HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.05.19 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 5, 2019
Mayor Larson called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Present-Larson, Bernhjelm, Craig, Donnelly and Hoyt
Absent-None
Also Present-Administrator McKnight and Public Works Director Gehler
Agenda
Motion by Craig, second by Bernhjelm,to approve the agenda. APIF, motion carried.
Water Efficiency Grant
Public Works Director Gehler presented information on the water efficiency grants that the Met
Council is offering again. Met Council Representative Wendy Wulff shared information on this
program at a recent city council meeting.
This program offers the city the opportunity to collaborate with the Met Council to make grants
available to residents for certain purchases that help with water conservation. This is similar to
a program the city offered over a year ago that had 23 people participating. The city is required
to provide 25%of the funding if approved by the Met Council. Cities may apply for up to
$50,000 of funding.
Gehler was looking for direction on whether the city wanted to offer the program to residents.
Mayor Larson asked how much administrative work is involved in the program. Gehler stated
there is work involved in operating this type of program.
Councilmember Craig asked how it would benefit Farmington. Gehler stated the benefit would
come in the form of water conservation. Gehler shared the estimates on how much water was
saved metro wide with the last program offered.
Councilmember Bernhjelm stated that it is a minimal cost and supported offering it to
residents.
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Councilmember Hoyt clarified the financial impact on the city.
Councilmember Craig asked if this program was only for upgrades. Gehler stated it is only for
upgrades, not new construction.
The consensus of the city council was to apply for the grant at an amount based on our history,
likely in the $10,000 to$15,000 area.
New Water Tower
Public Works Director Gehler reviewed the plans for a new water tower. The 2040 Comp Plan
looked at water needs in the community for the next 20 years. The city is looking at a new two
million gallon water tower in the north part of the city.
Gehler shared that a feasibility report will need to be performed to start to look at issues and
answers to questions that exist today. A water tower typically needs about two acres of land
but we should be looking at other potential city land needs with this future purchase.
Councilmember Donnelly asked how we connect to the water grid. Gehler stated that the
tower project would need to include connections to existing infrastructure no matter where it
is located.
Councilmember Bernhjelm asked about continued discussions with Empire Township on their
water needs. Gehler stated that discussions continue but they are headed in the direction of
the city building and owning the water tower and the township potentially purchasing water in
the future if needed.
Councilmember Donnelly asked about using the Daisy Knoll site for a future tower. Gehler
stated there are many issues to consider when placing a tower. This site will be included in the
feasibility study.
Councilmember Bernhjelm asked about the project timeline. Gehler stated at this point it
includes construction starting in 2020 and being completed in 2021.
Discussion took place about project funding. The city council would like to avoid bonding for
this project if possible.
The consensus of the city council was to move forward with the feasibility study on the new
water tower.
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City Administrator Update
Reminded the city council of the upcoming Coffee with the Council that starts on August 15,
2019.
Adjourn
Motion by Hoyt, second by Bernhjelm, to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. APIF, motion
carried.
Respectfully Submitted
David McKnight, City Administrator
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