1993-01-19 17
J/~U~Y 19~ 1993
]7
I~/NUTEB - COI~ITTE]~ OF THE RHOLE - J~I~I'UARY 19, 1993
The meeting was called to order at 7 PM. Members present: Mayor
Skip Johnson, Councilmembers Andrea Ahrens, Liz Jensen, Phyllis
Jessen and Ken Smith. Also present: John Cameron, City Engineer;
Jon Sutherland, Building Official; Greg Skinner, Water, Sewer and
Street Superintendent; Jim Fackler, Parks Director; Gino Businaro,
Finance Director and Ed Shukle, city Manager.
City Manager Ed Shukle provided some background information about
a proposed new water meter system for the City of Mound. He
explained that the City of Mound has been on a generated type meter
system since about 1978. He explained that this type of meter
reading is outdated and that there are more efficient ways of
metering water that should be looked at by the City. He introduced
Greg Skinner, Water, Sewer and Street Superintendent, to present a
system called "Touch Read" manufactured by Sensus Corporation. It
operates on a touch type basis where a mechanism is used to read
the meters electronically. Following Greg's presentation of the
equipment, information within the packet was reviewed with regard
to cost and payback over a number of years. Council consensus was
to pursue a new meter reading system based on the use of telephone
wiring to read the meters, rather than touch pad. Council felt
that a telephone type system, although about double the cost, would
be better in the long run than purchasing a system that may only
last a few years. Staff will pursue the telephone type system and
bring back more information at the next Committee of the Whole
meeting.
The subject of an elevated water storage tank repainting on the
300,000 gallon tank on Evergreen Road was discussed, city Manager
Ed Shukle explained that the exterior paint on the elevated tank is
flaking off and needs to be repainted. He explained that due to
the paint having lead contained within it, that a special process
would have to be carried out with regard to the repainting of the
tank, which would drive the cost of the project up. John Cameron,
City Engineer, provided some information from a reputable tank
painting firm with estimates, including interior painting, between
$165,000 and $201,000. Discussion was also focused on what it
would cost to replace the tank by building a new tank. The city
engineer was going to pursue this and provide more information at
the next COW meeting.
Watermain improvements were also discussed. An area along Westedge
Blvd. was talked about in relationship to looping watermains in
that area at an approximate cost of $120,000. Also discussed were
gate valves to be replaced on Three Points Blvd. An estimate of
$50,000 was given by the city engineer on this particular project.
This will be discussed further at the next Committee of the Whole
meeting.
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January 19, 1993
The subject of infiltration/inflow (I/I) was discussed. City
Manager Ed Shukle indicated the related costs of the MWCC's charges
to the City for processing sewage. He explained that much of the
cost that is charged to the City by the MWCC is reflected in the
amount of storm water or other runoff that lands up in the sanitary
sewer system. He stated that sump pumps were a contributing
problem and the fact that these are being discharged into the
sanitary sewer. He explained that we have an ordinance that
forbids anyone to discharge into the sanitary sewer system, but it
does not have enough "teeth". He presented some information from
the cities of Long Lake and Delano who have begun a concentrated
program to eliminate the discharge of sump pumps into the sanitary
sewer systems. This matter is to be pursued further with the
assistance of the city attorney.
An update was given on the Public Works Outdoor storage issue.
City Engineer John Cameron presented information about the
Anthony's Floral site and the problems that we have discovered as
it pertains to compliance with the Federal Wetlands Act of 1991.
Part of the area which would be filled for the purpose of outdoor
storage material, is an old wetland. Since this is the case, under
the Federal Wetlands Act, if a wetlands is filled, then another
wetlands has to be created in its place. Based upon the area of
the Anthony's Floral site, the amount of space actually available
for actual storage becomes less. Council consensus was to abandon
this site from further consideration. It was also the consensus to
bring this item back to the next COW meeting for a brainstorming
session. Ken Smith was to also ask the Economic Development
Commission to provide some ideas on this matter.
Jim Fackler, Parks Director and Jon Sutherland, Building Official
presented an update on the commons docks/public land inventory. It
was the consensus to have the city attorney review this information
and work with staff to prepare recommendations to the Parks and
Open Space Commission and City Council.
Gino Businaro, Finance Director, presented information regarding an
advanced refunding of tax increment financing bonds of 1985. He
explained that by refunding these bonds by March 1, 1993, the City
would save some money in interest costs over the life of the bonds.
Council consensus was to have this matter put on the next agenda
and to set the bond sale date for the second meeting in February.
John Cameron, City Engineer, presented information on the Hennepin
County Ground Water Plan. A letter and resolution from the city of
Minnetonka was discussed, which indicates that the city of
Minnetonka objects to the ground water plan in the sense that the
plan should not be mandated, but used as a guide for ground water
planning activities. Consensus of the Council was to place this
matter on the next regular meeting agenda for approval of a
resolution similar to the one adopted by the Minnetonka City
Council.
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January 19, 1993
Goal setting was briefly discussed. Consensus of the Council was
to have a Council session only on this matter. It is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 2, 1993, beginning at 6:15 PM, with a dinner.
Council will spend this time on brainstorming and prioritizing
issues.
The Mound visions project was briefly discussed. City Manager Ed
Shukle presented the Council with the new promotional packet
developed by Bruce Chamberlain, Economic Development Coordinator,
Economic Development Commission and the Mound Visions teams.
Ed Shukle, City Manager brought the City Council up to date on
"right sizing" study. This is a study being undertaken by the lake
area cities to look at possible ways of further cooperation,
collaboration on the delivery of municipal services. More
information will be available at a later date.
Teal Pointe was briefly discussed. Mayor Johnson had indicated
that he had been contacted by the developer, Fred Bame of Teal
Pointe Development Corporation. Mr. Bame had stated that if the
City and/or residents were to purchase the property in the Teal
Pointe area, it would be available for sale. Council discussed
possible ways for financing a purchase of the property and
assessing it back to the residents of the area. City Manager Ed
Shukle indicated that he had preliminarily checked into a Chapter
429 project, where the city would upfront the costs of the property
and then assess the benefitting property owners over a period of
time. This is an eligible activity should the Council want to
pursue it. This matter will appear on the January 26th Council
meeting agenda.
Other business discussed was the Shoreland Management ordinance.
Andrea Ahrens brought up how it will be enforced with regard to
existing properties. Also discussed was language on variances.
This matter will be taken up at future COW meetings. City Manager
Ed Shukle updated the Council on the fact that Len Harrell, Police
Chief and the city manager will be meeting with members of the
Business and Professional Council at their regular meeting to be
held February 2, 1993, at the Mound VFW. This will be a luncheon
meeting for the purposes of addressing the members on the issue of
crosswalks. The Council was encouraged to attend if at all
possible. Councilmember Jensen asked about the status of the
exterior maintenance ordinance. City Manager Ed Shukle indicated
that discussions have been held with the city attorney and he will
report about those discussions at the next Planning Commission
meeting.
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January 19, 1993
Upon motion by Ahrens, seconded by Smith and carried unanimously,
the meeting was adjourned at 11 PM.
City Manager