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Minutes for the NE Water Summit on August 25,2016 <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br /> Call to Order and Introductions <br /> Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Attendees of the meeting introduced <br /> themselves. City Administrator Bryan Bear provided a recap of the last Water Summit on <br /> February 18,2016, stating the purpose of this group was to discuss water related issues that have <br /> substantial impacts on our communities. <br /> DNR Update <br /> Julie Ekman updated the group on the White Bear Lake settlement agreement saying they had <br /> sought legislative funding,but that did not happen by August 1'. and the stay is lifted. They are <br /> unsure of the ramifications. They will be meeting with the judge on September 8 and will know <br /> more then. <br /> She spoke about appropriations permits stating they are working on developing a protective <br /> elevation. It is a lengthy process and there are questions on how to implement it. They are <br /> setting up meetings with communities closest to the lake to talk to them about potential changes <br /> in permitting. There will be discussions about the possibility of suspending non-essential uses <br /> and the impacts. <br /> The DNR is working on conservation and conservation tracking and developing the 2016 Water <br /> Supply Plan and a statewide conservation program.They have been directed to do this by law. <br /> This will be done regardless what happens with the WBL agreement. They are unsure what will <br /> happen to the requirement for communities to conserve 17%,but they believe it remains to be a <br /> good idea. <br /> They are also working on how to track water conservation successes. She talked about some <br /> software that was developed for power companies,and they are looking at using it for water <br /> conservation. <br /> There was a question on the current level of White Bear Lake. It was noted that the water level <br /> has increased. The outlet is at 924.4 feet,and the water is now at 922.36 feet,within two feet of <br /> its average. <br /> Council Member Haas asked about Stormwater appropriations permits. Hugo is asking <br /> developers to use Stormwater for irrigation, and the DNR permitting needed to be streamlined. <br /> Julie responded that the DNR is working towards creating a general permit that evaluates the <br /> whole process. They are working on streamlining it,but still want to be able to maintain the data. <br /> Representative Peter Fischer asked if it could be made easier if it was taken out of State Statute, <br /> and Julie responded that their goal is to make the DNR permitting the easiest process. <br />