Laserfiche WebLink
City Planner Anderson stated that in reference to the November, 2019 meeting, Councilmember <br /> Musgrove had let him know that she would not be able to attend because of a conflict with a City <br /> Council budget worksession. He stated that he had failed to alert the Board at the November <br /> meeting and wanted the minutes to reflect the reason for her absence. <br /> 5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS <br /> 5.01: Update on Multiple Water Treatment Studies <br /> City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that in November of 2019, City staff <br /> provided a brief update to the EPB that there were multiple water supply system studies underway. <br /> Staff noted that in the coming months, the City Engineer offered to attend an EPB meeting to <br /> provide further updates and answer any questions the Board may have. He noted that a high-level <br /> update on the two water system supply studies currently in progress was provided in the Board <br /> packet. <br /> City Engineer Westby stated that staff has been working on two water supply studies, one looking <br /> at treatment of surface water and the other treating groundwater. He stated that unfortunately staff <br /> is not as far along as he hoped they would be but would still be providing a brief presentation. He <br /> noted that he would be happy to come back in June or July when the studies are completed to <br /> provide more definitive conclusions. <br /> Chairperson Valentine commented that he would be happy to have City Engineer Westby back <br /> when the studies are completed. <br /> City Engineer Westby reviewed the timeline for the City's current water supply system including <br /> construction of the system, participation in the regional surface water supply study, recent levels <br /> of manganese, and centralized water treatment facility preliminary design study. He noted that <br /> future plans in the CIP include construction of a groundwater treatment facility. He provided an <br /> update on the status of the regional surface water supply study, noting that the Metropolitan <br /> Council is funding the study while the cities involved are leading the study. He stated that they <br /> are hoping to have results available next month to further review. He provided an update on the <br /> status of the centralized water treatment facility preliminary design study, noting that the study <br /> will provide three deliverables to the City. He stated that staff is hoping to have the results from <br /> this study around June or July. He confirmed that he would be willing to come back to the Board <br /> with the final study results later this summer. <br /> Chairperson Valentine stated that it will become increasingly difficult to obtain permits for wells <br /> for this purpose as so much water is being drawn from the aquafers. He also commented on the <br /> Joint Powers Agreement that would be needed for a multiple municipality treatment facility. He <br /> asked for input on the City's relationship with the DNR, as that agency could have an impact on <br /> the City's ability to draw additional water from the aquafer. <br /> City Engineer Westby commented that the City has a good relationship with the DNR. He stated <br /> that with ongoing discussions and the City working with the DNR on various studies, he believes <br /> that the DNR would allow additional wells to be drilled if necessary. He believed that the DNR <br /> recognizes that the costs are significant to convert a municipal water supply to a surface water <br /> Environmental Policy Board/January 13, 2020 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />