03-14-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director MEETING DATE: March 14, 2022 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 22-33, Approving Agreement with Rice Creek Watershed District, Shenandoah Park BMP Feasibility Study, Michael Grochala VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) and authorize a professional services agreement with WSB and Associates to complete a Best Management Practices(BMP) Feasibility Study for Shenandoah Park. BACKGROUND In 2009-2010 the RCWD, in partnership with the Anoka Conservation District, completed a Subwatershed Assessment focusing on Rice Lake in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. The purpose of the study was to identify potential subwatershed water quality projects to reduce runoff volume and sediment/nutrient loading to Rice Lake. The study identified Shenandoah Park as a prime candidate for additional study in advance of developing a large capital improvement project. A private ditch system, maintained by the City runs through the park, under Birch Street, and discharges into Rice Lake. The ditch serves as the primary stormwater outlet for the residential neighborhood extending south to Coyote Trail. A majority of the park area is comprised of partially drained wetland. Staff is of the opinion that opportunity exists for a restoration project that would enhance water quality and provide for an improved greenway element to the park. WSB and Associates completed a wetland delineation on the park property in 2021. They have submitted a proposal to complete the feasibility study and corresponding water quality modeling in the amount of $21,925. The Rice Creek Watershed District is proposing to participate in the project. The RCWD's share is not to exceed $10,962.50 (50%) of the cost. The RCWD is acting on the proposed MOU at their March 9, 2022 board meeting. Funding for the City's share of the project will come from the Surface Water Management Fund. This fund was established in 1992 to cover the costs of surface water planning and trunk facility improvements.