Agenda Packets - 2020/07/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item No: __03__ Meeting Date: __July 6, 2020 Type of Business: ____WS___ Administrator Review: ____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Nyle Zikmund, City Administrator, Don Peterson, PW Director Item Title/Subject: Storm Water Management/LGU Introduction: Storm Water is a major issue for the City and one that has challenged us on several occasions. The City has engaged in numerous discussions and efforts to improve operations between Rice Creek Watershed and the City. Additionally, the City submitted a list to Ramsey County Commissioners advocating for a change in Board appointments, which was well received and a change was made. Finally, several Anoka County cities undertook the same endeavor in Anoka County appointments and that process is still ongoing. Hugo and Circle Pines have taken an addition, and somewhat extraordinary step of becoming the Local Governing Unit (LGU). Don and I met with Stantec to get a better understanding of what that entails, pros and cons, and process by which to achieve. Discussion: A city, if it so chooses, can become the LGU and in doing so, assumes all responsibility and duties related to permitting and inspecting new and storm water infrastructure. Currently, we already maintain everything but the ditches and that does not change. By assuming permitting we are now working directly with all developers and would endeavor to do so with our mantra of extraordinary customer service. We, like others, have had developers et frustrated with the process, and time delays. By taking this on, we also become familiar with the infrastructure, have input into the design which becomes critical as we maintain it. Similarly, for inspections, we become more familiar and since we are obligated to maintain, will arguably be more diligent in assuring the project is constructed to its design. There is some, but not substantive work in transitioning which is all done by resolution. We adopt, by reference – the watersheds storm water management plan. We adopt a fee schedule (theirs) and produce permits (which we do all the time) and expand our contract or let a new contract for engineering services specific to review and inspections. Some inspections we can do ourselves. Staff believes that there will be minimal costs associated with the transition that will be more than offset by being able to work directly with our developers, direct inspections, and a cost neutral fee schedule. Stantec will be attending workshop to answer any questions council has. Recommendation: Staff recommends further exploration and becoming the LGU. Respectfully submitted,