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5.6. SR 11-20-2000 . City of ~ Elk Item # 5.6. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Pat Klaers, City DATE: November 20, 2 SUBJECT: Utilities Commission Update Councilmember John Dietz is the City Council representative on the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission. At this November 20,2000, City Council meeting, John is scheduled to provide the council with an update on October and November Utilities activities. Attached for your review are the draft minutes from the November 14, 2000, Utilities Commission meeting. . Utilities General Manager Bryan Adams has requested that the City Council consider the locations being proposed by the Utilities for its well (plus treatment building and backwash pond) and water tower. These facilities were briefly discussed at the joint City Council and Utilities meeting on September 25,2000. The Utilities desire to have the water tower project move forward immediately and the well (plus treatment building and backwash pond) will probably be a 2002 project. The water tower site has been a topic of discussion at a number of recent Park and Recreation Commission meetings. The final location being proposed for the water tower is consistent with the recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission although it was not a unanimous recommendation. It should be noted that at the September 25, 2000, joint meeting, the water tower location that was discussed was in the northeast corner of Hillside Park along County Road 12. The actual proposal before the Council on November 20,2000, is for the tower to be located in the park in the Trott Brook Farms development project. . The desired location by the Utilities for the well (plus treatment facility and backwash pond) is on the east side of the new Tyler Street on a remnant of the George Dechenes property which the city purchased for the road construction project. One of the conditions discussed with this request is that the proposal would not adversely impact the "desirability" of the property in 13065 Orono Parkway. P.O. Box 490. Elk River, MN 55330. TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420. Fax (763) 441-7425 . . . order for it to be attached to the Trott Brook Farm development. It has been hoped that this city land could be exchanged for either cash or additional parkland. Bryan, unfortunately, has been out of town due to an illness in his family but it is anticipated that Bryan will be at Monday's meeting and if not, then this item can be continued until a future date. Attached is the material on this topic from the Utilities Commission meeting and the material from the Director of Planning from the most recent Park and Recreation Commission when they discussed tower sites. NOV-16-00 10:59AM FROM-ELK RIVER UTILITIES 61Z441B099 .Il:LKKl\f~KMUNU.;J1~AL lrllLIT~~ REGULAR MEETING OF THE UTILITIES COMMISSION T-941 P.Ol/04 F-9B5 . November 14, 2000 Elk River Utilities Offices Members Present: John Dietz, President; George Zabee Vice Chairman; James Tralle, Trustee Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg. Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager Others Present: Debra Dehn, Waste Management; Dave Lucas, Sherburne County Solid Waste Officer 1. Call meetinl to order at 4:00 P.M. November 14. 2000 2. Consider lTtiJities A2'enda Bryan Adams has three up-dates to be presented under Other Business. Item 5.5 will be discussed before Item 5.1. to accommodate Mr. Lucas and Ms. Dehn. James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda, with the change in sequence of 5.5 and the addition of up-dates in Other Business. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3- O. . 3. Consider Consent Agenda James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: September Check Register October Check Register Financials Approval of the October 3, 2000 Minutes 5.5 Review and Consider Letters of Intent for Landfill Gas Gener1\tiol\ Project Beverly Dehn, Waste Management, and Dave Lucas, Sherburne County appeared to answer any questions the Commission might have. . Bryan Adams reviewed the progresst and the Letter of Intent with Waste Management, that will oblige the Elk River Municipal Utilities to proceed with developing a gas purchase, land engineering, an operating and a maintenance agreements with Waste Management, and develop a loan agreement with Sherburne County. The costs to the ERMU were further reviewed. James Tralle asked for clarification of Great River Energy's requirements regarding the project. Bryan Adams responded by explaining the purchase of transmission and ancillary services. and how other Utilities and Coops are affected. John Dietz inquired about an approximate start date. Bryan Adams distributed an Estimated Project Schedule. He funher explained that the most time intensive piece would be the Air Permits from the State of Minnesota. James Tralle suggested that Bryan Adams contact Mark Ourada for assistance in the permit process. NDV-16-DD lD:59AM FROM-ELK RIVER UTILITIES 61Z441BD99 Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 14,2000 T-941 P.DZ/D4 F-9B5 . The Resolution of Intent to SuppOIt the project at the Elk River Landfill for converting landfill gas to electric energy is recommended by the Waste Management Advisory Committee and is expected to be passed at the next Sherburne County Board of Commissioners Meeting. James Tralle moved to execute the Letter of Intent with Waste Management) with minor wording changes if necessary. