ORD 10-21ORDINANCE NO. 10 -21
• CITY OF ELK RIVER
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING CHAPTER 78
OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD NEW
SECTION 78 -26 PROHIBITING PRIVATE WELLS FOR DOMESTIC USE ON
PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY SERVED BY THE CITY WATER SYSTEM
Findings of Fact
The City Council of the City of Elk River finds that it is necessary, to protect the
integrity of the City Water Utility and to ensure adequate water supplies to meet the
health, safety and welfare needs of the City and its residents, to prohibit the installation of
Private Wells for Domestic Use on properties served by the City water system.
THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 78 of the Elk River City Code of Ordinances shall be
amended to add new Section 78 -26 as follows:
Section 78 -26. Private Wells for Domestic Use.
40 a. The installation of new Private Wells for Domestic Use on any property to
which City Water Utility Service is available, other than wells which serve a
single buildable Lot (as defined in this Code), is prohibited, subject to the
exceptions set forth in Section 78 -26 (c).
b. Private Wells for Domestic Use in existence on October 18, 2010, and
Private Wells for Domestic Use installed subsequent to October 18, 2010 on
properties to which City Water Utility Service is not available at the time of
installation, may remain in use provided they comply with all applicable
regulations, including but not limited to 42 USCS §300f — 300j -26 and Minn.
Stat. § §144.381 to 144.387.
C. "Private Wells for Domestic Use" shall mean any well not owned by the
City Water Utility which is drilled or installed for potable water or irrigation
purposes. "Private Wells for Domestic Use" shall not include wells drilled for
such purposes as dewatering, groundwater monitoring, heating or cooling,
elevator borings or environmental bore holes.
Section 2. That this Ordinance shall take effect upon adoption.
•
•
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 18th day of October,
2010.
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I III 'A 100 P
-mw mix,
A� " Klinzing
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Attest:
Tina Allard
City Clerk
• GP:2862663 vl
•
ORDINANCE NO. 10-21
CITr OF ELK RIVLR
AN ORDINANCE OF THE
: CITY OF ELK RIVER
AMENDING CHAPTER 78
OF THE CITY OF BLS
RIVER CODE OF ORDI-
NANCES TO ADD NEW
SECTION 78-26 PROHIBIT-
ING PRIVATE WELLS FOR
DOMESTIC USE ON PROP -
ERTIES WITIIIN THE CITY
SERVED BY THE CITY
WATER SYSTEM
Findings of Fact'
The City Council of the City
of Elk River finds that it is nec-
essary, to protect the integrity
of the City Water Utility and to
ensure adequate water sup -
plies to meet the health, safety
and welfare needs ;of the City
and its residents, to prohibit
the installation of Private
Wells for Domestic Use on
properties served by the City
water system.
THEREFORE, the City
Council of the City of Elk River
does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1.That Chapter 78 of
the Elk River City Code of
Ordinances shall be amended
to add new Section 78 -26 as
follows.,,'
Section 78 -26. Private Wells
for Domestic Use.
a. The installation of new
Private Wells for Domestic Use
on any property to which City
Water Utility Service is avail-
able, other than wells which
serve a single buildable Lot (as
�'efined in this Code), is pro -
ibited, subject to the excep-
tions set forth in Section 78 -26
(c).
b. Private Wells for Dgmestic
Use in existence on October 18,
2010, and Private Wells for
Domestic Use installed subse-
quent to October 18, 2010 on
properties to which City Water
Utility Service is not available
at the time of installation, may
remain in use provided they
comply with all applicable
regulations, including but not
limited to 42 USCS §300f -
300j -26 and Minn. Stat.
§144.381 to 144.387.
c. "Private Wells for Domes-
tic Use" shall mean any well
not owned by the City Water
Utility which is drilled or
installed for potable water or
irrigation purposes. "Private
Wells for Domestic Use" shall
not include wells drilled for
such purposes as dewatering,
groundwater monitoring,
heating or cooling, elevator
borings or environmental bore
holes.
