HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-0418.REG.MIN MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
April 18, 2000
Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E Main Street
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hanson, Wheeldon and Fine were present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular meeting of April 4, 2000 were approved as presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS:
1. Presentatinn of Plaque to Finance Director Jill Turner,
Mayor Shaw recognized Finance Director Jill Turner for her 13 years of service and reed a letter of appreciation
and acknowledZment submitted by prior City Administrator Brian Almquist.
2. Mayor's Proclamation of April 30 through May 6 as "City Recorders Week"
3. Mayor*s Proeiomation of April 22, 2000 as "Earth Day.**
Mayor Shaw reed prochtnations.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees.
2. Confirmation of Mayor's appointments/reappointmenis to Boards, Commissions and Committees.
3. Termination of Improvement Agreement No. 89-200~9 for AIta Avenue (Tax Lot 39 IE 5DC-1303)
Councilor Wheeldon requested that the Council Study Session minutes ha mended to explain that she was asking
for a profde of other communities, like the City of Ashland, that had edopted the Living Wage Ordinance. Mayor
Shaw noted that on page 3 of 3, 3'l paragraph under City Council Agendas, 2"~ sentence should read "Suggested
that this had improved....'
Councilors Reid/Whceldon m/s to approve Consent Agenda. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (None)
PUBLIC FORUM
Erik Navklms/711 Faith Street/Spoke regarding the Ski Ashland expansion and felt the reason that this proposal
has been so controversial is because there has been very liffie democratic process in its development He stated that
this is a community owned development and that the city does hold the lease and the power, under the 1929
agreement, that defines the relationship between the Forest Service and the city.
He stated that there are subsequent memorandums ofunderstendinZs that phce the responsibility on the city to input
on any project in the Ashland Municipal Watershed. He stated that the critical importance of the watershed as our
drinking water supply and the history and potential for taxpayer expenses due to flooding and erosion to Reeder
Reservoir demand official council review and appwval of input submitted. He stated that "non-neglect" is not
acceptable policy in regards to Ashland's municipal watershed.
He asked that the council request an extension on the public comment period for the DEIS and the SId Ashland
expansion until two requirements are met. The requirements are as followed: l) that the council officially and
publicly review an approved public comment to ha submitted by the City of Ashland on the DEIS and 2) that the
public comment period is extended until US Forest Service can schedule an open public meeting with the scientists
that drafted the DEIS.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (None)
City Council Meeting 4-18-00
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NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
I. Council meeting Look Ahead.
City Administrator Mike Freeman explained that there may be items scheduled for the May 2 end May 16 meetings
that may need to be moved due to the significent issues surrounding the wastewater options. Council discussed the
option of en additional council meeting on May
2. Green Power purchase options.
City Adminismltor Mike Freemen explained that the council had asked that the staff identify options for offering a
green power alternative to the community through the electric utillty. Director ofElectric Utilities Pete Lovrovich
presented the four options for the council to consider are as follows:
1. Purchase lMw of green power in FY 2000-1
· Raise rates as ofFY 2000-Ol 1.7% to cover costs
2. Purchase 1Mw of green power in FY 2000-01
· Implement subscription process in ordjr to pay for costs of $135,000
3. Purchase IMs of green power in FY 2001-02
· Re-evaluate C.O.S. study end combine rates to cover new BPA contract end green power options.
4. Don't purchase 1Mw of green power
Councilor Reid voiced her support of purchasing green power end being pert of the consortinto that purchases
green power. She suggested that council adopt Option 1 of the options proposed by staff.
Councilor Hanson voiced his preference for Option 4 end stated that he didn't know if he wanted to pay more for
the privilege of using green power. He commented that he is not averse to green power, but that we should consider
making our own green power instead purchasing it from someone else.
