08-15-22-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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