Section2.That this Ordi-
Zitt
Stephanie Klinzing
Mayor
Attest:
Tina Allard
(030) City Clerk
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF MINNESOTA ) SS
COUNTY OF SHERBURNE )
Marlys Ellingson, being duly sworn on oath says that she is the sales manager of the
Newspaper known as the Star News, and has full knowledge of the facts which are stated
below:
(A)The Newspaper has complied withal] ofthe requirements constituting qualifications
as a qualified newspaper, as provided by Minnesota Statue 331 A.02, 331 A.07 and other
applicable laws, as ammended.
(B) The printed legal notice, which is attached was cut from the columns of said
newspaper and was printed and published once a week for one week; it was first published
on Saturday, the 30th day of October, 2010, and was therefore printed and published on
every Saturday to and including Saturday, the 30th day of October, 2010, and printed below
is a copy of the lower case alphabet from A to Z, both inclusive, which is hereby
acknowledged as being the size and kind of type used in the composition and publication of
the notice
abcdefghijkImnopgrstuvwxyz
Sales Manager
Subscribed and sworn to before me on
this 30th day of October, 2010
NoTq QQ
RYP NRV
c eM��aFSOravC D
ti
e at, rs
Notary Public
------------------------------------------ - - - - --
RATE INFORMATION
(1) Lowest classified rate paid by commercial $ 21.00
users for comparable space (line, word or inch rate)
(2) Maximum rate allowed by law for the
above matter
(3) Rate actually charged for the above
matter
2,400,275
$ 15.50
(line, word or inch rate)
$ 15.00
(line, word or inch rate)
City Code Error Fix
October 18, 2013
Ordinance 10-21 Private Wells
Staff inadvertently left —anvil from the City Council approved ordinance. This item is reflected in
the October 18,2010 Council minutes. Item 6.2B.
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ORDINANCE NO. 10-21
CITY OF ELK RIVER
i
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER AMENDING CHAPTER 78
OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD NEW
SECTION 78-26 PROHIBITING PRIVATE WELLS FOR DOMESTIC USE ON
PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY SERVED BY THE CITY WATER SYSTEM
Findings of Fact
i
The City Council of the City of Elk River finds that it is necessary, to protect the
integrity of the City Water Utility and to ensure adequate water supplies to meet the
health, safety and welfare needs of the City and its residents, to prohibit the installation of
Private Wells for Domestic Use on properties served by the City water system.
THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 78 of the Elk River City Code of Ordinances shall be
amended to add new Section 78-26 as follows:
Section 78-26. Private Wells for Domestic Use.
a. The installation of new Private Wells for Domestic Use on any property to
which City Water Utility Service is available, other than wells which serve a
single-family buildable Lot (as defined in this Code), is prohibited, subject to the
exceptions set forth in Section 78-26 (c).
b. Private Wells for Domestic Use in existence on October 18, 2010, and
Private Wells for Domestic Use installed subsequent to October 18, 2010 on
properties to which City Water Utility Service is not available at the time of
installation, may remain in use provided they comply with all applicable
regulations, including but not limited to 42 USCS §300f — 300j-26 and Minn.
Stat. §§144.381 to 144.387.
C. "Private Wells for Domestic Use" shall mean any well not owned by the
City Water Utility which is drilled or installed for potable water or irrigation
purposes. "Private Wells for Domestic Use" shall not include wells drilled for
such purposes as dewatering, groundwater monitoring, heating or cooling,
elevator borings or environmental bore holes.
Section 2. That this Ordinance shall take effect upon adoption.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 18th day of October,
2010.
Stephanie Klinzing
Mayor
Attest:
Tina Allard
City Clerk
GP:2862663 vl
City Council Minutes Page 3
October 18,2010
THE MAKER AND SECONDER WERE AMENDABLE TO THE LANGAUGE
CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY THE ATTORNEY. MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Councihmember Motin opposed.
