Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-10 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING November 10, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hudak, Hutter, Jensen and Whitcomb Absent: Councilmember Polehna Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Water and Sanitary Sewer Connections Public Works Director Sanders stated that a couple of times this past year, property owners on the west side of the City were told they were required to connect to City water and/or sewer due to a Code requirement that they connect if the service is available. He gave several examples where the definition of “available” is difficult to determine due to the way development has occurred. He asked for Commissioner opinions on when a utility (including a trunk water main) in front of a property should be considered available and connection required per Code, or is there a reasonable exception to this requirement? Also, should the requirement to connect only occur when there is both sewer and water available, and if it is feasible? Commissioner Whitcomb suggested if someone sells their property and it remains as a home, the individual property owner should not be required to connect. But if acreage is developed and more homes are built, the developer should understand that City utilities must be put in. The trigger should be not the sale of the site, but the development of the site. Commissioner Hudak suggested it should be development by development. If City utilities are brought in past an existing development in order to serve a new development, it should not be mandatory that the older existing development hook up. Commissioner Jensen voiced concern that if staff members make decisions interpreting the requirement, property owners could dispute them or claim that somebody else got treated differently. Commissioner Hudak added that, for bureaucratic purposes maybe the metes and bounds (unplatted) properties could be combined on paper only. A map could be done that shows these are the areas that are unique, metes and bounds, and although a watermain may comes through the area, individuals will not be required to hook up unless they choose to. Mr. Sanders agreed to work on a map and bring something to review at the next meeting. Utilities Commission Meeting November 10, 2022 Commissioner Whitcomb added that in those situations when a private well fails, the property owner should be required to hook up to City water at that time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Water Conservation Rebate Program Mr. Sanders reported that the City received a grant from the Metropolitan Council's Water Efficiency Grant Program in the amount of $25,000. The program required a 20% match by the City, for a total of $31,250. 18 property owners who replaced certain household items with new water efficient and/or energy efficient items received rebates through the program, which runs through June 2024. Well Pumping Report Mr. Benson provided number of gallons pumped so far in 2022. Project Update Mr. Sanders shared updates on the following projects: Mid Oaks lift station; Brick Street watermain replacement; Aiple lift station generator replacement; downtown manhole rehabilitation project; Lily Lake sewer lining project; portable generator for the pump house at Olive Street; Rutherford lift station pump replacement; Northland Park watermain extension; transfer switch/generator hook-up for Olive Street; hydrant painting; fluoride pumps; telemetry upgrades; well house repairs; Lily Lake tower pressure reducing valve. New projects for 2023 include: Tower Drive water tower painting; Maryknoll lift station replacement; hydrant painting (year 3 of 4). COMMISSIONER ITEMS Commissioner Jensen suggested including average residential usage in utility bills so residents can compare their use with that of other users. Commissioner Hudak asked for an update on the White Bear Lake lawsuit, and Mr. Sanders said he will contact the attorney and get an update for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hudak, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 a.m. The next meeting will be Dece )e 8, 202 ,,,. Steve Speedling, LWair ATTEST: Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2