Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/17/2006

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suggestion regarding the pvc pipe and non-ferrous locator. Once existing pipes are located they could be marked. He stated he is a firm believer in GPS, especially with all of the lot splitting that will occur in Town Center and water running between houses. He inquired if the City currently has any GPS capability. Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded in the negative. He explained the GPS has been included in the Capital Equipment Plan for three or four years and has been pushed off. He explained this is on the agenda tonight due to the change in the location requirements. He explained it is not the City's responsibility to locate from the private property line to the house; only what is within the right-of-way. If the City locates what is inside the right-of-way in 95% of the cases the line can be determined by lining up the location between the house and the property line. Chairperson Elvig inquired why the City would not proceed with GPS this year. He expressed concern that the City should not lose the opportunity to map this year with all of the piping that will be installed. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated the sewer extension should be mapped when it is installed. A handheld GPS could be used to locate it later, but the coordinates need to be surveyed. He indicated the cost ofa handheld GPS is close to $50,000. Motion by Chairperson Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to recommend that the City Council direct staff to proceed with tracer wires, and that the pumhase of a GPS be a high priority through the 2007 budget process. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Cook and Olson. Voting No: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:51 p.m. and reconvened at 6:55 p.m. Case #5 Consider Water Conservation Policy Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed that the City Council approved enforcement measures for ignoring the odd-even watering ban in 2004. The measures have been enforced since inception of the measures. The City will be applying for permits for Water Supply Wells #7 & #8 in 2006. The conununication received when Well #6 was approved indicated conservation measures must be investigated and implemented. The enforcement measures approved to date are one component of conservation. Mr. Olson explained the City is required to file a Water Emergency and Conservation Plan every 10 years, the first plan was filed in 1996. The plan renewal requires that conservation measures be in place or a detailed outline for implementing conservation be included. The City will be filing a new plan, the due date may be later than 2006 because the DNR is staggering the due date for plans to allow their staff time to review the plans. State law requires that conservation measures be implemented before seeking approvals for new well construction. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated suggested measures include modifying the rate Public Works Committee / January 17, 2006 Page 8 of 14