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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 20, 2008 <br />The Engineer reported that there is some sediment at some of the outlets to <br />Savage Lake, but given the limited amount of sediment and the impact on <br />adjacent properties, it is not proposed to have these areas dredged. The <br />City could bid this sediment removal as bid alternates to determine the <br />cost, however, the Engineer anticipated that it would be high, would <br />impact trees and would not be cost-effective. <br />The Engineer also reported that the cost of storm water structures is <br />prohibitive, and noted that the installation of a storm water structure in the <br />Ruth Street area cost approximately $35,000 to $40,000. The installation <br />of inlet protection devices is generally done as part of construction <br />projects, and the City does not use them on catch basins given the <br />maintenance that is involved. If these devices get blocked during a heavy <br />rain, the street will flood causing additional problems. <br />RAIN WATER The City Engineer felt that a very cost effective water treatment option <br />GARDENS would be the installation of rain water gardens in the Savage Lake <br />drainage area. He described how rainwater gardens treat the first inch of <br />run-off, which typically contains most contaminates. He reported that a <br />survey was done of property owners in the drainage area with 20 property <br />owners interested in having a rainwater garden, 18 saying they might be <br />interested, and 15 indicating they had no interest. <br />The City Engineer felt there will be the need for 14 to 16 rainwater <br />gardens in the area and estimated their cost at $3,000 to $6,000 each. The <br />City Engineer recommended that the City pursue the study of this option. <br />Under this study, he would analyze the best location for each garden so <br />provide the most benefit. Location as well as soil conditions would be <br />factors in this study. If rain water gardens are installed, it is likely the <br />installation would happen over next summer with the gardens planted in <br />the fall. After installation and planting, the City would expect that <br />property owners would to the initial weeding and maintenance. Once the <br />plants are established, little maintenance is required. <br />STREET The Public Works Superintendent indicated that the City is currently <br />SWEEPER evaluating the purchase of a street sweeper as another effort toward <br />PURCHASE improving water quality. The City currently contacts to have streets swept <br />once per year. Having a street sweeper would increase the frequency of <br />sweeping, thus reducing the amount of contaminants in run-off. <br />The Superintendent reviewed the two types of sweepers, the standard <br />broom sweeper and vacuum or regenerative air sweeper. He reported that <br />studies are showing that the regenerative air sweeper is most effective in <br />