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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> APPROVED <br /> 44 - Conclusions; <br /> 45 - Recommendation—move forward to biological filtration treatment because it <br /> 46 has proven performance and operational savings; recommending silica sand as <br /> 47 filter media as it is less expensive and less backwash required with similar <br /> 48 performance. <br /> 49 <br /> 50 Mr. Johnson remarked that he isn't aware of any utility that has chosen to switch back to <br /> 51 conventional filtering although it is possible to do so. <br /> 52 <br /> 53 Mayor Rafferty asked about future considerations. It was clarified that design is intended <br /> 54 for the future and growth as well. When the mayor noted the possibility of biological <br /> 55 immunity developing, the engineers gave several examples of plants in place for some <br /> 56 time and also noted that biological filtration has been used for waste treatment for a <br /> 57 century. <br /> 58 <br /> 59 Councilmember Stoesz asked about the option of adding softening treatment. Mr. <br /> 60 Johnson replied that such an option is available but generally it doubles the cost of a <br /> 61 plant. <br /> 62 <br /> 63 The council heard about having satellite plants or having a large single plant. <br /> 64 Community Development Director Grochala explained how wells could be staged to <br /> 65 maximize available plant(s). <br /> 66 <br /> 67 Staff will come back in April to talk about next steps. The council will be asked to <br /> 68 accept the report formally at the next council meeting. <br /> 69 <br /> 7o 2. WBL—Water Appropriation Permit Appeal Update—Community <br /> 71 Development Director Grochala reviewed his written report. He explained that the City <br /> 72 is under a court order and he reviewed the requirements of the order. A group of cities, <br /> 73 including Lino Lakes, appealed the orders in court and, with a hearing pending on the <br /> 74 appeal, attorneys are meeting with the judge to see what can move forward. Of great <br /> 75 concern are two conditions—prohibition on new well permits within certain areas; and <br /> 76 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is ordered to adjust area <br /> 77 withdrawal permits. The DNR, using modeling, indicates a 40%reduction in our existing <br /> 78 water use (basically winter use all year and a threat to any water use past domestic use). <br /> 79 The DNR has written to the court to discuss the potential ramifications of following <br /> 80 through on the court orders. Staff is working with Senator Chamberlain and <br /> 81 Representative Raleigh and there is an impactful bill under consideration at the state <br /> 82 legislature that would allow cities to continue with their plans while looking at other ways <br /> 83 to address the White Bear Lake situation. The discussion is ongoing including with the <br /> 84 DNR about trading an older less producing well for a newer better producer. Some of the <br /> 85 discussion about where wells could be located has changed because of the treatment <br /> 86 option that may occur. Mr. Johnson added that he believes the DNR is gathering <br /> 87 information to utilize in discussions with the court. <br /> 88 <br /> 2 <br />