HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-21-2021_work session minutesMedina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 1
September 21, 2021
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on September 21, 2021, at
6:00 p.m. at the Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN.
I. Call to Order
Members present: Martin, Albers, Reid, DesLauriers, Cavanaugh
Members absent:
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Finance Director Erin Barnhart,
Public Safety Director Jason Nelson, and Planning Director Dusty Finke
II. Discuss Future Water Treatment Expansion
Staff presented information on the future water treatment plant expansion that is
estimated at $1.4 Million. Staff also provided information on the high levels of
manganese found in Well #5 of the Hamel Water System, Medina Morningside, and
Independence Beach drinking water. The treatment plant expansion would be used to
treat manganese and other contaminants to keep the drinking water safe. Water softeners
have proven to help remove manganese and may be a viable option for Independence
Beach and Medina Morningside, where treatment is not available. Staff was requesting
Council direction to solicit a quote from WSB to do a feasibility report and cost estimate
for the expansion of the water treatment plant and media replacement.
Brian Noma from the Minnesota Department of Health was also present at the meeting.
Mr. Noma informed Council that the new manganese levels are not being enforced at this
time but could be enforced in the future. There are currently no state or federal funds
available to address manganese levels in drinking water. Also, he informed Council that
pre-mixed formulas for babies include manganese. Some manganese is needed to stay
healthy, and the level of manganese needs to be kept at a healthy level when mixing
bottled water or tap water with infant formula. Finally, he discussed how treatment
devices and reverse osmosis systems are available to homeowners to remove manganese
from drinking water. Plus, Mr. Noma explained that an oxidation process is used to
remove manganese from drinking water.
Staff informed the City Council about ARPA funds that could be used to improve and
address drinking water issues, including the water treatment plant expansion. Bonding
would be recommended due to the funding needs for other water infrastructure projects
and paying other current bonded debt. Finance Director Erin Barnhart reviewed possible
options for ARPA funds to address eligible drinking water issues in Medina.
The Mayor and Council directed staff to solicit a quote from WSB to do a feasibility
report and cost estimate for the expansion of the water treatment plant and media
replacement.
Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 2
September 21, 2021
III. Special Assessment Policy Summary
Finance Director Erin Barnhart presented information on the assessment policy, the
percentage split for projects, and the benefit requirement under Chapter 429.
The Mayor and Council asked questions regarding the percentage splits under the
assessment policy, commented on the number of smaller, public roads on dead ends or
cul-de-sacs, and discussed the splits for larger collector road projects on busy streets.
Staff was directed by the City Council to bring this topic back for further review at a
future work session with Public Works Director Steve Scherer present at the meeting.
III. Adjournment
Martin closed the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk