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