04-04-86 Public Works Comm MinutesApril 4, 1986 SEWER AND WATER/F11R7.iC WORKS COMMITTEE 9:00 A.M.
Chairmen Nystul and Ruiz and Councilmen Palmer, Schindler, and Saverud
in attendance. DPW Hammer, Surveyor Zavodny, Building official Jackson, Const-
ruction Inspector Van Dyke, W/S Supt. Hyde, Tom Flynn and Chet Mahugh also present.
LOVE PROPERTY PURCHASE - It was felt that it was cheaper to buy the lot
than to figure out a way to give them access. The staff recommendation is
to purchase the lot presently and it can be either used later or traded or
sold. There was some discussion of the need for an appraisal. The Committee
recommended approval for the purchase subject to any legal requirements, title
search, etc. This will be presented to the Council.
AS-BUILTS - W/S Supt. Hyde said the City needs to formalize a procedure
on as-builts so that things that are supposed to happen will be done. He listed
things that should be included and told the Committee he would prepare a check-
list and proposal of needed changes to the Rules and Regulations for the next
meeting. C. Palmer said there should be a written notice of non-compliance
(as in Hawthorne West) even though everyone involved is already aware of the
problems.
STORM SEWER - MAIN AND IDAHO PROPOSED MOTEL - The Blaine brothers were
attempting to put together a plan for a motel on this corner and had asked
for consideration of City participation for the storm drain. The latest word,
however, is that Hardy's Restaurants have bought this piece of property. DPW
Hammer said the same issue may come up with Hardy's.
FVCC - The college has requested a 40' main to tap into on a temporary
basis in order to get water to sports fields. W/S Supt. Hyde recommended that
the college pay for the extension of the 8" main across the road and that they
be charged sprinkling rates for the water. The Committee agreed.
WATER FROM HYDRANTS FOR WASHING - This is the time of year for cleaning
up and the question was raised as to what extent the Water Department is providing
free water. Tom Flynn pointed out that the rate structure says no free water
to anyone. He feels that the parks should be metered also. He indicated that
these are the type of things that come up at PSC hearings - the City must know
where the water is going. There was discussion of possible ways to collect
for the "cleaning" water. DPW Hammer said he felt this was a public service.
The businessmen donate their time to do the cleaning, the hydrants get flushed
at least once a year, and he felt it all balanced out. There was some agreement
that cleaning the streets was one thing but large privately owned lots was
another. It was questioned whether the City has any control over private citizens,
and there was the question of damages. W/S Supt. Hyde said that 90% of the
time the Water Department doesn't know about the usage. Tom Flynn asked why
the West Valley Rural Fire District was using the hydrants and C. Nystul said
it was a mutual aid agreement. C. Palmer said he would support the Fire Department
being accountable to the Water Department. The W/S Supt., DPW Hammer, Mayor
Kennedy and the Fire Chief were asked to write up a policy addressing who was
to give notice to who, costs, etc.
STANDARDS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - Revisions are approved by resolution
annually. DPW Hammer said alot of time was spent updating the standards and
indicated that Surveyor Zavodny and Construction Inspector Van Dyke were doing
a very good job.
SEWER AND WATER/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
• April 4, 1986
Page 2
C. Palmer indicated that he and Construction Inspector Van Dyke had had
several conversations. His concern was that there was a blanket policy covering
every street regardless of the base, resulting in the spending of thousands
of dollars where it was not needed. He felt that a lot of money might be saved
if the City did as it has done on 5th Avenue West and obtained core samples,
then consider the load limit for the particular street, and be willing to accept
alternate design based on traffic engineering and soil analysis. This could
be accepted by the Director of Public Works or his representatives. For many
of the areas in the city the construction standards are heavy-duty. As an
example C. Palmer said Terry Richmond of Morrison and Maierle had offered to
do the engineering and take the soils tests for Meridian Road to give an illus-
tration of the amount of savings available. The other item he had discussed
with Mr. Richmond was the storm drainage: some streets have excellent storm
drainage, while others have none at all. There are alot of variables there
and the heavy-duty standards treat all streets alike. DPW Hammer indicated
that the standards are State of Montana standards and are fairly general. Most
are heavy-duty and the City is taking out some of the wording that causes the
developer and/or the City more expense than necessary for the conditions.
C. Nystul asked if anyone had any objection to submitting the standards, including
the changes just discussed, to the Council for approval. The Committee was
in agreement.
• MAHUGH CUB CUT - Surveyor Zavodny had no problem with this request because
there is no parking allowed on that side of the street and there would be no
interference with the intersection. A tree that is in porr shape will be removed
by Mr. Mahugh but the Committee felt Parks Director Drent should be consulted
about the removal. C. Schindler said a sign was needed at the exit indicating
the one-way street. The Public Works Department concurred with the request.
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM - DPW Hammer explained the handout showing
facts and figures concerning the 1986 reconstruction program and the scheduling
of the projects.
Meridian Road - The State is designing the intersection with Highway 93
and anything past the City ROW the State will pay for. C. Ruiz asked if it
wouldn't be cheaper to give a cash contribution instead of paving, but DPW
Hammer said the County had time limits and was unable to do the paving. Load
limits were discussed but it was felt that designing the road for heavy-duty
travel was more practical than policing the traffic. The City utilities along
this stretch are in good shape and the City is dealing with other utilities.
Half of the road has good pit run, the other half is fine sand. The design
is for a 44' road but only 24' will be used at present. The steep bank is
the biggest problem with ROW. No curb and gutter will be put in at this time,
but a good shoulder will be provided. DPW Hammer is in touch with the State
concerning a $25,000 grant for a pedestrian crossing.
Second Street East - DPW Hammer is working with Norwest Bank and the owners
• of the theater. The vaults under the sidewalk are catching City storm water.
The theater is not a major problem but the bank will hire an engineer and put
in a structural wall. DPW Hammer prefers not replacing sidewalks. He feels
the City should pay for the curbing because this is partially a City problem.
Possible use of tax increment funds discussed. The bank will care for their
problem and the City will take care of theirs.
SEWER AND WATER/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
• April 4, 1986
Page 3
Tax Increment Funds For Street Department - The Committee was agreed that
a motion of approval be presented to Council. DPW Hammer said the four streets
north of the Mall would come under the $150,000 set aside for 5th Avenue West
North. Whether 2nd Street will come under the $150,000 depends on the bids
for the replacement of the water line on 5th from railroad to Idaho.
Patching and Sweeping - Theseare being done daily at present.
Alley Clean --up - DPW Hammer said it was nice to provide this service but
manpower and budget were problems this year. There was a discussion of timing
and the problem of stopping something the City has done for years.
Main Replacement - 5th Avenue West North - The Committee will recommend
to Council the authorization for going out for bids for the main replacement.
PURCHASE OF LOVE TRACT HB - Attorney Neier explained that Love's preferred
selling to the City rather than giving an easement, and buying the lot would
be easier than finding an access. After several offers the final price is
$6,500 plus back taxes, which amount to approximately $1,200. It was pointed
out that presently the Water Department is paying $1,500/year for the lease
on the BN property where the warehouse is located. It is expected that this
lease will not be available permanently and the Love location could be used
for a new location for the warehouse or traded later to the School District
for needed parking. The Committee approved Attorney Neier dealing with Love's
for a purchase of the property.
ORDER IN CURBS FOR KINSHELLA AND HUSKY STREETS - The Committee agreed
to recommend to the Council approval for ordering in curbs.
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