Council authorizes metered sewer connection and agreement for Article 7 apartment building

The North St. Paul City Council authorized a sump-pump discharge agreement and the sanitary connection for the Article 7 apartment building to resolve an unpermitted discharge of groundwater to the city sanitary sewer.

Staff explained the apartment basement groundwater was being discharged to the sanitary system and that the owner had not obtained a permit for the connection. Because the volume of discharge varies seasonally, staff recommended installing a meter on the discharge line so charges can be measured and billed; the agreement requires the owner to install the meter, obtain necessary permits, allow remote or quarterly reads by city staff, and accept responsibility for any fees incurred, including Met Council charges if applicable.

Ken Roberts said initial checks in dry conditions found no discharge but that flows can be substantial in wet periods; the meter will provide accurate billing rather than averaging. City attorney Jack noted the owner would cover any fees assessed by the Met Council and that the owner must comply with permitting requirements. The council moved and approved the authorization and the accompanying agreement by voice vote.

Next steps: the owner will install the meter and obtain permits; staff will coordinate Met Council notification and billing as required under the agreement.