2013.11.18 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for November 18, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Kennedy stated that there would be a neighborhood open house in March, 2014 to discuss the plans. Klein made motion, Haas seconded, to move forward with a feasibility study on the 165th Street project. Ayes: Haas, Klein, Petryk, Bronk, Weidt. Nays: None Motion carried. Update on Water Conservation On November 13, 2013, a meeting was held at Hugo City Hall with Representative Linda Runbeck, Senator Roger Chamberlain, Representative Matt Dean, Mayor Tom Weidt, Council Member Chuck Haas, City Engineer Jay Kennedy, and City Administrator Bryan Bear to discuss water supply issues. Discussed at that meeting was the Metropolitan Council's Feasibility Study on alternative water resources and Hugo's water conservation measures to reduce reliance on pumping from the aquifer and possible assistance from the State for specific projects. Bryan talked about potential water reuse projects and using surface water for drinking. He requested Council authorize City Staff to work with the City Engineer on the cost of projects and come back to the Council with recommendations for implementation. Council Member Haas stated that the DNR's Ground Water Management Area was a big concern. He talked about Thrive 2040's and questioned whether the projects were science or politics to move the growing region away from groundwater to surface water. He questioned whether it was possible to have a regional storm water reuse project; it would be great for Hugo to take the lead. Council Member Klein agreed and stated that all government organizations need to work together and questioned how to get everyone to have this conversation. Haas talked about the $2 million spent on consultants to study this and how that money could have been put to better use on a project. Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff to prepare cost estimates for several projects that may reduce our reliance on groundwater. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Letter to DNR Regarding Well Drilling in Minneapolis Council member Haas had received information from the Water Supply Advisory Committee detailing a bonding proposal from the City of Minneapolis to request funding from the state legislature to drill a series of wells into the aquifer to supplement the City's water supply. The City is currently served by water from the Mississippi River. Haas stated that the project was estimated at $19 million and half of the funding would come from taxpayers. The Met Council was proposing to add Hugo into St. Paul's water system since St. Paul has extra water capacity. He questioned why Minneapolis would not connect with St. Paul; it made no sense. Haas