03-22-21-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — MARCH 22, 2021 2 Steve Schneider, St. Paul Regional Water Services, thanked the Council for its time. He discussed the new McCarrons Water Treatment Plant, noting this was where all water was treated. He explained this treatment plant was constructed in the mid-1910's and additions were completed in the 1930's and 1950's. He reported much of the infrastructure was nearly 100 years old and still produces excellent water quality. He stated in 2014 the Board of Water Commission requested an asset inventory and a 30 year CIP. He explained this led to plans for the rehabilitation and replacement of the McCarrons Water Treatment Plant. He discussed how the project would improve capacity to handle containment of emerging concerns, along with improving reliability while also reducing the footprint of the plant. Further discussion ensued regarding the preliminary scope for the water treatment plant project along with the public outreach that would be completed. He commented on how the plant improvements would impact residential and wholesale water rates. It was noted there would not be a disruption in water services throughout the entirety of this project. Councilmember Holden questioned why St. Paul had not considered using bonds to finance this project. She requested further information on how the water rates would increase after completion of the new water treatment plant. Mr. Schneider explained the financing for the project would be subsidized by the Environmental Protection Agency and would come at an interest rate of 1 %. He discussed how the rates would be impacted by the new water treatment plant. Councilmember Scott stated he has lived all over the country and parts of the world where water quality was an issue. He indicated he appreciated the access he had to high quality drinking water. He questioned if the treatment with ozone would reduce the level of chloramines in the water. Mr. Schneider described how the ozonation would improve the water quality by breaking down the carbon particles in the water and would also reduce the chlorination in the water. He noted the water taste would not change. He further discussed the security that would be in place to protect the water treatment system. Councilmember Holmes explained she toured the facility off of Rice Street and stated it was fascinating. She commented further on the proposed rate increase for water customers. Mr. Schneider discussed the estimated water rates that would be in place after the new water treatment plant was completed. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Schneider for his presentation to the City Council. 5. STAFF COMMENTS A. COVID-19 Update City Administrator Perrault provided the Council with an update on how the City was responding to COVID-19. He encouraged residents to visit the City's website for the most current and up to date information regarding COVID-19. He reported the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC also had websites with current guidelines and recommendations. He explained