06-24-13 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 3, 2013 DRAFT 4 6. 2014 Budget Update and Staff Research Requests – Council Member Stoesz noted 134 that the council recently canceled the budget priorities session. The council concurred 135 that the meeting should be rescheduled; it was set for June 17, 2013, 5:30 p.m. 136 137 7. Increasing Water Quality a nd Reducing Water Cost – Council Member Roeser 138 noted that the council recently discussed wat er facilities and rates . In discussion s about 139 the lo ng -term, both water treatment and a deeper source have arisen. He knows that 140 asking for permission to go deepe r for water is something that won’t automatically 141 receive state approval but there are situations now where that deeper water is being 142 accessed (White Bear Lake well; Schmidt Brewery). He thinks it would be wise to have a 143 comprehensive plan for future acc ess and work toward that. The mayor asked what 144 reason would be accepted to allow accessing a deeper aquifer; City Engineer Wedel 145 explained that he’s aware of only one case where that was allowed, in the City of Savage, 146 and it was because they didn’t hav e another option and it was limited . Utility Supervisor 147 Tim Hill esheim added that generally penetrations to the deeper aquifer were done long 148 ago and under different circumstances. The mayor suggested that there are reasons to 149 source that water and perha ps other aquifers not as deep and why shouldn’t the city seek 150 that permission so it can avoid additional water treatment. Public Services Director 151 DeGardner noted a comparison with the city of Blaine – they have a water treatment 152 facility and the city of Lino Lakes still charges less for water just using chemicals. Mr. 153 DeGardner said he doesn’t generally understand what issues the city could present that 154 would warrant a request to change aquifers. Council Member Roeser suggested that the 155 reason could be better water for this city’s residents and that the water situation could 156 hinder future development with additional costs. He is suggesting that the city work to 157 fin d a way and develop a plan . K nowing that there will be ever increasing rules and 158 regula tions on the water, why not look long term and get ahead of the game. Mr. 159 Hillesheim suggested that the city does have the option o f some change in chemical use 160 because when water use is high, less chemical s could be used to treat the water . Council 161 Mem ber Roeser remarked that a comprehensive approach that shows that the city is 162 planning well in all areas would be good. 163 164 As far as next steps, the Mayor suggested that Council Member Roeser and another 165 council representative could meet with staff and bra instorm on options and goals . 166 Council Member Rafferty suggested that the chemical option suggested by Tim 167 Hillesheim should be part of the discussion. City Engineer Wedel added that the city is in 168 the process of a wellhead study and some of that gained i nformation may be useful. 169 170 8. YMCA Bonding – Council Member Stoesz, who requested this discussion, explained 171 that he was not on the council when the bonding for the projec t was approved. A review 172 of this long term financing plan and its relationship to t he city would be helpful. 173 174 Community Development Director Grochala explained that back in 1996, there was 175 discussion about a Lino Lakes ’ community center. At that time the YMCA started raising 176 funds to have that type of facility. The project that they br ought forward wasn’t exactly 177 what the community sought. The city entered into a conceptual arrangement with the 178