Agenda - Council - 07/27/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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i i I i I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I PW CASE REPRESENTATION ON WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: During the last legislative session a bill was introduced which would prohibit municipal staff members from serving on the board of Water Management Organizations (WMO's). Ramsey is a member of the Lower Rum River WMO along with Anoka, Andover and Coon Rapids. Andover, Coon Rapids and Ramsey have staff members as their representative on the WMO. Although this bill never passed committee hearings, its contents were appended to the Omnibus DNR Appropriations Bill that was passed in the final hours of the legislative session. Attached to this case is a memo from Charlie LaFevere, attorney for the LRRWMO and several other WMO's, regarding the new law. His memo is self-explanatory. Coon Rapids and Andover have specific individuals in mind to replace staff members. Andover will likely appoint their current Councilmember alternate who currently attends most the monthly meetings, while the staff person will continue to attend as a technical advisor. Coon Rapids is entertaining appointing their retired public works director as their representative. The purpose of this case is primarily to inform the Committee of the impending change so that some thought can be given to whom Ramsey's representative will be beginning in January 2000. Present practice is to appoint the WMO representative at the organizational meeting during the first Council meeting in January. It may also be likely that a technical advisory panel would be formed as a result of this change in the law. Committee Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: City Administrator Director of Public Works PW: 07/27/99