2015.03.16 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for March 16,2015 Page 4 of 6 Lie islative Updates Concerning Water As part of this year's legislative session, several bills have introduced related to the regional water topics that were discussed at the Water Summit in January with City Council members from Hugo and neighboring communities. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that staff has been in close contact with area legislators and he expects additional bills to be introduced in the near future. As key deadlines approach in the House and Senate,the City will likely be asked to weigh in on discussions at hearings at the capitol. Bryan provided information on the bills in the legislation that the City has been following, and the Council discussed their position on each. House File 1250 deals with surcharges to user of water from both municipal water supplies and private wells. House File 1043 and Senate File 936 supports bonding of$1,000,000 for Hugo's stormwater reuse projects. House file 1557 and Senate File 1647 relates to a study and proposals for augmenting White Bear Lake water levels. House file 1835 modifies the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee,which would include a technical advisory committee. This bill would modify water supply plan requirements,require reporting to the legislature,and delay implementation of groundwater management area plan. The Senate bill was still pending. Area legislators were asking the City to support these bills. Petryk made motion, Klein seconded,to support the bills dealing with Hugo's Stormwater reuse projects(HF 1043 and SF 936)and the bill relating to the modification of the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee(HF 1835)and remain neutral on the others. All Ayes. Motion carried. Petryk made motion,Klein seconded,to direct staff to send a letter of support for those bills to area legislators. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Solar Panel Installation on City Property and City Subscription The City has been approached by SolarStone to construct a community solar garden on City owned property located west of the Hugo Post Office. SolarStone would lease the property for 35 years for installation of up to 20,000 panels to produce energy for sale to Xcel Energy to meet the renewable energy requirement set by state law. The City could enter into a subscription agreement for solar power to receive electricity at a discounted rate. Intern Rachel Leitz presented information on solar gardens to Council for discussion. The Council acknowledged that discussions were in the beginning stage,and City Administrator Bryan Bear stated that staff could gather more information if the council was interested. Council Member Haas stated that Xcel is a great community partner, and solar power fits in well with the City's reduce,reuse,replenish,policies.