Laserfiche WebLink
Board Member Anderson clarified the total additional cost for an existing system to be retrofitted <br />would be $475-675 and asked if one system is better than another. <br />Mr. Jundt said a system that includes a smart controller with an ET sensor would be better than <br />just a soil moisture sensor and would result in the City saving a lot in water. <br />Informational; no action required. <br />5.02: Receive Update from Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services <br />Department related to Water Resources <br />City Planner Anderson introduced Bret Biernat, Anoka County Environmental Services (ACES) <br />who would provide an update on water related initiatives/activities. <br />Mr. Biernat, ACES, shared his background beginning in 1991 with the ground water management <br />act established in 1989 to address watershed management issues and creating the groundwater <br />protection plan. He reviewed priorities and said Anoka County created a task force to prioritize <br />water, including coordination of water resources protection and management. He said it is <br />important not to work as silos and that Ramsey's citizen survey included very good scores rating <br />the drinking water. Mr. Biernat reviewed the Board's priorities and outlined the County's Water <br />Task Force statement as a committee charged with making water a priority. He said the wellhead <br />protection act ensures no pollution sources and the Community Health Services Plan includes <br />measurable goals such as well sealing to reduce pollution. <br />Mr. Biernat outlined the goal of reducing wells by two percent per year and to test private wells <br />and collaborate better with all the organizations. He shared that the Irrigation Association has <br />declared July as Smart Irrigation Month and reviewed community health issues including water <br />quality and sustainable drinking water. Mr. Biernat shared how the County has provided water <br />testing for homeowners since 1972 which is important from a public health standpoint and outlined <br />how they can support the Board. He shared water conservation goals as a partner with WaterSense <br />and the EPA and referred to their "KnowTheFlow" coordination tool website and outreach and <br />education efforts. Mr. Biernat outlined drinking water protection and the Water Task Force focus <br />and shared how the County can be an advocate for cities such as creating a well sealing video. <br />City Planner Anderson distributed a sign-up sheet for notification of Task Force meetings and <br />offerings then referred to Ray Renner of Renner & Sons well drilling, who provided the <br />Department of Health with well locations in Ramsey. <br />Mr. Biernat said the records were very helpful and that Mr. Renner's brother is on the Water Task <br />Force. <br />City Planner Anderson shared how the City offers water testing kits at City Hall. <br />Mr. Biernat said he is pleased with this partnership as cities can distribute bottles for testing instead <br />of plastic bags which provides better results. <br />Environmental Policy Board / January 18, 2017 <br />Page 3 of 8 <br />