Wi-Fi tower to be put up at campground
Discussion at the Monday, October 19 Mountain Lake City Council meeting focused on what wastewater treatment system should be selected for the city.
The city’s stated intent in the Facility Plan submitted by the city, and approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in 2010, was to replace the current pond wastewater treatment system with a mechanical plant.
Since that time, consideration has been given, instead, to upgrading the current pond system.
Both the MPCA and the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) are now asking that the Facility Plan be updated if the preferred alternative is now an upgrade of the ponds.
PFA would likely provide the funding (in the form of loans and grants) for the project.
Andy Kehren of Bolton & Menk, and the city’s engineer, reviewed the current Facility Plan. Four alternatives previously considered were again looked at. These include – a mechanical wastewater treatment facility, a new pond system with a synthetic liner, expand the pond system with the addition of a new traditional primary pond or expand the pond system with a new aerated primary pond.
Costs of construction, maintenance and operation were discussed, with the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative were considered.
Kehren encouraged the City Council and Utility Commission to select the option to be written into a revised Facility Plan by January 1, 2016 if the intent is to construct in 2017. If construction is to occur in 2017, steps towards construction should begin in early 2016.
Internet access for campers
Council Members approved the purchase of a tower for Island View Campground in order to received MVTV signal can be received from equipment located on the city’s water tower.
The 65′ tower will be purchased from Rogotzke Communications of Lamberton for $2,000.
Additional campground discussion was on adjusting campground rates. Mountain Lake City Administrator/Clerk Wendy Meyer was directed to get the rates for area campgrounds to be presented at the next council meeting.
In other business
+ Heard an update on the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP). Drew Hage, of the Southwest Minnesota Regional Development Commission, and Administrator Meyer participated in a conference call with the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) staff to discuss the program following the submission of city energy costs. The cost of the GESP audit is expected to be $5,000-$6,000. Two additional energy efficiency program and other aspects of GESP were discussed. As a next step, the city must enter in a joint powers agreement with DOC to participate in GESP. After discussion, the council approved a Joint Power Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
+ Heard the second reading of a city ordinance revision concerning a business in a transitional residential area. The proposed ordinance was reviewed with no action taken.
+ Reviewed the snow removal policy and approved Resolution #30-15.
+ Held the 2015 Budget 3rd Quarter review, with no action taken.
+ Reviewed a quote for a Mountain Lake Police Department bicycle purchase.
+ Reviewed the 2014 Fire Relief Association Investment Report Card.
+ Reviewed the 3rd Quarter Mountain Lake Public School indoor swimming pool bill.
+ Heard from Rachel Yoder in Public Forum. Yoder shared her concerns about the new location of the signs on the Mountain Lake Trail that were north of the dam and recently moved.
+ Reminded of a Wednesday, October 28 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) meeting in Worthington.
+ Mountain Lake Mayor Mike Nelson closed the meeting for a 23-minute closed meeting per attorney/client privilege on pending litigation.
