Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/23/2021

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CC Agenda Meeting Date: 01 / 12/2021 Submitted For: Len Linton, Engineering/Public Works By: Len Linton, Engineering/Public Works Information Title: Introduce Ordinance 21-04 Approving an Addition to Chapter 58 of the City Code: Utilities 7.2. Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is for the City Council to review the proposed additions to Chapter 58 of the City Code: Utilities. The proposed ordinance amendment would provide regulations for governing the use of municipal water during a critical water deficiency declared by the Governor of Minnesota. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan was recently approved by the Metropolitan Council. The Comprehensive Plan included the updated Municipal Water Supply plan which was reviewed by the MN Department of Natural Resources and the Metropolitan Council. The Water Supply plan review comments included a requirement to adopt the Critical Water Deficiency Regulations. The Critical Water Deficiency Regulations allow the City to regulate the use of municipal water when the Governor declares a critical water deficiency. Upon declaration of a water emergency and notification to the public, the following mandatory restrictions upon nonessential water use shall be enforced: 1. Outdoor irrigation of yards, gardens, golf courses, parklands, and other non-agricultural land, except for those areas irrigated with reclaimed water, is prohibited. 2. Washing or spraying of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas with water from any pressurized source, including garden hoses, except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards, is prohibited. 3. The outdoor use of any water -based play apparatus connected to a pressurized source is prohibited. 4. Restaurants and other food service establishments are prohibited from serving water to their customers, unless water is specifically requested by the customer. 5. Operation of outdoor misting systems used to cool public areas is prohibited. 6. The filling of swimming pools, fountains, spas, or other exterior water features is prohibited. 7. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited, except at facilities equipped with wash water recirculation systems, and for vehicles requiring frequent washing to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Variances The City Clerk or their designee, is authorized to grant variances to this ordinance where strict application of its provisions would result in serious hardship to a customer. A variance may be granted only for reasons involving health or safety. An applicant may appeal the denial of a variance within five (5) days of the decision by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The City Council shall hear the appeal at the next City Council meeting. The