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... -. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, March 31, 1986 Page 2 would have to buy into Shoreview well system; at 3,000 gallons/minute, Arden Hills would need three wells, plus a back-up well for its water needs. Sather asked the percentage of water consumption in the north vs south areas in Arden Hills. Liebenow said the majority of consumption, on peak days, would be in the south. Christoffersen noted there is a 16" north-south main (between Lexington and STH 51) crossing under r-694, as well as a 12" main along STH 10, also under r-694, serving the north areas of the city. Liebenow explained that Arden Hills has two pressure zones; would be difficult to get along without two towers; noted that the system was originally laid out as a two-tower system in the '60s. . Hansen said Shoreview water is "hard" water - Arden Hills water is "soft" by comparison; had understood the possible water connection to Shoreview would be an emergency water source only - not a general water source. Mulcahy said he feels that Council must consider means of financing this large expenditure; feels a "needs assessment" is needed; stated he is concerned with spending this amount of money without adequate data. Mulcahy said evidence has not been presented that a connection with Shoreview's system is not feasible; noted that Shoreview's water tower is only one mile away; feels Arden Hills should look at this alternative as a water source. Mulcahy suggested that a second engineer's opinion be obtained, alternate ways to store water should be looked into; noted that the Roseville/Arden Hills contract permits the purchase of water by Arden Hills from others. Mulcahy asked who is going to pay for "this monster"; stated he feels the study to date is inadequate; wants to know where the funds will come from; asked why the need for additional water is based on a "worse situation", considers this an example of "fear politics"; stated he is here tonight to urge Council to give the matter much more thought and to obtain a second opinion. Hansen noted that about 500 homes are not using municipal water at present, out of an approximate 2,300 homes; asked average water consumption/person. Liebenow estimated about 60 to 80 gallons per day per person; said lawn sprinklers use about 5 gallons/minute, adding about 2,500 gallons/minute load on the system; noted if 80% of homes sprinkled lawns, this would require 2,000 gallons/minute, equal to two additional wells. Liebenow explained that if a fire should occur at peak water usage, an insufficient amount of water and/or water pressure could result in a building burning down; noted this is a reality, not scare tactics; noted it can occur -- fires can occur when people are watering lawns; noted that July and August are the "worry months"; stated that most cities of any appreciable size have two water towers, for maintenance purposes as well as to even the pressure; explained that pressure, depending on size of mains, can vary in various areas of the city; by equalizing the pressure, mains can be kept smaller. Hicks asked about City liability if sufficient water pressure is not provided. Liebenow said he is not aware of the City's liability; said the insurance company may not insure a building unless adequate water is . provided. Hansen reported that insurance rates are dependent upon response time and water availability. Hicks asked if a well, at an estimated cost of $300,000, would meet Arden Hills' water needs. Liebenow said several wells would be necessary to provide the needed 1,000 to 1,200 gallons/minute. Sather said he takes exception to the Shoreview "hard" water issue; stated he has Arden Hills "soft" water and still needs a water softener.