Reid explained that we are moving forward with the solar program, but to think that we are doing this with
resources from this community, are wrong. She stated that we are able to do this with resources from this region,
end the reason that these regional resources are available to us, end are being invested in our community, are
because other utilities have steppad up to the plate end purchased green power. Because of this, she feels, we have
an obligation to become one of the panneTs in this.
Councilor Fine stated that he would like to put this discussion off until after the entire budget for the coming year
has been reviewed end that he views this as a tax increase. He commented that the administration has continued to
warn that the general fund end the core city departments funded ~om the general fund, ma3e be facing tough times
in the future. He also conunented that at the scheduled Study Session for tomorrow, the council will be reviewing
material showing that there are 2,237 households who have ext~mcly low household income. He stated that
although this is a very valuable project, he would like to consider this in the overall city finences end tax stnlcture.
Shaw clarified that this is not a tax that we are buying electricity that is more expensive, end that we are paying the
going rate.
Laws stated that we would have to assume that this would result in en increase in alecU'ic rates. He explained that
there is a genereliza~ou that people who have low incomes live in houses that are less insulated end have higher
costs associated with utilities. Laws voiced his concern with the impact that this may have, but agrees that this is
"for the good of the earth" end that it is necessm3, to do. He agreed that we should wait until after seeing the full
budget to make a decision, but acknowledged that he is inclined to move forward on this in the 2000-01 budget.
City Adminiswator Mike Freemen stated that the only significant increase in eny fees, charges or taxes in the
proposed budget is in planning fees and aiq:~ort hangar rental fees.
Councilor Hauck voiced concern with the impact to lower income households, but felt that there is some flexibility
with the staff recommendation Option 3. To do this as part of our renegotiating with BPA, as well as when we do
the Cost of Service Study so that we have sense of where we are fiscally with the department and whether we cen
absorb the cost. He also noted the possibility of securing a conservation credit that could be up to half the cost of
the purchase of the new power end supports the staff recommendation of Option 3.
Reid clarified that ~e purchasing of groen power is inchdad in the proposed 2000-01 budget end she would prefer
that it remain in the current proposed budget.
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 2 of 8
Councilors Reid/Wheeldon m/s to leave the green power porehase in the 2000-01 budget and if through the
budget process it is determined that it is too onerous, then it would be evaluated, and before the budget is
passed, it will be reviewed. DISCUSSION: Lovrovieh explained that the Super Good Sense program exceeds
the initial insulation factors in terms of the conservation program. He explained that the conservation
program is still in place and that projects are being funded. Freeman clarified that there are still low
interest loans available for ratrofitting of insulation in homes. Wheeldon requested that more information
from staff be provided on the possibility of increasing the outreach for those homes with this need. Hauek
commented that most households, at this level, do not own their own homes. That it is typically the
landlord's responsibility but not the landlord's coneera. Hanson noted that Option 2 offers a subscription so
that if you want to bill yourself with the green power you can do that it wouldn't necessarily affect your
neighbor who may have a low income. Shaw urged council to support Reid's proposal Freeman clarified
understanding of the council that they would like to have the green power as it is proposed in the budget, He
explained that there would be no rate increase this coming fiscal year, but that it would be wrapped into a
rate increase for the following fiscal year and he referred to this as Option 1A.
Hauek commented on his support of the green power and wouM like to continue Option 3 to renew the
options through our BPA eentraeL
Reid amended the motion to incorporate Freeman's Option IA and Option 3. Roll Call Vote: Laws, Reid,
Hauek, Hanson, and Wheeldon, YES; Fine, NO. Motion passed 5=1.
3. Confirmation of Mayor's appointments to Ad Hoe Citizen Transportation, Transit & Parking
Committee.
Mayor stated that she would prefer to spend more time appointing the members of this committee as she had
received 35 requests to fill the intended six spots on the committee. Shaw stated that she would llke to have as
many participants as possible, and for as long as possible. She agreed to expedite this process by the end of the
week to meet the intensity of the upcmning Friday morning meetings.
