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Board Member Lewis asked what the advantages are in a surface water supply versus deeper water <br />supply. <br /> <br /> <br />City Civil Engineer II Linton explained the City is drawing from an aquifer currently. Further <br />north and west, there is no aquifer. The City may not be able to draw enough from this aquifer for <br />another supply well. As businesses and residences are added, the City has to look at the possibility <br />of a surface water treatment plant. This is being considered. The City cannot pay for a treatment <br />plant on its own. The cost is in the $18 to $20 million range. He explained the City replaced all <br />the water meters in the City in 2008. A few water meters were not working correctly. As a result <br />of this, and current usage, the City is implementing water conservation measures. <br /> <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson stated the City is looking for a more regional solution to address water <br />supply, since this is a regional concern. <br /> <br /> <br />Utilities Supervisor Nelson commented he receives all water complaints. The complaints are <br />usually that the water is rusty or has manganese, which produces the smell of rotten eggs. He <br />added the City has an adequate supply of water for several more years. <br /> <br />Board Member Bentz questioned if the water is tested for other materials. <br /> <br />Utilities Supervisor Nelson answered it is tested for many materials and elements. The state sends <br />boxes of tools to test for new materials at least annually. <br /> <br /> <br />Acting Chairperson Valentine suggested the Board stay in touch with staff on this issue. He <br />commented the DNR is under a tremendous amount of pressure to protect the public. <br /> <br />5.02: Consider Ordinance #16-03 Establishing a Permanent Setback from Wetlands and <br />Storm Water Ponds in Accordance with the Provisions of the Lower Rum River <br />Water Management Organization's 3rd Generation Plan <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He raised the issue of a home that is very near <br />wetlands. The owners cannot build a deck due to the proximity to the wetland. He reviewed the <br />building requirements. In order to eliminate this scenario, staff recommends a minimum lot depth <br />be established. With new requirements, this house would have had sufficient room all the way <br />around it or the plat would have been reconfigured. He noted there was nothing that prevented <br />this lot from being developed. The setbacks noted in this Ordinance will apply to any property <br />developed after the Ordinance is adopted. <br /> <br /> <br />Board Member Lewis asked what the front yard requirements are. <br /> <br /> <br />City Civil Engineer II Linton responded there is a minimum front yard setback of 30 feet, <br />dependent on the configuration of the lot. <br /> <br /> <br />Board Member Lewis inquired whether any existing developments that may not abide by the new <br />Ordinance will be grandfathered in. <br /> <br /> <br />City Planner Anderson confirmed. He said if houses met the minimums when they were built, <br />they will be considered lawful, non-conforming. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / February 22, 2016 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />