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Item No: 08B Meeting Date: Nov 23, 2020 maL�S T WWType of Business: Council Business V CityAdministrator Review: City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor, and City Council From: Nyle Zikmund, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Second Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 973, Amending Chapter 1130 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Adopting Certain Rules of the Rice Creek Watershed District Regarding Stormwater Management Introduction: This is the second reading of Ordinance 973. First reading and a Public Hearing occurred on November 9, 2020. Staff has received no comments or communication regarding this ordinance. Storm water management is administered by the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD)'. Construction projects meeting a certain threshold must obtain a permit from RCWD. In recent years, the City has experienced some frustrations with RCWD's administration and inspections of projects. The City is proposing to take this responsibility over from RCWD. If approved, the City's regulations would mirror that of RCWD. The primary difference would be in inspections and enforcement, including streamlining application, review, and inspections processes. Currently, there is some duplication between RCWD and the City. Discussion: The Minnesota Legislature adopted the Watershed Act in 1955 to protect, control, and improve waterways and water supplies. Watershed districts were formed according to hydrological boundaries, as opposed to political boundaries. The Rice Creek Watershed District was formed in 1972 across portions of Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties, including 28 cities and townships. RCWD is governed by a five -member Board of Managers, appointed by the counties. Mounds View has been fortunate in that it has had a resident on the Board for many years; (Barbara Haake; 1994-2019, and Marcie Weinandt; 2020-2023). Rice Creek Watershed District has adopted a set of rules (Rules A thru L), similar to ordinances. The City intends to adopt Rules C, D, E, and F by reference in the City Code. The City will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RCWD, for the City to administer these Rules, including permit review, inspections, and enforcement. Permit review, inspections, and enforcement will be administered through the Public Works Department, in part thru contracting with Stantec (City Engineer) for plan review. The cities of Circle Pines and Hugo have taken similar action. Other cities have shown some interest in the same. RCWD Rules (summary): Rule C: A Storm Water Management Plan is required for the subdivision of land, one -acre or larger, or construction of 10,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface area. There are exceptions, including smaller residential subdivisions that do not create new streets. "The Watershed Act was adopted in 1955, establishing watershed districts with the purpose of alleviating flood damage, improving drainage and irrigation, controlling erosion, conserve water supplies, disposal of waste waters, provide for hydroelectric power, enhance water quality, and protect ground water.