4. Transportation Issues Related to the RVACT Meeting of April 1 i, 2000.
Public Works Director PaulaBrown presented summary of recommended actions as a result of the April 11, 2000
Roguc Valley Area Commission on Trnnspomttien (RVACT). She noted a new program, Local Street Network
Program, that is being tested by ODOT as part of the Oregon Livability Initiative. She explained that the feastrating
pan about the program is that ODOT has identified an amount of money, given deadlines to apply for pwjects as of
May 19, with funding available July 1, and the projects would need to done within 12 months. Brown suggested
that she send a letter to ODOT supporting the program, questioning the timing of the pwgram, and the need to
provide these types of tim& in the future so that local communities can provide better planning.
Brown explained that ODOT is looking for "off system" projects that help to alleviate congestion on the system.
She stated that a likely candidate, which might be able to be completed within this short time frame, is the
realignment at Wimer Street, Hersey Street and North Main S~'eet.
Reid questioned if the sidewalk improvement project on Toiman C~'ek is moving forward. Brown explained that
there are two pieces to this project that she is aware of. One of them is the Mistletoe Road realignment
intersection/sidewalk improvement and the other is sidewalk improvements, but nut in this fiscal year.
Reid questioned Freeman regarding discussion that this would happen this coming summer. Freeman explained
that staff is back working with the neighborhood group and will bring back a recommendation. He stated thet this
would likely be a Local Improvement District (LID), and explained that the city budgets as much as it cen each year
for LID's. Discussed how project priority is determined. Reid voiced concern with the possibility of this pwject
getting placed behind another pwject.
Council discussed the possibility of putting fully designed projects together in the future so that if this program
continues, we would have projects ready to submit for funding.
Reid voiced concern with the To[man Creek sidewalk pwject going back to the neighborhood meeting stage and is
concerned with the possible delay of this project. She requested that this issue be taken up at a Study Session.
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 3 of 8
5. Decision to Accept Jurisdictional Exchange with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
along Highway 99 (Siskiyou Boulevard) from 4th to Walker Streets in Conjunction with the
Approved STIP Modernization ProjecL
Public Works Director Puula Brown explained that council is being requested to make a decision on whether to
accept jurisdictional exchange with 0DOT. She explained the middle section, Fourth Street to Walker Street of
Siskiyou Boulevard, is what has been referred to as the "spine." She stated that there are two other projects in the
state transportation improvement plan for this year, one of which is to put asphalt on the other two sections of
Sisklyou Boulevard. Brown clarified that the modernization project for the middle seedon is to make it safe and
friendly for both bicycle and pedestrian trai~c.
Brown stated that the pwject cost is estimated at $2.Smillion and stressed the importance of holding to this
estimation. She explained that the maintenance will double fknn what ODOT previously pot into the street,
estimated at $38,000 a year, and that the city will receive $413,000 from ODOT for maintenance. Bwwn stated that
staff has looked at meeting the $2.Smillion project cost and determined that we would need to borrow ahead about
$57,000. She recommended that we set aside the money received from ODOT, less the $57,000 in order to make
up the total cost for Siskiyou Boulevard.
Brown clarified for the council, that the S85,000 is what is budgeted for Boulevard maintenance and that staff is
working toward developing a more economical and efficient system to water and maintain the Boulevard.
Laws commented that when the modernization of Siskiyou Blvd. was first designed, it was done through the
invitation of the public to participate. He stated that because there have been some changas of design to the
Boulevard from what these individuals initially came up with, he would like to insist on continued invitation to the
public to participate in the design of Siskiyou Boulevard.
Reid noted the importance of Siskiyou Boulevard to the community, both historically and through the use of the
Boulevard. She voiced concern that we are trying to accomplish a lot with a very tight budget and that we may be
setting ourselves up for disappoinUnent. Another concern that she noted, is that we may be opening a pandora ' s
box and that we may fmd additional problems underground that have no funding to fix. Hauck noted that
consU~ction is not set to take place until 2002 and that funding has bean set aside for under-grounding from the
Electric Department.
Brown explained that the majority of the issues have come from storm drains and that most these were identified
through the Storm Drain Master Plan. She stated that there are storm drain fees and system development charges
that have been set aside for storm drains. Brown stated that she will bring back a financing plan for Siskiyou
Boulevard that includes these costs. She explained that council has not been given the final report on the Storm
Drain Master Plan because the financing plan is not included.
Councilors Laws/Fine m/s to direct staff to do the following: 1. accept jurisdictional exchange with ODOr,
2. direct staff to complete transfer documents and agreements, and
3. direct staff to continue to pursue obtaining am additional $280,000 from ODOT for
drainage improvements in conjunction with the modernization project
4. Request that ODOT robin the Ashland Siskiyou Boulevard 4m * Walker Modernization Project '
in the 2002 construction year, but authorize a split construction funding so that the project can
be completed over the 2002-2004 construction years.
Roll Call Vote: Hanson, Reid, V~lneeldon, Laws, Fine and Hauck, YES. Motion passed.
6. Update of the Wetlands Bomonstrntion Project and consultant request for continued system changes
and monitoring through the end of October 2000.
Public Works Di~'ector Paula Brown introduced Dustin Wasley, Scninr Project Manager/Engineer Cascade Earth
Science, Dr. Pe~r Burgoon, Engineered Natural Systems and Tom Debush DB Environmental Labs. She explained
that the consultants were asked to provide a summary on the existing system, proposed changes, where the system
worked or didn't work. She also indicated that the consultants are requesting approval for an additional $125,000
for 5-6 months of monitoring and final evaluation at the end of this calendar year.
WasIcy presented overview of the project and explained the significant modifications to the wetlands project. He
explained that the current layout of the wetlands is composed of three free water watlande followed by two sand
filters, followed by four soil filters. The idea was that the free water wetland was for TSS and BOD removal as
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 4 of 8
well as temperature reduction and habitat. The sand filters were designed for nitrification of ammonia, PH
adjustment and TSS removal. He stated that the backbone for phosphorous removal was the soil filters as well as
expected temperature reduction.
Presented the monitoring levels of temperature and phosphorous results in the soil filter effluent and explained the
process that they used to lower the levels. Using these methods they have concluded that soil filters are not
effective in achieving the DEQ criteria for TP removal and temperature reduction, and that it was not economically
feasible for a full-scale system. They recommended abandoning the sand and soil filter and replacing it with a
submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and floating aquatic plant vegetation wetland.
Burgoon explained the proposed layout of the wetlands and the general recommendations for the changes to the
system. He explained that the estimated land requirements for a full scale natural system are the following: I)
Treatment Train I(FWS and SAV wetlands), less than 115 acres; 2) Treatment Train 2 (floating plant and SAV
wetland) less than 45 acres and 3) Treatment Train 3 (SAV wetlands) lass than 85 acres.
He reviewed the rationale for the proposed wetland and SA V pilot system and stated that the project has
demonstrated TP concentrations less than .08 mgfl, and that it is a tachnolog~, supported by Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP). There are three parallel treat systems to ensure as much design information as
possible. They are cornmiRed to trying to keep the system operating as much as possible. The overell full scale
system should have much less land requirement than the original design. They believe that they can meet the
discharge limits for phosphorous and current understanding of the temperature limits and to facilitate discharge to
Bear Creek and help maintain the minimum flows. He also noted the aesthetic benefits associated with the
wetlands.
Wasley presented results from phosphorous removal from emergent wetlands throughout the U.S. to point out
positive results from the operation of those systems. He explained that free water surface systems have played an
important rote in removal of phosphorous.
Debusk presented the weftand experience of DBEL and noted the companies that they have worked for. He
explained the phosphorous removal procedure using emergent wetlands, treatment wetlan~L% and SA V wetlands.
He proposed a SAV wetland demonsWation for phosphorous removal, and explained that Oregon has similar
performances and plant species as Florida does in the winter. He stated that the major change for this project would
be to create a wetland that was designed specifically to remove phosphorous.
He explained that phosphorous is something that is coming through the antire system and that there is some partial
removal occurring in the wastewater Ireatment plant. He suggests recon~guring the treatment plant to n certain
extent in order to remove additional phosphorous. If this was done, it would shrink the foot print of the wetlands
that would be needed and suggested that a cost benefit analysis of the cost of getting more phosphorous Ireatment in
the wastewater treatmant plant venus n back-and wetland.
Explanation was made for the council on the possibility of lining the wetlands in order to meet concerns raised by
DEQ. Additional information was provided regarding the type of vegetation that would be required, potential
problems associated with shading ofwetlands, temperature control, and required depth ofwetlands.
Wasley clarified for the council that the Jackson Bottoms example that was shown was, for an emergent wetland
not a submerged wetland. It was explained that Jackson Bottoms is in the Portland area and that they were taking
effluent from the Rock Creek wastewater treatment plant to Wy and meet the .08 phosphorous limits. Wasley stated
that the facility has been abandoned.
Reid noted that conventional wisdom seems to be leery of any idea that hasn't been around or tested for a long time
and she understands the need to be skeptical due to the use of public monies. Wasley explained that they try to
bring together good sound standard and preventional environmental engineering along with these systems.
Fine explained that our state government has told the city that unless we come up with a fn'm solution to deal with
our effluent in the next 50 days, we are going to be in trouble. Fine understands that the consulting team is nut
prepared to give an answer in 50 days, but rather than in December. He questioned, that even if we get the best
possible results from the experiment, would we be able to get an engineering company to sign an iron clad coutract
to meat the state government .08 phosphate requirement.
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 5 of 8
Debusk explained that this is a riskier proposition than the conventional method and that what they are proposing is
a lower cost option with higher risk. He feels that the council needs to ask what technology is available to get to the
.08 phosphate levels, what is the cost and what is the risk of failure. He feels that what is being proposed fits in this
continuum with lower cost and higher risk. Wasley stated that ifthey can demonstrate their leveis that have been
demonstrated in Florida, the probability of signing on a contracting engineer is very high, if this could be done by
Octol~r 2000.
Debusk addressed concerns raised regarding reliability of the system, disease, bad weather or any other adverse
situation that would affect the plants. He explained that the pilot demonstration would give a good indication of
these concerns and stat~l that there is a Florida sys~m that has been openSinS for five years with gradual in~ases
of quality each year. He clarified that there are no municipal wastewater systems in Florida, all of the systems
mentioned in Florida are related to agricultm'al se~ngs.
Brown clarified for the council that the study previously done, in regards to land requirements for wetlands, was the
land between the trealmen~ plant and Valley View Road.
Bob Eimstad from CarolIn Engineers explained that the new WWTP was not designed to remove phosphorous but
noted that it will be a significant improvement over the old plant. He stated that it is a matter of the cost tradeoff, on
what it would cost to treat it in a wetland versus what it would cost to treat it at the treatment plant. Ehnstad
explained that they would be able to datermine and provide information on what the level of discharge for
phosphorous would be.
Freeman requested the council take into consideration the following important points: 1) that there is already
$500,000 into the project; 2) the DEQ deadline and their non-support of this technology; 3) no guarantee that it will
work although it sounds very promising in regards to the results from Florida; and 4) the track record being only
five years. He feels that these points need to be kept in focus because we are on a fast track to make a decision if
DEQ does not give us any flexibility in terms of decision making. He stated that from his perspective, this is a risky
venture to consider as a sole solution.
Reid stated that we could ask for more time from DEQ and pOssibly get support from the Governor' s office. She
feels that if we need more time, we should be asking for suppOrt to do tl~. She feels we should ask DEQ for more
time to either study the .08 limits or more time to pwvide additional information along with support from the
environmental community.
