3.0 ERMUSR 10-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission September 20,2006 5.5 Review Proposed 2007 Capital Project Budget Staff presented the first cut of the capital project budget for 2007. Bryan Adams reviewed the upcoming projects and needs for the utility. We continue to have more financial needs than sales revenues can support. There is a concern regarding the street rebuild projects and the requirement for mid block street lighting. In the old developed areas there are wood poles at the corners but not mid block. Bryan will talk with Lori Johnson regarding the possibility of the City helping fund the mid block lighting. 5.6 Review New Data Center Facility It has been confirmed that there will be a new data center facility locating in Elk River. Engineering is just starting,land purchase will occur in the January 2007 time frame. Construction is planned for spring of 2007 with a completion date of mid year 2008. We are still waiting for electric and water capacity requirements. 6.1 Review Conservation &Emergency Management Plan At the August 22,2006,Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting,the issue of ISD#728 utilizing existing,or drilling new wells for lawn irrigation was discussed. The question is,can a property owner construct and use a well when a Municipal Water System is available to the property and where local ordinances prohibit such activity? The state plumbing code requires all buildings that have municipal water available to connect for domestic use. The plumbing code does not address irrigation wells. Minnesota Statutes 2005, 103I.111,allow construction of wells and takes precedence over local ordinances prohibiting well construction. In the case for irrigation use,the MDH issues the construction permit and the DNR issues the ground water withdraw appropriation if greater than 1,000,000 gallons per year. After numerous conversations with MDH and DNR personnel,it became obvious that not many of them were aware of the statutes and how it complicates the required Wellhead Protection Plan and Conservation& Emergency Management Plan. Discussion continues with the DNR and ISD#728. On another related issue,the DNR is requiring us to amend our Water Emergency and Conservation Plan because we have requested an increase in withdraw appropriation from 875 million gallons per year to 1400 million gallons per year. Elk River started its plan in 1996 and amended it in 2001. This plan verifies that the water suppliers are doing the necessary operation and maintenance,future planning both capacity and fmancial concerns,implements emergency planning and response procedures,and carry on conservation and education programs. The revised plan was reviewed. James Tralle moved to adopt the Conservation and Emergency Management Plan as presented. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.