05-31-2005 CCM
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2005
1. CALL TO ORDER - 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Steve Cook called the meeting to order. Members present were Bill Arndt, Jim Haugen and Casey
Stotts. Others present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and John Rodeberg,
Director of Public Works.
2. NEW BUSINESS
(a) LETTING NO.4, PROJECT NO. 05-04 & 05-05 (DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE) - DECLARING COST
TO BE ASSESSED, ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND SETTING
HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT
John Rodeberg, Director of Public Works, presented before the Council. Mr. Rodeberg clarified that
tonight's purpose is only to set the assessment hearing and not award the bid. Mr. Rodeberg also noted that
the final cost on the project is approximately $1.4 million, which is approximately 30% lower than
originally estimated. 20% of the project will be assessed to property owners. Mr. Rodeberg further noted
that there was a bid irregularity on the low bid and legal action may be pending from the second lowest
bidder. Mr. Rodeberg described the irregularity as a line error, however the total bottom line bid was not
alternated and would have been the lowest bid regardless of the line error.
Mayor Cook asked if the assessment hearing is in essence accepting the low bid. Mr. Rodeberg noted that
the assessment hearing can be held, and if at that time the Council does not accept the final assessment
numbers, the project can be stopped.
City Attorney Sebora iterated that the lowest bidder has been identified as such and the line error was more
or less a type-o, with the total bid number not being altered. Mr. Sebora also noted that the second lowest
bidder, Duininck Bros., could file an injunction, and explained various outcomes of that.
Motion by Stotts, second by Arndt, to accept assessment roll and set assessment hearing for June 14, 2005.
Motion carried unanimously.
(b) DISCUSSION OF MOSQUITO CONTROL SPRAYING OPERATIONS
Mayor Cook noted that he has had second thoughts on delaying spraying for mosquitos in 2005. Mayor
Cook suggested using two units running six-hours and renting mstead of purchasing a machine from the
City of Litchfield. Mayor Cook feels that the effectiveness of briquettes may run out in August and does not
cover the entire city. Ken Merrill, Finance Director, noted that there are some financing options that could
be put in place for 2005.
John Rodeberg noted that he has concerns with the process of putting in place spraying for mosquito control
now. He also has concerns with the lack of staff to conduct the procedure and the low placement of this on
the essential services list.
Council Member Arndt stated he was surprised that this item was on the agenda because it was passed
unanimously at the last Council meeting to delay with spraying and see how effective the briquettes are for
this year.
Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to delay spraying for mosquito control and see how effective the
briquettes are for this year. Mayor Cook had asked staff if the spraying was put in place for this summer if it
could be accomplished by July 4th. John Rodeberg noted that it is feasible if additional seasonal staff is
hired to aid in the full-time workload. John Olson stated that he researched a little bit the abatement
program to determine if the City could have a mosquito control program but not an abatement board,
specifically with right-of-entry onto private property. Another issue Mr. Olson would like to research is the
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA - MAY 24, 2005
effects ofthe chemical on human beings. Mr. Rodeberg stated his main concern is the timing of putting this
into place and the procedure that is used. Furthermore, Mr. Olson stated that more research should be done
on the pros and cons of an abatement board. Mr. Olson also explained the reasoning for the use of three
machines as opposed to two machines. Council Member Haugen reminded the group that the City has
applied the briquettes, and thus, is taking some action on mosquito control. Council Member Stotts also
noted that there is a fiscal responsibility to consider. A roll call vote was taken - Haugen aye; Arndt aye;
Stotts aye; Cook nay. Motion carried 3 to 1.
3. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS
Casey Stotts - Council Member Stotts stated that he was contacted by a citizen who was very thankful to the
street department for filling the potholes.
4. ADJOURN
With no further business to discuss, motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
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