Fine agreed with the points that Freeman brought up and stated that he doesn't see that the experiment, even if it is
successful, would get the result that we need within the required time frame. He feels that we would be dividing
our staff' s attention between alternative solutions if we ask tire staff to cooperate with this project in the next 40- 50
days.
Shaw feels that we can do all of this and explained that the neighbors have promised to appeal to LUBA and noted
that all of this takes time. She feels that this is exactly what the council asked of staff, to keep options open. Shaw
noted that we have an interesting window that would allow the city to continue with this project to meet the
requirements and at the same time checking out the wetland proposal data. Shaw feels that we should focus on the
fact that new data and new information is being provided for the wetlands. Fine was persuaded by Shaw and agreed
that the possible upside of the project mayjustlfy risking $125,000 along with the possibility of buying more time.
Hauck stated that, assuming that the council goes with the modified plan for the wetlands, the data and the final
report will be back before the council makes the final decision in putting out contracts for construction of this
project.
Councilors Wheeldon/Hsuck m/s to extend meeting until 10:30 p.m. Voice vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
Wheeldon voiced her concern on getting sidetracked and losing the focus. She clarified that the council was
counting on the neighbors suing the city and that the city is going to ask for more time from DEQ. Laws stated that
the council may be forgetting that we need to have a plan by hne 3. He reminded the council that the city needs to
do the following: 1) revise the spray irrigation plan; 2) provide a plan that would use the new plant to its maximum;
3) continue to gather information on taking effluent to Medford; and 4) consider the modification to the wetlands
experiment.
City Council Meeting 4-18-00
Page 6 of 8
Councilors Hanson/Reid m/s to approve continuation of this experiment if for no other reason that we are
going to add to a body of know!edg~ that is going to be useful in the future and to hold Cascade Earth
Science to the $125,000. DISCUSSION: Shaw questioned if it were necessary to continue to push the
Medford option using staff time. Laws requested that council wait until the letters and information that had
been requested are received before making this decision. Laws understood that our wetlands have been
getting the temperature below the 64.degree level Assuming that the phosphorous doesn't work, he
questioned if the wetlands would still be the solution and would it mean, if we had more wetlands, would it
meet the temperature requirement. Wasley explained thM they are proposing to put a continuous
tempocatare monitoring device in the wetlands to get an idea what the fluctuation is throughout the day
period. Brown clarified that they did not take into account any cleaning of storm water effluent. Shaw
noted that there had been discussion regarding the differmace of when we had to be out of the creek and
when storm water actually happened. Reid stated her support of the wctinnd's option and her desire for
the plant to bring down the phosphate level, understood that the direction is to resize the sprinkler heads for
spray irrigation, of wkich she does not want to do, but she is willing to support this because it is inclusive and
we have not eliminated all our options. Reid stated her aoal as doing the best cost analysis on getting us to
the creek. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
Shaw emphasized the need for council to take the Medford option off the table. She sugaested that staff not spend
any more time on this, but to only collect the requested information.
Councilors Reid/Hanson m/s that staff not spend any more time on the Medford option other than to collect
requested information. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed.
7. Discuuion regarding group serving as Advisory Board to City of Ashland with regard to management of
the Ashland Watershed.
Wheeldon stated that she had been working with the Watershod Alliance and that they have been contact with Lincla
Duff'y regarding the need of the city to be involved. She noted that there are watershed issues coming up and the
need to discuss and move quickly is important. Wheeldon felt that Linthi Duffy's letter was clem, in regards to the
level of experience that she is looking for, which would help her to act on the city's behalf mad further the
Memorandum of Understanding regarding the activity in the watershed.
