-form.
b. Emelie Eaton wanted to explain that Iry Wilkie was
considering becoming a member of the Public Worhs
Committee but was sitting in on this meeting to see if it
involved issues he would be interested in. He was welcomed
as a new member after Bill Mountsier leaves the Council.
c. Emelie Eaton wanted to thank Bill Mountsier for his years of
service on the Public Worbs committee and hoped that he
would consider continuing on the committee as a private
citizen as the committee still has two open seats.
d. Heidi Sparbs wanted an update on Northwest Energy's bulb
switch out. The response was that the switch out was not
scheduled until 2020. Additionally, it was discovered that
Solid Foundations had not received a bill since 2016 for those
streetlights because there was no meter. The Street Lighting
District would be in communication with NWE on this issue
but the City did know that NWE could only go back six
months on bills. Also, it was stated that residents could see a
drop in taxes because of the change to LED lights.
e. Bill Mountsier wanted to state that he felt the City of Laurel
Pavement Management Plan was a very comprehensive,
easy to understand boob and he appreciated it. He stated he
thought KLJ must have gone to a lot of woriq to produce it.
There was a comment from the P.W. Director about local
option taxes.
f. Marvin Carter stated that he libed the sidewalks that had
been put in on 5E 4th Street. He said there were no sidewalks
on East or West Railroad Street. He wondered why there
couldn't be sidewalks in the areas since they are also in the
same TIFD. The P.W. Director stated the property owners
would have to create a petition to put in sidewalks and
create a SID.
Announcements
8. Martin Luther King Day is the third Monday of January. Staff would
not be expected to work that day and the P.W. Director had stated
a long time ago he no longer wanted to have a meeting on days he
was not expected to be at City Hall. The committee discussed what
dates would be acceptable as meeting times. Iry Wilke stated that,
just as Bill Mountsier had had, there would be a conflict with moving
the meeting to the fourth Monday because that is when Emergency
Services Committee meets. It was mentioned that this issue would
occur regarding the February 2020 meeting as well. The committee
decided they would worry about the February meeting in January.
After further discussion regarding conflicts Heidi Sparks moved and
Bill Mountsier seconded that the January meeting would be held on
Wednesday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the council conference room.
9. 11t Avenue signal Timing Review Presentation by the Montana DOT.
It was announced that January 211t, the second workshop of 2020
MT DOT would be attending the workshop to discuss signals and
timing of the lights as well as whether the City wanted to continue
to have the light at the corner of 11t Avenue and Main Street flash
during certain hours. Iry Wilke stated that previously it had been
requested that a "No Left Turn" sign be posted at the south end of
the underpass to prevent people from turning onto East Railroad
Street from South First Avenue. He said that the matter came
down to whether or not Laurel Police would enforce it and the
Police Department had stated they were reluctant to do so.
The next meeting will be January 22nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Conference room.
The December 16, 2019 Public Works meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Emelie Eaton
Public Works Chair
Septic Dump Station for 2019
January
802.24
February
658.36
March
2134.52
April
1865.93
May
1164.28
June
2754.2
July
3122.08
August
3407.64
September
3724.76
October
2410.76
November
1628.88
December
total
23673.65
Emergency Call -outs for Public Works December 16, 2019 PW meeting
12-8 Sand Streets due to ice
City of Laurel Project Status Update<<KLI
x
December 15, 2019
WWTP Screw Press (KU #1804-00120)
Project Manager: Travis Jones/Doug Whitney
Reason for Project: The City's WWTP does not currently have adequate sludge handling equipment,
which has led to overfilling and backup of the drying beds, digesters, and various other WWTP
components. Completion of this project will allow for improved operations and allow for
maintenance of the digesters, which cannot be taken offline until this project is completed.
Project Scope: Design and construction of a new screw press to process WWTP sludge.
Milestones:
• Preconstruction meeting was held December 13, 2018
• Notice to Proceed will be January 7, 2019 (150 -day contract)
• Start-up of the sludge press and cake pump June 13, 2019
• Substantial Completion —August 2, 2019
• Final Completion- September 9, 2019
• Project Closed Out
Current Status:
• Warranty Inspection NLT August 2, 2020
WWTP Screw Pump "A" Replacement (KU #1804-0347, Task 6)
Project Manager: Doug Whitney
Reason for Project: This key component of the WWTP has failed and needs to be replaced asap
Project Scope: Replace screw press "A".
Milestones:
• The City has order the Screw pump from the manufacture.
• Quotes have been received Star Service is low.
