11-20-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 2006 fund to cover the cost of implementation elsewhere in either the immediate area or the broader watershed district. That payment is capped at $20,000 per impervious acre for linear projects. Blesener asked if recent developments within Che City would meet the Watershed standard. The City Engineer replied that they would noC noting that the Watershed just recently increased their standards. Allan suggested that these developments may have ended up with fewer lots. The Engineer replied that that is true, or there would have been more ponding, or the impact payment would have had to be made to the Watershed. Allan noted that there are many ways to meet the volume reduction and water quality standards, one example being rain water gardens. The City Engineer noted that under the Watershed rules, new development and redevelopment must comply with the same standards. Allan asked about the impact of better storm water control and treatment on Met Council rates. The City Administrator indicated that while this won't impact the City's issues with inflow and infiltration, there will be an impact under the City's MPDES Permit through the PCA. Blesener asked when the new Watershed rules go into effect. The City Administrator replied that they are already in effect. It was noted that the pending Canadian Woods project does not have to meet the new rules and the platting process began before those rules went into effect. The City Engineer noted that the proposed plat is very close to meeting the new rules. The City Engineer reviewed the Northland Non-Point Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) model ordinance, noting Chat for volume reduction, at a minimum, the first half inch of rainfall from a 2.5" rainfall event is infiltrated. Water quality standards for new construction are 80% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) must be removed from a 2.5" rainfall event. 40% of TSS must be removed from a 2.5" rainfall event for redevelopment and street reconstruction. The Engineer pointed out that the NEMO model ordinance recognizes that it is easier to address water quality for new construction than it is on redevelopment projects, therefore the reduced standard for redevelopment. Allan noted that another option is curb cuts with bio swales in the boulevard area with the Swale planted with native vegetation. The City Planner noted that most boulevard areas are full of utility lines, street signs, etc.; therefore, it would be difficult to install a Swale in the boulevard.