Fine shared a concern of the chairperson for the Forest Lands Commission, that the council may make a decision on
appointing an advisory body, without consulting the Forest Lands Commission. He pointed out that there are
members of the commission with technical expertise and experience on resource management of forest lands around
the city. Shaw explained that the difference between the Forest Lands Commission mad Advisory Board, is that
there is a need for more technical advice expertise with broad representation mad that the Board would also be
responsible for a much larger area of management, She feels that the Forest Commission needs to be kept focused
on the lands around Ashland, but that the two groups are to coordinate with each other, and that there be members
shared between these two groups.
Laws voiced concern that the present Fomt Commission had trouble getting a quorum to conduct a meeting. He
feels that the Ashland Ranger District is asking for a larger scope of expertise than what our Forest Commission
has. He suggested that we do away with the Forest Commission and turn its functions over to either staff or the
new commission. Shaw did not agree with this suggestion as she feeis both groups are needed and that they serve
different purposes. Reid commented that as a liaison to this committee for a year, there was only one meeting that
did not have a quorum. She stated that in the ordinance ou~ining the duties and responsibilities of this commission,
it states that the Forest Commission is to work with the Forest Service in the watershed.
Shaw clarified that, as Mayor, in appointing an ed-hoc committee, she does not have to secure permission from the
council.
Council agreed to put continued discussion on this item off until next council meeting due to time constraints.
8. Continuing diseussion of wastewater effluent management options.
Public Works Director Pauh Brown introduced Bob Elmstad from Carollo Engineers who presented a memo on the
question of, when does temperature effect us if we were to release to the stream year around.
Eimstad explained that there were a number of issues that were not addressed at the time the permit was being
negotiated with DEQ that related to summer time water quality conditions, He explained that Bear Creek and
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 7 of 8
Ashland Creek have been identified as water quality limited for temperature and that DEQ is obligated m develop a
TMDL for temperature. He stated the current standard is set at 64-degrees to protect salmonid fLsh rearing which
occurs in Bean Creek and Ashland Creek. That this is to be applied on a yean around basis, in the entire basin,
except in those waters and those times which support native selmonid spawning, egg incubation, and ~'y
emergence. He stated that these occur March through July, with no impact in August through October, but would
return in November. What this means is, that if we have these activities in locations that would be impacted by our
discharge, the 55-degree limit would apply during those months.
Elmstad stated that in~uent anound treatment plants is typically around 70-degrees in the summan months and going
out of the treatment plant would raise the temperature by 2 or 3-degrees through the treaunent plant process. He
commented that there would be a lot of cooling required in order to reach the 64.-degree limit. He explained that
DEQ has stated that municipalities and other point sources, which are causing more than .25 degrees of increase at
the edge of the mixing zone, have to develop a surface water temperature management plan.
He stated that the city needs to get the effluent down to the criteria temperatures for those seasons, or get out of the
sUeam. Or, fmd some other wayto bring, through a combination of reducing the temperature of effluent and doing
other management practices, sWeems into compliance.
He explained that decreasing the temperature of Ashland' s effluent alone will not bring Bean Creek into compliance
with water quality standards. That, in order to meet water quality standards, there needs to be a lot of change made
watershed wide.
Eimstad reported that the city does not have a permit for the following: 1 ) dischange to the creek for roughly one
half of the yean (May through Novemer); 2) temperaUtre issue; 3) BOD in the summer months; and 4) ammonia
limits in the summer months. He explained that all of this needs to be negotiated with DEQ which will involve a lot
work in determining what those limits ane. He stated that when they worked on this initially, the focus was strictly
on the months that the city would be dischanging to the ercek.
Elmstad agreed to attend the continuing council meeting tomorrow at noon for further discussion.
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
1. Reading by title only of "A Resolution Esthblishimg the Name of Old Masonk Walkway to be
Applied to the Public Walkway at 25 N. Main Street.
Moved to continued council meeting April 19, 2000.
OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Moved to continued council mee~ng April 19, 2000.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. to the continued meeting on April 19, 2000.
City Council Meeting 4-18-00 Page 8 of 8