Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/01/2009

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LRRWMO Meeting Minutes March 19,2009 Page 5 Consensus was reached that each member city will forward information to Obermeyer regarding the education measures that are currently being practiced. Obermeyer will draft language stating what the LRRWMO will be doing to educate the public, including information on what each member city is doing. · Are there additional opportunities for the WMO to participate in a coordinated effort on other stormwater and water quality issues (Lake Pepin TMDL, NPDES, nondeg, others?) Are there opportunities to partner with adjacent WMOs or others? It was noted that there may be opportunities to partner with the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO) with monitoring on the Rum River. Consensus was reached that Schurbon will forward the URRWMO monitoring plan to Obermeyer. Obermeyer will ensure that the URRWMO and the LRRWMO plans mesh. · Public participation is a requirement not only in plan development, but also as an ongoing activity - how is this going to be achieved in the future? Consensus reached at the February 19, 2009 Board meeting was to further discuss if the Ramsey Environmental Board and similar committees of each member city is interested in participating in a joint meeting to discuss watershed issues. · Is the funding mechanism working to achieve the goals and is it fair to citizens in those cities that are in more than one watershed? Are there any other options the WMO may want to consider such as a stormwater utility? Lewis noted this may be something to discuss further with the implementation of the Third Generation Plan. . Lewis discussed the February 23, 2009 memorandum to the LRRWMOBoard. The memo listed the options previously discussed by the Board to address State law prohibiting the appointment of City staff to WMO boards. Lewis noted that City staff still serves on the LRRWMO board. At some point when the individuals appointed are no longer employed with the member cities, this will need to be addressed. Lewis stated the memo also recommends that the Board take steps to establish an overall work plan, schedule, and cost for completing the plan revision. She stressed that the LRRWMO is currently operating under an expired plan. State agencies are getting concerned because there has not been any involvement on their part in the planning process. She reviewed the timeline associated with the review process of the Plan. There was discussion on whether the Board adopted a resolution to extend the current plan until the plan revision is completed. There was discussion on the recommendation by Lewis to establish a work plan to complete the plan revision. Obermeyer stated minor modifications to the Second Generation Plan have been discussed with the preparation of the Draft Third Generation Plan. There are major issues that require guidance from the Board, such as wetland buffers and compliance with non-degradation requirements.