7.c) Wastewater Advisory Committee Minutes, 11-01-2012 �
�. �
ovember 1, 2012 �
A meeting of the Scandia s�ater Advisory Committee was held on the above
date. The meeting was called to order by air Chris Ness at 7:00 p.m. In attendance
were: Wayne Schmitt, Holly Kaufhold, Michael Peterson, Brad Bergo, Chair Chris
Ness, Council member Jim Schneider, Planning Commissioner Steven Philippi, and
Staff Kristina Handt, Tim Keiffer, Colleen Firkus, Engineer Phil Gravel. Members
absent were James Malmquist, Daniel Cartier and Doug Salmela. Also present was
council candidate Dan Lee.
Chair Ness reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting, asking for additions or
corrections.There were none.
"201" Communitv Wastewater S, s�
Engineer Gravel gave an update to test results of the Anderson-Erickson monitoring
wells. Nitrates were low like the July reading,but ammonia levels were up.Analysis
is needed to see the implications of the increased ammonia levels. Flows are running
at 3,000 to 4,000 gallons.
There was discussion about a Connection Policy. Gravel said issues like the Service
Area, Parcel Size, and Zoning on multiple lots need to be determined to start drafting
a policy. He suggested we use County criteria and our zoning codes.Also, the city
needs to define the number of future potential connections allowed to keep within
the flow limits. Ness also asked that the policy address how to treat people with
their own on-site system. Gravel will work on a policy draft based on these
guidelines.
Uptown Wastewater S sy tem
The proposed ordinance governing this system was reviewed. Kaufhold asked if all
the current flow is split between current users is there a way for existing users to
expand/get more flow. There was discussion about if users are using low flow
toilets. Schmitt and Kaufhold indicated they are using low flow toilets. Kieffer will
check with the church to see what they are using. Philippi suggested showing the
cost savings the church would achieve with low flow toilets. Design flow is 2,000
gal/day. Kaufhold asked the city to consider ways more flow can be achieved as
business increases. Administrator suggested sprinkler meters on outside faucets.
Schneider, with a second by Ness, moved to recommend the proposed
ordinance governing the Uptown Wastewater Treatment System to the city
council. The motion passed unanimously.
Rates for Uptown
Administrator Handt gave an overview of proposed rates estimating the total costs
for the upgrades at $155,000. She showed three payment plans at with interest rates
November 1, 2012
Page 2
of 0%, 2% and 4%based on full loan repayment, and at 50% of the loan forgiven.
Also, shown was what the rate would be with no debt payment loaded into it.The
base rate in all cases was the same at $114.18, with a varying Use Rate based on past
average water use. Schmitt and Kaufhold indicated they have not been able to pass
on their increased costs to their tenants. Paying back the full loan with interest
would not be feasible financially. Just the upgrade alone to the Edward Jones
property increased the taxes from $400 to $4,000, according to Schmitt. The
proposed sewer bills are as much as rent charged in some cases. It is a bad time to
cover these costs now. Users would prefer no debt payment. Schneider said the city
has a responsibility to the users due to neglecting the system.Also, the city has
historically supported the system through tax revenue.
Kaufhold, seconded by Ness, moved to recommend the proposed User Charge
and Connection Fee ordinance with the change to eliminate the debt payment
from the volume charge. The motion passed unanimously.
Draft 2013 Budget
Ness, seconded by Kaufliold, moved to accept the draft 2013 budget as
amended with removal of the debt payment. Motion passed unanimously.
Future Meeting Date �Agenda
The next meeting is scheduled for January 10, at 7:00 p.m.A draft connection policy
will be discussed. Also, it was noted that Malmquist will no longer be able to attend
meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Firkus
Treasurer