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Debra Dehn and Dave Lucas were thanked for their appearance, and they exited the meeting. 5.1 Review and Con~ider A ward of Electric Line Truck Bids were received on October 16, 2000 for a 2001 electric line truck. Bryan Adams recommended accepting the lowest responsive bidder, Dueco, with trade-in. Glenn Sundeen. presented his reasons for requesting that the Utilities keep the trade-in for a back up trUck. He stated that the Utilities was forced to rent a truck for four months this summer, and that if the truck were retained, it could keep down time to a minimum. and keep work at a constant level. Bryan feels that we could better use the trade in dollars, and that it should be traded. John Dietz favors a trade-in; he does not feel the truck would be utilized enough to keep. James Tralle moved to accept the lowest responsive bidder, Dueco, without trade-in. George Zabee seconded the motion. . FUIther discussion of the pros and cons of a tradeain, with comments from Staff and Commission ensued. George Zabee reviewed the considerations once again. Motion failed 1-2. James Tralle voting aye, George Zabee and John Dietz voting nae. James Tralle moved to accept the lowest responsive bidder. Dueco, with trade-in. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3aO. 5.2 Review and Consider Water Rates for 2001 Staff reviewed water rates comparisons with other communities. options. income projections, and a revision of the Water Economic Development Incentive Rate. Staffrecommends a water rate increase, with the suggestion that SummerlWinter unit rates will need to be considered at a future point in time. Staff further noted that the Option 1 was used in the water income projections, and that it indicates water cash reserves are adequate. Staff and Commission discussed the presentations. George Zabee moved to approve Option 1 Water Rate Revision, effective 1.1-2001. James TraUe seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Bryan Adams explained how the change in the Water Rate Revision will affect the Water Economic Development Rate. . NOV-16-00 10:S9AM FROM-ELK RIVER UTILITIES 612441B099 Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 14, 2000 T-941 P.03/04 F-9BS . Staff has recommended that the Commission reconsider our present bulk water sale policy, which only allows water tanker trucks to fill at the hydrant by the Utility Office building during normal business hours. With all of the building construction in Elk River, along with traffic delays and road construction, this restrictive policy is no longer practical. James Tralle moved to approve the Water-Construction Site metered hydrant rate in addition to the present policy. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Review and Con~iger Electric Tariff Sheets The revised electric rates have been approved at a past meeting, but the Electric Tariff Sheets, which formalize the terms are presented and discussed. A short reviewal of the rates was given by Bryan Adams. James Tralle moved to approve the Electric Tariff Sheets as presented. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.4 Review and Consider Expense Budget for 2001 Staffpresemed the Commission with the fmalized Armual Budget. John Dietz questioned the purchased power expense and revenue parallels. Bryan responded, and went on to do an over view of the expense budget. James Tralle noted that he appreciates the budiet time table process Staff has adopted, noting that it is more efficient. . James TralIe moved to approve the Budget for 2001. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.6 Review Location for proposed Water Tower and Well #7 Site Plans and time frames for Well #7 and a Water Storage facility were discussed, with special regards to the tower. Staff is requesting authorization to present the well and water tower location to the City Council and to secure the locations for these future facilities. Authorization is also requested to secure bids for the water tower to be awarded at the December 2000 Commission Meeting. Bryan Adams advised that soil borings have been completed, indicating Site S to be suitable. George Zabee moved to authorize Bryan Adams, General Manager to approach City Council for approval, to secure the location for these future facilities, and to secure bids for the water tower to be awarded at the December 2000 Commission Meeting. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.1 Review GRE 2001 Wholesale Electric R3te Bryan Adams updated the Commission on the projected 2001 rate structure of Great River Energy. There was general discussion, with no action necessary. . NOV-16-00 11 :OOAM FROM-ELK RIVER UTILITIES 6124418099 Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 14,2000 . 