05-23-2022 Council Meeting Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 123 Councilmember Ruhland moved to approve Resolution No. 22-62 as presented. Councilmember 124 Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 125 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT 126 6A) Consider Resolution No. 22-60,Accepting Water Efficiency Grant Funds—Environmental 127 Coordinator Nelson explained the request to enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council. 128 The grant funds sought would be used to purchase smart irrigation controllers to be sold to residents at 129 a discount and to be used to achieve water savings. The City's match is $6,000. This would be the 130 third round of this program and Mr.Nelson said it has been well received by the community. He 131 explained that installation (which is quite simple) falls to the property owner. Councilmember 132 Ruhland suggested that the council have a discussion about what would be available if the units run 133 out. 134 Mayor Rafferty asked about the City `s watering restrictions; it was requested that Public Services 135 Director DeGardner report to the council on that matter. Administrator Cotton shared information 136 from the City's social media and website on watering restrictions. 137 Councilmember Cavegn moved to approve Resolution No. 22-60 as presented. Councilmember 138 Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 139 613) Consider Resolution No.22-64,Approving LCCMR Grant Application,Water 140 Stewardship—Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the written report. The City is 141 under certain pressures on water conservation. In addition to the previous item, staff is interested in 142 communicating with residents on ways to save water. Staff is proposing this grant application that 143 would assist by helping to pay for infastructure for a water use monitoring and feedback project. 144 Councilmember Ruhland asked if there is a time limit on the grant and also asked about maximizing 145 the meter/equipment replacement schedule. Mr. Grochala noted that this is basically a three year 146 project and staff is looking at impacting those meter units that are ready to receive radio service; 147 everything new coming in is already getting the radio ready equipment. Mr. Grochala added that the 148 system would provide updates on water use every four hours and that information would be accessible 149 to customers; alerts can be included. 150 151 Councilmember Cavegn asked about the flexibility of the deadline for this application which is noted 152 as May 26, 2022. He wonders if this could be used only for replacement of old systems? Mr. 153 Grochala explained that the antenna and software are necessary elements. Councilmember Cavegn 154 said he's not sold on the system based on the high cost. Mr. Grochala discussed the elements of the 155 program and what could happen without some of them. The council also discussed staff time 156 involved in manually reading meters (drive by). Councilmember Cavegn suggested that he's 157 struggling with the idea of changing the service; is that needed at this cost? Councilmember Ruhland 158 suggested that live digital data is a good change to him. 159 160 Councilmember Cavegn suggested moving forward with the grant application with further discussion 161 on the use of funds.. 162 163 Mayor Rafferty supports moving forward. Councilmember Stoesz said he's excited about the 164 possibilities for good feedback on water usage that can help with conservation efforts. 165 Councilmember Stoesz moved to approve Resolution No. 22-64 as presented. Councilmember 166 Ruhland seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote; Councilmember Cavegn voted no. 4