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

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City Administrator Ulrich asked that the study also include a comparison of groundwater use compared to surface water use, including costs, which will help the City to make the choice on which option would be better for the City moving forward. Finance Director Lund stated that a two percent increase is included in the water rates and confirmed the consensus of the Council to have that rate increase remain. Councilmember Johns stated that years ago the City was told by the DNR that additional City wells would not be an option and that is why the other options were being pursued. She stated that could be a reality in the future and therefore the additional options should continue to be discussed. Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked if there is still a possibility that the DNR could restrict the ability to install additional wells. City Engineer Westby replied that possibility still exists as the DNR is the permitting agency. He stated that he has not heard that directly from the DNR, but the City has also not asked for another well lately. Councilmember Shryock stated that if the City continues to put aside the two percent for the water treatment facility, those funds could be used for the installation of wells. Finance Director Lund confirmed that because these are water funds, they could be used for any water improvement. Councilmember Kuzma stated that if the City has its own treatment facility, the City would be able to reclaim its water through treatment, rather than losing wastewater to St. Paul. Finance Director Lund confirmed the consensus to leave the water treatment facility, the community center and the public works campus in the CIP as proposed. She noted that some of the items remain as placeholders at this time and provided additional details on the timing of the public works facility. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that although he does acknowledge the need for a new facility for the public works department, he also realizes the need to prioritize other needs of the City. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he is opposed to the community center because of the low population of the City. He explained that with the aging community that big item would place a large burden on the community and believed that other needs are a higher priority. Acting Mayor LeTourneau noted that the community center is unfunded. Councilmember Shryock agreed that the City could not sustain or fund a community center on its own, but leaving the item on would provide an opportunity should a partnership opportunity arise in the future. City Council Work Session / November 13, 2018 Page 3 of 8