Agenda - Council - 07/28/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. 1. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 07/28/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost savings and additional funding sources. Title: PUBLIC HEARING - Introduce Ordinance #26-13 Amending Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges for Hydrant Meter Rental Program Purpose/Background: Purpose The purpose of this case is to introduce Ordinance #26-13 Amending 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges for Hydrant Meter Rental Program. Background Prior to construction of the Water Treatment Plant, contractors were only allowed to purchase water from the city at two water fill stations due to significant concentrations of iron and manganese in the city's water supply system. Whenever hydrants were opened, iron and manganese sediment residing in the bottom of watermain lines would be stirred up and staff would receive numerous "rusty" water complaints from residents and businesses. To minimize these impacts to municipal water users, fire hydrants were therefore not allowed to be used by anyone other than Fire Department and Utilities staff. Now that the Water Treatment Plant is in full operation and iron and manganese are being almost completely removed from the municipal water supply system, staff support allowing contractors to obtain water for their various construction needs through fire hydrants. This is proposed to be facilitated by renting either a 5/8" or 3" water meter with backflow preventer from the city after filling out and signing the applicable hydrant meter rental agreement. Copies of the Hydrant Meter Rental Agreement for each meter size (5/8" or 3") are attached for refernce. This is a common practice among cities and contractors working in the city have been requesting this service for decades. In fact, city staff developed the attached agreements using neighboring city's meter rental agreements as templates. Therefore, the terms and associated fees in the attached agreements will be very familiar to contractors working within the City of Ramsey. City water fill stations will remain available for use by contractors and others as needed. Notification: As required by State Statute, a Public Hearing Notice was published in the Anoka Union Herald on Friday, July 17, 2026. A Public Hearing Notice was posted in City Hall on July 22, 2026. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Alternatives Alternative #1 - Motion to introduce Ordinance #26-13 Amending the 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges for Hydrant Meter Rental Program. Alternative #2 - Motion of other. Funding Source: As with other city services requiring fees, city staff will review and update all fees associated with these hydrant meter rental agreements each year prior to City Council adopting the Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges. Recommendation: Staff recommends alternative #1. Outcome/Action: