Minutes - Council - 09/04/1991 - Joint with Anoka City Council

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Case #5: Watershed Management Ramsey City Engineer Jankowski stated that Ramsey's budget, with regard to WMO, is going up considerably from what it was in the past, but a portion of the budget would be paid by application fees. Anoka Public Works Director Schultz stated that the benefits of WMO's extend beyond development itself. Anoka Councilmember Weaver stated that the municipal contributions are based on geography and evaluation. Anoka has the largest evaluation and Ramsey has the largest piece of geography. The legislature passed in 1982, Chapter 5.09, is now puffing "teeth" into it and it will cost us money. Our budgets have been frugal regarding this organization - the total budget was $6,500 from four cities for three years, then it went to $8,500, then $12,500. $3,500 was funded out of Anoka's reserve and $14,500 was the total budget. He added there are things required to do in order to assure clean water and it will cost lots of money and it is our responsibility. He added that Anoka is still spending a frugal amount of money on this by not having the attorneys and engineers at the meeting; however, he is not sure it's wise not to have them present. Anoka Councilmember Mann stated that the City of Anoka built and maintains the dam and he questioned if the maintenance of the dam should be an effort on the part of the WMO. He felt the WMO should look seriously at this issue. Anoka Mayor Beberg felt this would be a fair issue to check into. He added that the City of Anoka is looking at a plan to beautify the river area. They are sweeping downtown once a week so there is no dumping in the river. They are encouraging the use of the river. Anoka Councilmember Mann stated there has been some talk about a boat lift also. Mr. Nagel stated that when the remodeling would be done, there would be an area for canoes also. Case #6: Other Business Mr. Nagel handed out a folder of information discussing lawsuits against cities, etc. He stated the City of Anoka was sued with regard to the Oak Grove Sanitary Landfill issue. He stated they have been working on minimizing their part in that issue and they managed to get the bill into federal legislature that allows cities to deal directly with the Federal Environment Protection Agency. He suggested that Ramsey should develop a resolution to send to Senator Durenberger and the American Communities for Cleanup Equity that states the city should not be held responsible for landfill waste disposal located in its community or for which refuse comes from its community. Ramsey Councilmember Cich asked if there is any funding available from the Wild and Scenic River Management Program. He asked if staff could do some research regarding the possible funding. Mr. Nagel stated that the Scenic River Management Program overlays all water and wildlife legislation. He added there are monthly scenic river meetings at Earle Brown Farm and he suggested that the City of Ramsey have a staff' member become involved in these meetings. With regard to funding, there will probably be money later on for parks along the rivers, etc, but there is no funding now. Ramsey Councilmember Peterson expressed appreciation to both Cotmcil's and Staff for coming to the meeting. It was the consensus of both Council's that the two Cities should meet again in about three months. Mr. Schroeder and Mr. Nagel will take care of scheduling the meeting. It was also Joint City Council/Ramsey/Anoka - September 4, 1991 Page 9 of 10