Agenda - Council Work Session - 11/26/2024

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LRRWMO Meeting Minutes October 17, 2024 Page 3 LRRWMO Funding Request for Rivers Bend Regional Pond Project — Ramsey Westby explained how the City discovered the need for regional water treatment to support development in the area. He stated that the City developed the plans for the pond and identified the area that would be treated by the pond, noting a total of 35 acres that includes a residential development that has never been treated as it was built before the current water treatment regulations. He stated that the project has begun with a cost of almost $900,000. He stated that watershed -based funding was awarded for this project in the amount of $248, 250 and the City is funding the remainder of the project. He stated that in additional discussions with Schurbon, he was made aware that the City of Anoka had been awarded $45,000 in watershed -based funding but that project did not move forward so, therefore, those funds could be reallocated towards this project. He stated that Schurbon also noted that the LRRWMO would have funds that could be applicable to this project, which led to the request for an additional $46,000. Wozney stated that the LRRWMO has budgeted cost -share funds through the years as part of the annual budget and City paid assessments. She stated that this does seem like a great project and Schurbon recommended that this would be a good use of cost -share funds. She stated that the request for the Board is to consider authorizing $8,450 from the LRRWMO cost -share grant to go towards the project, which would provide the necessary match to the WBIF grant. Yager stated that the Board annually has budget line items for the WBIF, noting $18,600 in 2024 and $20,000 for 2025. She stated that the LRRWMO also budgets annually for the cost -share grant program noting $6,000 for 2024 and a carryover from 2023 in the amount of $8,450. Weaver asked where the water is currently draining for these 35 acres. Westby identified a floodplain wetland in River's Bend Park, noting that water is directed there from the stormwater system. He stated that is currently a shallow floodplain wetland that overflows and does not have the capacity to treat this water. He confirmed that this pond would treat the water before it goes downstream. Weaver asked if maintenance agreements would be put in place to ensure the sediment is cleaned out. Westby replied that pond would become part of the City's stormwater system and would be maintained as needed. He stated that Ramsey is currently working to develop a stormwater maintenance policy which will better identify a maintenance schedule. Weaver noted that the City of Anoka has been installing grit chambers as part of street improvement projects which are cleaned once or twice a year and noted that is resulting in better water quality in the river. He applauded this project from the City of Ramsey. Musgrove asked if there should be two separate motions for this item. Wozney noted that the action could be completed in one motion. Motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Holthus, to authorize $30,000 from the WBIF fund to the Rivers Bend Regional Pond Project. Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Holthus, to authorize $8,450 from the LRRWMO cost share grant fund to the Rivers Bend Regional Pond Project. Vote: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Motion carried.