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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 UC Minutes4ROSEMOUNT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT • UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2009 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the regular Utility Commission meeting of the City of Rosemount was called to order on February 18, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall by President Shawn Mulhern. Those present were Commission Members Schnieder, Harmsen, Mayor Droste, City Administrator Johnson, City Engineer Brotzler and Recording Secretary Dorniden. x_100 k I Eel Z &K9] :10167 :1:1 tot 0812 &t %j i:1 4V-,W 4N None. AUDIENCE INPUT None. MOTION by Harmsen to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2008, regular Utility Commission meeting. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Mulhern, Schnieder, Harmsen. Nays: None. Motion carried. • OLD BUSINESS None. • NEW BUSINESS 6a. Water and Sewer Utility Rates City Engineer Brotzler handed out an updated spreadsheet showing a difference in line 49 for the years 2016 and 2017. The formula was not entered correctly which lead to a false percentage. At the last Utility Commission meeting, the Commission had talked a little about the DNR letter regarding conservation, which mandates we comply by 2010. The letter gave examples of what type of conservation structures they would approve. The challenge the City faces is going from a flax rate to a tier rate. Different users have to be identified, then analyze past years and then allocate what should be for each tier. The 2010 column in the spreadsheet is what is being proposed as tiers. The expenses shown between Line 25 — 29, beginning in 2010 -2017 need to be used to service existing debt for the wells and towers constructed. With the sharp decline in residence being constructed, if it doesn't pick up then we'd have to allot for more. The City's borrowed capital SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRESS 2875 145th Street West • Rosemount, MN 55068 -4997. 651 - 423 -4411 • TDD/TTY 651- 423 -6219 • Fax 651 - 322 -2694 www drosemount.mn.us UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2009 • improvements needs paid and the fund will be depleted by 2010. The Water Utility Fund will have to take over. The Commission was reminded that this is the worse case scenario. A brief discussion regarding Line 46, after revenue during 2015 — 2016 the City would be in the red, however that is something Staff tracks on an annual basis so adjustments would be made. Mayor Droste asked questions regarding the operating budget between 2007 -2009. It was explained these expenses mainly had to do with the reconstruction projects. Moving forward the total operating expenses would be plugged into the capital replacement program. The City's infrastructure is pretty current. It has been steadily upgraded over the past ten years. President Mulhern made the comment he really "doesn't like the DNR telling us what to do." Surcharge was done in 1980's to service water tower debt charge. The surcharge is now going into capital improvements and is earmarked for a water treatment facility. The project could be bonded for, however the surcharge would be needed to make the payments. The City used Water Core Funds to pay for Bacardi Tower and the land for the water treatment facility. Projects that are development driven generally use core funds and not utility funds, a water treatment facility wouldn't be needed until development driven, generally with a population of 25,000 — 30,000. The reason to build one any earlier would be aesthetically pleasing, not because of health and safety. They all agreed that it is a more efficient way to treat water. Once a tier system is in place the City will probably see an overall consumption deplete. There was a discussion on the comparison charts within the Executive Summary. It was questioned whether these other cities had water treatment plants or not and if they were using a fixed charge or a tier system. The Mayor was adamant about knowing what the other cities were doing. Staff needs to evaluate the impact of the second meter. Mayor Droste thinks we need to have a public hearing to make residents aware of what is coming. Where Staff doesn't think a public hearing is necessary it definitely feels public informational meetings should be held to alert residents to what is coming. Educating the public is always beneficial not only to Staff but also the public. City Engineer Brotzler let the Commission know that the water treatment facility concept was solicited to different agencies to be entertained for a stimulus package. Nothing has been addressed for Dakota County. • 2 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2009 • City Engineer Brotzler wanted the Commission to know that he feels the second water meter is tied to the sewer rates, not the water rates. The DNR is focusing on the water rates and that's where we have the deadline. The second meter is an option not a requirement. It does require a plumber if the resident isn't qualified to install, permit fee and cost of meter if it's placed in a home after construction. The City doesn't have any type of replacement policy in place for water meter, within the last 5 -10 years all meters have been replaced when we installed the MXU's (radio transceivers). When there is a call for a problem with a meter, or when a problem is noted during meter reading time, Staff addresses the problem and maintains or changes out the meter. The City wastewater is based on the flow that Met Council determines through their meters. Some cities have been working with tiered systems for quite sometime. The problem they may have is that they don't have the 25% allotted between tiers as specified by the DNR. Questions the Commission would like to have answered are: • What other surrounding cities have water treatment plants and how they handle their rates? • Where other cities are, already with this program; do they already have a tier system in place and if so how does theirs work? • • How to handle the second meter? • How to educate the public? After more discussion and a few questions that need answered, President Mulhern has tabled this item until the next Utility Commission meeting. PRESIDENT'S REPORT None. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9a. PROJECT UPDATE • County Road 73 (Akron Avenue) is on hold for season • Well #15 is going through the punch list phase and will be on -line soon. • MNDOT came back on the 2009 TH 3 Cooperative Agreement for funding of the new signal at 145th Street with left turn arrows; and a right turn lane onto 143rd Street. • The Council adopted the assessments for the 2009 Street Improvements Project. This project will be replacing water, sewer and storm sewer lines. • 42/52 Interchange has nothing new to report. Staff is looking at the possibility of moving infrastructure to accommodate the project; this would include the rural water system. There • 3 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2009 • was nothing noted in the economic stimulus package the State was offering for Dakota County. • The Commission discussed the well pumping report briefly. 9d. SET NEXT MEETING AGENDA FOR MARCH 9, 2009 • Water and Sewer Rate Study City Engineer Brotzler commented that because of the time frame between meetings, Staff may not have enough time to gather the extra information the Commission would like and that the meeting may have to be pushed back until the April 13, 2009 meeting. The Commission all agreed with that • Pete Willenbring will be presenting the 2008 Pond Monitoring for Infiltration and Evaporation. • Wachter Lake Outfall Update MOTION by Mulhern to adjourn. Second by Schnieder. Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. n Respectfully Submitted, Cindy Dorniden Recording Secretary 4ROSEMOUNT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT • UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the regular Utility Commission meeting of the City of Rosemount was held on April 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall. Mayor Droste administered the oath to Shawn Mulhern. Commissioner Harmsen nominated Shawn Mulhern as President of the Commission at the same time Commissioner Mulhern nominated Joan Schnieder; a second by Commissioner Harmsen for Ms. Schnieder. After a brief discussion Shawn Mulhern will retain the office of President. A brief discussion took place regarding the calendar for next year. Commissioner Harmsen has a conflict with the August 10"' meeting. MOTION by Mulhern to set the 2009 Utility Commission meetings per the attached calendar with the exceptions of the August 10, 2009 meeting, which will be August 17, 2009; the September 7, 2009 meeting will be September 14, 2009 and the November 9, 2009 meeting, which will be scheduled for November 16, 2009. SECOND by Harmsen. Ayes: Mulhern, Harmsen, Schnieder. Nays: None. Motion carried. • Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the regular Utility Commission meeting of the City of Rosemount was called to order on April 13, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall by President Shawn Mulhern. Those present were Commission Members Schnieder, Harmsen, Mayor Droste, City Administrator Johnson, City Engineer Brotzler and Recording Secretary Dorniden. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA • None. AUDIENCE INPUT City Engineer Brotzler had Kacey Kujala introduce herself. She is a senior at Rosemount High School and will be going on to study engineering once she graduates. She will be interning with the Engineering Department for the next few months to fulfill her Independent Study course. A brief discussion took place as President Mulhern noted that the date at the top of the minutes did not coincide with the actual date of the regular meeting of February 18, 2009. MOTION by Harmsen to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2009, regular Utility Commission meeting as amended. