Jessica Foster
Staff WriterHomeowners in the city of Forest Lake can expect a visitor come March or April. All homes in the city limits will be inspected to see if the sump pumps are properly installed.
Residents will not be charged for the inspection. However they will be responsible for making any necessary changes such as rerouting the sump pump to discharge outside, rather in the sanitary sewer system.
ìWe pay by the gallon,î City Administrator Chip Robinson said of costs to discharging into the sewer system. ìEvery gallon that gets pumped to the Pigís Eye plant in St. Paul we pay for, the taxpayers pay for.î
The problem arises from sump pumps hooked to discharge into the sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps should be discharging into residentsí yards, Robinson said.
ìWe think it will pay for itself,î City Engineer Phil Gravel said. ìThe flow weíre eliminating is unmetered flow so weíre not charging for it. But weíve been paying for it.î
In addition to home inspections, the Infiltration/Inflow Elimination Plan includes investigating known and suspected areas of foundation drains, leaking cleanouts and leaking services. The manhole inspection and repair program also will be revived to identify leaks and other problems.
Too the public works department will annually clean sewers, televise to find problems and repair what is needed. Before being accepted by the city, new construction will be pressure tested and televised. New homes also will be required to provide the hard plumbing of sump pumps to the outside of the home.
The issue will be explored further at a public information meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the Central Learning Center Cafetorium.
Snowmobile race
Greg Weiss, Nathan Lantto and Pete Paider came to the city council meeting Monday night with visions of snow and solid ice. Weiss heads up the Explorer program for the Forest Lake Police. Paider owns the Laker and Lantto is with the Central Minnesota Speed Association.
They are coming together for a snowmobile race consisting of 1000í speed runs set for Saturday, Feb. 28 on First Lake. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Explorers. Last yearís event raised $2001.
The council approved the event, provided there is sufficient ice on the lake for safety.
Other business
In other business, the Forest Lake City Council Monday night
ï Granted a gambling permit for the Hopkins Jaycees for Feb. 7 (alternate date Feb. 14) Golden Rainbow Ice Fishing Contest.
ïGranted a temporary one day liquor license for Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Feb. 7 (alternate date Feb. 14) Golden Rainbow Ice Fishing Contest.
ïGranted a permit for Centerville Lions to host a raffle at Forest Lake VFW on Feb. 21.
ïApproved concept plan for Mark of Excellence Homes.
ïApproved final plan and Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Gateway Green.
ïApproved concept plan for Stoney River Development Corporation for a major subdivision.
ï Approved raising park dedication fees to $2000 per lot for residential developments. The council and staff will consider increases for commercial and industrial developments.
ï Sent a letter of response to Chisago City saying they city has no intentions of annexing portions of Wyoming Township.
Meetings
The Forest Lake City Council regularly meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in city council chambers. The next meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m., a half hour later than usual, on Monday, Jan. 26. A council workshop is set for 6-7 p.m. that same day.
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