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Restoration Association and the State of MN DNR. The lawsuit claims that the DNR has violated <br /> the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act(MERA)by allowing thirteen local communities to use <br /> groundwater for their public water supply,thus resulting in the decline in water levels of White Bear <br /> Lake. Bryan explained the terms of the agreement include DNR support of the Northeast Metro <br /> Project to switch from ground water to surface water sources, with the cost to be equitably <br /> allocated among the communities in the Groundwater Management Area(GWMA). The project <br /> is in two phases with Hugo being in Phase 2 along with Centerville,Circle Pines,Columbus, <br /> Forest Lake, Lino Lakes,and Scandia. Other terms of the lawsuit require the DNR to set a <br /> protective elevation for White Bear Lake,conservation measures to reduce water use by 17%, <br /> metering of private wells, and plaintiff involvement in the review of appropriations permits.The <br /> presentation included background information,the lawsuit,the settlement agreement, <br /> consequences, and alternatives. City Administrator Bear presented six alternatives for <br /> consideration: do nothing,have a big picture regional discussion,rethink city water management <br /> policies,pump water from Centerville Lake,relocate the offending wells,or connect St. Paul <br /> water to themselves. <br /> Discussion on the White Bear Lake Settlement Agreement <br /> It was discussed that the settlement agreement has bound all of the 1"and 2"d phase cities <br /> together and a collaborative effort needs to be made in going forward in handling the <br /> implications of the White Bear Lake Settlement Agreement. The cities want to have say over <br /> their own communities and do not want to be led by another entity. It was said that water is a <br /> resource we are all sharing and it is incumbent on community to come together and force smarter <br /> solutions. In saying this,they do not believe that systems need to be completely changed to <br /> surface water systems and want to find a better plan. Cities do not believe we are in a crisis,but <br /> agree that resolutions need to be made to plan for the future. The Met Council expressed that <br /> they are there to help with finding these solutions,especially in executing studies and providing <br /> data. <br /> Fran Miron,Washington County,handed out a resolution from Washington County. This <br /> resolution stated that Washington County adopted the Washington County Groundwater Plan <br /> 2014-2024 in September of 2014. This plan aims to monitor the outcome of the DNR lawsuit <br /> and evaluate how the fmal disposition will impact groundwater management decisions in the <br /> County. It states that Washington County does not support the White Bear Lake Settlement <br /> Agreement and gives a list of reasons for this opinion. <br /> Conclusion <br /> City staff and attendees discussed their desire to talk about some alternatives to the White Bear <br /> Lake Settlement Agreement at a future meeting. It was agreed a resolution needed to be drafted <br /> and passed by all cities. Further meetings will be scheduled. The Mayor thanked everyone for <br /> coming. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Mayor Weidt adjourned the meeting. <br />