5.3. Conditional Use Permit for Wrestling/Fitness Facility in Business Park Zoning District
Spectrum School, Case No. CU 10-23—Public Heats'
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.There being no one to speak to this issue,Mayor
Klinzing continued the public hearing to November 15,2010.
6.1. Transportation Enhancement Application
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO APPLY FOR
A TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANT FOR THE EASTERN
AREA TRAIL AND MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.2. Water Ordinances
Attorney Beck presented the staff report.
A. Water Use Restrictions
Councihnember Motin questioned if this ordinance would affect every single family
home that has a private well.
Attorney Beck stated it would and that the ordinance is drafted this way for ease of
enforcement. He noted that heavy users, not single family homes, cause the biggest
concerns for the aquifer. He stated the ordinance has two purposes; to protect water
supplies and allow the utilities enforcement powers.
Councihnember Motin questioned the difficulty of enforcement.
Attorney Beck stated residents don't feel it's fair if their neighbors can sprinkle every
day yet they can't. He also stated there is no reason for sprinkling every day and that
ERMU has information for lawn watering techniques.
Councihnember Motin questioned what type of notice a resident would receive.
Attorney Beck stated the odd/even restrictions are in effect on a permanent basis.
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CouncHmember Zerwas expressed concerns with the ordinance when there are so many
single family homes that are not in the urban service district and suggested changing it.
He expressed concern with telling property owners how to operate their private wells,
especially when they aren't affecting the aquifer.
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City Council Minutes Page 4
October 18,2010
Councilmember Gumphrey stated there should be a level playing field citywide and as
Elk River is Energy City,it makes sense.
Mayor Klinzing stated she is not in favor of the ordinance. She stated extending
enforcement into private wells is an over extension of government oversight.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT THE
ORDINANCE AS DRAFTED IN THE STAFF REPORT. Motin died for lack of
a second.
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Mayor Klinzing allowed public comment.
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Greg Bossany 304 Baldwin Avenue—Stated he put in a well so he wouldn't have to
have the city tell him when he has to water his yard. He stated it's the Department of
Natural Resources right to regulate private wells.
Roger Renner,owner,EH Renner—Stated Elk River has a great water supply and that
50% of homeowners don't draw from the aquifer. I Ie stated education on water
conservation would go further than changing the ordinance.
Kerry Harrison, 20047 Ulysses Street—Expressed concerns with being unable to water
every day. He stated he uses a drip irrigation system and his flowers and plants need to
be watered every day. He is opposed to city control over private well use.
Katie Renner,EH Renner—Stated it is the property owner's riparian right to be able to
control and use the water on their property. She stated there are associations that need
to water.
Timothy Goerdt, 17942 Tyler Drive—Stated he represents 300 community
townhomes and thought they may be the property in question as far as being large users.
He stated they built their own wells,put in a Smart irrigation system,and do their best
to water every other day. He stated most of the residents have joined Project Conserve
and that in last year's program he won the award for conserving the most energy. He
stated they have worked hard on working with the city on conservation efforts and that
taking away their rights now would be unjustified.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 10-20
AMENDING SECTION 78-51 OF THE ELK RIVER CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES BUT STRIKING THE FOLLOWING LANGAUGE:
"...SHALL APPLY TO ALL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY, I
WHETHER THOSE PROPERTIES ARE SERVED BY THE CITY
WATER SYSTEM OR BY PRIVATE WELLS..." j
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MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilmember Gumphrey opposed.
It was noted the intent of the ordinances is remaining the same but taking care of
housekeeping in some of the language.
City Council Minutes Page 5
October 18,2010
B. Private Wells for Domestic Use
Attorney Beck presented the staff report and noted there is an alternative ordinance in
the packet that would regulate private wells on properties in the urban service district.
