On November 20, the City Council held a special meeting to discuss the request from Frontline Crop Solutions to provide up to 500 gallons of water per minute during its peak season. The initial request had been made at the November 6 meeting, with representative Kurt Stoltenberg explaining that a 1" water line currently serviced the area that had been recently acquired.
At the time, the council was motivated to look into solutions for this issue, as it was also discovered that other businesses in the Industrial Development had turned down the location due to the lack of water, as fire sprinkler systems could not be brought up to code with the current water service. The council members and City Maintenance officer Craig Nussbaum had discussed different ways that the line and subsequent water service could be, with the most likely route extending the water main from Dows and Highway 11. This presented its own issues, especially regarding potential freezing, as the line would have to cross the bridge. After this discussion, the Council had decided to table the issue until details and costs could be looked into further, and hold a special meeting.
The special meeting was attended by all council members, at which it was revealed that Minnehaha Community Water Corporation allots only 325 gallons per minute for the entire town of Garretson, and very similar amounts for Baltic and Dell Rapids. There is no way the City could provide 500 gallons per minute, even with an increase in the water line. If the City requested more water, it would take away from the allotments within other communities. The issue would be the same regardless of where the business decided to operate, as there is only a set amount of water total for the county.
As Frontline would only require high amounts of water seasonally, it was suggested that the business pursue the options of installing holding tanks or a well. The City could offer the sale of bulk water from its old wells, but would not be able to provide a way for that water to be immediately accessed, and it would be at a rate of approximately 125 gallons per minute.
Also, the ordinances for subdivisions were reviewed, which stated that the developer is responsible for all utilities, street, curb and gutter, etc. to be installed. Despite the City's willingness to work with Frontline and the Industrial Development on increasing the water line; at this time it was found to be cost-prohibitive.
In all, the council decided the best route would be to suggest Plan B to Frontline and to hold off for now on the installation of a larger line.
In other business, City Finance Officer Anna Uhl stated that a second meeeting would be needed for the Planning and Zoning Commission each month. Council member Bill Hoskins suggested for the council to have regular special meetings for the foreseeable future, and use them to invite other experts in. "We've been talking about infrastructure for the community," said Hoskins. "I say let's just do it. I propose we have a meeting and just develop a plan of action, and just prioritize our 'list of stuff.' Then we can bring in the [experts from SECoG, MCWC, Minnehaha County Planning & Zoning] to speak with us. This [meeting tonight] is a perfect example of why we need to be doing this."
Other council members agreed, saying there was a lot that needed to be discussed and planned for regarding upcoming infrastructure. It was decided that the first monthly special meeting would be on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30 pm. The next meeting of the regular City Council will be at 6:30 pm on Monday, January 8 due to the New Year's holiday.
