2009-07-23_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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GRASS LAKE WATER MANAGEMENTN ORGANIZATION -JULY 23, 2009 3 Maloney noted cities could benefit from well records regarding their location, as local government does not have good access to that information. Aichinger responded that there is not good data on the location of wells. Many are graded over or covered up. In Washington County sealing only becomes an issue when property is sold. Wells must be sealed before a property is sold. Nash stated that no wells are eligible as part of a property transaction. There is a $1,000 fee for the required bylaw regarding a well during a property transaction, and the County did not want to see the money pay for that fee. Schwartz noted that the current 2009 budget does not include this expenditure. The budget would have to be amended. MOTION: For purposes of discussion, Root moved to authorize up to $5,000 for the well sealing program and for the 2009 GLWMO budget to be so amended to reflect that change in expenditure. Discussion: Chair Eckman recused herself from voting on this item, as she is closely connected to the Ramsey Conservation District. Kelsey asked if the license fee provides any funding for this work. Nash answered, no. Root stated that with 12 inquiries the $5,000 won't cover all of them. Even if the average cost would be $400 or $500, all 12 would still not be covered. What happens to the ones not funded? If funding is not used, would those funds come back to GLWMO? Nash responded that an unmet demand could expand the fund later. Those not funded would wait to see if the program is expanded later in the year or wait until next year. A contract between GLWMO and Ramsey Conservation District could be drawn up for a year on whatever terms the Board decides regarding how the funding is used. Ferrington suggested decreasing the fund match so more wells can be sealed, especially if demand increases. The program would be easier to administer if the funding is aligned with the annual budget, starting January 1, and ending December 31, 2010. He asked if that would have an effect on the County. Nash stated that it would only delay responding to the interested parties. AMENDED MOTION: Root amended his motion to make the program subject to the three listed eligibility criteria and a fourth condition that the well sealing must be completed by July 1, 2010, to make it a one-year program. Nash noted that the maximum allowable income for one person is $43,000. For two