Minutes - Board Retreat - Jan. 28, 2010
MINUTES OF THE RETREAT OF
THE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
BOARD OF MANAGERS
January 28, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The retreat of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers was called to order by President Jim Calkins at 6:58 p.m. in the Fireplace room at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, Minnesota.
MANAGERS PRESENT
James Calkins, Brian Shekleton, Lee Keeley, Richard Miller, Pam Blixt, Jeffrey Casale, Michael Klingelhutz
MANAGERS ABSENT
None.
OTHERS PRESENT
Eric Evenson, District Administrator; David Mandt, District Operations Manager; Michael Panzer, District Consulting Engineer; Jim Brimeyer, Spring Park City Administrator; Jacob Huwe, Permitting Department Intern
REGULAR AGENDA
Dinner and Presentations
Louis was ill, so his two presentations will be worked into future Board meetings.
2011 Budgeting Process and Discussion
Mr. Evenson
There was discussion about each department’s work plan. Mr. Evenson suggested that work plans that are the same as last year will be put on consent agenda. However, work plans with changes will be put on regular agendas.
Discussion on the levies and feasibility studies. The plan is to complete feasibility studies before the levies are set. The Board agreed to try to keep the levy flat, however if staff feels there are projects for 2011 that they are holding back on because of the levy, then the Board would like to hear about them. It was also noted that when a project is determined not to be feasible, the funds are applied to next year’s levies.
Board committee schedule
Manager Calkins suggested that the 4th Thursday of each month be reserved for committee meetings, as needed. It was agreed upon as long as the meeting would still be completed in a reasonable time.
Stormwater Requirements for Single Family Homes
Concerns voiced by the Board
- Mostly, the City Ordinances take care of stormwater requirements for single family homes, but some cities grant bigger variances
- What can we do in areas that are already developed?
- Retrofitting sewer systems in Edina, for example, could be an opportunity to provide more treatment
- Possible to assist the city with project funds
- It is possible to regulate lot splits; this idea was looked at. These splits do not have a big impact.
- Street sweeping might be improved…
- Stormwater utility fees are one impact on developed areas (i.e. Minneapolis)
- Makes financial sense (to the property owner) to change the site runoff
- Best way to make it meaningful, but not mandatory
It was moved by Manager Miller, second by Manager Casale to develop a work plan to partner with entities with available large impervious surfaces to allow the District to use land to build regional stormwater facilities. For example, start quantifying lots that can be used to infiltrate/treat areas that are highly developed, then approach the property owner. This will be brought back to the Board before the third week in March. Hence, it will be presented at the March 18th Board Meeting. Upon vote, the motion carried.
It was moved by Manager Blixt, seconded by Manager Klingelhutz to direct staff to develop a program and strategies to provide incentives to single-family homes to include stormwater BMPs on their sites. This will be brought back to the Board by April 1. Upon vote, motion carried.
2010 PRIORITY SETTING
Jim Brimeyer
Restoring wetlands
Add under goal #1
2010 – Establish a program for restoring wetlands
Ensure Timely Involvement with Redevelopment Projects to Mitigate Damage
Moved from methods to an objective goal #1
Protect and Maintain Groundwater Recharge, Flow, and Quality
2010 – start planning
Consider Action Plan for Invasive Species
Discuss with political entities. Check the “climate” – staff check with DNR. Done in 2010.
Seek Local Authority to Apply Herbicides to NURP Ponds
There was some intelligent discussion, most of which was lost on the minute-taker.
Discuss Met Council Land Use Policies to Protect Natural Areas and Water Quality
2010 – Discussion w/ met council
Develop Broader Definition of “Water Quality”
2010 – YES
Expand District ISTS Cost Share Program
Beyond 2011
Eliminate Stormwater Outfalls to Surface Waters
2010 – Develop work plan for large areas to reduce flows, start getting interest
2011 – Sustain momentum
Beyond – Eliminate all 178 outfalls between Lake Minnetonka and the Falls
Carp removal program
2010 – Look into funding. How? Where?
Street Sweeping
2010 – Analysis on what is being done, benefits.
District Education programs
2010 – Scheduled for audit by Board, March 4. Board questions in by February 5.
LID Redevelopment Grant Program
2010 – Keep looking for opportunities
Joint Watershed Research Grant Program
2010 – Discussion to continue
2011 – Decide whether or not to continue
Cynthia Kreig Stewardship Grant Program
2010 – Part of education program audit
District Streambank Restoration Program
2010 – In work plan, program for cities. Discussion about including in 2011
Project NEMO
2010 – Included in Education Program audit
U of M Conference Series
2010 – Included in Education Program audit. Needs improvement
Lake MTKA Map
2010 – Included in Education Program audit
The program priorities will be updated, laminated and posted in Board room.
On a side note, aerial photos should be included in presentations to show the location of projects.
REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE POLICIES
It was moved by Manager Blixt, seconded by Manager Klingelhutz to amend Policy #3, 2(b), page 19, after Manager(s) Inspection, with the statement “Any individual board member at any meeting, may request.” Upon vote, the motion carried 6-1 (opposed by Manager Keeley).
It was moved by Manager Blixt, seconded by Manager Klingelhutz to reaffirm all governance policies with previous amendment and the District mission statement. Upon vote, the motion carried.
Manager Casale will attend Save the Lake.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the retreat of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers was adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacob Huwe
