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Joint Meeting of City Council and Planning Commission February 24, 1997 Page 2 Surcharge. Steve indicated the mortgage company will be tracking costs and reimbursement when the house is sold. Steve stated he expects a new Energy House wilt be built every three years, since technology is constantly changing. Steve added that the signage limit will be the same as for a model home, which is 32 square feet. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO DEFER BUILDING PERMIT AND PLAN CHECK FEES FOR THE ENERGY HOUSE PROJECT UNTIL THE HOUSE SOLD. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4.2. Environmental Updates Landfill ~ Steve referred the Council to the letter from the City of Elk River and Sherburne County to the MPCA regarding the Elk River Landfill's solid waste permit. Steve noted that the city and county are working together with the MPCA in an attempt to avoid conflicting regulations. Steve noted the landfill's existing plan at capacity would increase the height elevation of the site an additional 70 feet, which would place the top elevation of the landfill approximately 150 feet above Highway 169. The MPCA has denied the landfill's request for 3:1 slopes and favored a maximum of 5:1. The MPCA has indicated they may support a horizontal expansion of the landfill. The original permit was approved in 1972 for a capacity of 18 million cu. yds. Without an expansion, the current design would allow 13.9 million cu. yds. of capacity. The landfill has filled 3.4 million cu. yds. since the 1972 permit was issued. Lake Orono - Steve indicated an article in the Star & Tribune newspaper reported a change in the water quality rating for Lake Orono from 66 - "swimming impaired" to a 72 - "swimming prohibited". The reason for the deterioration in rating is due to an increase in the amount and earlier onset of algae bloom (referred to as "dog days"). Although a high algae bloom can cause upper respiratory problems, Steve did not feel that swimming needs to be prohibited in 1997. A high algae bloom will make the lake undesirable to swim in by common sense. A toxic algae bloom could possibly cause death but a large quantify of water would have to be ingested. Steve explained the greatest concern regarding Lake Orono's water quality is the high level of phosphorous. Phosphorous comes from lawn fertilizer run-off, leaves raked into the lake and rotting, and animal waste being disposed of in the lake. Steve explained that water in Lake Orono has a residency of 3 to 4 days, compared to Mitchell Lake in Sherburne County which has a residency of 24 years (the time it takes for the water to completely recycle itself). Steve explained the problem they face in trying to clean up Lake Orono is the fact that there is a large watershed district that funnels into Lake Orono and contains contaminants from uses such as feedlots. Steve felt the only way to address the Lake Orono issue is to work cooperatively with all the agencies within the watershed. Steve explained there are numerous factors affection water quality and suggested that a notice could be placed in the Star News to warn residents about swimming when the algae level becomes high. It was the consensus of the Council to authorize staff time on water quality issues affecting Lake Orono. Enerqy City - Steve noted the following activity has occurred related to "Energy City" progress: