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021997 CC WS Min . . . ~ ... COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION MEETING WEDNESDA Y, FEBRUARY 19, 1997 MINUTES 1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Mayor Dahlberg called the meeting to order at 7: 14 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Dahlberg; Councilmembers Garfunkel, McCarty, O'Neill; Administrator Hurm; Planning Director Brad Nielsen; Engineer Larry Brown. Absent: Councilmember Stover. 2. IDENTIFY AREAS IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED Community Facilities/Services Plan Councilmember O'Neill suggested developing an informational packet and holding town meetings with the residents relative to the water issue. Mayor Dahlberg stated his objective would be to make participation in a city water system voluntary. Councilmember Garfunkel questioned the basis for the city proceeding with a citywide water system. Councilmember McCarty explained that city water has been in existence for approximately 20 years, although it was not citywide. Issues which were considered by the previous Council in arriving at their decision included the economics of hooking the entire system together, having five lift stations, the improved pressure due to the water tower, and avoiding a large number of wells being drilled for new developments. Councilmember McCarty expressed concern relative to the environmental implications of having a high number of wells drilled. She also expressed concern that decisions which are made today not leave the city in a poor position 20 years in the future. Councilmember McCarty inquired if the new councilmembers were considering rescinding assessments. Mayor Dahlberg responded this would be contemplated only if it were found to be fmancially feasible. Councilmember McCarty pointed out Mayor Dahlberg would have to recuse himself from that discussion since he would stand to benefit from the assessment being rescinded. Nielsen remarked the issues which lead to developing an overall water system included neighborhoods wanting water and the City having difficulty getting it to them as well as issues related to only a portion of a neighborhood wanting water and a new development coming into existence with the prospect of numerous new wells being drilled. Engineer Brown noted an annual health inspection is made of the municipal wells. The health department will be requesting improvements to the Amesbury well which would involve all of the piping in the well house being replaced. If the improvements are mandated, there would need to be a back up source of water. . . . .. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1997 . PAGE 2 Nielsen stated there is a physical plan for the location and size of pipes to be utilized. How to implement that plan would be dependent upon neighborhood demand. Councilmember O'Neill suggested distributing information to the various neighborhoods and obtaining feedback relative to their desire for municipal water service. Garfunkel did not feel municipal water to be an inherent right when a property owner already has water available. Mayor Dahlberg questioned if it would be fair to force participation in the water system when a property owner does not wish to participate, but his neighbor does. Mayor Dahlberg noted it may not be feasible on an individual basis. Councilmember O'Neill suggested obtaining information relative to the Amesbury interconnection in addition to distributing facts and figures to the residents and obtaining their feedback. Hurm noted the previous Council. had also considered the condition of the roads and the cost involved with rebuilding roads when there could be more petitions for water forthcoming. In light of the current discussions, Hurm suggested in response to inquiries Brown is currently receiving relative to water, residents could be encouraged to bring their request before the Council. Councilmember Garfunkel also raised the issue of property owners on Ridge Road being assessed a trunk charge even though they will not have service available for approximately 20 years. He did not feel residents should be required to prepay for a service they cannot receive. Mayor Dahlberg asked if the water system supports itself as it exists today. Hurm explained the system is self supporting. Everyone is charged the same cost although one system is more profitable than another. The overall system is considered to be one. Mayor Dahlberg inquired whether the system also covers the cost of future maintenance and repairs. Hurm explain€d it does not. The funds would come from the water system or they would be borrowed as has been done in the past. Councilmember Garfunkel felt the funds to cover the cost of future maintenance and repairs should be achieved through an increased monthly water charge. He felt the water system should be self supporting with the users who are included on it. Mayor Dahlberg stated any additions to the system should also be self supporting. Hurm stated staff will come back to the Council with facts, figures and language from some of the previous policies relative to the water issue. Storm water Management and Solid Waste Councilmember O'Neill spoke with a representative of Tonka Bay relative to doing a fly over. The cost would be reduced if other municipalities would be willing to participate. Councilmember O'Neill stated this needs to be dealt with now or it will have to be delayed until fall. Mayor Dahlberg noted Hennepin County residents have paid for a considerable amount of aerial photography and requested Brown look into this. Mayor Dahlberg suggested staff coordinate and communicate directly with other municipalities to inspire a systematic and well integrated approach to a stormwater management system. -- . CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 19, 1997 . PAGE 3 Mayor Dahlberg stated the objective of the city is to execute a regional stormwater management plan and he will ask for a commitment of cooperation from the surrounding communities. With respect to the Glen Road project, Councilmember O'Neill stated he would like to see the assessments shared with Tonka Bay who also receives a benefit from the project. Brown stated the negative side to having a large retention pond located in Shorewood is that it would impact residents. The positive to this would be in a number of areas, the Glen Road project is tributary to neighboring communities. A regional plan is also a benefit in terms of working with the Watershed District. Mayor requested Brown consider the benefit to Shorewood and to the surrounding communities. If there is a clear benefit, the Council will discuss this issue and consult with surrounding communities relative to their cooperation. Hurm noted there is a $50,000 grant which could also be considered. Mayor Dahlberg commented the goal is to develop a regional approach which would mean fewer ponds and more credit for everyone. Transportation Plan . The Park Commission is reviewing this issue and will return to the Council with their recommendations. Mayor Dahlberg felt the Park Commission would make a good faith effort in this regard by including in their discussions those who are concerned with safety as well as the property owners affected. Hurm reported it was the decision of Hennepin County that horses be prohibited from the trail. He noted Shorewood has control of the trail only during the winter season. 3. ADJOURNMENT Hurm suggested the councilmembers observe the new street lights which have been installed on Powers Boulevard. They are a shoe box type light which directs the light downward. Garfunkel moved, McCarty seconded to adjourn the work session meeting at 9: 19 p.m. Motion passed 4/0. RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED, Cheryl Wallat, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial ATTEST: .