The Austin City Council will vote on the approval of a contract with Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) to conduct a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) flood mitigation study during its next regular meeting.

In a memorandum, Public Works Director Steven Lang noted the WWTP is protected by a levee system constructed primarily under emergency conditions to protect against rising floodwaters.

Given the nature of the construction and lack of design for the existing system, Lang finds it unlikely the existing system will meet the minimum FEMA requirements for accreditation without modification or reconstruction.

SEH has submitted a proposal to conduct the flood mitigation study for $54,800. The study will include data collection and review, evaluation of flood mitigation measures, and a preliminary cost analysis. SEH will then draft a feasibility report and meet with city staff for review.

The council will also vote on a resolution ordering the preparation of feasibility reports for 2019 street/other improvements.

Streets scheduled for improvements in 2019 are 14th Street Southeast (Fourth Avenue to north of First Avenue Southeast), Ninth Street Southwest (First Avenue to Sixth Avenue Southwest), 10th Street Southwest (First Avenue to Sixth Avenue Southwest), 11th Street Southwest (First Avenue to Second Avenue Southwest), Sixth Street Northwest (Eighth Avenue to 13th Avenue Northwest), 11th Avenue Northwest (Fourth Street to Eighth Street Northwest), Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue Northeast intersection, Oakland Place Southeast (10th Street to 11th Street Southeast), Sixth Street Northeast (30th Avenue to 36th Avenue Northeast) and Fourth Avenue Northwest sidewalk extension (12th Street to 14th Street Northwest).

Improvements are also scheduled for Turtle Creek Trail, Turtle Creek Two, the Baldwin Lift Station and the Bandshell Park Sanitary Sewer.

The council will hear a Cultural and Arts Commission ordinance proposal during the work session following the meeting. Under the proposal, the commission will assist Austin in becoming a community in which cultural and art activities are recognized as a vital component of the community and valued and promoted for their economic benefits and developmental potential, among other things.

The council will also discuss a proposed agreement with the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency to allow Austin to participate in the Badger Coulee Transmission Project. The project was developed to improve electric system reliability locally and regionally, deliver economic savings for customers, and expand infrastructure to support public policy for greater use of renewables. Participation in the Badger Coulee Transmission Project is advocated by Austin Utilities.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3, in the City Council Chambers located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held immediately following the meeting in the conference room located across the hall.

For a complete agenda, visit http://www.ci.austin.mn.us/city-council.

Truth in Taxation hearing

The Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on Tuesday.

Administrative Services Director Tom Dankert will discuss the budget and the property tax levy for the taxes payable year 2019. The discussion will include a detailed breakdown of how the budgeted money will be spent for 2019.

The hearing is open to the public and attendees will be given time to comment on or ask questions about the budget and tax levy.

The Truth in Taxation hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the City Council Chambers located in the basement of City Hall.