Minutes - Council - 09/24/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Kuzma stated that there are a number of homes in the City that use wells and asked if this grant program would apply to those homes as well. City Engineer Westby stated that while it is great to reduce water consumption in all areas, the target would be more for those on municipal water. He confirmed that the program would apply to all residents, whether on municipal water or well water. Councilmember Musgrove stated that this would appear to be money paid in taxes coming back in the form of grant funds. She asked if there is information available on what the City will pay for its portion, as $50,000 does not appear to be a lot of money to make a big impact. City Engineer Westby confirmed that $50,000 is not a lot of money but it definitely helps. He stated that each city runs its program differently, noting that caps can be put in place on the maximum amount a resident can receive. He noted that the City will be charged with developing its own program. He noted that if the City can swap out 100 appliances, that adds up over time. He advised that if the program can be applied for in the future, the City would continue to make progress. Councilmember Musgrove commented that residents should be encouraged to do this on their own, rather than relying on this type of program. She asked how residents would be alerted to the program and whether it would be based on a first come, first serve basis. City Engineer Westby noted that all the member cities that previously participated based their program on a first come, first serve basis in order to expend the funds as quickly as possible. He confirmed that there would be a public education component as well, if the funds are awarded. Councilmember Musgrove asked the portion of funds that would be required for the City match if the $50,000 is awarded. City Engineer Westby explained that there is a 25 percent local match required for each appliance or irrigation audit. He stated that if $50,000 is awarded, the maximum amount the City would contribute would be $12,500. He noted that a contribution would also be required from property owners, which would decrease the City's local match. Councilmember Musgrove asked how the City portion would be funded. City Engineer Westby replied that because this is water system related the funds would come from the Water Enterprise Fund. Councilmember Riley stated that the nice element is that if the funds are awarded, the City would be able to decide how the funds would be used and the amount of contribution that would be required from homeowners. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Heinrich, to Adopt Resolution #19-235 Authorizing Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program Application. City Council/ September 24, 2019 Page 13 of 14