12-12-2000 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission December 12, 2000 Bryan Adams reiterated the opinion of the Utility Staff, that a satisfactory case has been presented regarding the Trott Brook Park site, or the Hillside Park Site. They are the best sites financially, and hydraulically. Further, it was noted that the Park and Recreation Commission originally had agreed on the Trott Brook Park site. John Dietz explained the City Council's consideration of D.R. Horton's position, noting that they did not feel they had been properly notified of the possibility of a water tower being built on that site. George Zabee does understand the concern by D.R. Horton,but does not understand their view regarding the value of the homes that will be built in that area versus existing less expensive homes. John Dietz stated that City Council approved the Trott Brook Park site, because they thought that D.R. Horton had been notified. Pat Klaers offered that D.R. Horton expected more formality in the information of the proposed tower site. Pat Klaers also responded that the Utilities has been offered the Deschenes property as a site, and that it is already owned by the City, and is not a park. Bryan responded to Pat Klaers inquiry about further clarification of the water pressure decrease at that site. John Dietz asks if the well could be put in Hillside Park, and the tower on the Deschenes property, citing Terry Mauer's calculations. Bryan noted that his calculations differ from those of the City Engineer, due to different design assumptions. Bryan Adams offered his opinion that quality services at reasonable prices, technically sound construction, and good risk management would be met at the Trott Brook Park site. James Tralle asked if D.R. Horton would object to Hillside, and if it was a reality that D.R. Horton would have to build less expensive homes because of the tower. Pat Klaers said the Deschenes property is politically the best site for a tower, even if it is not as good financially. James Tralle further questions the financial responsibility of a tower site,with specific regard to the Black Property. Dave Anderson, speaking for the Park and Recreation Commission stated that the Park and Recreation are not happy with the Trott Brook Park site, and feels the Hillside Park area would be better. He also states that they feel that a water tower on the Trott Brook Park site would be ludicrous, and aesthetically unappealing. Dave Anderson does not feel that there is any rush to build the tower at this time. He also feels that further searching for a site would be advisable. Dave added that he feels the approval of the Trott Brook Park site was a boondoggle deal. James Tralle asked Staff if the tower construction could be postponed, Pat Klaers asked Bryan Adams if an anticipated wet summer could delay the tower and well need. Bryan Adams responded that if a dry summer occurred, the water system could have difficulty meeting the demands. The possibility of stringently enforced sprinkling bans would have to be considered, as well as other measures to force conservation. John Dietz asked about the possibility of any alternatives offered by D.R.Horton. Dave Anderson said he is under the impression that the Black property could be dealt with immediately. Bryan Adams responded by saying that ultimately all liability falls to the Utility and the tower would be more expensive. George Zabee feels more attention needs to be paid to future probabilities of expansion. John Diez noted that the Deschenes property had not been presented to the City Council at the time of approval of the Trott Brook Park site. Bryan Adams again replied that the Utility is responsible for reliable and competent services to customers.