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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.08.21 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 8,2021 Call to Order Mayor Hoyt called the work session to order at 6:01 P.m. Roll Call Present-Hoyt, Bernhjelm (Virtual), Pearson, Porter(Virtual)and Wilson Absent-None Water Board Members-Weirke,Snobeck and Cordes Also Present-Administrator McKnight (Virtual), Public Works Director Gehler,Community Development Director Kienberger(Virtual), Planning Manager Wippler and Finance Director Malecha (Virtual). Agenda Motion by Pearson,second by Wilson,to approve the agenda as presented.APIF, motion carried. Setting,Timing and Feasibility Study of a New Water Tower Public Works Director Gehler provided background information on the water plan the city is required to have in place. The water need for the community both today and in the future was reviewed and the projection determination was examined. Gehler also reviewed the current system used to provide water in Farmington. Councilmember Wilson asked if 2040 was looking far enough in the future. Gehler stated that it is the appropriate time length to review and noted that the new tower we are discussing is likely not the last tower the city will build. Wilson asked if we have ever come close to the 60%concern number in Farmington. Member Weirke stated that we did have one summer many years ago where the city had to issue additional water restrictions. Wilson asked about the daily average demand going down but future maximum capacity exceeding expectations. Gehler stated that community growth is the main issue behind these numbers. Councilmember Pearson asked if 2020 had an impact with more people being home. Gehler stated that residential use is a smaller impact compared to irrigation systems that are a much larger issue. Weirke stated that water conservation efforts are having an impact. Gehler reviewed the recommendation to build a 2.5 million gallon tank in the northeast part of the city. She reviewed the process used to locate water towers and the types of tanks available. She is recommending an elevated tank, hydropiller style similar to our current tower with a concrete base and steel top. Gehler reviewed the communications that have been occurring with Empire Township on a potential partnership. Brian Hildegardner representing the township shared how the township requires multiple zones. Weirke asked why the township would consider removing their current tower. Hildegardner stated that the current board would likely not support removing the current tower. Gehler reviewed the timing involved in building a new tower. If the project moves forward and is bid this fall, construction would take place in the 2022 construction season. Member Cordes clarified that we would building the tower to meet Farmington needs. Gehler stated that is correct,we would build it to meet our 20-year capacity needs and sell any excess capacity. Cordes asked if land acquisition costs are included. Gehler stated they are not included yet. Councilmember Wilson asked about funding sources. Gehler shared that we plan on an interfund loan from the water fund and the use of water fund balance. Administrator McKnight clarified that we will likely have to bond for some of the tower costs as well due to this project and other water fund related projects in the coming years. The consensus of the city council was to continue to move forward on this project. The Water Board and EFPAC will be used to continue to work on the details. Vita Attiva Schematic PUD Planning Manger Wippler reviewed the schematic plan for the Vitta Attiva planned unit development. City staff and the Planning Commission have concerns with the transportation and access plan to the development. Mayor Hoyt asked if the Planning Commission has viewed the updated plat. Wippler stated they have not since it was just submitted. Councilmember Bernhjelm asked why the city would be on the hook for the portion of Pilot Knob Road since it is a county road. Wippler stated that the county does not have Pilot Knob extending south in their plans until County Road 70 is extended from Lakeville into Farmington. Public Works Director Gehler stated that the County Road 70 project is likely years away. Bernhjelm stated she supports the development and thinks the location is good for the growth of that area of the city. She is looking for some kind of cost sharing agreement to address the transportation concerns. Councilmember Wilson stated he thinks this is an exciting development but has concerns about taxpayers paying for portions of the streets. Councilmember Pearson asked what the Planning Commission concerns were. Wippler stated they were primarily transportation related and only one access. Pearson shared that this development could bring a lot to the area. Mayor Hoyt shared that the Planning Commission has not reviewed the updated drawing and there is still time once this development starts to address the transportation issues. Developer Whitehead shared that project will likely spur the area but placing all of the street costs on the developer is not feasible. After much discussion,the city council directed staff to develop estimates of the costs to build out portions of Pilot Knob and Spruce Street that would support this development. Once these are provided,the city council will continue to discuss this development. City Administrator Update Public Works Director Gehler briefly talked about a potential organics recycling joint powers agreement with the county. The city council was in support of bringing this forward for consideration. Administrator McKnight updated the city council on downtown liquor store options. Councilmember Bernhjelm will develop talking points so all city representatives are on the same page. Due to the time,the city council decided to bring the solid waste discussion back at the April work session. Adjourn Motion by Wilson,second by Pearson,to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. APIF, motion carried.