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