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City Council Minutes 01-31-1995 SpecialMINUTES SPECIAL MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, January 31, 199b - b:45 p.m. Members Present: Brad Fyle, Shirley Anderson, Clint Herbst, Brian Stumpf, Tom Perrault Members Absent: None A special meeting of the City Council was held far the purpose of reviewing the Wastewater Facilities Planning Report prepared by Orr-Schelen-Mayeron & Associates, Inc. (GSM), in association with the engineering firm of Rieke Carroll Muller Associates, Inc (RCM), and to consider options for expansion of the wastewater treatment plant. Mayor Fyle called the meeting to order and stated that the residents present could ask questions at this time so that their concerns could be addressed during the meeting. Some of the concerns raised by residents included items such as notification of upcoming meetings regarding expansion of the treatment plant, odor problems at the plant, and they were also concerned about property values decreasing if the plant is expanded at the current site. It was noted by staff that the regular Council meeting agendas are published in the newspaper, and a public hearing notice will also be published in the newspaper. The residents were also informed that odor control would be discussed during this meeting. Jan Peterson of GSM reviewed the background of the current wastewater treatment plant. He noted that the original plant was built in 1960 and was renovated in the early 1980's. The reason for the current study is to avoid future di~xculties by planning to meet growth projections, as the plant is now in year 15 of a 20-year design life. Peterson noted that based on an estimate of 7~ housing starts per year, the projected population far Monticello by the year 2020 is 12,841. Based on this projection, under the current design, the wastewater treatment plant would be struggling after three years to treat the wastewater. Public Works Director John Simola added that the City may be able to extend the three-year estimate slightly by looking at ways to slow infiltration and inflow and also by making an effort to locate and stop illegal sump pump hookups currently adding to the wastewater stream. Larry Anderson of RCM noted that decisions Council will need to make include 1) the basis of design for the plant, 2) location of the plant, 3) which treatment option, 4) whether to use phased construction, 5) scheduling of a public hearing or additional meetings, and 6) consideration of a long-range solution. Anderson went on to note that there are three types of wastewater plants Council can consider: Page 1 Special Council Minutes - 1/81/95 1. An existing upgrade, which would consist of adding to the existing plant at an estimated cast of $11 million. 2. A split treatment plant, or "B" plant, which would include construction of an additional plant at a separate location at an estimated cost of $13 million, including land cost but not siting costs. Because the "B" plant would not have sludge handling capabilities, this option would require trucking sludge to the existing treatment plant. 3. Construction of a new plant at an estimated cost of $19 million, excluding land and siting costs. Anderson then expanded on the first option of upgrading the existing plant by noting that there are three ways to upgrade the existing plant. The Council could duplicate the existing plant at an estimated cost of $10.9 million, eliminate the activated sludge portion by adding a 2-stage trickling filter at an estimated $12.7 million, or the City could use only activated sludge and eliminate the trickling filters, which would cost approximately $9.9 million. Odor control problems at the wastewater treatment plant were also addressed. Anderson noted that the cost to upgrade the current odor control system would be approximately $300,000 to $400,000; or the City could install a new odor control system at a cast of $1.5 million. Anderson also noted that most of the time the odor would be controlled; however, there will be occasions when the odors cannot be totally eliminated. It was then explained by Anderson that the capital costs cited do not include the operation, maintenance, and replacement coats, which would result in an additional $510,000 to $560,000 yearly for all three options at the existing treatment plant site. The current cost for operation and maintenance at the plant is $395,000. Phased construction was also discussed, which would require less money upfront, and was estimated at $5.7 million for duplicating the existing plant and $8.1 million for an activated sludge system. The cost to phase an activated sludge system is higher due to the fact that a greater portion of the plant would need to be constructed upfront. In summary, Larry Anderson noted that it appears to be less costly to upgrade the existing plant. He also noted that if Council prefers that construction occur all at once, the activated sludge option is less expensive; however, if it is preferred that phased construction be used, then duplicating the existing plant system is less expensive. It is estimated that construction would take two years, and the addition could possibly be functional by 199$ if construction began in 1996. Page 2 Special Council Minutes - 1/31/95 Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator, reported on financing issues pertaining to the various options for upgrading the treatment plant. He noted that if the City constructed a new wastewater treatment plant at an estimated cost of $19 million, homes with a $90,000 valuation would see an increase in taxes of approximately $124 a year, and a home valuated at $1.00,000 would see an increase of approximately $147. However, if the City phased-in construction of additions to the existing plant estimated at $6 million, a $90,000 home would see a tax increase of $60-$70 for the first phase of construction. In addition, taxes would also increase for the second phase of construction. It was noted that user fees could be increased to help pay the debt, but the best option for the City would be to fund the construction with a 10-15 year bond issue. Jon Peterson of USM also noted that one option the Council can consider for helping to fund the plant expansion is the state revolving loan program. He noted that funds are borrowed from the state and interest is waived during the construction period; however, additional state requirements involved with this program could increase the cost of the project slightly. In order to take advantage of this program, the next step for the City would be hold a public hearing for the residents and then submit the technical plan for state review. After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council to schedule a second special meeting/workshop for Monday, February 27, 1995, at 6 p.m., to further review the options for expansion of the wastewater treatment plant. Staff was also directed to mail notices of the special meeting to residents living near the plant. There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned. ,~~ - .~ ~ r n Doty office Manager Page 3