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Denaway presented the North Star Wetland Bank preliminary concept proposed by Tony Havranek from <br /> WSB. The City has been partnering with White Bear Lake Area schools to plan and construct trails that <br /> would link existing trails and parks through district property to connect to the new school being <br /> constructed. This trail system is in existing wetlands and the area could qualify for wetland bank credits <br /> through restoration. The Parks Commission allocated funding in the CIP for this study. A trail study was <br /> done in April 2021 which showed connections to Lions Park and 147th street for recreational and <br /> environmental benefits. Wetland banking would possibly include filling old drainage ditches, breaking <br /> drain tile, installing agate valves to control hydrology to meet performance standards and complete <br /> management activities with soil/land manipulation to bring back wetland ecosystems. <br /> Improvements made to the wetlands provides environment benefits including: <br /> surface water detention, nutrient transformation, carbon sequestration, sediment and other particulate <br /> retention, waterfowl and water bird habitat, other wildlife habitat, enhanced wetland functions, <br /> downstream water recipients, nutrient transformation and regional wildlife communities. <br /> Credit could then be applied to future wetland alteration needs. The land being considered for <br /> improvement credits is 51 acres. <br /> Juba informed that if construction impacts a wetland then you must purchase a credit to do this <br /> construction. If you make improvements to a wetland then you get credits. This banking system gives <br /> you credits that can be used in future construction needs or sold. <br /> Denaway informed that applying would be a 12 month or longer process to get approval including the <br /> initial evaluation, a draft prospectus, legal boundary survey, title and easement recording, project <br /> construction, certification and ongoing monitoring with ongoing maintenance then the applications to <br /> the deposited credits. The estimated cost to design, construct, and monitor is$800,000—$1,000,000. <br /> Councilmember Dave Strub was in attendance and Parks Commissioners asked for his feedback. Strub <br /> informed that it had obvious benefits to water quality that is in line with the city's initiatives. He <br /> discussed that future Councils would hopefully be thankful for the investment and is similar to the <br /> forward thinking of the purchase of Irish Avenue Park. <br /> St. Pierre stated her support for the project but expressed concern over the ownership of the property. <br /> Juba stated that she didn't know what the vehicle for that would be and that it could possibly be an <br /> easement, purchase, or MOU. She said that staff would talk with the school district and seek legal <br /> counsel. <br /> St. Pierre made a motion, Moore—Arcand seconded to have WSB Engineering, Tony Havranek start the <br /> hydrology monitoring, vegetation monitoring, and draft prospected proposed at a cost of$21,964. <br /> Denaway asked for clarification on the motion as to whether ownership of the property was required <br /> before taking those steps. It was discussed than an agreement is likely before the entirety of the steps <br /> were taken which would allow more information on the viability of the project before considering <br /> purchase of the land. Raushendorpher stated that there is no downside to owning the land. <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> Parks Commission Minutes <br /> April 20, 2022 <br />