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2.01: Review of Revised Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization Joint <br /> Powers Agreement <br /> Mayor Strommen recused herself from this discussion and left the meeting at 6:08 p.m. Acting <br /> Mayor Backous chaired the remainder of the meeting. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated he had originally supported a weighted vote, but that was <br /> unsuccessful. He then attempted for Ramsey to receive two votes but that was also unsuccessful. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization <br /> (LRRWMO) Attorney has tightened up the language based on comments submitted by Ramsey <br /> and Andover. He explained if Ramsey does not agree with a decision, it could take the matter to <br /> arbitration or decide to leave the LRRWMO. Councilmember Kuzma stated it is his <br /> recommendation to stay with the LRRWMO and execute the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). He <br /> indicated that he and the Andover representative have both told Anoka it is their dam and since it <br /> will remain for many more years, they can budget for future improvements. Anoka was also <br /> interested in retrofitting the dam to be an invasive species barrier; however, it did not receive <br /> State funding so that project may be dropped. <br /> City Engineer Westby presented the staff report, noting the purpose of this case is to review the <br /> latest draft of the revised JPA for the LRRWMO. He referenced Article 6 that indicated the <br /> LRRWMO must consider the ability of the member city to fund any improvements and noted <br /> Article 7 includes several subdivisions relating to method of enacting and proceeding with <br /> capital improvements. City Engineer Westby explained that if improvements are made, it must <br /> follow the Chapter 429 process with a feasibility report, outlining funding sources, proving <br /> benefit of the project, public hearing processes for the LRRWMO and member cities, and <br /> required response time of member cities. He stated another item on Page 10 addresses the fact <br /> that the Board must determine whether the project improves more than one subwatershed, <br /> creating the ability to spread the cost beyond the LRRWMO. He agreed with Councilmember <br /> Kuzma that any member city that objects could take it to arbitration and if that fails, it goes to the <br /> County who could bond for it. City Engineer Westby stated if this JPA is not approved, Anoka <br /> County will take it on or set up its own watershed district, which involves costs that are double to <br /> quadruple the cost of the LRRWMO. In addition, it eliminates the voting power for Ramsey and <br /> creates a new taxing authority. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma recommended the City accept the JPA, noting City Attorney Langel has <br /> also reviewed this document. <br /> Councilmember Riley referenced Page 10 relating to considering whether the improvement <br /> benefits more than one subwatershed or the LRRWMO's watershed as a whole. <br /> City Engineer Westby explained it allows the LRRWMO to focus on a smaller area of the <br /> watershed, one city, two cities, or portions of several cities. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated there is a legal difference between "the Board may consider" and <br /> "the Board shall consider. He asked whether that change should be made. <br /> City Council Work Session/June 17,2014 <br /> Page 5 of 7 <br />