Minutes - Council - 02/06/2012 - Special

Home

Mr. Olson responded that our current rate of growth is 260 but it is impossible to really answer that question. We cannot design the system until we know what assumptions to use with the growth rate. The numbers will have a huge impact on the size of the pipes, etc. Bolton & Menk will not want to design a system and then have Council say the calculations are way off. The document we used to design the system was in the Comp Plan. We already know what service to the entire City would cost. City Engineer Himmer stated that we could say we are not changing the growth at all — then you could say take that surface water plant out — we could do that. However, we need a statement — we need to know what Council's assumptions are — what we should use. Councilmember Backous reiterated using 260. Acting Mayor Wise stated that if you can reduce fees, growth is more likely to come. Councilmember Strommen agreed with 260. Let's get an analysis done and come back with the other aspects of the issues we need to discuss. Director of Public Works Olson reminded the Council that this meeting was posted as a special City Council meeting, not a work session, so an actual motion can be made and action taken. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Backous to maintain the current Comprehensive Sewer and Water Plan as it is at this point in time — including the population growth projects of 260. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Mayor Wise, Councilmembers Elvig, Backous and Strommen. Voting No: Councilmembers McGlone and Tossey. Absent: Mayor Ramsey. Councilmember Elvig commented that this does not stop our quest to move forward. MAYOR/COUNCIL /STAFF INPUT Senior Planner Gladhill presented an update on the Mississippi River regulations. He met with the legislators and anticipates we will have more conversations with the DNR. He talked about the procedural special legislation to remove that overlap. Councilmember Strommen stated she would like the discussion to happen with the DNR staff. Mr. Gladhill stated that at the end of the day, we still need DNR support. He stated he will push to delay that special legislation. Councilmember McGlone stated that we are looking to simplify by removing overlaps and you want to take more time to talk to the DNR. He wondered why. City Council — Special Meeting — February 6, 2012 Page 10 of 11