Silver Bay’s water treatment facility is over 70 years old and is in need of significant system improvements.
Upgrades to the system will modernize the facility overall and provide proper disinfection that will meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations. Improvements will include the replacement of pumping systems and other components that will insure that residents have a reliable water treatment system for years to come.
In August of last year, the Council approved the selection of Magney Construction as the risk manager for the project. Working with city water operators, Magney has projected total cost estimates for the project at $12.2 million. This means that the project will likely not be eligible to receive affordability grants from the State. While the city has received $1.75 million in grant funding from the EPA towards the project cost, the amount of the loan needed to complete funding for the project could mean an increase in monthly cost per user fee of around $27. City administration has submitted applications to Representative Stauber and Senator Klobuchar for additional funding but do not have word, as of yet, that any additional funds will be forthcoming. The Public Utilities Commission is recommending that the Council consider increasing the rates which have held steady since 2016. The Council is considering the recommendation of the PUC.
Regarding perimeter ditching, necessary letters and documents have been sent to property owners along Adams Boulevard who have the ditch running through their properties. Notifications have also been sent to property owners who could be impacted by any work done on the ditch. When residents respond, the city will move forward with executing the agreement with legal names, property descriptions, and signatures so that work can begin. A temporary easement is in place to aid any immediate need, while the City continues to work towards a long-term solution and secure permanent easements to the perimeter ditch.
April 21st – 28th is designated as International Dark Skies Week. As in previous years, residents are encouraged to “protect the night” by minimizing the use of outdoor lights and by getting outside to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. North Eastern Minnesota is one of the premier places in the world designated as a Dark Sky Region. Folks who are interested in learning more about the movement to protect dark sky spaces, can find more information at darksky.org.
The next Silver Bay Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 21st at 7:00 PM at City Hall.
