Minutes - Council - 03/10/1987 - Special

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the impact of it and a couple of dry years will buy time to plan the next approach to directly affect large numbers of people and property. Mr. Raatikka - Stated that the proposed improvement will decrease the pumping distance considerably. Ernie Larsen - Inquired if water tables were lowered significantly enough by p~nping to provide relief. Mr. Raatikka - Replied that 1986 pumping to the river lowered the water table by one foot. Councilmember DeLuca - Noted that pipe installation will be 10 feet below the railroad tracks and inquired as to how much the water table is expected to be lowered. Mr. Raatikka - Replied that the water table is expected to be lowered to pipe level. Last year the water was 4 to 5 feet below the tracks; the improvements should take approximately 6 feet of water out of the area. Councilmember DeLuca - Stated that looking at that lowering of water table collectively, it is sure to impact the area of 149th. Councilmember Pearson - Noted that open farmland is taxed under Green Acres and inquired as to who would pick up the slack on those parcels. Mr. Hartley - Stated that the cost of the project is distributed based on property tax valuation. The cost is collected from properties that pay taxes. The cost is not assessed; it is a tax levy. Jane Terpstra - Inquired as to the next step with the proposed project. Mr. Hartley - Stated that after the hearing, Council can choose to order plans and specs and proceed with the project. Between March 10 and June 2, the City will have to prepare the plans and specs and have them reviewed by ~ DoT and DNR. Bids should be received by June 29; construction would begin in July and reach completion in the fall. The public hearing adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sylvia Frolik Secretary David Hartley City Administrator City Council Public Hearing/March 10, 1987 Page 6 of 6