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<br />tell their neighboring communities that they need to look at this as well. There is the question of <br />whether this will be a regional resource and how the cost is allocated across the region. This <br />should be included in the initial phase with checks to be sure the scope of the second phase does <br />not change based on what is uncovered in the first phase. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson explained staff has talked to the DNR on numerous occasions. He <br />believes the thought is that the City should be asking the DNR to take a stronger role in other <br />communities if they will be taking a strong role in Ramsey's community. The other thing to <br />mention is the benefit with connecting to other systems. Due to the interconnection between the <br />cities of Anoka and Ramsey, if Ramsey were to run into an issue with one of their wells they <br />could resource water from Anoka. Connections are also used for fire protection. Ramsey <br />currently provides fire service for Burns Township and there would be fire protection along that <br />corridor. There are a lot of answers that can be obtained from this study, as well as a lot of <br />answers they have and discussions staff has had with the DNR. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked what the DNR's response has been. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated the DNR will not allow Ramsey to drill any more wells <br />unless they evaluate a surface water treatment facility. They have been told the surface water <br />treatment facility can be at a relatively low cost, but there will still be the capital cost of <br />construction in the first place. He is hearing that the Council would like the DNR to be more <br />aggressive in other communities to justify the cost for initial construction. Staff has asked the <br />DNR point blank what the other options are for the City. There is a prohibition on tapping into <br />the Hinckley Mt. Simon aquifer in the seven county area; however, the DNR encourages <br />interconnection with other communities and suggested a connection with Elk River. Mr. Olson <br />noted if Ramsey were to interconnect with Elk River they would in effect be taking from the <br />Hinckley Mt. Simon, which is not prohibited outside of the seven county area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked if there have been conversations with Bums Township about being <br />involved in this project since the connection would go through Burns. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson responded in the negative. He explained staff would suggest <br />utilizing TH47 or County right-of-way if that is the alignment selected, so they have not <br />currently discussed this with Bums Township. Ramsey received a request from the community <br />of St. Francis to look at an interconnection, and Bums Township does not have any sewer and <br />water that he is aware of. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig clarified this study is only related to water, and does not include any sewer <br />lines. He stated the civic mindedness of this and sharing with communities is what communities <br />should be doing more of. These costs are overwhelming, and to be able to share that with other <br />communities is a very responsible approach. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to approve the proposal <br />from Bolton & Menk, Inc. for Phase 1 of the study of regional water improvements as a lump <br />sum of $5,000, with the following amendment: Phase 1 is to include working with the DNR to <br />define how a regional resource might work and how those costs may be spread equitably across <br /> <br />City Council / February 27, 2007 <br />Page 16 of 21 <br />