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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-1988 242 MINUTES WATER BOARD REGULAR JUNE 21, 1988 1. The meeting was called to order by President Shirley at 7:30 P.M. in City Hall. Members Present: Shirley, Juenemann, Sauber. Members Absent: None. Also Present: Administrator Thompson, Engineer Kaldunski, Finance Director Henneke, Dan Edgerton of Bonestroo, Rosene and Anderlik. 2. A brief discussion was held on the sustained high pumpage levels brought on by the extended heat wave and accompanying drought. • 3. The Board discussed the Water Supply and Distribution Plan as prepared by the engineering firm of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik. Dan Edgerton explained that the water access charges consist of a connection charge and an area charge. The area charge will vary according to each area's participation in assessments for past water system improvements. A brief discussion of the feasibility of hooking Farmington's water system to that of Empire Township was held, with no conclusions reached. Motion by Shirley, second by Juenemann to accept the Water Supply and Distribution Plan arid to establish a Water Access Charge (WAC) effective as soon as possible. APIF, motion carried. 4. The Board reviewed a proposal to establish Well No. 5 as recommended in the Water Supply and Distribution Report. Engineer Kaldunski presented the proposal, recommending that the new well be established near the intersection of 190th Street and Essex Avenue. This location is desirable because of its access to the existing 18" water main, and because of its conformity to the new water supply plan. The estimated cost of $320,000 would be met by the issuance of bonds through the City's bonding authority, with the bonds to be serviced by an increase in water rates. The Board noted that the proposed use of water user fees to finance expansion of the water system is a departure from past practice. The Board deferred action on this proposal. 5. Engineer Kaldunski discussed the forthcoming improvements to 4th Street and the de- sirability of replacing the existing 4" mains with 8" pipe during the execution of this project. The estimated cost for this project is $32,300 for the section between Maple and Walnut, and $32,800 for the section from Main to Oak. While the Board favors this proposal, they felt the fund resources were not sufficient to accommodate the main replacement as well as funding other high priority projects at this time. No action was taken. 6. The Board discussed the feasibility of refurbishing Well No. 1, allowing to serve once again as a backup well. Replacement of the motor, pump and shaft would be required, along with likely replacement of the chemical injection equipment. The Board requested that Engineer Kaldunski continue to pursue this project by presenting work proposals along with cost estimates as soon as possible. 7. A brief discussion was held on the feasibility of installing water meters. The water consumption rate is above those communities that have meters, and it would be expected that installation of meters would bring a reduction in the per capita consumption. It was pointed out that some customers were cheating on the watering ban, and that im- position of meters would penalize heavy water users. Conversely, the estimated cost of $240,000 would ultimately be passed on to all consumers regardless of consumption habits. No action was taken. 8. City Finance Director Henneke presented a water rate survey that he had prepared, comparing Farmington's rate with that of other cities in Dakota County. The survey showed that Farmington's rate was significantly below that of all communities surveyed. The Board concluded that an increase in rates was required when noting that current year expenses have exceeded income to the degree that current operating account balance is $25,583 deficient. Motion by Shirley, second by Sauber to increase the water rates to $18/quarter for residential users, and $.45/1000 gallons for metered accounts. APIF, motion carried. 9. A proposal to extend water service to the Dakota County Fairgrounds was discussed. The proposal includes extending an 8" main into the Fairgrounds, looping back to the City lines at Heritage Way. It is estimated that initially 11 units would be serviced by this main, with a WAC charge to be applied to each connection and a meter installed at each connection. An area charge also will be assessed based on the area serviced, roughly estimated at 14 acres. It was noted that the area charge would approximately equal the added cost of extending the loop to Heritage Way rather than looping back to Ash Street. City Administrator Thompson is engaged in writing an agreement with the Fair Board specifying City requirements for extending water to the Fairgrounds. 243 Motion by Shirley, second by Juenemann to authorize the connection of Farmington water service to the Fairgrounds by an extension of an 8" main from Ash Street to be looped back to the City system on Heritage WAy. The area charge for the initial service area is to be waived in return for the Fair Board assuming the added expense of looping to Heritage Way rather than Ash Street. Water rates will be the same as the rates for connection within the City limits. APIF, motion carried. 10. Engineer Kaldunski discussed building elevations with the Board, pointing out that there are areas in the City where the water pressure would be inadequate for fire protection. It is felt that proper pressures could be maintained below an IIIelevation of 1005 feet. Motion by Shirley, second by Juenemann to allow building only if the top most floor elevation is below 1005 feet and that hydrants in the area are capable of supplying 1000 gallons per minute. APIF, motion carried. 11. The Board reviewed the bills presented, which included expenses for both May and June. Motion by Shirley, second by Juenemann to authorize payment of all bills presented, totalling $9,788.08. APIF, motion carried. 12. The Board briefly reviewed the budget proposal with Finance Director Henneke, however, because of the actions taken by the Board that evening, the figures in the budget proposal will have to be reworked. Mr. Henneke agreed to attend the next meeting and present revised figures to be approved at that time. Respectfully submitted, Robert Juenemann