10-03-1994 Study SessionCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
October 3, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Russ Susag; Michael
Sandahl; and Don Priebe.
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Susan Rosenberg.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich,
Administrative Services Director; Thomas
Ferber, City Clerk; Donald Fondrick;
Community Services Director; Byron Wallace,
Community Development Director; Jack
Erskine, Public Safety Director; and Michael
Eastling, City Engineer.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:00 p.m.
Item #I PRESENTATION OF WATER PLANT STUDY. S.S. LETTER NO. 27
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 27
regarding the study of the water plant system in response to
lingering concerns about water taste and odor since the
installation of the new softening equipment.
Community Services Director Fondrick introduced Gerald
Allen, P.E. principal with Serco Laboratories, who was hired by
the City to perform specialized taste and odor tests to assist in
diagnosing problems and help in making further adjustments to the
water treatment process.
Gerald Allen, Serco Laboratories, provided an overview and
answered questions about the source water quality, water
treatment plant, and distribution system. He stated that the
quality and safety of the water was never a problem. The
problems related to taste and odor were due to chemical processes
related to chlorine demand, solids, variable ph, and chlorine
residual. He then reviewed the various chemical process issues
related to water quality, taste, turbidity, and safety. Mr.
Allen stated his study included the following work:
• Complete review of available data and information.
• Evaluated user concerns to determine if a clear pattern exists
related to location and type of concern.
• Met with selected users and interviewed residents about their
concerns.
• Collected water system data and samples at numerous locations
to establish the water quality in the water system and at the
point of use (residences and commercial firms).
• Communicated with representatives of the consulting
engineering firm and equipment suppliers.
Study Session Minutes -2- October 3, 1994
• Studied the water treatment process at the City's Water Plant
-= and, working with the City's staff, evaluated adjustments in
the process (use of different chemicals and different chemical
dosages) that will enable the staff to meet their water
quality goals consistently.
• Worked with the Utility Superintendent and the Water Plant
staff to identify an operating procedure that will provide an
abundant water supply of a consistent quality at all times.
Mr. Allen stated that he felt that the Water Plant
renovation was an ambitious, fast track project and that it takes
time to stabilize the processes within the complexity of the
treatment plant and distribution system. He indicated that the
City may have been too optimistic that the system would be
consistent and stabilized immediately upon the return of soft
water. Mr. Allen noted that the installation of the automatic
control systems along with operator training was not completed
until August. He concluded that the stabilization of the ph
should be complete soon, although chlorine adjustments will
continue which may cause occasional complaints. He stated that
in his opinion, the water taste will return shortly to what
residents were used to prior to the renovation, with the kev
being establishing the stability of the ph level which is well
underway.
Hob Jensen, 7328 Fremont Avenue, reviewed his experience
with the water taste and suggested that the information presented
this evening should be communicated to all residents.
City Manager Prosser stated that staff is preparing a
resident mailing on this issue.
Mr. Allen then responded to various questions from several
audience members related to water.
Arlan Nelson, 7433 13th Avenue, stated concerns about
possible water heater damage, taste of the water, cost of
flushing hydrants and management of the Water Plant.
Community Services Director Fondrick reviewed the purpose of
the Water Plant Renovation Project, hydrant flushing impact on
turbidity, and start up training issues.
Lawrence Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked questions
regarding the use of sodium ash and the water samples taken.
City Engineer Eastling stated sodium ash has not been used
yet although it is one chemical that could be used in the water
treatment process. He stated numerous water samples had been
taken in various locations across the City including residential
homes, businesses and hydrants.
Community Services Director Fondrick stated that the
resident mailing would go out October 17.
Study Session Minutes
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October 3, 1994
Item #II PRESENTATION OF THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM BY RON
GLAUB. S.S. LETTER N0. 28
Ron and Peggy Glaub, 7209 -12th Avenue, explained the AKC
Canine Good Citizen Program. They then presented a video which
described the purpose and content of the program. The Glaub's
suggested the program could be beneficial to the community in
helping to create better behaved dogs. They proposed to
voluntarily provide Canine Good Citizen Program evaluations once
each spring ,just before the animal license renewals are due. The
Glaub's suggested that the City Council consider giving a
discount off of the $9.00 dog license fee to those dogs who have
achieved the Good Citizen status.
Discussion followed regarding dog licensing issues, dog
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nuisance issues and the costs of dog licenses.
City Manager Prosser stated the dog license fee doesn't
currently cover the costs associated with the license program and
if the fee were raised, the base may lessen. He indicated
several methods to encourage the Good Citizen Program including
airing the video on cable, having brochures available at City
Hall, information in the Your City publication, and Neighborhood
Watch Groups.
Item #Iii DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES. S.S. LETTER NO. 29
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 29
regarding/recent developments related to the following airport
issues:
• New Ford Town/Rich Acres Acquisition
It appears that an additional $8 million has been allocated
to the acquisition from grant funds not used by other
airports from the Congressional Airport Improvements
Project.
• Part 150 Sound Insulation Program
The MAC has committed to find funding sources to maintain
the program in the face of continued congressional cutbacks.
• MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan
The MAC has released the Draft Alternative Environanental
Document (AED) on the Long Term Comprehensive Plan for the
MSP Airport. A technical review by the City's airport
consultant has begun with further information on the
estimated cost and extent of review to be presented to the
City Council.
Study Session Minutes -4- October 3, 1994
• Runway 4-22 Extension
__ ~ FAA and the Minnesota Department of Transportation have yet
to release their Record of Decision (ROD) on the Final
Environmental Impact State (FEIS) for the proposed
extension. MAC staff does not expect the ROD until the end
of October, meaning that the Commission will not act on the
proposed extension until November.
On a 4-3 vote, the Bloomington City Council authorized their
staff to loin the City of Richfield in pursuing litigation
opposing the extension. However, no funds were authorized
for this purpose. Bloomington charter requires five votes
to authorize expenditures. Richfield attorneys Steven F.
Pflaum and Mercedes A. Laing of McDermott, Will & Emery have
revised their initial cost projection to include "Client
Communications," as a result of Bloomington's action.
Council Member Sandahl discussed concerns about the
increased cost for client communications.
City Manager Prosser stated he would review the issue with
Mr. Pflaum.
Discussion followed regarding the City of Bloomington's
participation and role in the possible litigation. Richfield
will be in the lead position with Bloomington in a more advisory
partner position. City Manager Prosser has suggested a $50,000
cost share for Bloomington, although it is unclear what level, if
any, Bloomington will authorize.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:55 p.m.
Date Approved : 10/ 10/ 94
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Thomas P. Ferber ame D. Pr s
City Clerk - Cit Manager
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