[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6098779,"mediaKeyId","2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915","parentId",2822532,"title","Council leans toward larger water treatment build; staff to seek contractor cost estimate and continue design","audioSeconds",2883,"startMs",3270000,"endMs",6153000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915&start=3270&end=6153","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915/thumbnail_3270000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6098779/Minnetrista-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-leans-toward-larger-water-treatment-build-staff-to-seek-contractor-cost-estimate-and-continue-design","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098779-999435b6ce916e69d7f60844b4e0fc8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193901&Signature=IEFMOLMHca~0MGXXMBvioM8sTWyESHZScQ1AHshpWHDdHm0KciI6VXTjrMfE7tg8z4hIMWABPHWgpBAjgzClOFwDPG8j~t1V8oiRW5LQmh1MgVr71PCbgx8TcxgZ3XULC9bf~CaggD5~U3s0J44PvC~JUTMqvllmVt~qUqdwpPyUG9i7LYHuGKJpC5UYl-yZmC5lUmMSywbmdk3Xo1wbW3VvQLOM5Ch3rqbBDd4MhqB-BSgiqmRJX56BSaeqOtLcBOFjruONsRYnWqTPe7QQ9txCbdgSmYI4cYbMcIEhaRhIwfv~PYduxe65kvQX49spaFVMCtsQ0XG25wnLamlhhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Minnetrista, MN","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Minnetrista city staff and the water-system consultant presented updated planning options for a new south-system water treatment plant, including projected demand, peaking-factor assumptions, filter and storage configurations and preliminary cost estimates.

Staff said the system's historical peak-day factor (the ratio of max-day to average-day demand) has averaged about 3.6 for the south zone between 2019 and 2023. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) typically recommends a design peaking factor of about 2.6; using 2.6 would reduce near-term capacity needs, staff said. Using the city's current 3.6 peak factor leads to a larger recommended treatment capacity and storage.

Staff presented options that bracket capacity and storage: a smaller expansion scenario that would add roughly 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) of treatment capacity (if the peaking factor is reduced toward 2.6) and a larger scenario that would add about 1,700 gpm (or to 2,100 gpm plant capacity when combined with existing capacity). Storage options discussed included a 200,000-gallon pumping chamber with an add-on 400,000-gallon clear well (600,000 total), a 600,000-gallon clear well, and a larger 750,000-gallon clear well. Staff provided preliminary project-cost ranges: early schematic estimates shown in the packet included figures in the roughly $21.8 million to $23.2 million range depending on filter and clear-well choices; staff said removing certain items (for example, a gas-scrubber for a large chlorine system) could reduce the estimate by about $1.4 million.

Council and staff discussed trade-offs: a larger plant and larger clear well extend the time before the city must build additional storage or treatment capacity but raise near-term borrowing and rate impacts; a smaller plant reduces upfront cost but could trigger earlier future construction and higher cumulative cost. Staff noted some design choices (filter type: concrete vs steel) had limited lifecycle cost benefit given current steel prices.

Council gave staff direction to continue design work leaning toward the larger storage/treatment configuration that would push major capacity needs out toward about 2040 if the city retains higher peaking behavior, and to pursue a pre-bid contractor estimate (a CMAR or similar contractor-provided opinion of probable cost) to reduce the risk of unexpectedly high bid results. Staff said it could include bid alternates for the clear well and other elements so the city can stage construction. Council members asked staff to circulate the demand/sensitivity spreadsheet so councilmembers can review peaking-factor scenarios and asked staff to pursue contractor estimates; council did not take a final formal vote at the work session.

Staff emphasized that outcomes depend heavily on the peaking factor (irrigation and seasonal use); they noted that increased onsite stormwater reuse in newer development and lower irrigation demand as landscaping matures could reduce peak-day demand over time. Council directed staff to continue design work, to obtain contractor cost input and to prepare bid documents that include alternates to allow flexibility at bidding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 18, 2025 Minnetrista Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","Minnetrista city staff and the water-system consultant presented planning options for a new south-system water treatment plant, including treatment capacity, storage and cost trade-offs tied to demand assumptions.","taxTitle","Minnetrista City, Hennepin County, Minnesota","taxId",71200,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098784,"Council eyes policy shift on private items in public right-of-way, plans 2026 start and outreach",489,2809000,3298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915&start=2809&end=3298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915/thumbnail_2809000.jpg","/articles/6098784/Minnetrista-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-eyes-policy-shift-on-private-items-in-public-right-of-way-plans-2026-start-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098784-f55e537dd2eac2d65864fd38da94dfd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193901&Signature=E~OvlWg7D~8zu6sakpWeU36J1txfPc2ft8BS-DiIRomu8fkqSmL-7rjpr1SkFuPud5LNafMs9rBdbgDyRuWl6ceKtkQMDrcQMxHgdgs5-Gy2t~7rTgQxojWU1ESp6krCu0BTQT8lddydLEYdLs38jWIysfRWX7zIpLhAvjVqvZtaSRcXICd1giHA2PVgfQ6LWZgknLLrLNEzzMs9Fk7w-JYILayiJRgaAaVZAv~YBRQIQVdvO7xreOP9mal8SEe1fz~EDgmugX5kFgwGxyHBvdt9XOZaN1Wni5FFRT3uJ2zI~zA6XqIGxcZ7tXqWsB~x4~Si0t59xXgOIf9E6f4yxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff asked the Minnetrista City Council for direction on enforcing the ordinance that prohibits private items in the public right-of-way, and suggested beginning active enforcement tied to the 2026 reconstruction cycle.

