Calumet City staff report progress on water metering; land negotiations continue for new treatment plant

Calumet City council members on Monday received updates on a new cross-departmental water metering program and ongoing negotiations to acquire property for a proposed new water treatment plant.

Council members were told the water metering program — implemented with Public Works and Finance staff — is functioning and may offer future opportunities such as leak detection. Clark, who presented water data at a recent meeting, and Marty, a Public Works staff member, provided annual pumping figures to be incorporated into the city's reporting; staff said those totals are being finalized and will be shared once complete.

The report prompted questions about whether the annual gallons pumped numbers are final. Staff said the figures Clark used in his presentation are near final but not yet published as an official report; staff said they would provide the confirmed numbers in an upcoming Friday update.

Separately, staff reported that negotiations are continuing with landowners for a site the city is considering for a new water treatment plant. Council members and staff discussed whether to move into a closed session to discuss purchase price and negotiation strategy. City legal counsel Sarah told the council it is at the council's discretion whether to enter a closed session to discuss the purchase price and negotiation strategy; she also said some agreements will need formal approval in open session regardless of any prior closed-session discussions.

Council members noted that other nearby projects, such as those in Cottage Grove and Woodbury, had been funded by trustees after negotiated purchase prices, and one member said that experience made them less concerned about the trustees denying funds. Staff indicated they are preparing agreements and will bring additional information back to the council, either in a workshop or for council approval.

Council members were also told the matter is scheduled for discussion at a workshop on May 13. Staff noted that bringing the plant site forward likely will require a comprehensive plan amendment to add the site into the appropriate plan designation; staff recommended taking the item to a workshop to gather council input before advancing formal applications.

There was no formal action taken on the items during the meeting; staff characterized the session as an update and said they will return with more detailed materials for council consideration.