MINUTES 10-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Litten remarked that the importance of this topic comes across loud and clear and that if Council does its job correctly, no one will notice. Mayor Summers clarified that March 1st is the beginning of the City's discussion with its regulators when the City will formally submit its plan to them. He expressed that he wants Council to be very familiar with the plan by then in order to advocate for it to the regulators. Councilmember Rader expressed appreciation to the administration for taking on this issue and for its concern about the high burden of sewer and water costs to residents. He expressed support for any measures that Council can take to help offset the burden of increased costs to residents. Mayor Summers discussed the project timelines. He stated that the EPA wants all of the work to be completed in about 20 years but that there is realistically 130 years of massively expensive and disruptive work to be done. The City will be advocating for an extended timeframe and flexibility. He noted that spreading out the improvements may make sense because technology may be introduced that can make the work more efficient, noting that the high rate treatment plant was not available as an option 20 years ago. He noted that Lakewood's measures of success may be different from the EPA's. Councilmember Anderson observed that the City increased its capture rate by 9 -10% at a cost of $83 million. Increasing this rate by another 3% could cost $70 million and take 18 years. The closer you get to 100% capture and treat the more expensive it is. In response to questions by Councilmember Bullock, Mayor Summers clarified what the March 1st document will tell the EPA how the City intends to capture and treat 98% of sanitary sewer waste. After March 1st the City will know the rough costs of the proposed projects. Ultimately the EPAs will decide if they will accept the City's plan. The best outcome for the City is flexibility over a long period of time and a five year permit verses a consent decree. He noted that such flexibility is not typically provided and that the usual pattern is a twenty -year consent decree overseen by a Judge. He explained why Lakewood's situation is unique and requires a different approach. Mayor Summers discussed how all of this work has been funded to date. On the motion: All members voted in favor. Communication referred to Committee of the Whole. 17. Communication from Fire Chief Gilman regarding Firefighter Memorial Day (pg.51) Motion by Mr. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Anderson to receive and file the communication. It was clarified that the address of Fire Station 1 is 14601 Madison Ave.