Staff described recurring delays and added costs during recent reconstruction projects when irrigation systems, invisible pet fences and other private improvements were located in the right-of-way. Staff said the city sometimes performs or pays for interim repairs to keep projects moving, then disputes bills submitted by homeowners or contractors after the fact.

Under the staff proposal, property owners would be responsible for removing or relocating private improvements in the right-of-way prior to reconstruction work. Staff recommended a start date in 2026 to allow time for outreach and to avoid disrupting projects already scheduled for 2025. Councilmembers supported a phased approach: public notice, website and social-media outreach, and incorporation of the requirement into building-permit communications so new builders do not install features in the right-of-way.

Council members noted the common public misunderstanding about where the right-of-way line falls and asked staff to include clear guidance and to continue replacing trees where residents request them. Staff said they take pre-construction photos and document conditions but that not enforcing the rule imposes extra administrative and construction-management costs. No formal ordinance change was adopted; council gave direction to begin the communication and to implement enforcement tied to the 2026 reconstruction program.

Staff will notify residents and builders of the policy, add guidance to permit and outreach materials and coordinate neighborhood meetings for projects to explain rights and responsibilities.","City staff asked Minnetrista City Council for direction to enforce the city's ordinance prohibiting private improvements in the public right-of-way, and recommended starting enforcement tied to reconstruction projects in 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098790,"Residents press Minnetrista council for crosswalks on Woodland Cove Boulevard; council asks staff for criteria and more public input",2172,627000,2799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915&start=627&end=2799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915/thumbnail_627000.jpg","/articles/6098790/Minnetrista-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Residents-press-Minnetrista-council-for-crosswalks-on-Woodland-Cove-Boulevard-council-asks-staff-for-criteria-and-more-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098790-3ed884d370e4d0940185e96e6dfe40a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193901&Signature=ao2Mo6idxF5~Tf7So6BLHTkuMK~~Kg5SQ1wKcqnmiXZiSbY9QI6VuFFn9zrF7MBJppZMWEKC2Y24TNgE7dORBfxA3GzOIWWYrf0Mq-FSq7AfM5BjOiHEbs0QNYqqT8osjc2rjxz6qSJ5B9LjNgeTlrZkhnf2K0oW3WWjXqZ8SC-5ZWrnwIvZfBwsgmEdXkrvwtJ7f3W5WJ4W7IsOnYf0Ywk8WhZWhj~gEZ8aOkDSbA29l2e0oM5RVo1M5jwE~8Gvf2MtgYyLQ0D1gkJsbMRNWIX1ttb3o7DQ7NljSPePqNc-rMCnuOxMxd9RseQZtV68Bn006TBTJpWr1FvP70uIdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woodland Cove residents and the neighborhood HOA urged the Minnetrista City Council to install marked crosswalks on Woodland Cove Boulevard to improve pedestrian safety near a park and bus stop.

At the work session, staff said engineering analysis conducted for the request does not meet standard warrants for installing a marked crosswalk or pedestrian-activated flashers. Staff described the engineering factors that are considered—speed, average daily traffic (ADT), accident history and sightlines—and told council the Uniform Traffic Control Device Manual and technical guidance from traffic engineers are used to evaluate requests.

Several residents addressed the council. Aaron Dennehy, who said he lives at 4600 Foxglove Drive, told council the University of Minnesota found one year that \"60% of cars did not yield to pedestrians at unmarked crosswalks\" and argued that marking crossings reduces incidents. Dennehy said he had captured video of pedestrians crossing and drivers not yielding.

Police and engineering staff cautioned that adding marked crossings where engineering standards are not met can create a false sense of security. Paul Pfaff, chief of police, told council, \"Every corner is a crosswalk. That's from the Minnesota Department of Transportation,\" and warned that simply adding markings without meeting sightline and speed criteria can increase confusion.

