2010.11.15 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for November 15, 2010 Page 4 of 10 Dan DeYoung, 5055 124th Street North, stated he was opposed to a water project. There was nothing wrong with the wells, and it would be cheaper to dig a new one than pay an assessment. Susan Courteau, 5021 124th Street North, stated that what the Council decides will affect them financially, and it would be a burden at this time. Tom Sorenson, 5049 124th Street North, said he moved to Hugo 22 years ago because they liked the rural community. He does not want water and feels some of the taxes he pays should go towards improving the road. He reminded the Council of emails and letters he as sent. Teresa Sorenson, 5049 124th Street North, said she'd like to see a new road, but their wells are working fine. Acting Mayor Petryk directed staff to select a date to hold another neighborhood meeting and add it to the next Council meeting agenda to be scheduled. No other action was taken. Update on Victor Gardens Ground Water Improvement Proiect At its September 20, 2010 meeting, Council discussed solutions to address the groundwater that has been affecting a number of residents following construction of their homes in Victor Gardens. They also considered the residents' request to match the Rice Creek Watershed District's grant to help pay for a specific project that will assist residents in dealing with this issue. At its October 4, 2010 meeting, Council approved a grant not to exceed $45,875 for the City's portion of the project to the residents in the Victor Gardens Neighborhood, and directed staff to review the irrigation practices and water usage in that area. Resident Tony Schwab, 14262 Garden Way North, updated the Council on the project which was successfully completed on the prior Thursday. Tony explained that directional boring was done with 734 feet of pipe under driveways and a connection to a pipe that directed water into the pond. He offered to return to a City Council meeting next spring/summer to update the Council on the system. Administrative Intern Jill Van DenHeuvel presented findings on the water usage in the Victor Gardens neighborhood. She provided background and an analysis comparing the Victor Gardens Neighborhood with similar developments. She concluded the water usage was similar; however, the dense glacial till soil, smaller turf area and water pockets unique to the Victor Gardens neighborhood was an aggravating factor. Some overwatering did occur, mostly with automatic underground sprinkler systems. Jill gave reasons residents should be encouraged to conserve water, and she provided soil watering tips. The Council generally agreed more discussion was needed on the DNR's Conservation Rate Structure and its financial impact, and more was needed to be done to educate Hugo residents on water usage. Tony Schwab requested a copy of the study and the Property Watering Fact Sheet to put in the Victor Gardens Newsletter. He also suggested working with the Rice Creek Watershed District to direct more water back into area ponds. No formal action was taken.