11-10-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2003 (6. Stubbs Bay Water Quality Improvements Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, • Continued) Thein stated there are not many aeration systems in operation, but the most successful one is in the St. Paul Water Utility. Likely the cost would determine the best approach. McMillan stated that water is a difficult medium to work with because it is constantly moving. She felt they should pursue the next step and see what the residents were willing to do. Mayor Peterson asked what the time frame would be. Wyatt stated they want to hold the stakeholder meeting in the next two months. Sansevere asked when they would do the treatments. Key stated they treat in spring or fall. Mayor Peterson asked if they would want funding from the City for treatments. Wyatt stated they are not seeking funding at this time, but need cooperation to meet with residents and City staff. The cost of treatment would come out of the feasibility study and depend on the project needs. Long Lake cost $75- 100,000. They have the ability to assess the people who benefit from the project, however, Lake Minnetonka is viewed as a regional resource, so they've used district funds for past projects on the lake. is Sansevere asked what percentage of the cost for Long Lake's treatment was passed on to the city. Wyatt stated they assumed the entire cost of the alum treatment. Thomas stated that their projects are spread across the entire watershed district and they would expect their work to be augmented by the City in terms of development and land filtration to minimize runoff. They will determine what sort of project they can bring to Stubbs Bay, and then identify what Orono can do to assist the desired outcome. • Sansevere stated that the residents would want to know what their cost will be. Thomas stated that they develop a model to show the residents what the MCWD can do at their own cost, and then discuss what the residents can do on their part. White stated it sounded like a good educational opportunity, and suggested they stress benefits other than water clarity. Thomas stated that they do not stress water clarity too much because upper bays will never be clear due to years of wastewater treatment plant discharge building up the internal load. What they try to do is improve the water quality and prevent its further decline. Mayor Peterson asked if there would be a large time commitment from City staff to get the project up and running. Thomas stated that they would not need much staff time until after the feasibility study is completed. Wyatt stated that at this time they needed to know the City supported their plans to pursue the project and hold a stakeholder meeting to 11 of 16