Agenda - Council - 08/08/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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