Minutes - Council - 03/10/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.05: Consider City of Ramsey Response to Metropolitan Council Draft Water Resources Policy Plan City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and recommendation to approve the draft response to the Metropolitan Council Draft Water Resources Policy Plan. Councilmember Riley stated the Public Works Committee and City Council have not had the opportunity to discuss this draft response and tonight's meeting is the last opportunity to provide input. He requested the following revisions: Page 1, third paragraph, remove first sentence: The City of Ramsey supports the regionalization of water systems, but only if such systems can be funded equitably across the communities they serve. Page 1, third paragraph, second sentence, remove the word `also:' `The City would also like to stress that... ' Page 2, first paragraph, line 8, remove the word 'likely': ... but it would likely not be economically feasible if the intent... ' Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked City Engineer Westby to explain the purpose for including this sentence: The City of Ramsey supports the regionalization of water systems, but only if such systems can be funded equitably across the communities they serve. ' City Engineer Westby explained that in order to implement a surface water supply system, the City cannot do it on its own from a financial standpoint and will need to act in unison with others. Also, regionalization is part of the City's Strategic Action Plan to think regionally, reach out to neighboring cities, and address things on a regional basis. The basis for that sentence is to carry that message forward from the Strategic Action Plan and the need for partners to address finances. Acting Mayor LeTourneau thanked Councilmember Riley for his suggested revisions. He explained that the Environmental Policy Board had a lot of discussion about water, water conservation, and the pressure placed on the water aquifer due to increased development, resulting in a precarious position into the future. He noted there are limited options to address this issue and the Metropolitan Council has asked the City to consider all options including surface water that can be drawn from the Mississippi River to lessen the draw on the aquifer. The sentence under discussion addresses that direction from the Metropolitan Council and acknowledges that Ramsey cannot do this on its own. Councilmember Riley noted the third paragraph addresses creating regional partnerships but he opposes saying the City supports the regionalization of water systems. City Administrator Ulrich stated his support of that position as it would be premature at this point to jump to supporting regionalization of water systems until an analysis and determination has been made. Acting Mayor LeTourneau suggested staff remove reference to regionalization and create language indicating the City supports considering all viable options to manage water systems. City Manager Ulrich stated broader language is already included to look at regional partnerships. City Council / March 10, 2015 Page 9 of 11