2016-10-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Freihammer noted there was always the potential that this could change, if an adjacent community changed its area and drilled a well, it could potentially affect a larger area. At the request of Member Wozniak, Mr. Freihammer reported the city was aware of twenty residences still hooked to private wells or private wells still in use and not connected to city water. Member Wozniak also asked if by the city tracking that data, if it played into this goal at all. Mr. Johnson advised that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and other agencies had data on abandoned wells on properties; and if they were still open and active (e.g. not sealed) and their direct connection to the aquifer. Acknowledging that there were twenty known active wells yet in Roseville, Mr. Johnson noted there may be hundreds across the city that had been abandoned but not sealed. At the request of Member Wozniak, Mr. Johnson advised that the data could be researched through the MDH and Soil & Water district. Member Wozniak opined the city should quantify active and inactive/not sealed wells to protect the groundwater as a resource. As an example,Member Wozniak referenced a property across the street from the City Hall campus currently under discussion as a potential development expansion that may be one of those sites needing a well abandoned. This suggestion was duly by Mr. Johnson. Goal 4 —Public Education and Outreach Chair Cihacek noted the need to remember to have hard copies available for residents for their access to education and public outreach, not just online options (e.g. stormwater pollution prevention plan). In Item 44, the PWETC asked that all public comment be sought, including from the City Council and across city advisory commissions. Member Wozniak suggested the education and outreach include "information boards" such as at the aerator on Bennett Lake to explain to the public what was happening and why, and tie it into the city's overall stormwater management plan; providing opportunities to increase the involvement of the public in the overall picture. Chair Cihacek noted Item 47, modeling interpretative sites; with Member Lenz suggesting such an interpretative site could be the boardwalk at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANG) to educate people on the value of having swamps. At the request of Chair Cihacek, Mr. Freihammer clarified the intent in using the term "city," to mean the city as a whole, the City Council and staff inclusive. Page 15 of 20