HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016.08.25 CC Packet - Water SummitAGENDA
NE Metro Water Summit
Thursday, August 25, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Hugo City Hall Oneka Room
7:00 pm Call to Order and Welcome —Mayor Tom Weidt
7:01 pm Introductions —By Attendees
7:10 pm Recap of February 18, 2016 Meeting
7:15 pm DNR Update —DNR Section Manager, Julie Ekman
• White Bear Lake Settlement Agreement
• Appropriation Permits
• Conservation Tracking — 17%
7:30 pm Met Council Update —Assistant General Manager Sam Paske
• 2017 Stormwater Grants
• Update on USGS Study
• Update on Water Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
• Water System Planning Activities
7:45 pm Rice Creek Watershed District — Administrator Phil Belfiori
8:00 pm Discussion on Joint Powers Agreement
• Joint Powers Agreement
o Purpose and Goals
o Priorities
o Mission Statement
8:15 p.m. Updates from Participants
• Cities, Counties, Watershed Districts, Legislators, Met Council, DNR, Others
8:25 pm Next Steps
8:30 pm Adjourn
MINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL
NORTHEAST METRO WATER SUMMIT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016
HUGO CITY HALL
PRESENT:
Hugo Mayor Tom Weidt
Hugo Council Chuck Haas (via Skype)
Hugo Council Phil Klein
Hugo Council Mike Miron
Hugo Council Becky Petryk
Hugo City Administrator Bryan Bear
Hugo City Clerk Michele Lindau
Hugo Administrative Assistant Taylor Richter
City of Blaine Storm Water Manager Jim Hafner
Centerville Council D. Love
Columbus Council Bill Krebs
Columbus Planning Commission Jody Krebs
Columbus Planning Commission Jesse Preiner
Forest Lake Council Ben Winnick
Forest Lake/ Scandia City Engineer Ryan Goodman
Lino Lakes Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson
DNR Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore
DNR Ecological and Water Resources Jason Moeckel
RCWD Board Member Pat Preiner
RCWD Board Member Steve Wagamon
RCWD Board Member John Waller
RCWD Administrator Phil Belfiori
MN Senator Roger Chamberlain
MN House Rep Linda Runbeck
MN House Rep Peter Fischer
MN Legislative Water Commission Barb Huberty
Met Council Sandy Rummel
Met Council Environmental Services Leisa Thompson
Met Council Environmental Services Ali Elhassan
Scandia Council Chris Ness
Washington County Water Planning Jessica Collin-Pilarski
WSB Hugo City Engineer Jay Kennedy
WSB Engineer Anneka Munsell
WSB Engineer Erin Heydinger
The Citizen Writer Debra Neutkens
Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Attendees of the meeting introduced
themselves. City Administrator Bryan Bear provide a recap of the last meeting on July 16, 2015.
Minutes for the NE Water Summit on February 18, 2016
Page 2 of 4
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Update
DNR Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore talked about the White Bear Lake settlement
agreement, stating it was compatible with updates to the Water Supply Plan. They are receiving
comments and implementing ideas. The DNR is working with communities individually on
Comprehensive Plan updates. They are on target to set the protective Lake elevation by
November 2016. Barb explained this is not a guarantee lake level, but negative threshold reports
will alert the DNR to examine it and address concerns. The Ground Water Management plan
was finalized in 2015 and she talked about SF 1910 and explained where things were left off
stating she didn't expect any changes. Naramore provided information on the augmentation
study saying cost estimates to augment from the Saint Paul Regional Water Services chain of
lakes would cost between $55M and $67M with operational costs of $500-$660k annually.
Phosphorus levels and other contaminants were of concern, and advanced treatments would
increase the cost by $23-$40 million, with maintenance going to $900,000-$4M. The study
made no assumption on who would construct or operate the system.
Columbus Council Bill Krebs said it was unfair to expect taxpayers pay for augmentation of
White Bear Lake.
MN House Rep Peter Fischer stated that the models they are looking at right now show that the
lake will eventually dry up. The White Bear Lake Conservation District would be responsible
for operating the system. He said he felt the state should be responsible if it is shown that ground
water pumping is part of the problem.
RCWD Commissioner John Waller mentioned diverting JD #1 Ramsey County into White Bear
Lake because 1/2 of the water currently flowing through it would provide the 2 billion gallons
estimated for augmenting the lake.
Naramore replied to Krebs comment saying that the DNR is doing what legislation has directed
them to do. Senator Roger Chamberlain added that it is a legislative issue now. Representative
Matt Dean stated that augmentation of White Bear Lake is not new, and he thought the cost
estimates were high. Another study is being done by the residents on White Bear Lake
Metropolitan Council Update
Met Council Environmental Services Leisa Thompson talked about the Met Council's vision to
keep more water in the region by reusing it, and she highlighted some water reuse projects
related to wastewater effluent stating that 250 million gallons per day gets reclaimed. The Water
Resources Plan highlights creating a reclamation plant for groundwater recharge in lieu of
enlarging sewer pipes, and this would be needed by approximately the year 2030. It is being
suggested reclaimed water could be used to augment White Bear Lake, except phosphorus and
chlorides would be an issue, along with water temperature.
Minutes for the NE Water Summit on February 18, 2016
Page 3 of 4
Met Council Environmental Services Ali Elhassan gave an update on the USGS groundwater and
surface water study, which started three years ago and is to give them a better understanding of
lake levels versus groundwater. Field data has been collected. A model is being created to
provide information to state agencies. Once the model is totally complete, they can run scenarios
related to augmentation.
Another study being done will identify the quantity of stormwater available in northeast Metro,
as well as where the best locations are for groundwater recharge. Twelve percent of the
northeast metro groundwater is used for industrial purposes. Analysis of 100+ industries showed
that 18 of them use 90% of water for that reason, and they plan on targeting those industries.
Elhassen also talked about the Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant program for water
reuse and conservation. There were 19 applications and 19 grants given. Grants are typically
used for appliance replacements to conserve water. It was noted that the City of Hugo received a
grant for $50,000, and Winona and the Minnesota Zoo have also received grants. They are
looking to provide more grant funds in the next year and hope it will be an annual grant.
Rice Creek Watershed District Update
Rice Creek Watershed District Administrator Phil Belfiori highlighted water reuse projects,
including Oneka Ridge Golf Course project, St. Anthony Central Park reuse, and Centerville
Lamotte Pond reuse system. He provided a multitude of benefits related to these types of
projects.
Belfiori talked about the Stormwater Reuse Irrigation Assessment Tool saying they were
developing it using Legacy Funds. The tool should be completed by the end of this year. The
end result will be a "Top10" list for preliminary technical evaluation and available for use
statewide.
The District was evaluating the permitting process with reuse in mind and a stormwater urban
remediation cost share program with an emphasis on reuse. They are also looking for other reuse
incentive programs and working on feasibility assessment collaboration with the Met Council so
that what Met Council is doing can be leveraged by RCWD.
Discussion on Formalizing a Coalition
Hugo City Administrator Bryan Bear talked about the benefits related to the I-35 W/E Coalition
and asked if there was any interest in creating a similar group. Mayor Weidt requested that
each City discuss the issue and come back to the next meeting with an opinion. Bear stated that
Hugo will draft an agreement and email it to the all cities for consideration.
Updates from Others
The City of Lino Lakes is working on a reuse project. Forest Lake is participating in the rebate
program using grant money. Scandia is working with some businesses on conservation efforts.
Minutes for the NE Water Summit on February 18, 2016
Page 4 of 4
The City of Hugo is moving ahead on the rebate program and on water reuse projects - Beaver
Ponds Park, CSAH 8, and the Clearwater Cove development. The City of Columbus is working
on some ditches and focusing on the bridge. Washington County is implementing their
groundwater plan and grant programs.
The Legislative Session begins on March 8, 2016
Adiournment
Mayor Weidt adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Lindau
City Clerk
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
FOR THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
NORTHEAST METRO WATER SUMMIT GROUP
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this day of 2016 amongst Washington
County, Anoka County, and the cities of. Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbus, Forest Lake,
Hugo, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Scandia, and the also known as the Northeast Metro Water Summit
Group.
BACKGROUND
As a reaction to the low water levels that have been present at times within White Bear Lake, the
DNR was sued in Ramsey County District Court in 2012; with the plaintiffs claiming that by
allowing 13 local communities to use groundwater for their public water supply, the DNR has
permitted too much groundwater use in the area, thus lowering White Bear Lake. A settlement
agreement halted litigation for three years. In agreeing to the settlement, the DNR has agreed to
support efforts to develop a surface water supply to serve area communities. The DNR has also
agreed to set a protective elevation for White Bear Lake, and among other things, has agreed to
pursue conservation measures that will impact all communities in the area.
The low water levels of White Bear Lake have sP ned a multitude of scientific, engineering and
planning studies led by the Met Council or Si R with occasional direction from the State
Legislature. The USGS has been provided with funding to study the causes of the lake level
decline. Although the USGS study remains underway, solutions are being supported by DNR and
others that include construction of a $600 million project that would deliver Mississippi River
water to the northeast metro. Communities are being asked to adopt water conservation measures,
with a goal of a 17 percent total reduction in water use. The DNR has also established a
Groundwater Management Area for the North and East metro, which will result in further
management and possible regulation of regional groundwater resources.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties of this agreement, intend to work in cooperation with the MN Department of
Natural Resources, Metropolitan Council, Rice Creek Watershed District, and State Legislators; and,
WHEREAS, said parties mutually agree that addressing the water supply needs of the Northeast Metro
Area (referred to in this agreement as the "Area") while at the same time protecting natural resources,
requires cooperation among all of the above named parties; and,
WHEREAS, a cooperative approach among all of the above named parties to regulations and issues
resulting from policies created relating to water quantity, water quality, and water conservation is
desirable if cities are to have control over their individual municipal water supplies; and,
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 471.59 authorizes political subdivisions of the State to enter into joint
powers agreements for the joint exercise of powers common to each.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS MUTALLY STIPULATED AND AGREED:
PURPOSE AND GOALS
The Northeast Metro Water Summit Group is a collaborative, voluntary organization created for the
following purposes:
• Plan for safe, reliable, and cost effective water supplies to meet the needs of the Area for the
long term through the actions of individual member entities. ,
• Planning and advocating the protection and wise stewardship of existing and potential sources
of drinking water.
• Acting in a consensus manner to the greatest degree possible so that the Communities can
speak with one voice on matters on state and regional policy matters.
• Ensuring that new regulation on water use is reasonable and necessary and is based on sound
scientific principles.
• Promote the voluntary coordination of individual and collective actions of the Communities in
managing the sub -regional water supply for the Area;
• Provide a forum for the study and discussion of water supply issues of mutual interest to
participants, to coordinate the responses of participants to such issues; and for review and
discussion of water resource -related issues before any final actions by individual participants.
• Implementing sub -regional conservation programs collectively to provide a more economical
service to our individual customers.
• Providing technical and educational support to individual members for their use in the provision
of water supplies and programs at the sub -regional level.
• Building partnerships to explore options, implement mutually beneficial programs, and operate
systems while retaining individual decision making authority and accountability to customers.
• Sharing information about water systems to better serve customers.
Therefore, the purpose of this JPA is for the Communities to commit to work together toward the above
purposes in the effort to retain a sufficient supply of water to the Communities while protecting natural
resources in the Area. This JPA also seeks to clarify the roles of the Communities in meeting this need.
METHOD
The parties agree to hold regular meetings, at least twice each calendar year, for the purpose of
monitoring progress on the planning activities, providing guidance for such planning Activities, and
coordinating between governing bodies, including MnDNR, Metropolitan Council, and Watershed
Districts.
At this time, there will be no direct costs associated with the work to be performed. In the event the
parties agree that costs are to be incurred, the parties agree to amend this document or to prepare a
new agreement for that purpose.
TERM
This agreement shall continue until terminated as provided hereinafter.
This Agreement may be terminated by any party at any time, with or without cause, upon not less than
thirty (30) days written notice delivered by mail or in person to the other parities. If notice is delivered
by mail, it shall be deemed received two (2) days after mailing.
For the purpose of delivery of any notice hereunder, the notice shall be effective if delivered to:
Administrator of Blaine, City of Blaine, 10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine MN 55449
Administrator of Centerville, City of Centerville, 1880 Main Street, Centervillx, MN 55038
Administrator of Circle Pines, City of Circle Pines, 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, MN 55014
Administrator of Columbus, City of Columbus, 16319 Kettle River Blvd., Columbus, MN 55025
Administrator of Forest Lake, City of Forest Lake, 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Administrator of Hugo, City of Hugo, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038
Administrator of Lexington, City of Lexington, 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN 55014-3531
Administrator of Lino Lakes, Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Administrator of Scandia, City of Scandia, 14727 209`h Street North, Scandia, MN 55073
Administrator of Washington County, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082-6132
Administrator of Anoka County, 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303
INDEMNIFICATION
• The NE Metro Water Summit Group is a separate and distinct public entity to which the parties
have transferred all responsibility and control for actions taken pursuant to this Agreement.
• The NE Metro Water Summit Group shall defend and indemnify the parties, and their officers,
employees, and volunteers, from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses,
including attorney fees, arising out of the acts or omissions of the Joint Powers Board in carrying
out the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement does not constitute a waiver on the limitations
of liability set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 466.04.
Nothing herein shall be construed to provide insurance coverage or indemnification to an
officer, employee, or volunteer of any member for any act or omission for which the officer,
employee, or volunteer is guilty of malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, or bad faith.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, action by the parties to this Agreement are intended to
be and shall be construed as a "cooperative activity," and it is the intent of the parties that they
shall be deemed a "single governmental unit" for the purposes of liability, as set forth in
Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, subd. la(a), and provided further that for purposes of that
statute, each party to this Agreement expressly declines responsibility for the acts or omissions
of another party. The parties to this Agreement are not liable for the acts or omissions of another
party to this Agreement except to the extent they have agreed in writing to be responsible for
the acts or omissions of the other parties.
• Any excess or uninsured liability shall be borne equally by all the members; but this does not
include the liability of any individual officer, employee, or volunteer that arises from his or her
own malfeasance, willful neglect of duty, or bad faith.
AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT REQUIRED IN WRITING
It is understood and agreed that the entire agreement of the parties is contained herein and that this
Agreement supersedes all oral agreements and all negotiations between the parties relating to the subject
matter thereof, as well as any previous agreement presently in effect between the parties to the subject
matter thereof. Any alterations, variations, or modifications of the provisions of this Agreement shall
be valid only when they have been reduced to writing and duly signed by the parities.
DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY
If any property is provided by the parties in furtherance of this Agreement, it shall be returned to that
parry upon termination of this Agreement. Furthermore, if any money is collected from the parties, any
surplus monies left after termination of this Agreement will be returned to the parties in proportion to
the contribution of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties of this Agreement have hereunto set their hands on the dates
written below:
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