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