6.2 Rev Jew Policy for Wint~r Servi~f,! Line Installation Darrell Thompson, City Councilman, is concerned that the Utilities requires customers to dig their own trenches for electrical connections in the winter time, but are still charged the same amount as when the Utility does the trenching in wanner weather. John Dietz inquired why we do not trench in the winter, and feels some adjustment should be made. Glenn Sundeen responded, by advising that the ER.M:U does not have the equipment to trench in the winter, however, we still layout and mark the trench. Man hours are nearly equal for winter and summer. It was noted that several utilities require customers to supply their own trench year round. John Dietz requested Staff to conduct a survey on costs of trenching, as well as who does the trenching; survey to be presented to Commission at the December 2000 meeting. T-941 P,04/04 F-985 6.3 Review Resqlts from Customer Visits A report from Vance Zehringer regarding his Key Account Visits for the year 2000 was reviewed. John Dietz initiated a discussion regarding demand customers. It was noted that Vance is suggesting Peak Controls. James Tralle sees an advantage to doing energy audits. It is the consensus of the Commission that the report exhibits good public relations. This report was for discussion and commentS only, no action necessary. Other Business . Bryan Adams updated the Commission on: Downtown Committee meeting. The possibility of relocating to the present First National mortgage offices site by the Utilities. Progress of the wind turbine, which has the foundation in, construction to begin in January. John Dietz asked Staff about larger businesses filtering their water. David Berg advised that he believes the filtering to which he is referring, is done via water softeners. The next regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be held December 12,2000. at 4:00 P.M. in the Utilities offices. James Tralle moved to adjourn the November 14,2000 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The November 14,2000 regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission adjourned at 5:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, . <7~,6~~ Patricia Hemza Office Manager ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES 322 King Avenue Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Phone (763) 441-2020 Fax (763) 441-8099 October 31, 2000 Subject: Future Water Production and Storage Facilities To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission' John Dietz James Tralle George Zabee From: Bryan C. Adams . Staff continues to be active in siting a location for Well #7 and a Water Storage facility; Well #7 will not. be needed until the 2003 time frame. Due to the change of the high pressure water zone boundaries that will soon include the eastern area, an additional water tower will be required by the Summer of 2002. Due to the backlog of water tower work by tower fabricators and erectors, we will need to award a water tower construction contract by December, 2000 or no later than January, 2001. Construction would start in the Fallof200I, with painting in Spring of2002. Enclosed is the following information for your review: 1) Proposed site plan for Well #7 at the Intersection of Co. Rd. 13 and the new Tyler St. 2) Site plan of the Trott Brook Development area indicating the six possible locations being considered for a water tower. 3) Detail site plan of area #5 which is the recommended location by Elk River City Staff and approved by Elk River Park and Recreation Commission. 4) Minutes of October 11, 2000 Park and Recreation Commissions Item 9C.2 Discuss Placement of Water Tower in Hillside City Park. Due to the tight bid schedule for the proposed water tower, I have taken the liberty of getting soil borings at "Site 5", Trott Brook Park. The initial results indicate the site is suitable to support a water tower on conventional spread footings. Terry Maurer has indicated the cost to prepare bid documents is not to exceed $25,000. 1'I1!1 I'''' I StatY asks for authorization to present the well and water tower location to the City Council and secure the locations for these future facilities. Authorization is also requested to secure bids for the water tower to be awarded at the December, 2000 commission meeting. . J ~ -< Jt,r( ~ a ~ 0 El100 g (j (j ! 511 (j I ~ - ~ ~ / \~<\~ LEGEND (j (j ~ >: I ~~'&. /~~ / ~XY(''\..... DELINEATED WETLAND 81'" ) 0 11 -, Jr ~r1L~ -- ---...,............<>..;....;..< ;.. """'""'" ~ ........ '.' ......................>.,........"...,... '-.:- .:-' " ......:...' .-:" -' .... -' _: ...:-":'~ ..,.. '- ",. "'.: ...::,.,' .-'.' .' '. :-'- . "., ...., .'. ,,"'.",", " /" ""- ~ --- --- ~ It ____ NNG ~ _,,\J.C... ... -=-- ,~.- x 'i ~ PROPOSED WELL LOCA TION October 27, 2000 9:50:20 a.m. 230000m \exhibits\DESCHENES2.DWG I-bJvard R Geen Company CO~ISULTING ENGINEERS CITY OF ELK RIVER I I I I I I I I I I I I I I \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ County Road 12 Corridol OUTLOT B . \ \\ -/" : =./ 1815T A VEN U E e I .. \1 J II' I~ I I (j) 0) 1- I I .. COUNTY ROAD NO. 12 @ WA TERMAIN EXHIBIT HillSIDE ..--... W I- ..q: 7- 0:: 0.. .......... W ATERMAIN ...-... W I- ~ > 0:: Q. '--" CITY PARK .. . I J I I ~I ~~~<iL.(jL~G;)--'J.. 0n'l l~r I I : I , I ~ ,: , I It- I ~ ;/ 300bOm/wm-exhibi~ I I I ~ LEGEND -8- Watermain with pipe size - 8 - HDPE Watermain with pipe size .. Hydrant o Valve EXHIBIT 1 f-bNa1j R. Geen Caroa-t" , --~ -'~3a - ~_ ;11 .,..'