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oward R, Green Company <br /> <br />October 3, 2003 <br />File: 808750J-0325 <br /> <br />Mr. Pat Klaers <br />City Administrator <br />City of Elk River <br />13065 Orono Parkway <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br /> <br />RE: SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGES <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Klaers: <br />I am writing this letter to recommend that the City consider increasing their Sewer Availability Charge <br />(SAC) for 2004 to $2,000 per residential unit. I am recommending this because I anticipate that the <br />City will undertake a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) master planning process in 2004 that will <br />reach a conclusion that the SAC amount needs to be raised to fund future expansion and capital <br />improvement projects at the WWTP. <br />As you are aware, we are anticipating embarking on a WWTP master plan at some point after the City <br />Council adopts the updated Comprehensive Plan. With that being said, there are a number of issues <br />we know this master plan will address relative to capital improvements and future expansion needs of <br />the WWTP. The master plan will also deal with timing, estimated cost and potential financing <br />methods. Some of these major issues that the master plan will deal with are listed below. I have also <br />included "ball park" costs and estimated years to give you a feel for future expenditures: <br /> <br /> A. Major Capital Improvement Issues <br /> · Replacement of the digester covers ($500,000 in 2004). <br /> · Replacement of the bar screen and grit removal facilities at the head of the treatment <br /> plant--this portion of the VVWTP is original construction from 1961 ($500,000 in 2004 <br /> or 2005). <br /> · Planning for implementation of a phosphorous removal guideline anticipated from the <br /> MPCA in the future ($250,000 in 2008). <br /> <br />Major WWTP Expansion Plans <br />· Adding equipment to existing structures to increase capacity from 1.6 million gallons <br /> per day (MGD) to 2.1 MGD ($1,000,000 in 2006). <br />· Expand capacity at the current site from 2.1 MGD to 3.0 MGD by constructing an <br /> additional series of treatment facilities similar to those existing at the WWTP <br /> ($5,000,000 in 2012). <br />· Planning for expansion including additional land acquisition for any required capacity <br /> beyond 3.0 MGD pending the urban service area in the new Comprehensive Plan <br /> (beyond 2015). <br /> <br />Ltr-100103-Klaers <br /> 1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 · 6511644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389 <br /> <br /> <br />