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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-10 UC MIN(499ateir THE NIATNYLALE Of MINN EIOTA UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING August 10, 2023 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hudak, Hutter, Jensen, Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: None Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of May 11, 2023 meeting Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2023 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Mr. Sanders gave an update on the following projects: White Bear Lake Work Group Stillwater is a member of a NE Metro work group created by the legislature to address water supply and protection. Over the next four years the group will study options for conversion of ground water supply to surface water supply. This is totally separate from the White Bear Lake mitigation case. Commissioner Jensen asked if the existing surface water plan that included Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Bayport will be brought to the group, and Mr. Sanders said he will make it available. White Bear Lake Mitigation Update Last week, Attorney David Sienko voiced optimism that Stillwater may be dismissed from the mitigation case, based on the estimated cost to relocate the City's well 20 feet and the assertion that it would be a waste of public money. Mr. Sanders will update the Commission as information is available. Construction Project Update Mr. Sanders reported that Mid Oaks Life Station is completed; the downtown manhole rehabilitation project should clear up some of the I & I issues downtown; hydrant painting will start August 21; and work has begun on the Lily Lake tower pressure release value. He added that staff is working with TKDA to determine the best way to run the system when the water tower is shut down for two Utilities Commission Meeting August 10, 2023 months for painting. He and Mr. Benson will be meeting with TKDA on three projects: 1) a mandated inventory of lead service pipes; 2) PFAs in the well system; 3) a study of the condition of the watermains to prepare for future replacement projects. Mr. Sanders added that the Met Council gave the preliminary estimate of next year's sewer rate increase, 2.5%. Commissioner Jensen asked how the Chestnut Street project is going, and Mr. Sanders answered that all underground work is done and the contractor is working on the traffic signal system, to be followed by curb and sidewalk. Everything should be completed by September 8. Another downtown project in 2024 will be replacement of all downtown lights. Commissioner Hudak asked about telemetry security, and Mr. Sanders said staff is still getting quotes. He added that in the next few weeks, the City will have to decide whether to participate in a 3M settlement regarding PFAs, or forever chemicals. Water Efficiency Rebate Update Mr. Sanders stated that water efficiency rebates of $17,000 have been given as part of a $30,000 grant from the Met Council. Monthly Gallons Pumped Mr. Benson provided the monthly gallons pumped in June: 120,461 million; July: 101,462 million. COMMISSIONER ITEMS There were no Commissioner items. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hudak, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 a.m. The next meeting date is Sept, i er 14, 2023. Steve Speedling, C ATTES"D: Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2