\.. .' ~ .,./ ',' ~ ~ IL......... ~ ~ ~ . II ....) ..,..... ~.-.. .: . -o- M -- . '___.<11 . ;a.:_._:.JI I / 'Y" I ......,' i" ;' I: - ..". .; . .. ex: - - - -- .'~' J /'.. ." .~" -.).."1' I - -, I;- \ " .r.' I..:)' /r-~. '- -'" '-'_,! ~ - WL "Iv . N\VLN914.4 \ - "rY" .. ^^~........ ". ry~. ...", Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 5 were in agreement that visits to other cities such as Woodbury. Farmington and Hastings would be helpful. 9.C.2. Discuss Placement of Water Tower in Hillside City Park Michele McPherson reviewed the six possible sites for location of a water tower in eastern Elk River off County Road 12. described in her report to the Commission dated October 6, 2000. Staff recommends approval of site #5, the Trott Brook Park location. Two conditions are included in the recommendation; 1) that the Utilities pay $10.000 to the Park Dedication Fund (or whatever amount the Commission feels is appropriate). and 2) the Utilities install the trails in this portion of the development as part of the tower construction. Ms. McPherson stated that Bryan Adams, General Manager of Elk River Utilities, recommends site #3, the Hillside City Park location. Bryan Adams explained that his main concern with the Trott Brook Park location was the potential for graffiti. He explained that graffiti is very costly because the entire lower portion of the tower needs to be repainted if it is damaged, at a cost of $40.000-$50,000. He noted that he has since spoken with Phil Hals, and he does not feel as strongly that graffiti will be a problem. Mr. Adams stated that if grafatti does become a problem. a fence will be constructed around the tower. Mr. Adams stated that since the topography is higher in the Hillside City park location, the tower would be shorter than if it were built in Trott Brook Park (184 ft. high tower). He explained that no antennas will be allowed on the tower and that there would be no problem with keeping park maintenance equipment in the storage area at the base of the tower. Commissioner Westrum questioned why site #4 (northeast corner of Trott Brook Park)is not being recommended. Ms. McPherson stated that there would be a significant impact on the Park because of the fact that most of the trees on the knoll would need to be taken out. Commissioner Sladek asked how much area is needed for the staging area. Mr. Adams stated that a little more than 1 acre would be needed. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if placing the tower in the wetlands on an "island" was a possibility. Mr. Adams stated that the soils would not support the tower. Commissioner Huberty asked if it would be possible for the Utilities to purchase 3 residential lots for placement of the tower in order not to impact the park. Ms. McPherson stated that the cost would be too prohibitive (3 times $40,000 per lot = $120,000). Commissioner Reitsma stated asked why only $10,000 is being recommended for park dedication, if it would have cost the Utilities $120,000 to purchase three lots. Chair Kuester asked if there was adequate room for a road to get to the well site at Woodland Trails Park for maintenance from the north. when the property develops. Mr. Adams stated that there is adequate space. The Commissioners were in agreement that an alternate access for maintenance vehicles should be Park & Recreation Commission Minutes October 11. 2000 Page 6 pursued. Ms. McPherson noted that staff will advise the developer of their request as early on in the process as possible. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if building this water tower will delay the need for a tower near Meadowvale School. Mr. Adams stated that it will definitely be delayed but a tower may eventually be needed there someday. ~ COMMISSIONER PETERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE TROTT BROOK PARK SITE (SITE #5) FOR LOCATION OF A NEW WATER TOWER, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE UTILITIES PAY $10,000 TO THE PARK DEDICATION FUND 2. THE UTILITIES INSTALL THE TRAILS IN THIS PORTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS PART OF THE TOWER CONSTRUCTION. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-3. Commissioners Reitsma, Dana Anderson and Huberty opposed. Commissioner Reitsma stated that he felt there may be problems with the soils in this location. 9.C.3. Outdoor Skatina Rink Locations Ms. McPherson reviewed the 1999 outdoor ice rink locations. She explained that Phil Hals has been researching types of liners to use at the Gary Street water tower ice rink site, to deal with the soil conditions and help maintain ice. Prices range from $1,200 to $1,800. He also was aware of a "Bentonite" type of fabric which contains clay. 4 Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if Phil Hals.tlOd information regarding the. cost of flooding and maintaining the ice rinks. Mr. Hals stated that he could provide that information. Commissioner Dana felt there is a need for an outdoor area which would allow more intense hockey practice. Commissioner Sladek asked if the ice rinks are of official size. Phil Hals stated that none of the outdoor rinks are official size. Commissioner Sladek asked if pucks were allowed at any of the outdoor ice rinks. Commissioner Huberty stated that the pucks were allowed last year at the Gary Street rink, but not at the other rinks. Commissioner Dave Anderson asked if it would be possible to cover the Gary site will clay. Phil Hals stated that it would be possible. but that it would create problems if there were heavy rains during the 4th of July or during the fair, since this area is used for parking during those times. