03-14-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 45 - Recommendation — move forward to biological filtration treatment because it 46 has proven performance and operational savings; recommending silica sand as 47 filter media as it is less expensive and less backwash required with similar 48 performance. 49 50 Mr. Johnson remarked that he isn't aware of any utility that has chosen to switch back to 51 conventional filtering although it is possible to do so. 52 53 Mayor Rafferty asked about future considerations. It was clarified that design is intended 54 for the future and growth as well. When the mayor noted the possibility of biological 55 immunity developing, the engineers gave several examples of plants in place for some 56 time and also noted that biological filtration has been used for waste treatment for a 57 century. 58 59 Councilmember Stoesz asked about the option of adding softening treatment. Mr. 60 Johnson replied that such an option is available but generally it doubles the cost of a 61 plant. 62 63 The council heard about having satellite plants or having a large single plant. 64 Community Development Director Grochala explained how wells could be staged to 65 maximize available plant(s). 66 67 Staff will come back in April to talk about next steps. The council will be asked to 68 accept the report formally at the next council meeting. 69 7o 2. WBL — Water Appropriation Permit Appeal Update — Community 71 Development Director Grochala reviewed his written report. He explained that the City 72 is under a court order and he reviewed the requirements of the order. A group of cities, 73 including Lino Lakes, appealed the orders in court and, with a hearing pending on the 74 appeal, attorneys are meeting with the judge to see what can move forward. Of great 75 concern are two conditions — prohibition on new well permits within certain areas; and 76 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is ordered to adjust area 77 withdrawal permits. The DNR, using modeling, indicates a 40% reduction in our existing 78 water use (basically winter use all year and a threat to any water use past domestic use). 79 The DNR has written to the court to discuss the potential ramifications of following 80 through on the court orders. Staff is working with Senator Chamberlain and 81 Representative Raleigh and there is an impactful bill under consideration at the state 82 legislature that would allow cities to continue with their plans while looking at other ways 83 to address the White Bear Lake situation. The discussion is ongoing including with the 84 DNR about trading an older less producing well for a newer better producer. Some of the 85 discussion about where wells could be located has changed because of the treatment 86 option that may occur. Mr. Johnson added that he believes the DNR is gathering 87 information to utilize in discussions with the court. 88 89 Mr. Grochala remarked that there is a lot going and staff may be bringing forward a