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Harmsen, Schnieder, Mulhern. Nays: None. Motion carried. SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRESS 2875 145th Street West • Rosemount, MN 55068 -4997 •651- 423 -4411 • TDD/TTY 651 - 423 -6219 • Fax 651 - 322 -2694 www.drosemount.mn.us UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 . OLD BUSINESS City Engineer Brotzler suggested moving item 6b. as the next topic while awaiting the arrival of Finance Director May. 6b. Water Utility Rates City Engineer Brotzler refreshed the Commission on the February 18, 2009 meeting regarding the water utility rates. He pointed out the different scenarios for the tier rates beginning in 2010 that had changed from the previous meeting. The table presented showing the rates of surrounding cities are for 2008 amounts and can't be totally compared because we know for sure that Eagan and Farmington don't have tiered rates at this point and we are also unsure if the other cities tiers are in compliance with what the DNR is expecting. We are also at a disadvantage of not knowing what other municipalities use their funds for. Finance Director May joined the meeting. The Debt Service won't show its full impact until 2016 if and when the water treatment plant is up and running by that time. The operating expenses allow for two additional employees in 2017. Mayor Droste feels that consumption will decrease if you raise rates and he doesn't feel this is taken into consideration in the years to come within the spreadsheet. It was noted that this matter has • been discussed by staff and at this time there is no clear assumption to use. It was also noted that any decrease in use and therefore revenue will require a further increase in rates to cover projected expenses. The projection is anticipated to be a dynamic document that will be reviewed annually and considered for adjustment accordingly based on actual revenue and expenditure trends. Overall if we don't mow as much or do less maintaining on the ice rinks, the consumption of water the City uses would go down as would residential usage if we lead by example. With this, if we're successful in reducing consumption we may have to increase rates to cover cost of operating the system because the cost of operating will still be there. Mayor Droste asked how the City of Savage figures their per capita consumption. Staff will check into this. The City of Woodbury's rate changes were very publicized. Residents still used lots of water even though the rates were raised. Consumption depends a lot on the weather. Everyone agrees that continuing education on water conservation is the best game plan. Finance Director May wanted the Commissioners to know that the model is totally different than anything else the City has ever done. Whatever direction the City takes will be the base for the City continuing into the future. • 2 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 • All agreed that the rates should be reviewed annually, but still go out the ten years based on what information is available. The message to the public is the most important thing to get out there and conservation is the biggest message to send. Finance Director May wanted to stress that the main thing to keep in mind is that the City has to have enough revenues to pay all the bills (operation costs), which might have to mean higher rates. Mayor Droste just wanted it clear that we have to be consistent in whatever we do. Finance Director May wanted it made clear that the second meter isn't for water; it's related to the sewer rates. The largest consumers are ones with irrigation systems and different types of land use. The consumptions in the home facilities are related to washing machines, shower heads, dishwashers and toilets. The City has to get the general public to accept changing techniques. Commissioner Schnieder asked if money was the only motivator. Education has to come into play. The City Council and Utility Commission will all have to deal with the public when this takes affect. • It was asked if there would be any benefit to pre -pay debt. Finance Director May clarified that we generally issue our debt for only a 10 -year period now, rather in years past when it was 15 -20 years. Bacardi Tower debt will more than likely be paid off 3 -years early. The debt on towers is larger than on the wells. Commissioner Harmsen asked if the DNR would be satisfied with the way the City is presenting the tiers and was informed that Staff had followed the examples they were provided so there shouldn't be a problem. MOTION by Mulhern to recommend City Council approval of the Water Utility Rates with the stipulation that the Utility Commission will review the rates annually. Second by Harmsen. Ayes: Schnieder, Mulhern, Harmsen. Nays: None. Motion carried. 