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needs. The Minnesota Depmtment of Natural Resources (DNR) approved the implementation of <br />these three wells, with the stipulation that the City of Ramsey investigate alternative water <br />supply sources to meet ongoing future water supply needs. The City of Ramsey draws water <br />from the Franconia Ironton Galesville (FIG) aquifer. This aquifer also serves neighboring <br />communities. The DNR is reviewing the overall water use in the region and has raised <br />significant concerns regarding the ability of the FIG aquifer to meet the water needs of the <br />region. Mr. Linton reported that implementation of the three new wells has begun, with Well #6 <br />projected to be on line by the end of the year. The City Council authorized retention ofBolton & <br />Menk, Inc. for design services on Well #7 and #8 at the April 12, 2005 meeting. Those two <br />wells will be on line by the end of 2006. The next step in the implementation of the water supply <br />plan is to further investigate potential alternative water sources. The 2004 Comprehensive Water <br />Plan recommended that the Mississippi River be investigated as an altemative water source. <br />This investigation will include evaluation of the availability and treatability of the water <br />appropriated from the Mississippi River, as well as a detailed cost evaluation of the water supply <br />and treatment facilities. Mr. Linton stated that staff requested a proposal from Bolton & Menk <br />for initiating the investigation of the use of the Mississippi River as an alternative water source <br />for the City. This case is to initiate the process of investigation of how we could use the <br />Mississippi River as a source for our water supply. Bolton & Menk have provided a proposal to <br />us. He listed what Bolton & Menk would provide and pointed out the timetable and proposed <br />costs. At the end of the study, they will summarize the findings in a report. The total estimated <br />cost is $182,500 and the money would come from the Water Enterprise Fund. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec inquired if this will also be presented to the DNR. <br /> <br />John Peterson, Bolton & Menk, stated that the goal after the review of the hydro geological data <br />and the membrane filtration pilot plant test would be to design the plan and present it to the City <br />Council and to the DNR and they would be able to look at other funding sources, etc. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook inquired if this is a shallow river bed well. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson responded in the affirmative and explained the process for that. <br />Councilmember Strommen asked if this will all be coordinated with the DNR to which Mr. <br />Peterson replied yes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen inquired if this could affect the river level to which Mr. Peterson <br />replied somewhat. We will not be doing a direct surface draw - we are drawing water from <br />below the river. We will have the wells to back us up. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig commented on the funding and inquired if they have looked into any <br />grants for this pilot test itself. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson responded that last week the LCMR came through and they will look at that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig wondered if the City Council should approve this without a grant. <br /> <br />P22 <br /> <br />City Council/November 7, 2005 <br />Page 10 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />