2016.09.06 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the NE Water Summit on August 25, 2016 Page 2 of 6 Call to Order and Introductions Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Attendees of the meeting introduced themselves. City Administrator Bryan Bear provided a recap of the last Water Summit on February 18, 2016, stating the purpose of this group was to discuss water related issues that have substantial impacts on our communities. DNR Update DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulations Julie Ekman updated the group on the White Bear Lake settlement agreement saying they had sought legislative funding, but that did not happen by August 1, and the stay is lifted. They are unsure of the ramifications. They will be meeting with the judge on September 8 and will know more then. She spoke about appropriations permits stating they are working on developing a protective elevation. It is a lengthy process and there are questions on how to implement it. They are setting up meetings with communities closest to the lake to talk to them about potential changes in permitting. There will be discussions about the possibility of suspending non-essential uses and the impacts of that. The DNR is working on conservation tracking and developing the 2016 Water Supply Plan and a statewide conservation program. They have been directed to do this by law. This will be done regardless what happens with the WBL agreement. They are unsure what will happen to the requirement for communities to conserve 17%, but they believe it remains to be a good idea. They are also working on how to track water conservation successes. She talked about some software that was developed for power companies, and they are looking at using it for water conservation. There was a question on the current level of White Bear Lake. It was noted that the water level had increased. The outlet is at 924.4 feet, and the water is now at 922.36 feet, within two feet of its average. A question was asked about Stormwater appropriations permits stating that Hugo is asking developers to use Stormwater for irrigation, and the DNR permitting needed to be streamlined. Julie responded that the DNR is working towards creating a general permit that evaluates the whole process. They are working on streamlining it, but still want to be able to maintain the data. Representative Peter Fischer asked if it could be made easier if it was taken out of State Statute, and Julie responded that their goal is to make the DNR permitting the easiest process. Metropolitan Council Update Met Council Senior Engineer David Brown talked about stormwater grants. They received 23 proposals equaling $2.9 million, all competing for $1 million in Met Council funding. Several of the projects were for non -potable water uses (irrigation). So far, the Met Council has approved $900,000 for six projects. It was unsure if funding would be available in future years.