Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/30/2007

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Interim City Administrator Nelson indicated she and the Finance Officer have discussed taking a policy level look at the TIF balances \vith the fiscal impact study update, and whether the City is at a responsible level. This information will be brought forward to Council in June or July. Consenslis of the Council was to direct staffnot to proceed with any special legislation for the 2007 legislative session. The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:04 p.m. 5) \Vater Treatment Planl Civil Engineer II Linton indicated the City has a Comprehensive Water System Study that was completed in 2004 that identifies the capacity increases necded as the population grows. The City has worked with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to identify potential sources of water. The DNR and Metropolitan Council havc defined the aquifers that ean be used in the 7 County Metropolitan Area. Thc DNR said it \vould permit three additional wells prior to the completion ofthc Comprehcnsive Water System Study. These wells were included in the Study as sources; however, additional capacity will be needed. One of the three \I.,'ells has bccn constructed and is onlinc; the other two are under construction at this time. Thc DNR indicated additional sources sllch as the surface \vater should be investigated. The Study includes an alternative for a surface \vater treatment plant. Mr. Linton reviewed that staff \\'as authorized to submit an application for a grant to help cover the cost of investigating a surface water treatment plant in 2005. The requcst for thc grant or other financial assistance was denied by the Dcpartment of Hcalth; however, the Council authorized Bolton and Menk, Inc. to begin investigation of the potential for a surface watcr treatment plant in Ramsey. Staff has held several mcetings with the DNR, Depanment of Hcalth, Bolton & Menk and City Councilmembers evaluation options. Bolton & Menk has prepared a presentation on the Watcr Source Investigation. Mr. Jon Peterson, Bolton & Menk, provided an overvicw of the Comprehensive Water System Plan, including the following information: . Population Projections . Water Service Area Demands . Well Locations . Water Supply Options Mr. Brad Dewolf, Bolton & Menk, discussed the DNR's conccrns regarding the impact of the water supply on the wetlands. lie explained residential wells \vill receive priority over multi-use wells. Council member Elvig questioned how it would be a better approach to allow residents to dig wells and treat them however they will. rather than drilling onc well to serve multiple rcsidcnts. Mr. Dewolf explained the DNR is mandatcd by law to prioritize the residential \vells over a multiple use source. City Council \\'ork Session / .January 30, 2007 Page 11 of16