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02-13-1991 CC MIN e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1991 Members Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers, Dietz, Kropuenske (arrived at 7:05 p.m.) , Schuldt and Holmgren Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance Director; Tom Zerwas, Police Chief; Darrell Mack, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent; John Lichter, Environmental Consultant; Pat Buford, MPCA Representative 1. Call Meetin~ to Order at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order by Mayor Tralle at 7:00 p.m. 2. Consider 2/13/91 City Council Agenda COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2/13/91 AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. CARRIED 4-0. CITY COUNCIL THE MOTION 3. Consider 2/4/91 Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2/4/91 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Councilmember Kropuenske arrived at this time. 4. WWTP Land Purchase/Public Hearing Mayor Tralle explained that the City Council is considering the purchase of land for the purpose of spreading wastewater sludge. He informl~d the audience that the City's action to purchase land for the purpose of spreading sludge does not require a public hearing. He stated that the City chose to hold a public hearing so that residents could be informed of the City's intention and also to receive public input from area residents. Pat Klaers, City Administrator, stated that the City has been using Harold Dobel's farm to spread sewage sludge for the past several years. He indicated that the City has been searching for a larger area to spread the sludge due to the need to increase the frequency of spreading the sludge. He stated that the Ci ty has considered several land options. One of which the City almost purchased was rejected due to the small size of the parcel and MPCA restrictions because of soils. John Lichter of Liesch and Associates indicated that he has supervised tests of the soil at the Dobel farm and found no evidence of PCB's and City Council Minutes February 13, 1991 Page 2 e very insignificant evidence of metals. The tests concluded that there was no negative, accumulative impact to the soils on the Dobel site due to the disposal of sludge. Pat Buford of MPCA indicated that the City of Elk River must abide by the rules and guidelines set by the MPCA regarding sludge. She indicated that monitoring wells will be required at the site the City is considering for purchase. She further stated that the site will be continually monitored for PCB's and metals by the MPCA. Darrell Mack, the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, indicated that the City plans on using the center of the property to keep the maximum distance from neighboring residences. This would put the sludge site approximately one half mile from the nearest home. He further explained the City's need for a larger site because the City is restricted to two spreadings per year at the Dobel site because of the crops and land size. Additionally, it is the desire of the City to work in conjunction with the farmer currently leasing the property. Mayor Tralle opened the public hearing. Jim Gilbertson. 17930 Ermine Blvd. e Jim Gilbertson suggested that the City locate another site and alternate sites regularly so that one area would not be polluted. Darrell Mack indicated that the site the City is considering was sufficient and would last the City for at least 50 years. Dave Ballard. 9730 164th Lane. Ramsey. MN Dave Ballard referred to the memo from the City Administrator which addressed the level of metals revealed in the tests from the Dobel property. Mr. Gilbertson was concerned about metals in the soil and stated that he did not want to see the sludge spreading operation near him. He further explained that he did not want the water contaminated. He requested the City Council to find an alternate site. He stated that he did not want the site near him as it would detract from his home. Mr. Ballard further indicated that there is an 80 foot trail system proposed for their residential development and the City's use of the property would dead end the trail system. He indicated that there has been a working relationship between the City's of Ramsey and Elk River to continue this trail into Elk River. Ro~er Meyer - 7350 175th Ave NW e Roger Meyer questioned whether there could be an al ternati ve to the Ci ty purchasing land for the main purpose of spreading sludge. He suggested working together with the state in allowing the City to utilize wild life land as a spreading area for sludge. Warren Lindeke - 713 Bradford Ave N City Council Minutes February 13, 1991 Page 3 e Warren Lindeke stated that the City could save some money by making arrangements with farmers and the state to dispose the sludge on property owned by farmers and the state. Dave Shappell - 9325 164th Ave. N Dave Shappell questioned why the need for spreading sludge has increased and questioned how much sludge per acre would be spread on the land. Darrell Mack, WWTP Superintendent, explained that the amount of sludge has only slightly increased due to the increased population using the system, and that there is a need to increase the frequency of hauling the sludge. Mr. Mack further explained that the present location for spreading sludge is a six acre s1 te and the City is reaching the maximum amount of nitrogen allowed by the State. He further explained that the City is limited to spreading sludge to two times per year. JC Osters - 15751 Andrey e JC Osters stated that the City should look at another location due to the increased population in Elk River. His concern was that as the population continues to increase so will the frequency of spreading the sludge increase. He was also concerned about the surrounding shallow wells and felt that the sludge should be as far away from future population growth as possible. Wanda Larson - 9255 164th Lane Wanda Larson expressed her concern regarding the short notice the people received regarding this issue and the limited knowledge the surrounding residents have on this issue. She further stated that this would affect the growth in the community of Ramsey and people will not be able to sell their homes. Dennis Peck - 713 Bradford Ave. Dennis Peck stated his concern regarding the fact that the City of Elk River would consider putting this type of use abutting a neighboring community. Mr. Peck questioned the permitting process required to spread sludge. The permitting process was explained by Pat Buford of the MPCA. Steve Jankowski - Ramsey City En~ineer e Steve Jankowski indicated that the Ramsey homeowners have a problem wi th the image this process will create for the City of Ramsey. He stated that the management of this waste could be handled in a different manner. He explained that other communities look at this as a resource that needs to be managed and many communities contract with farmers to spread the sludge. He indicated that the residents of Ramsey would not be opposed to having the sludge spread on an occasional basis in a program that is shared with other sites. Mr. Jankowski indicated that this was not the best site selection for the City Council Minutes February 13, 1991 Page 4 e sludge process. He further indicated that there are other sites in the area that would probably be available and not require monitoring wells. Pat Buford stated that only sites owned by the City have monitoring wells required. They are not required on privately owned land. Darrell Mack indicated that due to the soils in the Elk River area, almost any site the City purchased would require monitoring wells. Irene Harding - 9495 164th Ave NW Irene Harding questioned whether soil samples could be used in place of monitoring wells. Perry Dreyer - 16450 Hals Circle Perry Dreyer questioned the MPCA required distance from a sludge site to a residential well. Pat Buford stated that the setbacks are 1,000 feet from domestic wells and 300 feet from any intermittent stream. Mr. Dreyer questioned if there would be any runoff from rain to any of the creeks or surrounding waters. Jennifer Bear - 16455 Driscoll Circle Jennifer Bear questioned the compositin of the sludge. e Mike Bear - 16455 Driscoll Circle Mike Bear questioned the level of nitrites in the area wells and how the spreading of sludge in this area could affect the wells. Mr. Bear also questioned whether the proposed area was the best location. Ron Menzel - 9245 164th Lane Ron Menzel questioned whether the City has any plans to extend the Trott Brook Trail system. He indicated that the City of Ramsey has coordinated this project over the years with people in the Community of Elk River. Mayor Tralle indicated that the City has not been contacted by anyone from the City of Ramsey regarding this trail system. Mayor Tralle explained that the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission has been conducting an ongoing study and the following information has been found according to an article in the February 1991 Minnesota Planning Association - Business Letter (newsletter attached to these minutes) : *Sludge nutrients can be used without creating an environmental problem *There are not significant problems with odors *Sludge applications are considered safe by the MPCA e Dan Herrboldt - 9580 164th Lane Dan Herrboldt questioned the future land use of the property. Mayor Tralle indicated that the future land use for the property is e e e City Council Minutes February 13. 1991 Page 5 industrial. Mr. Herrboldt also questioned what would happen to the run off if the City spread sludge in the winter. Darrell Mack indicated that the MPCA requires that the area setbacks be doubled in the winter. Mr. Herrboldt questioned whether there would be an odor from the sludge. Emily Dreyer - 16450 Hals Circle Emily Dreyer expressed her concern regarding the safety of the ground and well water near the sludge site. Mayor Tralle asked for additional comments. There being no further comments. Mayor Tralle closed the public hearing. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that 20 of the 110 acres will be used for sludge spreading and only the middle of the property will be used. Mayor Tralle read the proposed resolution which authorized the acquisi tion of approximately 120 acres in Section 12. North of 165th Avenue and Jarvis Street. Councilmember Kropuenske indicated that other areas have been considered for this project. He stated that it has been proven that it is a safe way to handle sludge and it has not been proven that this use will lower any real estate values. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 91-9. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 120 ACRES IN SECTION 12. NORTH OF 165TH AVENUE AND JARVIS STREET. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that other si tes have been researched and it was his feeling that the proposed site was a good choice. Councilmember Schuldt indicated that even if the City could use other land owned by City residents. the City should have its own land. He indicated that if there are farmers who want to use the sludge. the City will be happy to accommodate them. He further indicated that the City Council would not do anything to harm the community. Mayor Tralle stated that the Council and Staff have done all that is possible to protect the environment and will continue to do so. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5. Check Re~ister COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. Lori Johnson. Finance Director. requested that the Council add a check to the check register for $18.115 to Elk River Ford for the purchase of an Explorer for the Police Department. e e e City Council Minutes February 13, 1991 Page 6 COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT AGREED TO ADD THE $18,115 CHECK TO THE REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN CONCURRED. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. Other Business There was no other business. 7. City Administrator Update The City Administrator informed the Council that the Liquor Store Manager has requested to attend the Liquor Store Managers National Conference. It was the consensus of the Council to grant authorization to the Liquor Store Manager to attend the conference. The City Administrator informed the Council that a joint meeting has been planned with the School District, Park and Recreation Commission, and surrounding communities regarding recreational needs, facilities and programs for the area. The City Administrator indicated that the Elk River Industrial Group have objected to a portion of the engineer bill for Triangle Road. The City Administrator indicated that the amount in question is $1,600 and suggested that the City split the $1,600 with the Industrial Group and that the City Engineer pay half of the City's portion. The Council acknowledged this agreement. The City Administrator indicated that there has been a request from the Police Department to keep one of the old police vehicles to be used exclusi vely for the Police Reserves. The City Council consented to this request. The Chief of Police requested that the Council authorize the expendi ture of $9,000 for the purchase of computer equipment for the Police Department. Mayor Tralle questioned the type of equipment being purchased and dollar amount. He suggested that the Council authorize the request but that the actual purchase be reviewed by Staff. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE $9,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM CONSISTING OF TWO PERSONAL COMPUTERS, A PRINTER AND THE NECESSARY SOFTWARE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Administrator informed the Council that the City has been in the process of purchasing 2 1/2 acres from E & 0 Tool for expansion of e e e City Council Minutes February 13, 1991 Page 7 Orono Park with the hopes that the money spent by the City would help to relocate E & 0 Tool to the Industrial Park. The City has discovered that E & 0 Tool is considering expansion on their present site. The City Administrator indicated that the Staff has suggested purchasing the entire eight acre site with the contingency that E & 0 Tool move to Elk River Industrial park. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH E & 0 TOOL FOR ALL OF PARCEL B WITH THE CONTINGENCY THAT E & 0 TOOL MOVE THEIR PRESENT OPERATION TO ELK RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Administrator informed the the Council that the High School Honor Society has started a recycling program and the High School is requesting that the City donate 100 recycling bins to be used by the Honor Society in its recycling program. It was the consensus of the City Council that the School contact UPA regarding a donation for recycling bins. 8. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 8:50 p.m. .(:. /~J ~ z?<<{ Sandra Thackeray City Clerk