08-09-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 26, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 5 9. WATER CONSERVATION DURING DROUGHT Edwards noted many cities in the area received notification from the DNR that the State is now in a drought warning phase which requires certain actions from municipalities, one of which is to enact a portion of the City’s water emergency plan per the water supply plan. Edwards has provided some information in the packet. Tonight, he is looking for approval or guidance on what portions of the water emergency supply plan the City Council would like to do. Edwards’ recommendation is to go with an informational effort with voluntary actions at this point because currently Orono is not suffering from water shortages within their municipal system. Some surrounding neighbors are but right now the infrastructure pumps and towers in Orono are able to keep up with the heightened demand. However, it is probably a good time to remind people of good irrigation practices. He noted they are also getting many phone calls from residents about how high their watering bills are. Edwards said part of it is the City can look at numbers for the meter reads and the amount of water going on to some of these properties which is excessive. Walsh previously spoke with Edwards and asked the rationale for doing a water ban. He noted 1/3 of Orono is on City water and 2/3 are on wells so there is not a huge demand on the infrastructure from that standpoint, there is nothing that says their aquifers are low. His recommendation is that the City start with information to the public until such time as they need to go to a watering ban. The Council discussed informing the public on the best times to water and ways to cut back on watering. Edwards noted the City has also significantly cut back watering at the municipal golf course, Bederwood Field, and City Hall. Mayor Walsh suggested in the Resolution under “Now Therefore, Be it Resolved” adding the word “voluntary” after abide, and under item e, adding the word “voluntary” restrictions shall remain in place until September 30th, because the Council can remove or amend this if they move from voluntary to mandatory. Walsh moved, Crosby seconded, to approve the Resolution No. 7208 as amended to include the word “voluntary” in the two places mentioned. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Edwards updated the Council and noted personnel is consuming the City Staff right now; he thanked the Council for approving the Accountant tonight and noted they are in second round interviews for the Maintenance Worker position. He noted another Staff member tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently in the recovery period. Edwards noted Olson is running utility billing, doing the budget process, and trying to hire vacancies. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT Barnhart noted they are doing public outreach as part of the Navarre parking lot plan in August. There is a virtual question and answer period on August 12 and a public meeting on August 17. They will send out postcards to directly adjacent businesses and posting it on Facebook and the website.