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<br />answer regarding interconnections. It should be noted that the City of Elk River is outside of the <br />seven county area, and is allowed connection to a different aquifer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated this effort is important and she has been supportive of it, but <br />she has an ongoing frustration with the lack of the DNR's role in this. The DNR manages the <br />water approval permits for ground water, and has told Ramsey they need to look at surface water. <br />The DNR needs to look at ground water and surface water collectively as they look at how to <br />meet water supply demands across the region. The DNR needs to have a role in defining what a <br />region will be. It is the right approach to start moving in this direction, but before the City enters <br />into this they need the DNR's input in how the region is defined. They need to push the DNR on <br />this, otherwise they could spend money on a study with the DNR coming in one month later and <br />redefining the whole region. Ultimately it is the DNR's decision on how the water gets <br />distributed. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec pointed the DNR had recommended that St. Francis work with the City of <br />Ramsey. This would be a study to determine if this is feasible, but the final decision would be <br />made by the DNR and Department of Health. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated this is a good point that can be addressed through this <br />proposal. This was an opportunity with St. Francis approaching them, but he agrees the water <br />source is controlled by the DNR. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated she is in favor of going forward with this, but she is not sure <br />she is at this' point. The DNR needs to be pushed on what the region is that Ramsey should be <br />looking at before they begin looking at this in relation to just the two cities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he concurs with Councilmember Strommen's comments. The other <br />part of this is that the DNR is mandating this, yet Ramsey has not been able to find other <br />resources or grants. Ramsey is being required to pull surface water off and treat it, and is now <br />being asked to share it with their neighbors. It seems this should come with grant opportunities. <br />They were turned down for a grant previously because the water would be servicing new, rather <br />than existing citizens, yet the Metropolitan Council would like to see them grow. He questioned <br />what they are to do with the new people, and noted there are also the new residents in St. Francis <br />and Bums Township. He agrees with Councilmember Strommen's comments about the timing <br />being off. He questioned if the City can approach the DNR and say they are wiling to work with <br />the mandate, but to posture themselves with this study to say they are looking for help financially <br />in the long run with this. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec noted the City had thought there may be the ability to acquire a grant through the <br />Metropolitan Council for working with other communities, but water is not in their realm; their <br />involvement is with sewer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated there is a real disconnect and Ramsey is caught in the center. He <br />suggested postponing this study in order to get more input and support from the DNR. <br /> <br />City Council / February 27, 2007 <br />Page 14 of21 <br />