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Mounds View Planning Commission November 4, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ B. Resolution 1123-20; Recommending Approval of Ordinance 973, Amending Chapter 1130 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Adopting Certain Rules of the Rice Creek Watershed District Regarding Stormwater Management City Administrator Zikmund reported 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. City Administrator Zikmund stated 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. Staff commented further on the frustrations the City and contractors have had with the watershed districts and recommended approval of the Ordinance amendment. Public Works Director Peterson discussed how the proposed changes would improve the timeline for plan reviews. He noted the City would be working with Stantec and all requirements would still be met with respect to stormwater management. Commissioner Monn asked if the City would be hiring a person to take on this additional work. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City would not be hiring additional staff. He noted the majority of the work would be completed by contract staff members. He indicated the permit itself was a very straight forward administrative task. He believed the proposed changes would greatly benefit the City of Mounds View and its future projects/contractors. Commissioner Monn questioned if this was too much for the City to take on. She noted she has a rain garden in her yard and has not had any problems working with the watershed district in the past. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Rice Creek Watershed District would still be a resource to the City and its residents. He indicated the only change would be that the City would be doing its own permitting. Public Works Director Peterson reported grants would still be available through the Rice Creek Watershed District. He stated the City would still be able to connect residents to these grant opportunities. He commented further on how future inspections will be more closely monitored by the City.