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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING March 10, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hutter and Whitcomb Absent: Commissioners Hudak and Jensen, Councilmember Polehna Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of November 4, 2021 meeting Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to approve the November 4, 2021 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on water service from Roger Ryan Roger Ryan, 1016 N 3rd St, presented two quotes from $15,000 to $17,800 for insulation of his water service. He explained where the freezing is occurring due to the design of the system. When the waterline was constructed to his property they went out the north side of the line, up and over a telephone conduit, and then down to his property. Commissioner Whitcomb asked if repair work between the main and the house is usually at property owner expense. Superintendent Benson answered yes. In other areas where water typically freezes in pipes, residents are asked to leave the water running because the expense of running the water is less than the cost of repair of the line. This situation is unique due to the design of the waterline. It is the only property that has the service going up and around. Public Works Director Sanders confirmed that water service repairs on street projects are typically assessed 100% to the property owner. Commissioner Whitcomb commented the City Council may deny the request regardless of the Utilities Commission’s recommendation. He could not recommend approval because it sets precedent. Commissioner Hutter agreed. Mr. Sanders stated Mr. Ryan could bring the request to a City Council meeting during the open forum. Discussion on funding for Utility Improvements on Street Projects Public Works Director Sanders stated that staff is considering the replacement of the watermain on Brick Street between Olive and Myrtle Streets as part of the 2022 Street Improvement Project. The main was constructed in 1961 and has had eight breaks since 1980. Brick Street will be reconstructed and now would be a good time to replace the watermain. The estimate to replace the main is $40,000. Staff is requesting to fund the replacement with water revenue funds. Utilities Commission Meeting March 10, 2022 Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Chairman Speedling, to recommend approval of the request to replace the watermain on Brick Street and to use water revenue funds. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS White -Bear Lake Court Case Update Mr. Sanders reviewed a report on the White Bear Lake Court Case, provided by Randall Doneen and Jason Moeckel, Section Managers, DNR Ecological and Water Resources. He noted that the DNR is to set a collective annual withdrawal limit for White Bear Lake and adjust permits accordingly. State Statute deems first priority is domestic water supply, excluding commercial and industrial uses, such as schools, government agencies, and hospitals. Based on the City's 20,000 residents the withdrawal limit would be a little more than 500,000 gallons per year. Current usage is around 750,000 gallons, so the limit would have a significant impact. Legislation has been introduced that would allow Cities to continue to operate per their water supply plan that was submitted in 2016 until 2040. The bill has not gone to a hearing yet. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Monthly Updates Mr. Sanders provided the monthly gallons pumped, 43,203 in January and 39,409 in February. Water Appropriation use and efficiency 12rofile Mr. Sanders provided a water use report from the Department of Natural Resources. Met CUL111di Water Efficiency Grant Program Mr. Sanders explained that the City is applying for a grant of up to $50,000 under an 80/20% match. The grant money may be used to offer rebates to residents purchasing water saving devices. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Mr. Sanders noted if Thursday at 8 a.m. is a difficult time for Commissioners, the meeting time can be changed. This will be discussed at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hutter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 a.m. (5SDe;edling.Chair Aloo- TT . ST: B r-k c Vi cLw vi Scar, C4-!; , �vlo U L coo r k i rP_ &o r" Page 2 of 2