08-24-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 2 communities, Public Services Director DeGardner noted that the levels appear to lessen 45 moving east. Mr. Johnson added that the levels can vary even in close proximity and the 46 only way to determine levels is to drill a test well. Staff is working to gain information 47 from other cities on their water quality. 48 49 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the possibility of micro treatment (adjacent to wells) has 50 been investigated. Mr. Johnson explained that while that process could provide savings 51 on piping the cost of the individual treatment facilities is generally prohibitive. 52 53 Site and Construction – site noted is Birch Street and 12th Avenue South, utilizing 54 approximately four acres of land. Water treatment sites are considered a good neighbor. 55 Architectural options are available but these facilities are generally built to last a long time, 56 not from wood. 57 58 Estimated Costs – Engineering, planning, legal, land acquisition is estimated at $20 59 million. Ongoing maintenance estimated at $166,000 per year. Options for funding 60 would be trunk water fund or future rate revenue (after a rate study). 61 62 Recommendations – Reduce levels of manganese in the City water system through 63 development of a water treatment facility, consider a gravity water treatment plant and 64 consideration of future plant expansion needs. A water treatment pilot study (for a pilot 65 plant) is normally the first step in development of a plant. Consider rate study to evaluate 66 funding. A possible schedule for moving fo rward is included in the report. 67 68 Mayor Rafferty asked about the longevity of data that’s gained in a pilot study; he 69 wouldn’t want to invest funds and have to repeat the exercise. Mr. Johnson said 70 typically the test data is valid for two to three years after the study. 71 72 Councilmember Stoesz asked how properties that are adjacent to a well are impacted as 73 far as water content. Mr. Johnson explained that there could be some indication of higher 74 levels of something like manganese for a house next to a well during peak periods. 75 Community Development Director Grochala added that over a twenty year view, the plan 76 is to buildout trunk lines for water. 77 78 Mayor Rafferty explained that it’s important to him to be able to see the whole picture in 79 order to make judgments about what’s going to be the best approach for the City. Public 80 Services Director DeGardner added that this study of a water treatment facility has been 81 brought forward based on recent discussion and direction from the council; it’s an option 82 to be considered, it includes possibilities and in the meantime staff would intend to 83 continue to utilize the water system as it exists. Mr. Grochala added that the next step 84 would probably be to look at possibilities for funding just so that information can be a part 85 of future decision making. Councilmember Ruhland noted that he’d be interested in 86 understanding the City’s position in the area of outstanding capital debt. Councilmember 87 Lyden remarked that he’s concerned that the cost could rise as the City waits. 88 Administrator Cotton explained that a utility rate study would provide overall information; 89