6a. Utility Billing Policy Finance Director May presented this item to the Commission. Although there were several minor housekeeping items within the policy, the issue that needed to be discussed was the refund policy within the policy. The title companies and closers on properties are escrowing too much money and sending all they've escrowed instead of the stated final bills. With all the bankruptcies and forfeitures it's hard to know who the refund goes back to. • 3 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 • Currently the refund policy has it stipulated that they don't refund unless the refund is over $30.00. Staff would like to see this policy change and have no set amount, but have the refund amount go onto the account of the buyer. Mayor Droste asked what other cities do. He doesn't want to be unique from other cities in how we handle these refunds. Other cities weren't called. It was suggested that possibly having a larger threshold other than $30.00 would help. Finance Director May volunteered that most purchase orders that he signs for refunds are between $30.00 and $75.00. After discussion the Commission felt that leaving the language involving the refund the same, however raising the dollar amount to $100.00 would be the best solution. When the new rate structure is sent out to residents they should also be informed that any refund up to $100.00 would go onto the new owner's utility account as a credit. MOTION by Mulhern to approve the attached changes to the Utility Billing Policy, including the refund policy, which would stay the same, however raising the limit to $100.00 on overpayments. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Mulhern, Harmsen, Schnieder. Nays: None. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS isNone. PRESIDENT'S REPORT None. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9a. PROJECT UPDATE Wachter Lake Outfall Improvements City Engineer Brotzler apprised the Commission that last year this area had been identified as having erosion issues at the storm drain going down to the lake. This area is behind, the Wachter Lake Condo's off Chippendale Avenue. Improvements were made to the manhole structure. It had been submerged and when rain flowed it would pressurize and then blow out the top of the structure like a geyser. It appears that the pipe downstream into the lake has a hole in it and is caving in. The Assistant City Engineer, Morgan Dawley, met with some residents of the condo who have been actively involved with keeping the City apprise of the situation with the storm drain. He let them know what the City is planning and they approved of the measures the City is taking to correct the problem. Staff solicited two quotes with the scope and solution to the problem. G.F. Jedhcki will be performing the work. The City doesn't have any idea if the old pipe is corrugated metal or • reinforced concrete because it was done years ago by the County. 4 n U UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 Staff hopes to work with the president of the association to possibly have the residents use a pool skimmer to keep the lake shore clean around the storm drain, a kind of an Adopt -a -Pond if you will. Shannon Pond City Engineer Brotzler informed the Commission of a property owner that is concerned with Shannon Pond, which is just north of 160th Street and on the west side of Shannon Parkway. This pond is a landlocked pond, no outlet. This pond is there solely for infiltration from the other ponds upstream, such as Birger, Hawkins, Wensmann, etc. The resident said he's lived by the pond for five years and he feels it's an eye sore. City Engineer Brotzler went on to state that the pond does exactly what it's suppose to do. There is a birdhouse that shows a depth for a 100 year storm so the pond has the potential to take on water at that level as it has in the past. The ponds by County Road 42 in Bloomfield and Meadows of Bloomfield were constructed ponds made to be aesthetically pleasing; they have a 4' -5' water depth with a clay bottom. Material would have to be trucked in and out to put a liner in Shannon Pond. Identifying costs and where the funding would come from could be challenging. Should it be taken from Stormwater Core Funds since the pond is already doing what it should be doing or should it be a residential • assessment with the properties around the pond paying for the cost? A possible drain tile system could be developed, but would be costly. Mayor Droste doesn't feel there is any urgency to this project. He feels the City should look for some kind of grant assistance for water quality. Administrator Johnson let the Commission know that there isn't a lot of money to throw at something like this, however if the residents would want to pay or contribute to the project it might be a different story. The newer ponds which were mentioned earlier haven't seen the water that Shannon Pond has so there is no way of telling how it would be affected. Commissioner Harmsen commented that the pond is doing what it's supposed to do so he doesn't see a problem. Generally grant applications to get funding require matching funds 2009 Street Improvements Project City Engineer Brotzler just wanted the Commission to know that the 2009 Street Improvements are going forward. There are some tree issues staff will be working with the residents on. 0 5 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 13, 2009 0 The Commission didn't have any further questions regarding the projects. 