• Star Service has signed agreement
• Replacement installed November 11, 2019
Current Status:
• Installing drive unit and grouting
Page 1 of 7
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
ArAorKLI
1( fid City of Laurel Project Status Update
December 15, 2019
Sanitary Sewer H2S Remediation (KU #1804-00122)
Project Manager: Doug Whitney
Reason for Project: Buildup of H2S within the WW collection system has led to deterioration of
manholes and other system components.
Project Scope: Complete the design and construction administration for the proposed air
injection/diffuser system to address H2S build-up within the system.
Milestones:
• Sewer sampling plan submitted to the City
• Sewer samples collected on July 19, 2018
• Results of sewer sampling received on July 30, 2018
• Analyses of sampling and recommendations for a second round submitted on August 3,
2018
• Second round of samples collected on August 14, 2018
• Second round of sampling results received on August 27, 2018
• Results of second round of sewer sampling received on September 25, 2018
• H2S monitoring: April 2-19, 2019 — Completed
• Pilot Bioaugmentation equipment has been installed.
• Dosage increase authorized on October 11, 2019
Current Status:
• H2S levels are being monitored until November 18, 2019
On -Call Professional Services (KU #1804-00347)
Project Manager: Matt Corcoran
Reason for Project: This contract would enable KU to provide consulting services that are not part of an
approved task order. Generally, this would apply to situations where KU's fees are small enough that a
separate task order is not necessary, or for time -sensitive matters.
Project Scope: Services may include engineering, surveying, planning or government relations.
Milestones: (as needed)
Current Status:
• None
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
Page 2 of 7
'R d�
� City of Laurel Project Status Update
December 15, 2019 `y
East 6th Street Improvements (KU #1804-00121)
Project Manager: Carl Jackson
Reason for Project: Street reconstruction between 1st Ave. and Wyoming Ave. to address failed
pavement, saturated subgrade conditions and surface runoff improvements. UPDATE: the scope
recently changed to include new water main from Pennsylvania to Wyoming.
Project Scope:
• Grading, paving, parking, and drainage enhancements (minor water main in Wyoming)
• Special Improvement District (sidewalks, driveways)
• Safety improvements
• Water main from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, including the Wyoming intersection valves.
Milestones:
• Bidding—April/May 2019
• SID creation — May/June 2019
• Construction — Substantial Completion walkthrough on August 15, 2019
• Substantial Completion for the Striping September 9, 2019
• DEQ Certification- September 16, 2019
• Punchlist Complete -
Current Status:
• Warranty Inspection NLT August 15, 2020
Data and Asset Management (KU # 1804-00461)
Project Manager: Matt Smith
Reason for Project: Consolidate infrastructure information
Project Scope: Assemble city infrastructure data into a single source, which can be used to tack and
manage assets
Milestones:
• City Approved Project October 8, 2019
Current Status:
• KU is progressing
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
Page 3 of 7
dCity of LaurelProject♦Update,(rKL)
December 15, 2019
East Downtown Infrastructure Improvements (KU #1804-01309)
Project Manager: Matt Corcoran
Reason for Project: Reconstruction and rehabilitation of streets, utilities and various other
infrastructure improvements including Washington Ave., Idaho Ave. and Ohio Ave. generally
bound between E. Main Street and E. 1st Street, as well as E. V Street generally bound between
Washington Ave. and Alder Ave.
Project Scope: Preliminary engineering, SID creation, design, bidding and construction.
Milestones:
• Survey & Geotechnical fieldwork —complete
• SID creation—Summer/Fall 2019 (tentative)
• Design & Bidding — Full bid package ready in January 2020
• Construction — May 2020
• Delivering Local Assistance Grants Submitted- September 2019
Current Status:
• Design is in -process and KU is expediting plans and specifications to start the
bidding/construction sequence in January 2020.
Tentative Schedule: January 23 —Advertise for Bids
February 13- Bid Opening
February 18- City Council Work Shop
February 25- City Council Awards Bid
Design Standards & Rules Update (KU # 1804-02569)
Project Manager: Matt Smith
Reason for Project: Update old standards
Project Scope: Develop a set of cohesive and concise design standards for public improvements to
help facilitate reviews of new developments and ensure the public improvements are designed in
the City of Laurel's best interest.
Milestones:
• Draft outline October 24, 2019
Current Status:
• Review of draft sections of manual
Page 4 of 7
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
A� City of Laurel Project Status Update
December 15, 2019
Pavement Management Plan Update (KU #1804-01970)
Project Manager: Bryan Vanderloos
Reason for Project: Develop an updated pavement management plan (PMP) including MDT and City
streets within the Laurel corporate limits. This will be used for prioritizing the City's annual
pavement maintenance projects, along with satisfying MDT's requirement that the City update
its PMP on a regular basis to be eligible for certain future State funding.
