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City Council Study Session Minutes- 01/12/04 Page 11 inspecting and monitoring sump pump installations and roof drainage to reduce influent for wastewater treatment of clean water from residential and commercial sources. Mayor Klausing and Councilmembers sought further information from Councilmember Schroeder; and he further explained the need to separate groundwater and sanitary sewer drainage prior to it reaching the treatment plant, thus reducing treatment requirements and related costs. Councilmember Schroeder noted that upfront costs for staff inspections and compliance would be more than recouped in the savings realized for treatment, once the magnitude of noncompliance was determined. Ms. Bloom noted that staff had been involved with a Metropolitan Council Task Force working on these very issues, and would be bringing this information forward to the Council in the near future, once the findings of the Task Force were finalized; and the proposed grant and/or remediation plan. Councilmember Schroeder noted that the Metropolitan Council may have financial assistance available to implement an I and I program. Councilmember Kough sought clarification on the City's policy for heavy water users during the summer and outdoor usage, but not flowing into the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Miller reviewed the City's billing policy based on the winter water usage. Further discussion included use of private wells for outdoor water usage and inspection and permit requirements to avoid groundwater contamination concerns; Mayor Klausing provided direction to staff to return at the next regular meeting with the new proposed rates as a Consent Agenda item. Council member Schroeder expressed concern that the water rate was being proposed for implementation prior to negotiations being completed with St. Paul Water Utility. Finance Director Miller noted that the Council could, by