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currently include Champlin, Anoka, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids and they are looking to <br /> bring in Ramsey, Dayton, and Three Rivers Park District as well. He explained how the <br /> equipment would work and the information that would be gained. He stated that they are going <br /> to use new technology in this location, which will keep the operation and maintenance costs <br /> lower than proposed. He explained that the proposed costs are higher because if thenew <br /> technology does not work, the other model of equipment would be used which has a higher cost. <br /> He stated that the USGS has already paid for the equipment and will fund the installation, which <br /> will begin tomorrow. He noted that the consortium of cities would then fund the operating and <br /> maintenance costs. He stated that if Ramsey wants to join, the USGS would enter into a <br /> cooperative agreement with the City, noting that it is not a legally binding contract and either <br /> party could exit the agreement with a 90-day notice. He stated that the gauge will supply real <br /> time, robust data which will be used for forecasting to provide more accurate and reliable river <br /> forecasts. He stated that the public works department can also sign up for alerts on the river <br /> height. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if they have contacted the Coon Creek Watershed. <br /> Mr. Fallon replied that they have not reached out to that organization but advised that the city of <br /> Coon Rapids is a part of the consortium. He stated that originally Champlin proposed to divide <br /> up the shoreline river miles to prorate that amount between the four river cities that began in the <br /> discussion. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked what would happen to the Rum River when that gauge is <br /> removed. <br /> Mr. Fallon noted that gauge has already been removed in 2011. He noted that was just a simple <br /> ruler gauge that someone would read twice per day and phone the data in to the NWS. He stated <br /> that the USGS has a gauge in St. Francis on the Rum River. <br /> Mayor Strommen and the Council thanked Mr. Fallon for his time. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated that he has updated cost information and provided that <br /> information to the Council. He noted that both Ramsey and Dayton would be proposed to pay <br /> $2,000 annually while the other cities would be split based on their percentage of shoreline. He <br /> stated that the City could also offer a lower contribution if they desire. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that he finds it beneficial that the monitoring data would be <br /> provided from this location all the way north to the Crow River. He stated that he would be okay <br /> with$2,000 as a contribution. <br /> Mayor Strommen stated that she agrees with Councilmember Kuzma that this information would <br /> be helpful as it would provide better data to help residents prepare as weather events continue to <br /> be stronger and more flash flood type events. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that the new plant in Monticello has changed the dynamics of the <br /> river as the water flow no longer freezes and therefore the information will be very helpful. <br /> City Council Work Session/July 25,2017 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />