08-08-1988 CC MIN - SPECIAL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
AUGUST 8. 1988
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Members Present:
Mayor Gunkel. Counci1members Schuldt. Holmgren. and Dobe1
Members Absent:
Counci1member Tra11e
Also Present:
Pat K1aers. City Administrator
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the special meeting of the Elk River
City Council was called to order by Mayor Gunkel at 12:00 p.m.
Mayor Gunkel indicated that the purpose for calling this special meeting was
to consider modifications to the water restriction ordinance that was adopted
by the City Council on August 1. 1988. She indicated that this ordinance was
adopted by the City Council as an emergency step designed to assist in water
preservation during the drought period the state is experiencing. Because of
the flow level of the Mississippi River has decreased dramatically. the Cities
of Minneapolis and St. Paul have ordered watering bans and restrictions. The
Elk River Utilities has requested voluntary watering restrictions and the
City went an additional step by adopting an ordinance calling for a watering
ban from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with no exceptions. The purpose of this
meeting is to consider revising that ordinance to allow some exceptions to the
watering ban.
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The Mayor distributed a memo dated 8/8/88 that indicated her intent in
initiating the watering restriction ordinance and some suggested exceptions to
the watering ban. The City Council discussed the drought conditions in the
state and the issue of whether or not water preservation was necessary in Elk
River and whether or not the City of Elk River drawing water from its wells
plays any role in river or lake levels.
Counci1member Schuldt indicated his strong desire for a letter from the
Municipal Utilities indicating their position on the need or lack of need for
watering restrictions. When the ordinance was adopted on 8/1/88. the draft
utility commission minutes were available and stated voluntary restrictions
were requested.
Mayor Gunkel expressed a concern that while water may be available this year.
and the Utilities are experiencing no problems this year. that thought must be
given as to what the situation will be if this condition remains for a number
of years. She stated her belief that steps should be taken now to restrict
water useage during this drought condition. If existing conditions continue
for a long period of time our Utilities may experience significant problems in
the future.
The City Administrator indicated that the City Attorney is suggesting adopting
a revised ordinace that provides the Council with the authority of issuing
water restrictions if the need arises. Then restrictions could be placed on
the citizens by way of a resolution. If such action is not taken. the only
way the City can order water restrictions is by adopting an ordinance and then
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Page 2
City Council Minutes
August 8. 1988
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repealing the ordinance when the restrictions are to be lifted. The new
ordinance would make the manner of placing restrictions and removing
restrictions much easier to administer. The discussion again turned to the
true need of water restrictions in Elk River in 1988 and the position of the
Municipal Utilities on this issue.
COUNCILMlMBER DOBEL MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 88-23 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING
ORDINANCE 88-22 WHICH CALLED FOR CITY WATERING RESTRICTIONS. COUNCILMEMBER
SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED 2-2. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN
AND MAYOR GUNKEL VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION.
After further discussion on the City responsibility in this issue. it was the
consensus of the City Council that the adoption of an ordinance which granted
the City Council the authority to regulate and restrict water useage in the
community was appropriate. In this manner. when a true emergency existed.
such watering restriction steps could be taken in a more timely manner than
going through the process of adopting an ordinance. Such an ordinance was not
available for City Council review at this time. but would be available by
Wednesday. 8/10/88.
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It was the consensus of the City Council to continue this meeting until
Wednesday to consider adoption of this type of ordinance. If such an
ordinance is adopted on Wednesday. it was City Council consensus that the only
restriction placed on Elk River citizens would be to limit yard watering from
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (this allows watering two hours earlier in the evening
than the previously adopted ordinance). The exceptions agreed upon by the
City Council to such a watering ban would be for trees and shrubs and gardens
where water is applied directly and not through a sprinkling system. Also new
sod and athletic fields would be excepted from the watering ban.
Counci1member Schuldt again expressed his desire for a letter from the
Municipal Utilities on their position for the need of such a watering ban or
restrictions in Elk River.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO CONTINUE THIS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
UNTIL 5:00 P.M.. WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 10. 1988. AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL.
COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Since the special City Council meeting was continued until 8/10/88. there was
no need for a motion to adjourn this meeting.
The meeting ended at approximately 1:05 p.m.
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Patrick D. K1aers
City Administrator
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