Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/14/2014

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Councilmember Kuzma explained Ramsey made a proposal to the other members of the LRRWMO relating to a weighted vote. He advised that Coon Rapids has pulled out of the LRRWMO so that leaves three cities, which is the minimum required. Councilmember Kuzma stated since Ramsey pays 49% of the LRRWMO's budget, based on land mass within the watershed, it pays the largest share of the LRRWMO's $23,000 budget. Councilmember Kuzma explained that Anoka wants to do some modifications to the Rum River dam and Ramsey's concern is whether some of that responsibility will be shifted to Ramsey. Because of that concern, Ramsey drafted amendment JPA language to get 66% of the vote prior to capital improvement projects passing. However, Anoka and Andover said they are not interested in changing the JPA. Councilmember Kuzma explained that if Ramsey were to not sign the JPA and pull out of the LRRWMO, oversight goes to BWSR who would create a new district, dictate to Ramsey, and also have levy power, giving the City no voice. Because of that, he recommended Ramsey approve the JPA with some clarification. He advised the position of Andover is that the Rum River dam belongs to Anoka and it is their responsibility. City Attorney Langel stated the concern is the weighted vote concept, which would give Ramsey more authority based upon its size relative to other members. He stated the LRRWMO Attorney questioned whether weighted voting is legal but the language doesn't take either position. City Attorney Langel noted the other LRRWMO members would have to buy into the concept for it to be approved. He stated he is not aware of a change in their position so Ramsey is alone in desiring that change to the JPA. Councilmember Kuzma stated that is correct, Anoka and Andover City Councils do not support a weighted vote so the option for Ramsey is to approve the JPA or pull out and have no say when BWSR takes over. He stated he thinks Andover would band with Ramsey's position should there be an issue with funding a Rum River dam project. Councilmember Tossey asked whether the Upper Rum River WMO is an option. He also asked if entering the JPA does a disservice to Ramsey if the vote is not weighted. He felt it has been clear that Andover and Anoka have much to gain by Ramsey having one vote, not weighted, and maintenance of the Rum River dam is a huge reason. Councilmember Tossey asked what the City's alternatives are if it pulls out of the LRRWMO. City Administrator Ulrich stated staff has extensively looked at the Watershed District option, which allows less City control than it has under a JPA. He stated he does not know if the City has the option to join another WMO, such as the Upper Rum River WMO. City Engineer Westby stated he has not explored that option. Councilmember Kuzma stated if Ramsey pulls out, Ramsey will have no say and BWSR would have levy power. He stated due to the expense for Ramsey to be its own district, it has no merit. City Administrator Ulrich stated staff can explore whether it is a feasible option to join another WMO. City Council Work Session / January 14, 2014 Page 7 of 9