9d. SET NEXT MEETING AGENDA FOR MAY 11, 2009 • Public Meeting for SWPPP • Utility Rates (Sewer) (2nd Meter) • 2008 Pond Evaporation and Infiltration Study MOTION by Mulhern to adjourn. Second by Harmsen. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Cindy Dorniden Recording Secretary • is 6 4ROSEMOUNT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the regular Utility Commission meeting of the City of Rosemount was called to order on May 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall by President Shawn Mulhern. Those present were Commission Members Schnieder, Harmsen, City Administrator Johnson, City Engineer Brotzler, Finance Director May and Recording Secretary Dorniden. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA None. AUDIENCE INPUT None. MOTION by Mulhern to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2009, regular Utility Commission meeting as amended. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Mulhern, Schnieder, Harmsen. Nays: None. Motion carried. • PUBLIC HEARING Pete Willenbring from WSB & Associates, Inc. started the public hearing with a presentation regarding the 2009 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Permit. He had passed out a copy of his presentation to the Commission. Mr. Willenbring explained that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires cities with certain criteria to obtain this National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) Phase II MS4 Permit. This Public Hearing is part of the education process that is required by the permit. . The City of Rosemount is required to obtain an NPDES Phase II permit because the City is an urbanized area and meet the MPCA policy criteria. One of the requirements for this permit is for the City to meet the six minimum control measures which were listed within the handout which will be a part of the Clerk's file. As part of these minimum control measures, it is required once every five years to inspect the ponds. TMDL plans to address impairments must also be incorporated into the City's SWPPP. President Mulhem asked if there will be a lot of changes within the near future. Mr. Willenbring said there may be little things, but nothing major until possibly 2011 when the permit needs to be renewed. City Engineer Brotzler apprised the Commission that Mr. Willenbring works with the Operations Superintendent and maintenance personnel to assist the City in meeting the various requirements. A • SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRESS 2875 145th Street West • Rosemount, MN 55068 -4997 •651- 423 -4411 • TDD/TTY 651 - 423 -6219 • Fax 651 - 322 -2694 www.ci.rosemount.mm us UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 • few years ago we cleaned 1,000 sump manholes which had never been cleaned. We now only have to rotate and clean so many a year after finding the next year the sediment wasn't that great. There was no recommended action, however President Mulhern was directed to open the public hearing and then close the public hearing. Public hearing was open at 5 :46 p.m. and no audience input so was closed at 5:46 p.m. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 7a. 2008 Pond and Infiltration Study Mr. Willenbring advised the Commission that the 2008 Pond Infiltration Study was undertaken as a follow up to the completion of the Non - Degradation Plan done a few years ago. The Study is a tool to verify the City is meeting the requirements of the Non -deg Plan. It addresses run -off in parking lots and paved areas and measures the pollute loadings. The City has been doing this since 1988 and a definite change took place in 2006 when the Non - Degradation Plan was developed. The City • ponds are infiltrating with no discharge. The PCA looked at the City Plan and made no comments. Within the packet was a copy of a letter sent to all cities regarding the Non - Degradation Plans that were submitted. It is currently the MPCA policy that unless the ponds are specifically designed for infiltration they can't take credit for that infiltration within the Plan unless follow up monitoring proves that infiltration is taking place. That is why cities have to monitor ponds to show data to back -up infiltration. The City is currently monitoring ten (10) ponds and are going to add five (5) more sites. Two tipping bucket rain gauges were added to obtain better rainfall and modeling information. Mr. Willenbring explained a tipping bucket, which generally is installed on top of a building will develop much better rainfall data. 7b. Sewer Utility Rates City Engineer Brotzler gave the Commission an overview of what staff had prepared for the sewer utility rates. He credited Chris Watson, the City's Management Analyst, for the work that the Commission was looking at. Scenario #1 raised rates ten cents per year starting from what we currently charge at $1.40 through 2013, then it went up five cents every year through 2015 and would not change the use of the second water meter. 