Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2002

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Chairperson Zimmerman responded he could find this information at'City Hall. Councilmember Hendriksen stated it is important to understand what people stand for and what they voted for, not just what is said in campaigns. Judy Watson, 15530 Barium Street NW, stated they have lived here for three years and are concerned how this would go through. They would have liked to have been notified that something like this would happen, They are considering sewer and water but if it would be a great expense they need to know what it would cost and what is involved to get a petition going. Councilmember Anderson commented this particular area is small enough that this might be able to be done even if only one half of the residents want it, with the other street not wanting it. Principal City Engineer Olson advised they could do the half and have the pipe out there by itself but he would not recommend it. There are additional benefits to the City that sewer and water provides, such as fire protection and there is the option of allowing the residents to hook up to sanitary sewer if their septic system needs work and they do not want to put money into it. The storm sewer is going north on Barium Street and then east. Mr. Barrett had mentioned he did not want the pipe extending into his back yard so this was specifically changed to stop in the street where it is now. To make it active they would need to connect it to the Woodland Green Park. That would require the developer of the Highland of Rivers Park project to construct another pipe, 21 inches instead of 12 inches, to take on the additional flow. They have modeled this entire area, they know where the water is going and where it will be. The pipes from Highland of Rivers Park were put there because of concerns at Planning Commission. Councilmember Anderson stated that as a practical matter this would have to be part of a single project. Ms. Pomeroy stated regarding Councilmember Hendriksen's comments that the gas company would come in and after the fact would tell him to light his pilot light, she has been involved with the City of Ramsey as a Block Watch Captain. She has tried to find out what is going on and inform people, part of that is communication. It would not have taken much. She wants the numbers and she will get the petition signed by her neighbors and if it is feasible for them to work together they will have this petition in place for the Council's July 23rd meeting. This is important for her and her neighbors. Councilmember Hendriksen stated he thinks it is a possibility that if there is sufficient interest in sewer and water they might be able to find a way to make it happen. They would have to talk to the City Attorney, come up with some kind of cursory numbers from staff and take a straw poll. It would require some individual contracts or commitments. They would just be speculating to respond to the issue in front of them. If the City Attorney were to say this is legal and feasible he would think the City Council would be in good conscience to order the project and go ahead. All of that is speculation, an he cannot imagine if it makes economic sense that anyone on the Council would be opposed to it. On the other hand, if it would be a lot of ex')ense to the City, Public Works Committee/July 16, 2002 Page 23 of 28