2026 Vol 20, Issue 2 April - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8 Proposed Municipal Water continued from page 1 Here is a project funding breakdown: APPROXIMATE PROJECT FUNDING ITEM PRELIMINARY COSTS LABORE ROAD (approximately 2,100 LF) $ 651,200 GOOSE LAKE ROAD (approximately 3,100 LF) $ 821,300 HUNTER RUN (approximately 700 LF) $ 153,100 REMAINING STREETS (approximately 3,700 LF) $ 893,500 Project Total $2,519,100 INCOME SOURCE INCOME AMOUNT Federal Grant Funding (through EPA) $ 959,757 City Grant Match $ 191,951 Federal Grant Funding (EPA) $1,092,000 City Grant Match $ 218,400 Funding Match Total $2,462,108 Special assessments in Gem Lake $ 0 Special Assessment Vadnais Heights property $ 122,750 Possible Remaining Funds $ 65,758 As required for a municipal water project, a special benefit analysis was completed to determine how much a municipal water system would add to the value of a property being served. The maximum amount of value increase for a residential property, and therefore the maximum allowable assessment, was determined to be $14,260. The maximum allowable assessment for the one commercial property involved was determined to be 10% of appraised value or $122,750. However, it was decided that the federal funds available could be used to cover project costs for Gem Lake residents, allowing assessment to hopefully remain at $0. The one commercial property involved is located on Labore Road in Vadnais Heights and this property would be assessed due to the major potential benefit to that property. Each property owner would be responsible for the connection costs from the watermain in the public right away to the dwelling and the cost of capping their existing well. However, Gem Lake has applied for a grant to help offset a portion of the cost of well capping and hopes to hear next year if the grant will be awarded to the city. There will be well sealing, irrigation and connection requirements to be determined by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Department of Health and the City of Gem Lake. As part of the homeowner service connections, water meters would be installed in each home when the connection happens. These water meters would be compatible with the Vadnais Heights water system. The DNR will determine water use requirements that align with Vadnais Heights appropriation, or the maximum amount that city is allowed to take from the aquifer. It is hoped that the project schedule will proceed over the next year, approximately as follows: TASK TIMELINE Council approved improvement following public hearing, asks for final plans and specifications April, 2026 Council approves plans and specifications, advertisement for project bids Fall, 2026 Open bids Fall, 2026 Project awarded based on bids Winter, 2026 If you have questions regarding the proposed municipal water project, contact the City Clerk at 651-747-2790.