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:
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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.
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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
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