Public Works, Sewer and Water

CITY OF VERONA MINUTES PUBLIC WORKS/SEWER & WATER COMMITTEE MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022 1. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Touchett at 5:01pm. 2. Roll Call: Present: Evan Touchett, Mara Helmke. Rye Kimmett entered at 5:06pm. Also present: Theran Jacobson, Director of Public Works; Carla Fischer, City Engineer, AECOM; Jon Bublitz, Utilities Superintendent; Dave Yearous, Lead Water Operator; Angel Gebeau, AECOM; Andrew Jacque, Water Quality Investigations. 3. MOVED by Touchett, seconded by Helmke, to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2022, meeting of the Public Works/Sewer and Water Committee. Motion carried 2-0. 4. DISCUSSION regarding Well 6: Mr. Jacobson provided an overview of the study that has been completed for well 6 as outlined in the memo from AECOM dated 9/20/2022 and included in the packet. Unfortunately, the upper and lower aquifer are interconnected in the vicinity of Well 6 as concluded from the packer test completed by Municipal Well. Ms. Gebeau and Dr. Jacque concurred with the findings of the packer test. Ms. Gebeau noted that the well has hydraulic capacity from the upper portion of the bore hole for the well, therefore the primary source for the water is from the middle and upper aquifer. Samples were also collected at various depths during the packer test with nitrate concentrations 8-9 mg/L. Mr. Jacobson also identified that the nitrate risk was known in December of 2018 when the project was presented to the committee on 12/10/2018 and the direction was to proceed. TIF 6 financed the well, not the rate payers, therefore an alternate location would be outside of the TIF 6 boundary. Ms. Gebeau presented the three viable treatment options; construction of a new well, membrane filtration, and ion exchange as outlined in table 14 of the memo. Dr. Jacque identified a biofilm on the casing within the well that occurs in areas with a higher concentration of nitrates that will have to be treated prior to bringing the well online and should be treated more frequently. A treatment plan can be prepared easily throughout this process. Ms. Gebeau and Dr. Jacque noted that an alternate location for a well does not mean that nitrates would not be present due to the fractures that are identified in the bore log for the well and in the adjacent geology. Ms. Gebeau and Dr. Jacque recommend treatment by membrane filtration to reduce the nitrate levels in the well. Mr. Yearous asked on the replacement of the membranes. Ms. Gebeau noted replacement is typically in the 10-15 year window and is site specific. Mr. Jacobson noted that there are funding options through the WDNR and that an application has been submitted. There is no commitment by submitting the application prior to the meeting but staff wanted to be ahead of any other project or deadlines. Mr. Touchett asked if there are options to leave the well offline in the winter? Mr. Yearous noted you need to run the well to turn water over from a quality and taste perspective. Testing has to occur daily, monthly, quarterly, etc. depending on the WDNR requirements. The well would need to be chemically treated if going off and online which is not recommended and an additional cost.  Ms. Kimmett noted you are the experts and we have to take your advisement. Mr. Jacobson noted the next step if direction is given is to proceed with a full design and permitting package. MOVED by Touchett, seconded by Helmke, to proceed with preparing a design contract for the capital improvements to include partial abandonment of Well 6, funding options, and treatment by membrane filtration. Motion carried 3-0. 5. MOVED by Touchett, seconded by Kimmett, to recommend approval of Agreement with Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church and Driveway Easement at 1404 Northern Lights Rd. Motion carried 3-0. 6. DISCUSSION of Public Works and Utilities 5-year Capital Improvement Program within 2023 budget. Mr. Jacobson presented the same power point as the finance committee was presented on September 19, 2022 that includes Operating and Capital Improvement Program within the 2023 budget. The highlights include: • Request for one additional public works maintenance staff member which included a memorandum to Admin on 8/11/2022 • MMSD pass-through cost increases • Refuse and Recycling cost increase from 182 to 192 per unit • Computer replacements and equipment replacements • Capital-side changes included: o Revisions to cost estimates per 2022 increases in the industry for road projects o Pavement rehabilitation project o Addition of re-construction area on N. Shuman, N. Marietta, Miller, W. Harriet, and Richard Street o Public works facility updates on the schedule and anticipated estimate to be presented to the committee in November. Jacobson noted that prices have increased substantially in 2022, 15%-25% and it is unknown where the number will fall o Well 6 treatment option o Storm water utility master plan Mr. Touchett asked if the position was supported in the budget. Mr. Jacobson noted it was not. Ms. Helmke noted from her seat on the finance committee that the budget is tight and that there are challenges with funding all requests. Mr. Touchett asked that it be revisited. Mr. Jacobson noted the growth of the City since a maintenance position was last added to the department in 2014and was documented in a memo. Jacobson noted that the visual elements are being completed (brush, snow, leaves, mowing) but the underground infrastructure lacks preventative maintenance and required maintenance per regulatory agencies. 7. MOVED by Touchett, seconded by Helmke, to adjourn at 6:23pm. Motion carried 3-0. Note: These minutes were prepared by Theran Jacobson, Director of Public Works. These minutes are based on the notes of the recorder and are subject to change at a subsequent meeting.