IIe stated the concern of the Utilities Commission is to protect the integrity of the water
system and to protect the aquifer.
Utilities Commission Chair John Dietz—Asked the Council to adopt the alternate
version of the ordinance because the Utilities Commission hasn't reviewed the original j
version which wouldn't grandfather in past wells. IIe expressed concerns with having to
increase water rates if the utility loses its large water customers to private wells (leaving
the single family homes to pay for it). He stated the Utility built a lot of infrastructure to
accommodate these water users and can't afford to lose them.
Councilmember Gumphrey expressed concerns with taxpayers having to pay for the
infrastructure.
Councilmember Zerwas and Westgaard concurred.
Councilmember Westgaard stated he also has concerns with government regulating
wells on private property. He noted the city's efforts may be better served through
educational campaigns. He stated he understands the intent of the ordinance but
believes we should find a different way to amend the ordinance so we are not regulating
people too much but are still able to maintain the infrastructure.
Attorney Beck clarified the differences between the ordinances. He stated that three-
fourths of the water infrastructure is for summer usage.
Councilmember Motin agreed with Councilmember Westgaard's comments. IIe
suggested looking at this as it relates to high impact users and suggested a further
review.
Dave Berg,Water Superintendent—Further noted contamination concerns with well
water. He discussed the financial concerns of the utility.
Mayor Klinzing stated she is not interested in regulating everyone in the city and felt the
focus should be on large water users.
Ms.Johnson clarified that the infrastructure is paid for by water users and not taxpayers.
She stated the demand for water use is what created the need for additional
infrastructure.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT THE
ALTERNATE VERSION OF THE ORDINANCE. Motion died for lack of a
second.
Councilmember Zerwas suggested removing the exceptions from the original version of
the ordinance and adding it to the alternate version.
A''ttorney Beck-stated Se"ctioii 8---26--(a) could have language added that refers to;single -
,family buildable lots.,
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City Council Minutes Page 6
October 18,2010
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 10-21
AMENDING CHAPTER 78 OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO ADD NEW SECTION 78-26 PROHIBITING PRIVATE
WELLS FOR DOMESTIC USE ON PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY
SERVED BY THE CITY WATER SYSTEM WITH THE CHANGES NOTED BY
THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Mayor Klinzing stated she would like have staff review this ordinance further and come
back with other language. She stated she doesn't want to exclude users who are not just one
buildable lot. She stated the city should look at degrees of users and the amount of water
they are utilizing.
Councilmember Westgaard disagreed and stated he would support the motion on the table
with the understanding that the city needs to review this further. IIe stated citizens signed
up for city water and so the city put the infrastructure in and we can't allow everyone to exit
the back door and leave the city with the infrastructure and no way to pay for it. IIe
suggested ERMU work with residents on a solution that will work for the city.
Mayor Klinzing asked why this needed to be passed tonight if Councihnember Westgaard
felt the same way.
Councilmember Zerwas stated any townhouse group could go and put a well in this
weekend if the city didn't pass the ordinance tonight.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Klinzing opposed.
Attorney Beck suggested the Council recommend that ERMU host a worksession to follow-
up on the economics and the water table impacts.
Councilmember Motin agreed and stated he would like affected parties to also be able to
bring their information.
7.1. Budget Amendments
Mr. Simon presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE BUDGET
AMENDMENTS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT AS 2010 BUDGET
AMENDMENT DETAIL. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.2. Visioning and Goals
Ms.Johnson presented the staff report. She reviewed Councilmember Motin's requested
changes to the goals and noted staff was agreeable to those changes. It was noted there was
a minor word jumble in the Opportunities goal which would be corrected.
Ms.Johnson reviewed the original vision statement along with a possible compromise
statement as Councilmember Motin and staff weren't agreeable on the language of the
statement. She discussed the vision statement that was submitted by Councilmember Motin
and the reasons why staff disagreed with it.