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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – FEBRUARY 10, 2025 9 B. Water Tower Security Improvements Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said when the South Tower improvements were being planned and designed, there was interest in adding security elements to the South Tower. Council wanted to include some fencing improvements around the North Tower, as well. Staff applied for the UASI grant to fund those improvements. We did not get that grant. The timeline on that grant is to apply around March/April and then it is awarded in October. It’s a long period of time. The improvements for the North Tower were removed from the South Tower project so we can move forward with the needed repairs. He is seeking direction on how to move forward, knowing it’s not budgeted. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said we can pursue the UASI Grant to try to cover 100% of the amount. You can request up to 100% to cover costs with no match. You aren’t guaranteed that amount, but you can request it. It isn’t clear how much will be available this year. They decreased it by almost 20% from 2023 to 2024. Council could direct staff to start looking at budgeting this in for construction in 2026 or eliminate the proposed security improvements all together. Mayor Grant asked if the amount of overage was about $161,000. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. Councilmember Holden asked if that was a federal grant. She said she thinks we should apply for the grant. Councilmember Weber wondered if security has been an issue. Councilmember Holden remembered there was a break-in at one of them, in the basement. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the security improvements are physical barriers. There haven’t been any serious incidents. This came from a Risk and Resiliency Assessment. These improvements were identified in that assessment. Councilmember Weber understands the need for it but it is expensive. Councilmember Holden said if someone breaks in and drains one of the water towers we’ll have half the city with no water. Councilmember Weber understands. He thinks staff should apply for the grant. Councilmember Rousseau asked about the Risk and Resiliency Assessment, she asked what the particular issue was that was called out. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they do site visits with the consultants that create the assessment. They list what security needs each site has. Councilmember Rousseau wondered if they identify the items as low, medium and high risk.