Project Scope: Conduct a field inventory by assessing paved streets utilizing the Pavement Surface
Evaluation and Rating (PASER) methodology. A rating of 1-10 will be given to each road segment
based on distresses such as cracks, ruts, potholes, etc. Known roads that have failed pavement
sections and are in disrepair will not be evaluated, and simply given a poor rating.
Milestones:
• Final edits are complete, and the final draft was given to Kurt and Matt.
• Comments have been received by City
Current Status:
• Project is complete
2019 Pavement Maintenance (KU #1904-00230)
Project Manager: Bryan Vanderloos
Reason for Project: This continues the City's annual pavement maintenance.
Project Scope: This year's project entails crack seal, chip seal, pavement markings, and other
miscellaneous items on the following streets: South Washington Avenue; Sth Avenue from West
Main Street to West 2nd Street; Cottonwood Avenue from East Main Street to the Ditch
Crossing; East 8th Street from 1st Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue; and Pennsylvania Avenue
from East 8th Street to East Maryland Lane.
Milestones:
• Bidding — complete
• Construction — April -June 2019
• Substantial Completion August 12, 2019
• Final Completion August 21, 2019
Current Status:
• Warranty Inspection NLT August 21, 2020
Page 5 of 7
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
A (J City of Laurel Project Status Update
December 15, 2019
Laurel Planning Services (KU #1804-00554)
Project Manager: Forrest Sanderson
Reason for Project: KU has been retained to provide City of Laurel planning services as needed.
Project Scope: Planning services may include: subdivision, zoning, development, floodplain hazard
management, miscellaneous reviews and other related work. KU will prepare staff reports,
recommendations, and attend meetings upon request.
Milestones: (as needed)
Current Status:
• Floodplain Management —Joint Application for improvements at Riverside Park will need to
be completed and a Floodplain Development Permit issued.
• Subdivision Review — KU Staff are available to assist as necessary.
• Zoning— KU Staff are available to assist as necessary.
• Riverside Park Campground (KU#1904-00634)—The project will be transferred to Matt
Corcoran for design and management where Forrest has a regulatory role as City Floodplain
Administrator. Forrest will remain as project liaison between City and Project Manager.
• Growth Policy Update —This project has just begun with coordination between the Laurel
City Planner and KU.
Riverside Park Campground (KU # 1904-00634)
Project Manager: Matt Corcoran
Reason for Project: New campground in Riverside Park
Project Scope: Work consists of surveying and designing a new campground within Riverside Park.
Milestones:
• Design and Bid Document Preparation —ASAP
• Bidding—ASAP
• Construction — ASAP (goal is to be ready for next season)
• Council Approval
• Topographic Map Completed 25 Nov 19
Current Status:
• Preliminary Design to be completed by Jan 2, 2020
Page 6 of 7
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
WL
L City of Laurel Project Status Update
December 15, 2019
Other Notes and Information
Other potential projects have been identified during recent conversations between City staff and
KU. City Public Works staff and KU task leaders meet bi-weekly to discuss current and future
projects. As these are tentative, the timing and extent of KU's services are TBD, unless noted
otherwise.
Anticipated FY20 Proiects
1. West Railroad Street Reconstruction- Proposal submitted
2. Water Storage Tank Recoat
3. 2020 Pavement Maintenance- Proposal submitted
4. Water System Planning
a. Master Plan Update (potentially update PER concurrently)
b. Booster station rehabilitation or replacement (task order forthcoming)
c. Water storage tank
5. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) assistance —pending further direction from the City.
Other Potential Future Proiects
1. WWTP Archimedes Screw Rehabilitation
2. Examining engineer review of 3`d Party submittals to City
3. Lion's park grant application assistance
4. On-call government relations
5. West side groundwater remediation
6. West Side TIFF
7. School Lot
Page 7 of 7
ENGINEERING, REIMAGINED
City of Laurel, Montana
"On -Call" Engineering Contract
Great West Project No. 2-07128 and 2-14114
A1:1J [41MAZl1-111l�rl
Date: December 16, 2019
To: Kurt Markegard, Public Works Director — City of Laurel
From: Chad E. Hanson, PE
Subject: Project Progress Update
The following sections summarize the current status and recent progress on active task orders
under our "on-call' engineering contract with the City. Please let me know if you have any
questions and/or would like more information.
Task Order No. 29 — Phase 3 Water System Improvements
Construction on the project is completed, and the new sedimentation basins are fully operational
and performing well within the design parameters. The NTU of the water coming off the plate
settlers is below 1.0, and chemical usage is a quarter to a third of historical usage based upon
discussions with the plant operators.
Great West is completing the operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and record drawings
(as-builts) for the project and has been coordinating with the Contractor, COP Construction, to
complete minor punch list items and to address a warranty issue with the filter pumps.
0