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ICE RINK LOCATIONS ON LAKE ORONO, AT LIONS PARK, AND AT HANDKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "PIT", AND AT THE GARY STREET WATER TOWER SITE, WITH APPROVAL OF UP TO $2,000 FOR. A LINER OR OTHER MATERIAL TO BE USED AT THE GARY STREET SITE TO MAINTAIN ICE. COMMISSIONER REITSMA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0. . City of ~ Elk MEMORANDUM TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning DATE: October 6, 2000 SUBJECT: Water Tower in Hillside City Park As the Commission may recall, Elk River Utilities attended the September 13, 2000 Commission meeting to discuss the possible location of a water tower in Hillside City Park. The Commission had a number of questions regarding this request. Attachments . Map of Highway 12 Corridor . Enlarged Trott Brook Farms Park Map . Hillside City Park Water Tower Location . Purpose The purpose of a water tower is to provide adequate water supply and, more importantly, pressure for future residential development in east Elk River. While Trott Brook Farms will initially benefit from the tower construction, they are not the root cause of this request. Analysis Bryan Adams and I reviewed the Highway 12 corridor on Friday, September 29, 2000 in an attempt to find alternate locations for placement of the tower that would have less or no impact to City parkland or trees. We identified six possible sites. The following table identifies the pros and cons of each site: . 13065 Orono Parkway. P.O. Box 490. Elk River, MN 55330. TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420. Fax (763) 441-7425 . . . Memo to the Park & Recreation Commission October 6, 2000 Page 2 Site Description Pros Cons Other Number 1 Holzem #1 . Site has no . Too far from (County 12 & trees trunk lines Fillmore) . Could be part . Too low of development . Poor soils dedication 2 Holzem #2 (1/4 . Higher site . Too far from mile south of topographically trunk lines County Road . Site has no . Conflict with 12, west side of trees County tile property system 3 NE Corner . City owned . Would require Hillside City . Near trunk loss of trees Park lines (acre or more) . Easily . Impact to accessible adjacent . Shorter tower residences required . Sloped 4 NE Corner of . Adjacent to . Requires Trott Brook open area in purchase of Park (in park for staging residential lot development) . Near trunk lines from developer . Accessible . Impact to trees in park . Future impact to residences 5 NW Corner of . Adjacent to . Located in park Trott Brook open area in . Close to park Park (in park) park for staging facilities . Buffered from . Higher residences by probability of wetland and graffiti park amenities . In middle of . Near trunk lines housing 6 SE Corner of . Not in park . Site too low Tyler & County . Near trunk lines . Requires - Road 12 acquisition of residence While staff originally opposed the location of the tower in Trott Brook Park, there are some merits of the proposal to consider: . . . Memo to the Park & Recreation Commission October 6, 2000 Page 3 a. b. Locating the tower within the park (Site #5) eliminates all impacts to trees. The base of the tower is 60 feet in diameter, so the area affected by the structure is small. Assuming the design is similar to the Freeport water tower, the inside of the tower is open; therefore, it could be utilized for storage of soccer nets, hockey goals, bases, ball equipment, etc. Access to this equipment would be limited to City personnel only. The Commission could use this for revenue generation, requiring the Utilities to pay some money ($10,000) for the site and also to install the trail in this portion of the development. c. d. Mr. Adams has expressed a concern that no amenities are located under the eave of the tower to prevent ice or snow that falls from the roof surface from hitting any structures or persons. Staff believes that the amenities in the park can be located in such a way as to resolve this concern. Mr. Adams' preference is Site #3 due to the fact that it impacts fewer residential properties, is less likely to be damaged by graffiti, and will cost less to construct due to the fact that it will be at a higher elevation. Planning staff feels that the impact to trees and the proposed mountain bike trails offset these savings. Recommendation Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend approval of the Trott Brook Park location (site #5) for an East Elk River tower site with two conditions: 1. The Utilities pay $10,000 to the Park Dedication Fund. 2. The Utilities install the trails in this portion of the development as part of the tower construction. Mr. Adams' recommendation is that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend approval of the Hillside City Park location (site #3) with the following conditions: 1. The Utilities pay $20,000 to the Park Dedication Fund.