Agenda Packets - 2023/09/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MOUNDSlvI-EW City of Mounds View Staff R1 Item No: 2 Meeting Date: September 5, 2023 Type of Business: WS Administrator Review: To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Don Peterson, Director of Public Works/Parks and Recreation Item Title/Subject: Ardan Park Wetland Banking Proposal Project Background/Discussion: The Public Works Department has many responsibilities and one is to efficiently operate and manage the storm water system. The system was first constructed in the 1970's and as with other similar core functions, research, innovation and best management practices have changed over the years. In September 2022 Stantec Engineering Services completed a wetland delineation in Ardan Park (map attached) as part of a development proposal. Stantec also indicated that the current wetland area, in addition to other green spaces, could be developed into a wetland banking project. The Engineer estimated that the City could develop wetland banking and sell these credits to developers, these credits were estimated to value 1 million dollars. The City Council directed Staff to look into the option of creating wetland banking in this area. An application was submitted notifying the following agencies of the project and for these agencies to provide the City with feedback regarding the proposed project. MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Ramsey County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Staff has received comments from the Army Corps of Engineers. Staff and Stantec both believe the project is worth moving forward and after reviewing the comments from USACE, Staff has several questions for the City Council regarding this proposed project: 1) Expand the wetland boundary to West and add Drainage and Utility Easements 2) Purchase private lots for additional banking 3) Vacate roads to provide the necessary area for the banking. (Does the City foresee any future roads in the area?) 4) Establish easements/road on the South side for potential impacts to the wetland banking area 5) Create a berm on the South side to avoid potential impacts on private property The next step moving forward would be meeting with the various agencies to clarify and respond to comments the City has received. Strategic Plan Strategy/Goal: Maintain and Plan for Infrastructure Improvements to ensure that proper storm water maintenance continues for the future requirements for Mounds View and its property owners. Financial Impact: No financial Impact to the 2023 Budget.