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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 15, 2022 4 <br /> <br />Mayor Grant said they could put the information on the City website, in the newsletter, social <br />media and newsflashes. <br /> <br />Mr. Morast added they will also put flags on the new signs. He suggested putting information in <br />utility bills. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked what the implementation timeline would be. <br /> <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they would have to work the sign <br />changes into the Public Works schedule as a winter project. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant directed staff to install no later than March 1st with a preference for earlier if <br />possible. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault asked if there were any more formal approvals the Council needed <br />to make. <br /> <br />Mr. Morast felt it would helpful to make a formal ordinance change. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant said once the work has been put on the schedule they can add it to the agenda for a <br />vote. <br /> <br />D. Water Efficiency Grant <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault reported the Met Council Water Efficiency Grant was previously <br />discussed in 2019. The program is being renewed for 2023-2025 but it is unclear if the City can <br />be involved. The program is offered to residents to upgrade devices such as low flow toilets, <br />washing machines and irrigation system smart controllers. There is a match of 25% city and 75% <br />Met Council. Council would need to decide what devices to include and the dollar amount per <br />item. The minimum grant award is $5,000 but it’s not clear what happens if the city doesn’t meet <br />that amount. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden thought it would be good to include businesses. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault explained that the resident would pay the entire amount for <br />whatever appliance they are purchasing, then apply for the grant to potentially receive whatever <br />amount the Council determines, much like a rebate. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman said the program is labor intensive on staff time. She stated when she <br />worked with the program previously, they got interest initially but not as time went on. If we give <br />a rebate, we’ll get reimbursed but if we don’t give out at least $5,000 she doesn’t know if they <br />will reimburse the city. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault suggested they pick an amount that they can use to go forward with <br />the application, assuming they City is able to get into the upcoming cycle. He felt $10,000 would <br />be a good amount with the City contribution being $2,500. <br />