Consider Recommendation to City Council Supporting Metropolitan Council Study for Northwest Metropolitan Area Regional Surface Water Supply Facility

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a resolution supporting a Metropolitan Council study for a Northwest Metropolitan area regional surface water supply facility..

Background:
Metropolitan Council Staff have long been aware that the City of Ramsey has explored the use of surface water to augment, or even possibly replace, our groundwater supply sources for our municipal water supply.  More than a year ago, Staff from the Metropolitan Council informed City Staff that funds were available to conduct a study to explore the feasibility of constructing a regional surface water supply facility in the northwest metro area, and asked if Staff was aware of any other cities that might be interested in partnering with us to explore the feasibility of a regional surface water supply facility.
 
Since then, Staff contacted their counterparts in neighboring cities in Anoka County to discuss the possibility of partnering with us on a regional surface water supply facility. Those discussions were not fruitful.  Then recently, Staff was informed that the cities of Dayton and Rogers might be interested in partnering in such a study.  Staff was later informed that the City of Corcoran might also be interested.
 
Staff has since informed Metropolitan Council Staff that three other cities have expressed an interest in partnering with us, at which time Metropolitan Council Staff asked is each City would be able to adopt supporting resolutions, which Metropolitan Council Staff would then use to request funding for the study on their end.
 
Staff from each partnering City plans to request City Council adoption of a supporting resolution at their earliest opportunity.  For the City of Ramsey, Staff proposes to request adoption of a supporting resolution at the October 23^rd Council meeting.

Staff anticipates approximately 15 minutes will be required to present and discuss this case.

Observations:
The primary objective of the study will be to understand the relative costs and implementation considerations of different surface water use approaches to long-term water sustainability within the study area.  The study will support future planning of local area water supplies and water sustainability practices.  As cities face increased demands on their water supplies in the future, this study will provide concept/planning level options for consideration.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1– Motion approving a recommendation to City Council to adopt a resolution supporting a Metropolitan Council study for a Northwest Metropolitan area regional surface water supply facility.

Alternative #2 – Motion of other.
 

No local match is required.  Met Council will cover estimated study costs.  Local staff will act as technical advisory team members for the study.

Staff recommends alternative #1.

Motion approving a recommendation to City Council to adopt a supporting resolution allowing the Metropolitan Council to complete a study for a Northwest Metropolitan area regional surface water supply facility.