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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services Minutes 8-15-16 Minutes City of Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting August 15, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting was held on August 15, 2016. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jurgens, Tony Campbell, Robert Davick, Evan Griffith, Kent Podoll, Jeff Serpico, William Staloch, Peter Members Absent: Dornsbach, Robert Forsythe, Pat Ingram, Steve Lewis, Jody Rediske, Lise Staff Present: Burshten, Les - Public Works Director Taylor, Harry – Public Works Supervisor Koerner, Pete - Police Captain Redenius, Rick – Fire Chief Burfeind, Ryan – Project Engineer Orloff, Gary – Streets Foreman Others Present: Justin Olsen, Councilmember Approval of Agenda Agenda - Approved - Motion by Staloch and seconded by Griffith Approval of Minutes June 20, 2016 - Approved Open Forum None Presentations Water Conservation Presentation – Ryan Burfeind, Project Engineer Burfeind stated the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Metropolitan Council require public water suppliers of 1,000 residents or greater to submit Local Water Supply Plans. This requirement provides an opportunity to review the City’s current water conservation practices and opportunities. Burfeind added that in 1995 the City of Cottage Grove completed its first Water Conservation Plan and updated it in 2005. The DNR has set the following requirements for Minnesota cities to adhere to: The reduction of unaccounted water loss to less than 10% The reduction of residential use to less than 75 gallons per capita per day The reduction of peak demand water usage to less than 2.6 times the average day demand The implementation of a water conservation rate structure; and The reduction of industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural water use by 1.5% Burfeind pointed out residential use is the largest water consumer using 70% of city pumped water. This rate of consumption varies over different periods of time. Burfeind addressed the existing water conservation measures the City uses which include metering, leak detection and repair, conservation water rates, regulation and education. Some areas the City is further emphasizing its public education are the website, social media, monthly billing inserts, water audits and the possibility the hiring of an enforcement officer. Burfeind presented the following as ideas to help the City conserve water. Enforcement - Hiring an Enforcement Officer would be crucial for enforcing these measures. Water Audits - Water audits are a great way to understand the existing consumption rates and patterns to determine the amount of water which can be conserved. Pressure Reduction in High Pressure Areas - There is an estimated 2,374 properties within the City have receive water pressure of 80 psi or greater. Of those, 567 properties receive water pressure of 90 psi or greater. Creation of Different Rate Categories - Other Metro area cities have started to adopt separate rates for commercial and industrial users from residential users. Water Rate Adjustment - Making sure water rates are bringing in the necessary revenue to cover operations, maintenance and future capital costs. Rebates, Promotions, and other Financial Incentives - Offering incentives or rebates to residents and businesses who switch to WaterSense high-efficiency toilets, washers, irrigation systems and shower heads. Xeriscaping and water Conserving Grasses and Landscaping - Across the country, landscape irrigation is responsible for roughly one-third of residential water use. Traditional landscapes may incorporate one or two principles of water conservation, but xeriscaping uses mulch, planting of suitable plants, and minimal irrigation, and is designed to limit the amount water needed to keep things looking good. Xeriscaping limits external maintenance needs while presenting an attractive appearance. Separate Irrigation Meters and Irrigation System Inspections - Irrigation meters are separate from regular residential water meters and measure outdoor water usage such as lawn or garden irrigation. Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens - Harvesting rain water results in water savings for the water supplier. Reuse of Stormwater for Industrial Irrigation Purposes - Reusing stormwater for irrigation of municipal parks and buildings could save the City countless gallons of water. Burfeind showed the Commission a map of the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area. Burfeind stated the aquifers have shown strain and pressure to meet current and future demands for domestic water supplies. We see this strain showing up in lower lake levels in certain lakes in the area. Example: White Bear Lake. Burfeind addressed the various grant opportunities for water conservation and stated his recommendations. Staloch expressed his concern regarding the 9% water loss as stated by the DNR. Staloch asked where is this water going. Burfeind responded it is a consistent loss that is water being used but not passing threw a meter. Examples could be flushing fire hydrants and unmetered irrigations at parks and common areas. Staloch requested the cost to install a meter at a park. Burfeind responded about $200-$800 depending on the facility. Olsen clarified stating Met Council has directed and the Council approved metering water at the parks and the cost is approximately $1000 per park. Burshten added the meters were added to the parks last year to help monitor water being used. Burfeind pointed out 10% is a DNR guideline. Campbell asked if businesses are required to have an irrigation meter. Burfeind responded yes. Staloch asked if anything is exempt from metering. Olsen wanted to point out even the City operated buildings pay for water. Staloch asked if we take water from White Bear Lake. Burfeind responded we share the same aquafer, the Prairie Du Chien as White Bear Lake. Olsen added because of the issue on White Bear Lake the City is trying to be responsive. Jurgens asked if the new meters are more accurate. Burshten stated the new meters can read down to the gallon with a variance of 1%. Serpico asked if the City gets many complaints regarding watering on the odd/even days. Burshten responded there are not many complaints. The City regulates watering times all year. Some Cities only implement restrictions when there is a drought. Jurgens stated he is in favor of applying for grants and being more reactionary. He is not in favor of knocking on doors reminding residents of the ordinance. New Business Engineering Project Updates – Ryan Burfeind, Project Engineer Burfeind updated the Commission regarding current building, planning, and engineering division projects in Cottage Grove. Podoll stated he is concerned with the car haulers damaging Jamaica Avenue. He asked if there would be any projects to improve the road. Burfeind stated it is not part of the 5 year plan. Staloch asked if there are any studies showing a reduction in accidents from installing round-abouts versus traffic signals. Burfeind responded that MNDOT shows a 60% to 80% reduction involving death and/or life altering accidents compared to traffic lights. Designated Hunting Zones Koener updated the Commission on Cottage Grove’s hunting ordinance. Koerner presented a map of the designated hunting zones in Cottage Grove. He stated the hunting ordinance was updated in 2005 by the City Council addressing the use of firearms and archery equipment within the city limits. The ordinance states each year prior to the hunting season the designated hunting areas will be reviewed by the Public Safety and Health and Welfare Commissions. The City Council will review the designated hunting areas for final approval prior to the publication. Koerner added this process is very effective, adaptable to new development and addresses the safety concerns of the city. This is proven with the minimal complaints over the years. Koerner presented a graph showing the drop in complaints over 8 years with only 4 complaints in 2015-2016. Koerner gave a brief overview of the 2015-16 complaints and how they were handled. Koerner stated Public Safety and the Planning Department have reviewed and made necessary changes to the 2016-17 hunting map and requested a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to approve the 2016-17 maps designating boundaries for discharge of firearms and archery equipment for hunting. Recommendation by Campbell and seconded by Podoll. Old Business None Response to Previously Raised Commission Requests None Commission Comments and Requests None Staff Reports and Educational Material Public Works – Burshten updated the Commission on tasks being completed by the Public Works Department which included: Mowing holding ponds Storm damage repair – downed trees Utility Work with current projects Sewer jetting Warranty inspections Updating flow tests DOT inspections Preparing snow equipment Jurgens asked if there will be new equipment purchased for the 2016-17 season. Burshten responded there will be a couple pickup trucks and a cul-de-sac loader that is scheduled for replacement this year. Jurgens asked if we are scheduled to paint any additional water towers. Councilmember Olsen responded the next water tower painting project is scheduled for 2020 or 2021. Campbell asked if Xcel has been checking the sewers. Burfeind responded they have been working in some of the sewers. When they find areas of concern while working they send their concerns to Burfeind so the engineering department and utility department can address them. Police – Koerner updated the Commission on the activities of the Public Safety Department which included some of the following: Recruiting for the upcoming citizen police academy Budget requests – additional police officer, uniform increase, 3 firefighters & paramedics, 3 ambulance stretchers, heart monitors, and ambulance lift. Night to Unite – Record number of parties Noon out for the seniors Koerner expressed his appreciation to the community for their overwhelming support over the last couple months. He stated it is much appreciated. Jurgens requested Koerner speak about sergeant McAlister and the Star Tribune article he was featured in. Koerner gave a brief background of sergeant McAlister and the reason he became a certified threat manager and why he has dedicated his career to preventing violence. Koerner added the Cottage Grove Police Department has 5 officers trained to follow up with assault and stalking victims. The Commission requested that sergeant McAlister speak at an upcoming meeting. Fire – Redenius updated the Commission on some of the activities the Fire Department has been working on which included: 230 EMS Calls - June 25 Fire Calls - June 243 Ems Calls – July 30 Fire Calls – July Staff continued with training which included radio logical awareness. This is a training that takes place at Park High school annually. This training focuses on how Public Safety will set up and respond to a large disaster. Finalizing drawings for station 2 construction Researching the death of a 1971 firefighter. If it is found that his life was lost on duty Public Safety would work to make sure this firefighter is recognized. Engineering – No additional update. Council Comments Councilmember Olsen stated Council meetings have been spaced oddly based on budget meeting scheduling but some of the things they have been working on included: Central Fire Station - Selected Word Architects Road Projects – 70th Street almost completed Hy-Vee – The store will be a little larger than anticipated. Gibson Farm Solar Garden – Approved Comprehensive Plan Green Garden Awards – Added an award for best patio. Set back variances Accepted donation – Selvig Jewelers donated 42 pendants necklaces to the Cottage Grove Police Department for their appreciation. Temporary healthcare dwellings – Were voted down by Council because the ordinance was a duplicate of something we already had. New Oltman Jr High School New Fire Station – Construction was given to Kraus Anderson Strategic Planning – looking for input from citizens with fresh ideas. Ideas will be used to steer the Comprehensive Planning Commission and help to work toward the future vision of Cottage Grove. Campbell asked if the shopping Center on the grove side of Cottage Grove has any new plans. Olsen stated Kwick Trip has chosen to develop in a different location in Cottage Grove. Olsen added the location has not been determined yet but understands why Kwick Trip has made this decision. The site they were looking at was not big enough for the store they wanted to build. Olsen stated the current mall area will see a new hardware store in the future. Jurgens expressed his disappointment that Kwick Trip has postponed development but is hopeful the company will find the perfect location and join our business community. The Commission discussed what a perfect fit Kwick trip would be for Cottage Grove. Commission Comments None Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Staloch at 8:37pm and seconded by Podoll