Staff provided preliminary cost and maintenance figures: roughly $500 in initial materials and labor to paint a single crosswalk (staff estimated about $500 per crosswalk for installation, roughly $250 per sign, and ongoing repainting/maintenance at about $1,000 per crosswalk per year), and said that adding signed, flashing pedestrian crossings would be more costly than painted markings. Staff also pointed to precedent and equity concerns: if the council approves one crossing outside of engineering warrants, other neighborhoods may request the same.

Council members discussed two practical next steps: ask staff and police to draft objective criteria the city will use for future crosswalk requests, and invite Woodland Cove neighbors to speak at the regular March 17 council meeting so the council can hear broader neighborhood support or opposition. Staff also noted the bus stop near one requested location should be discussed with the school/bus operator about stop placement; staff said the master HOA had opposed the request while the subdivision HOA had made the request.

Council did not take a final vote. The council asked staff to prepare criteria for council review and encouraged residents to bring letters or attend the March 17 meeting to provide broader input.","Woodland Cove residents and an HOA representative asked the council to add marked or signalized crosswalks on Woodland Cove Boulevard. City staff and the police chief said engineering standards do not currently warrant a crossing; council asked staff to develop objective criteria and invited residents to testify at the March 17 meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098793,"Council open to Xcel Energy easement over City Hall property; attorney review to follow",352,261000,613000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915&start=261&end=613","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2822532-564e9b9a092ca612553f4ce1b3a0d915/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6098793/Minnetrista-City/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-open-to-Xcel-Energy-easement-over-City-Hall-property-attorney-review-to-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098793-cf217a6a168b839660a163f666fc0b5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193901&Signature=WXyeXafKpUxsQH2uzH2acLcr6QK7LU4dNojzKQ5eC8p0BwIoq63ZrZy7uOCh~QdjwSYBvUilLkm9SomJDeltwJ9WmnrSVUZRGgTAlld31lnh86p5Cvvfr3-vp281MMnsoCkbQaaxXtqs5PVGbI20FKNLppVMT1ISqbrtWiGEfNcEp7aC~GtPZ6~yTO33ZNp4r4M1RtEuM-dxlF8HS4alT~cFaHhUeVUXDAtz6KQhsHA1mf81Q0m-jaMhL0eVoo31dO7LNakRvkJxVIYPYlQBawXnlQori8WPepkxfz4lt~4kXhs6gzKjLaHDAn0Pvdp03WhKokdwtcWHg9-muflOvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Minnetrista City Council members heard an early request from Xcel Energy to obtain an easement across the rear of city hall and police property to straighten a transmission line.

City staff described a map in the meeting packet showing a “weird jog” in the line and said Xcel has proposed a straight-line reroute across city land. Staff said Xcel offered to pay a market-rate value in the range of $5,000 to $6,000 for the easement, and that alternatives include a license agreement or leaving the line in its current location.

Council and staff discussed environmental permitting and potential wetlands impacts. Staff said that if wetlands are affected, Xcel would need to proceed through the wetland-review process (described in the packet as a “WACCAP process”), and might need to purchase mitigation credits or replace wetlands, depending on impacts. Council members asked whether towers or other structures would be placed on city property; staff said Xcel had not finalized design and could not yet confirm installation details.

Council members pressed the compensation question and noted that attorney-review and appraisal costs could approach the amount Xcel offered; staff replied that Xcel has been told it must pay the city’s legal costs and stated Xcel could choose to seek an appraisal. Staff also reported that Xcel had said it would decline to proceed if the city insisted on substantially more than the offered amount.

After discussion the council expressed a willingness to continue discussions and asked staff to proceed with the standard next steps: request Xcel’s formal easement documents, have the city attorney review the terms, confirm whether Xcel will pay appraisal and attorney fees, and report back to council before any final decision. No final easement was executed at the meeting.

The easement discussion was informational only; staff described possible paths and asked whether the council wanted to pursue negotiations. Council members indicated tentative acceptance of continued negotiation and staff follow-up.","Xcel Energy has asked Minnetrista City for an easement to straighten a transmission line across the rear of City Hall and police property. The council indicated tentative willingness to continue talks, asked staff to have the city attorney review documents and to confirm appraisal/fee practices before any agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council leans toward larger water treatment build; staff to seek contractor cost estimate and continue design

Council eyes policy shift on private items in public right-of-way, plans 2026 start and outreach

Residents press Minnetrista council for crosswalks on Woodland Cove Boulevard; council asks staff for criteria and more public input

Council open to Xcel Energy easement over City Hall property; attorney review to follow