0 2 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 • Scenario #2 is a substantially higher rate starting at $2.05 going up five cents every year however using a winter quarter usage basis, but eliminating the second water meter. No matter which scenario the Commission picks they have to keep in mind the City has to maintain a fund balance that will pay Met Council and the rest of the operating budget. Low water users and residents not around to establish their winter quarter would have to be considered when establishing a minimum. Commissioner Harmsen didn't feel Scenario #1 would promote conservation. Finance Director May reminded the Commission this is the sewer, not the water that is the topic. The City has to provide a fair and equitable way to provide sewer service. Back 15 years ago the Commission thought this was an innovative way to lower the sewer cost, at which time was $1.85 per thousand gallons. A second meter is a personal choice and our City is unique in presenting this concept, that's one of the reasons we've been able to maintain our rate for the past 10 years. The City doesn't require second meters; residents make their own personal choice. Commissioner Schnieder feels the City should stay with Scenario #1 because it would be less of an impact on the residents and easier to educate them on conservation along with the new rates. MOTION by Harmsen to recommend City Council approval of Sewer Utility Rates for Scenario #1 and continue allowing 2nd water meters for irrigation. Second by Mulhern. Ayes: Schnieder, • Harmsen, Mulhern. Nays: None. Motion carried. On a side note President Mulhern wanted to be clear if the City Council would like a round table discussion on why the Commission is making this recommendation they would be open to a meeting with them to explain their decision. PRESIDENT'S REPORT None. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9a. PROJECT UPDATE Illicit Discharge Permit City Engineer Brotzler apprised the Commission that the permit Mr. Willenbring was reviewing with the Commission earlier had to do with the ordinance that is being taken to Council at the May 19th Council meeting regarding Illicit Discharge. That ordinance will address discharge of pollutants in writing and give the City the right of enforcement. • UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 • Sanitary Sewer Forcemain on Shannon Parkway and 145`h Street The previous week the forcemain that starts at Birger Pond and is approximately a mile long along Shannon Parkway through 145`h Street West had a break was just north of 145`h Street, however the manhole is south of 145`h Street. The pipe was corroding from the inside out so the line was replaced by bypassing the 100' of deteriorating pipe as a temporary fix. Staff received three quotes for the permanent fix. The quotes took into consideration when the work could be done and the amount of the quote. The total cost will be $40,000 plus already incurred costs for the temporary fix. The City called out Valley Riche initially. The contractor that will be doing the permanent fix which will also use gravity will have the work done by the end of this week providing the weather doesn't interfere. Well #14 — Electrical Issue The pump burnt out on Well #14, however it is still under warranty so it will be back in service sometime this week or early next week. County Road 73 /Akron Avenue Project Work has started back up on this project and with the help of the Federal Stimulus Money the City will attain 2.96 million to upgrade the roadway from CSAH 42 to Bonaire Path as an urban road iswith curb and gutter. 2009 Street Improvements Project City Engineer Brotzler apprised the Commission that the preconstruction meeting for this project is tomorrow and a neighborhood meeting with the property owners is on Thursday. The contractor anticipates starting work next week. The large trees that will be impacted have been addressed. The Council gave staff direction to remove whatever is necessary or provide an option to the residents to pay an increase in their assessment to move their services to keep their trees. At this time there are three or four which are choosing that option. President Mulhern addressed the pumping record which shows the City has already pumped 126 million gallons of water so far this year. We need to get Well #14 back on -line before the season really starts getting busy. The Commission didn't have any further questions regarding the projects. 9d. SET NEXT MEETING AGENDA FOR JUNE 8, 2009 City Engineer Brotzler informed the Commission that at this time there is no business; however the Commission will be given notice if the meeting is officially cancelled the week before the scheduled • meeting. 4 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2009 • City Administrator Johnson mentioned that the residents along the 160`h Street and Shannon Parkway pond may want to come in and visit with the Commission regarding their pond. MOTION by Mulhern to adjourn. Second by Schnieder. