05-14-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council FROM: Steve Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director Eric Seaburg, P.E. City Engineer Bryce Shearen, CPRE, Project Manager DATE: May 14, 2025 RE: Pioneer Park Stormwater Enhancements – Stewardship Grant Agreement ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: Motion to accept the $100,000 Stewardship Grant and approve a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a Grant Agreement with Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District for the Stewardship Grant. BACKGROUND: There is an existing drainage ditch along the northern park boundary that holds water seasonally and carries drainage from both the park and adjacent properties. Over the years it has grown in with invasive plants, volunteer trees, and sediment deposits. This has caused standing water issues in the park, water quality concerns, and not allowing water to drain properly. The drainage ditch acts as a natural buffer to the development to the north and plays an important part in distinguishing the park boundary. Through the Pioneer Park Master plan and community engagement the city has prioritized a need for water quality and habitat improvements in this area of Pioneer Park. Improvements identified for this area included selective tree removal, removal of invasive species and converting the ditch into a larger pond area with the establishment of native plants and wetland seed mix, installation of new trees, culvert replacements, and new section of trail. The new design will provide water quality enhancements throughout the park through several mechanisms: • Sediment Settling: The larger ponds will provide more space for sediments to settle out of the water, reducing turbidity, improving clarity, and water quality. • Pollutant Uptake: The new ponds will be able to support more aquatic plants and microorganisms that absorb and break down pollutants, particularly nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. • Stormwater Management: The expanded ponds can handle larger volumes of stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion while filtering out contaminants. • Habitat Creation: The larger ponds can create diverse habitats for wildlife, which can contribute to a balanced ecosystem and further improve water quality. • Water Feature/Splash Pad: The existing water feature drain water can be redirected to the new ponds which will allow it to be reused for the park ballfield irrigation for sustainability and efficient water resource management.