Mound Council approves $28.4 million water treatment facility bid process
The Mound City Council unanimously authorized the city to seek bids for a new water treatment facility on Evergreen Road, moving forward with a major infrastructure project designed to improve water quality by removing manganese and iron. The project, estimated at $28.4 million, will be funded through federal appropriations, grants, and loans.
The council voted unanimously on August 27 to advertise for bids on the Water Treatment Facility, a critical step in advancing the project. City Manager Jesse and City Engineer Matt Bowman presented the timeline, costs, and complex funding structure to council members, who engaged in extensive discussion about how the project will be financed and communicated to residents.
The $28.4 million project will be funded through multiple sources: federal appropriations, an anticipated Emerging Contaminant Grant, and loans from the Public Facilities Authority. Council members emphasized the importance of transparent communication with residents about the financial impact, particularly regarding water bill increases and how franchise fees will contribute to funding. Mayor Holt noted that utility rates are already scheduled to increase under the city's long-term financial plan, and the water treatment facility will add a few additional dollars to monthly water bills.
Residents Aaron Getus and John Hulcom spoke in support of the project, acknowledging its substantial cost while emphasizing its long-term necessity for water quality improvements. They referenced similar infrastructure projects in neighboring communities like Chanhassen and noted that Mound's tax burden compares favorably to other cities.
The council also unanimously approved a separate application for a boat and marine sales and service business at 4851 Shoreline Drive. The approval included conditions addressing parking, site screening, signage compliance, and noise mitigation—with most repairs and engine testing to occur indoors rather than outdoors.
In other business, council members raised concerns about the police department's use of Flock license plate readers, requesting a detailed report from the new police chief on the technology's deployment and privacy safeguards. The council also discussed more frequent financial reporting and a potential board appointment for a council member at Gillespie Center.
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Votes (2)
Substantial Similar Use Request and Conditional Use Permit Application for 4851 Shoreline Drive
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Castellano [33:57] · Seconded by Unknown Council Member [34:02]
The City's Planning Consultant, Rita Trap, presented a two-part application for 4851 Shoreline Drive concerning boat and marine sales and service. The first part sought a substantial use determination to categorize boat and marine service as akin to automotive minor repair, which is a permitted use in the area. The second was a Conditional Use Permit for an open sales lot. Key aspects of the discussion included detailed plans for parking, proposed fencing for screening, adherence to signage codes, and addressing potential noise from engine testing through short-term indoor operations. Staff recommended approval with conditions to maintain property aesthetics and operational standards. The public hearing was formally opened and closed without any public comments.
Water Treatment Facility Authorization for Bids
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Castellano [55:45] · Seconded by Unknown Council Member [55:49]
City Manager Jesse and City Engineer Matt Bowman presented the status and next steps for the Water Treatment Facility project, specifically seeking authorization to advertise for bids. The discussion delved into the detailed project timeline, current cost estimates (totaling approximately $28.4 million), and the complex funding structure involving federal appropriations, anticipated grants (e.g., Emerging Contaminant Grant), and PFA loans. Council members engaged in a robust debate about financial transparency, addressing resident concerns about the project's impact on water bills versus funding through franchise fees. Issues of manganese versus iron removal, long-term operational costs, and the plant's effect on water hardness were also thoroughly discussed. The council emphasized proactive communication to residents regarding these financial and water quality aspects.
Notable Quotes (5)
Substantial use determination is something that was added to the code a number of years ago and that allows the planning commission and the council to determine that something that's not listed in the code is substantially similar to something else that's in the code. Um it helps make it so that we don't always have to do a zoning code amendment every time someone's proposing a use that's essentially similar but not specifically called out.
It's probably more in the in the realm of a conversation. And I did I do have a chart if you're interested in that, but just so you know, noise has been something most of the repairs and the noise would be happening inside rather than outside.
I mean, it's spreadsheets on spreadsheets, but um if we can extrapolate a little bit to make a pie chart look, you know, more palatable because there's a little bit more background information somewhere that will help the council or more residents feel more comfortable about what those numbers will do it. I mean, it's it's um our job is to make it I don't want to say easier decision, but certainly a more informed decision.
If we do nothing and we come back in November and we talk about the utility rates, right? Is that when we're October? October 27th. 27th. Um, you know, per the long-term financial plan, if we stick on it, we're raising the rates anyway. They are going up. We've said that multiple times. We put in the newsletter. They're going up no matter what. And then yes, they're going to go up another couple bucks on top of that on your water bill alone. That's we've we've said that. So, um we're not hiding that.
So, so what you'll get at the tap will be treated. What what might what's going to take a while to get out is the the rust that is not set and tired, but it's kind of settled out. And that's got to get stirred up enough and keep getting flushed out.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Approving a substantial similar use determination for property at 4851 Shoreline Drive, deeming boat and marine service similar to automotive minor repair.
Approving a conditional use permit for boat and marine sales and an open sales lot at 4851 Shoreline Drive.
Receiving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for the water treatment facility.
Case number associated with the substantial use and conditional use permit applications for 4851 Shoreline Drive.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Community Support for Water Treatment Facility Project
Substantial Similar Use and Conditional Use Permit for Boat and Marine Sales
Water Treatment Facility Authorization for Bids and Financial Planning
Police Department's Use of License Plate Readers
City Financial Reporting and Council Member Board Service
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