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Cindy Dorniden Recording Secretary is 4ROSEMOUNT • PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 2009 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the regular Utility Commission meeting of the City of Rosemount was called to order on July 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall by President Shawn Mulhern. Those present were Commission Members Schnieder, Harmsen, Mayor Droste, City Administrator Johnson, City Engineer Brotzler, and Recording Secretary Dorniden. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA President Mulhern noted the agenda had July 13, 2007 instead of July 13, 2009. The correction will be noted and corrected. AUDIENCE INPUT None. MOTION by Harmsen to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2009, regular Utility Commission meeting as amended. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Mulhern, Schnieder, Harmsen. Nays: None. • Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 6a. SHANNON POND City Engineer Brotzler is bringing this topic to the Commission for discussion in response to a -mails and a couple calls the City has received regarding Shannon Pond. The residents would like to see some improvements to the area. The Commission should keep in mind that Shannon Pond is not intended to be a pond, but an infiltration basin and it is doing what it is suppose to do. With direction the City can investigate opportunities and outside funding sources, but first would like to meet with surrounding abutting property owners. Jed Chesnut from WSB & Associates, Inc. is on hand to point out a few options that were mentioned in his memo which is attached to the Executive Summary. City Engineer Brotzler reminded the Commission to keep in mind that no estimated costs have been figured. The City will want to initiate an informational neighborhood meeting with the residents and instill property owner participation prior to going to any great lengths on any one option. One of the things that the City • would do is acquiring Conservation Easements which spell out "no mow /no maintain" around the ponding area. SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRESS 2875 145th Street West • Rosemount, MN 55068 - 4997.651- 423 -4411 • TDD/TTY 651 - 423 -6219 • Fax 651 - 322 -2694 www.drosemount.mn.us UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES July 13, 2009 • Mr. Chesnut presented the four options from his memo to City Engineer Brotzler. Option 1 There would be a large body of open water in most of the basin and a vegetative fringe around it as a natural buffer within the easement. Although there is a drainage easement on the property there isn't a conservation easement which protects the vegetation. This option would have a clay liner that holds water at a 914' elevation with a proposed future outlet. The outlet elevation would need to be determined. The outlet control structure would be at County Road 46 (160th Street) with an extensive infiltration system (drain tile). This system would be similar to the one in the Bloomfield additions. Option 2 This is similar to Option 1; however the main difference is a more extensive drain tile system and less water. The area that would hold the water would be smaller and it would have a larger prairie region. This option could possibly get grant money because of the high level of infiltration. • Both Option 1 and Option 2 maintain water levels. The water migrates northeast to the river, not toward Vermillion River. Mayor Droste asked if the water could be directed to go south. It is something that could be contemplated, however costly. Staff is not talking about building a lift station, but could use gravity. Lift stations are a very costly commodity. There haven't been any ballpark numbers to share with the residents because Staff needs more direction before starting that procedure. Option 3 This option would utilize the infiltration as it is with no clay liner. There would be some standing water by localizing it with swales and drain tiles to increase the infiltration to help the vegetation. By grading and adding drain tiles it would maintain what is there and possibly even enhance the capacity. City Engineer Brotzler mentioned that in 2003 the water was above the birdhouse that's out in the middle of the area. At that time the water was 12' —14' deep. 0 2 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES July 13, 2009 • City Administrator Johnson asked about calculating numbers for the infiltration rates. Mr. Chestnut said that all depends on what grows and looks nice, as a biologist he'd look for vegetation that would work. Enhancing infiltration through drain tiles will channel water that is there. Mayor Droste questioned the 8 -9 acre site in Country Hills west of Shannon Parkway and north of Connemara Trail. A brief discussion took place about the residents possibly self taxing themselves to pay for part of updating. City Engineer Brotzler doesn't envision a project in the next year or two, however once we get feedback from the residents we could possibly form a partnership and get a project done. Those are the three primary options. Option 4 This option would be to do nothing and possibly study the system a little better. Staff would