Agenda - Council - 11/27/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Administrator Ulrich asked and received confirmation that the current water rates include a future water treatment center. Finance Director Lund provided additional details on the two percent increase that occurs each year to prepare for the treatment center to come on line in the future. She stated that sufficient funds have been budgeted to fund the improvement and the repairs for the lines as long as the cost remain in line with the estimated amounts. Councilmember Riley stated that there are competing interests as the City is planning for both surface water and ground water. He stated that he has been told that the two types of water do not mix well and therefore believes that the City should choose one direction rather than continue in two directions. He stated that he was against the surface water study and is also against the ground water treatment facility. City Engineer Westby stated that the surface water study is a planning level document that will inform the City to alternative options for surface water treatment. He stated that the member cities could then use that information and review the anticipated costs, which would be spread among four cities, to provide an accurate cost estimate for the options. He noted again that this is a planning level document that will provide more answers on the topic. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that the aquafer may have limited supply in the future as development continues. Councilmember Riley stated that his comment is that the groundwater treatment facility included in the CIP is not needed. Councilmember Kuzma stated that as the population grows, the demand for water increases and the City only has access to one aquafer. He stated that the report will provide additional details on an alternate process and from a planning standpoint makes a lot of sense. Councilmember Johns stated that this is the first step in a regional approach to this topic. City Engineer Westby stated that this would also be beneficial, as the City would be looking to add two new wells to the City's water supply system in the next ten years, which would have an additional cost. He stated that the study will provide information on whether there is a more sustainable option before the City continues to invest in wells. Councilmember Shryock agreed that she was in favor of the study as this will provide data and the Metropolitan Council has no ability to hold the City to moving forward on that element. Councilmember Riley stated that his point, again, was that the groundwater treatment facility is not needed and should not be included in the CIP. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that he is hoping that the study will provide information that will help the City choose one option, for the time being both options need to remain open. City Council Work Session / November 13, 2018 Page 2 of 8