2014-10-28_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Specific to recycling, Member Wozniak noted that similar amounts of material were being collected, but their value was being projected at half their previous value. Mr. Schwartz advised that Eureka Recycling was finding that the tonnage collected in covered versus open bins was often lighter, due to the materials being drier. From the standpoint of value of the materials, Mr. Schwartz noted that changes in some metal and glass markets were being experienced, with one large glass processor in the Twin Cities area closed down, creating a real negative impact on the revenue being received for that glass material, which was now being shipped to Chicago for processing. Chair Stenlund asked if staff had observed a change in water consumption trending per capita in Roseville, since there was no reward being offered for those conserving water at less than 30,000 gallons, other than personal satisfaction. Over the last 5-10 years, Mr. Miller advised that he had observed a general decline in overall water consumption in the community, especially when broken down from single-family residential and commercial users. Mr. Miller noted that overall summertime usage had gone down, but admitted that was frequently dependent on the amount of rain during the month or season and the need for irrigation. Mr. Miller noted that the City had lower per household occupancies than other suburbs and therefore compared favorably, especially with other second- and third-ring suburbs. When considering rate incentives for conservation, based on winter household using, Mr. Miller opined that residents were doing a good job, and he was finding limited excessive usage situations. At the request of Member Lenz, Mr. Schwartz addressed winter temperatures and the need to run water if water temperature registered below 35 degrees, potential with staff not anticipating the need unless we experience sustained below zero temperatures. Staff will monitor frost levels and communicate concerns if necessary. Staff will also communicate with those on long term freeze up lists as to when to turn on their siphons. Chair Stenlund asked staff to provide the PWETC with a graph of comparative water use compared with other cities, and whether consumption was trending up or down. Chair Stenlund also asked staff to prepare a report on how the City was doing in addressing leakage of sanitary sewer and/or water lines, based on Metropolitan Council monitoring. On the potable water side, Mr. Schwartz advised that a system-wide detection system was completed every five years through hiring of an outside consultant with listening devices to check all mains. As of the last detection, Mr. Schwartz advised that it was determined that there were only a few leaks detected and those were corrected. Staff was confident the water system is in general good condition. Page 8 of 17