MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF

THE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

BOARD OF MANAGERS

June 14, 2012

 

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers was called to order by Manager Sherry Davis White at 6:48 p.m. at the District offices, 18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, Minnesota. 

MANAGERS PRESENT

Brian Shekleton, Richard Miller, Pam Blixt, Jeffrey Casale, Sherry Davis White and William Olson.

MANAGER ABSENT

James Calkins.

OTHERS PRESENT

Eric Evenson, District Administrator; Steve Christopher, Regulatory Program Manager; Joe Barten, Cost Share Specialist; Renae Clark, Projects Manager; Michael Panzer, District Consulting Engineer; and Louis Smith, District Counsel. 

MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR

None. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Manger Miller, seconded by Manager Blixt, to approve the agenda as distributed.  Upon vote, the motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

It was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Blixt to approve the minutes of May 24, 2012, as distributed.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 3-0 (Managers Miller, Blixt, and White), with Manager Olson abstaining.

It was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Blixt to approve the minutes of June 7, 2012 as distributed.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 3-0 (Managers Miller, Blixt, and White), with Manager Olson abstaining.

BOARD COMMITTEE AND TASK FORCE REPORTS

Hydrodata Committee:

Manager Olson reported that the first meeting of the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force was convened.  The Hydrodata Committee has determined that the weevil program will be discontinued this year due to the early spring weather conditions.  Mr. Evenson noted that an evaluation of last year’s flowering rush project has been completed, noting that the project was more successful in mucky areas where plant removal could occur by hand.  Manager Shekleton arrived at this point in the meeting (6:15 p.m.)

The managers scheduled a meeting of the Executive Committee for July 9 at 3:00 p.m.

Akradi Violation Update

Mr. Steve Christopher appeared before the Board of Managers and reported that an active osprey nest was identified at the site and therefore no disturbance can occur in the vicinity of the nest, warranting an extension of the deadline to complete the work.  Mr. Smith recommended board action to extend the deadline as recommended by Mr. Christopher.  It was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Shekleton to extend the deadline of June 1, 2012 to September 1, 2012 for completion of the work.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 5-0.     

BOARD REVIEW ITEMS

City of Shorewood Apple Road Channel Stabilization Cost Share Project

Mr. Joe Barten appeared before the Board of Managers and reviewed the project application.  Mr. Barten reviewed the project, noting that it is intended to stabilize the channel and address erosion problems.  Manager Blixt asked about the causes of the erosion.  Mr. Panzer explained that much of the topography in this area is vulnerable to erosion, especially in wooded areas.  Manager Casale arrived at this point in the meeting (7:15 p.m.)

Manager Blixt asked why the District’s rules have not adequately addressed runoff and erosion problems created by development in this area.  Mr. Panzer noted that many of the ravines in this area that are subject to erosion predate the Districts rules.  Manager Miller noted that the cost share program prompted the City to address an apparent long-standing problem.

Mr. Smith asked whether the property owners have signed the application, and also suggested that it would be worthwhile to review the drainage and utilities easements to confirm that they adequately cover the proposed work.  Mr. Barten noted that the City has had good cooperation with the residents in preparing for this project and would followup on those questions. 

Mr. Evenson requested that mitigation of construction impacts on trees be an additional condition of approval.  Following discussion, it was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Olson, to forward the application to the Citizens’ Advisory Committee and place the project on the consent agenda at the June 28 meeting.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0. 

Orono Orchard Road Permit Application

Mr. Steve Christopher appeared before the Board of Managers and reviewed this project for the reconstruction of Orchard Road.  He noted that the City of Orono has requested Board approval at this meeting.  It was moved by Manager Shekleton, seconded by Manager Miller to grant the variance and approve the application based on the findings recommended by staff.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

City of Mound Road Reconstruction Permit

Mr. Christopher presented the staff review of a permit application for road and utility reconstruction along Langdon Lane and Wilshire Boulevard in the City of Mound.  It was moved by Manager Shekleton, seconded by Miller to grant the variance from the buffer protection rule and approve the application based on the findings presented by staff.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

City of Deephaven Road Reconstruction

Mr. Christopher reviewed the permit application from the City of Deephaven for a road and utility reconstruction project along Northome and Azure roads in the City of Deephaven.  Mr. Christopher noted that there are no wetlands involved at the site or adjacent properties and therefore no buffers required.  It was moved by Manager Casale, seconded by Manager Miller to approve the permit application as recommended by staff.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

Mound Low Impact Development Request

Mr. Christopher reviewed the application for low impact development funding from the City of Mound.  It was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Casale, to refer this request to the Citizens’ Advisory Committee and place the matter on the consent agenda of the

June 28 meeting.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

Waterbody Crossing Rule Delegation to Staff

Mr. Steve Christopher reviewed the request for board action as set forth in the staff memorandum.  It was moved by Manager Casale, seconded by Manager Olson to recommend that the proposed resolution granting staff the authority to review and approve all waterbody crossings and structure permits be placed on the consent agenda of the June 28 meeting.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

Steiger Lake Project Final Plans, Permit, and Authorization for Bids

Ms. Renae Clark appeared before the Board of Managers and reviewed the current status and final designs of the Steiger Lake Project.  Ms. Clark noted that the City has been appreciative of the collaborative efforts with the District in this project, and the District has worked to be sensitive to traffic management needs.  Manager Miller congratulated Ms. Clark for her fine work on this project.  Following discussion, it was moved by Manager Olson, seconded by Manager Casale, to place this project on the consent agenda for the June 28 meeting.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

Partial Liability Waiver

Mr. Smith reviewed the memorandum concerning a proposed resolution to clarify the District’s partial liability waiver.  Following discussion, it was moved by Manager Shekleton, seconded by Manager Olson, to place the proposed resolution regarding partial waiver of liability limits on the consent agenda for the June 28 meeting.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.  

Closed Session: 15320 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka Minnesota

The Board of Managers adjourned to a closed session for the purpose of considering an offer to acquire property at 15320 Minnetonka Boulevard for the District office. 

The managers returned to open session.

Upon request of Mr. Evenson, it was moved by Manager Miller, seconded by Manager Shekleton, to authorize expenditure up to $20,000 for appraisal, inspection, and due diligence in development of an offer to purchase 15320 Minnetonka Boulevard for the District office.  Upon vote, the motion carried, 6-0.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the regular meeting of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Davis White