see about possible funding through the DNR, Watershed and Soil and Water agencies. There was a brief discussion about a buffer zone keeping the geese away; Commissioner Harmsen • stated "buffer" is the key for that. It was agreed that if there isn't a conservation easement around the entire area then there would be no project. The residents that contacted the City may be willing to go around to their neighbors and see if they can sell the idea. The City hasn't decided on a neighborhood meeting as of yet, but that would be the next step. 6b. 2010 UTILITY BUDGETS City Engineer apprised the Commission we had no presentation for the 2010 Utility Budgets. It is pretty much the same as last year. Water Revenue shows a proposed 3.7% increase. Expenditures propose an increase of 10.5% which includes the inspection and interior painting of the Eastside Water Tower. Sewer Revenue shows a proposed 9.75% increase. UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES July 13, 2009 • Expenditures show a 9.6% increase. The significant increase is for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Service charges. Storm Water Revenue shows a proposed 1.7% increase. Expenditures show a .70% increase. Both the Water and Sewer Budgets show a line item for $150,000 for C.I.P. projects. This has been an ongoing cost for ongoing projects. Right now the CSAH 42 /Hwy 52 relocation costs are unknown. The City has no way of knowing when this project is moving forward and the $150,000 is for upcoming and possible emergency repairs, such as what we had on Shannon Parkway at 145th Street. The Chili Avenue and Upper 143`d Street sewer back -up is something that we didn't plan for and these funds help with a project like that. What was done this year was a short term fix; the City will have to look at a long term repair within the next year or so. The high school also could have been a possible problem. The flow meter doesn't show peak with Is chemical use so can't be slip - lined, which could have been an option. Interim root control with a chemical treatment could help, but not for a long term plan. A complete reconstruction would be the best method of control. City Administrator Johnson asked if it was necessary to do the Eastside Water Tower painting or if it could be held off. It was explained this is the interior not the exterior and it does need inspected this fall which will tell us if it does need painting. MOTION by Mulhern to approve 2010 Water, Sewer and Storm Water Utility Budgets. Second by Schnieder. Ayes: Schnieder, Harmsen, Mulhern. Nays: None. Motion carried. PRESIDENT'S REPORT President Mulhern made comment how well put together the Consumer Confidence Report (Drinking Water Report) was. It caught his eye as he is sure it would anyone that received it. It was very informative. President Mulhern also had some journals he offered to the other Commission members. 0 4 • UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES July 13, 2009 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT 8a. PROJECT UPDATE County Road 73 Improvements The City received notice recently that it will be given 2.96 million dollars in stimulus money for the project, so the project will be moving forward. Well House 15 This project is about 95% complete. Akron Avenue Project This is still progressing. The contractor is still striving for the August V completion date. 2008 Street Improvements Project This project is now complete. • Town Centre This project is close to 100% complete. The crosswalks with stamping and reflectorizing around the edges had been completed and everything should be ready for the Leprechaun Day activities. Downtown Regional Pond This project is close to 100% complete. It has a clay basin, bump -outs and kiosks to make it an addition to the Dakota County Interpretive Trail system. Trunk Highway 3 Cooperative Agreement This project is moving along with the assistance of MnDOT. MnDOT is planning on doing a mill and overlay from Highway 149 to 1601h Street. They have moved their timetable up to 2010. 2009 Street Improvements Project This project is moving along. The trees have been moved or removed to accommodate the new service lines. 0 5 UTILITY COMMISSION MINUTES July 13, 2009 0 8b. INFORMATIONAL ATTACHMENTS City Engineer Brotzler brought the well pumping record to the attention of the Commission. He noted the graph on the back and the difference between this year consumption and last years. The reason there is such a big difference was due to rainfall from last year to this year. 8d. SET NEXT MEETING AGENDA FOR AUGUST 17,200 City Engineer Brotzler informed the Commission that at this time there is no business; however earlier in the meeting a possible road trip (tour of the City projects) was mentioned and that could be a possibility if the Commission would like. He asked that the Commissioners get back to him if that's something that they would want to do and what things they'd like to see. MOTION by Mulhern to adjourn. Second by Schnieder. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Cindy Do /rniden Recording Secretary C� 0 6