Laura Jester

The committee discussed the finalization of a linear projects checklist and application form to comply with new development requirements. Key agenda items included reviewing updates to the Requirements Document and Design Sequence Flowchart, formulating recommendations for the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for 2027-2031, and evaluating new activities from the 10-year Watershed Management Plan, such as streambank monitoring, chloride reduction programs, and shoreline improvement projects.

This plan guides the management of water resources for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC), aiming to improve ecosystem health and reduce flood risk over the next ten years. Developed with extensive stakeholder input, it addresses key priorities including Waterbody and Watershed Quality (focusing on impaired waters and chloride pollution), Flooding and Climate Resilience (managing climate change impacts and flood risk in Bassett Creek Valley), Education and Engagement, and Organizational Effectiveness (enhancing capacity, funding mechanisms, and progress assessment).

The Commission addressed several financial and project-related agenda items, including the acceptance of a financial report and the approval of various professional service invoices. Key actions included approving an amendment agreement for the Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration Project, contracting for herbicide treatment on Medicine Lake, and adopting a resolution regarding municipal tort liability. The business session focused on adopting the 2026-2035 Watershed Management Plan, initiating an organizational assessment, reviewing the 2025 Annual Report, approving final documentation for the Ponderosa Woods restoration, and coordinating cost-sharing for a high-efficiency street sweeper with the City of Crystal. Additionally, the commission reviewed policy recommendations and received updates from staff, engineering, and legal counsel.

The Commission discussed several project-related items, including the approval of 60% designs for a double box culvert repair project, amendments to project budgets and reimbursements for the Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration Project and Lagoon Dredging CIP project, and approval of a trail construction project. Additionally, the Commission considered TAC recommendations, including cost-sharing for a street sweeper and scope revisions for a hydrologic and hydraulic conversion project. Other business included an agreement with the Three Rivers Park District for Medicine Lake activities and the appointment of committee members.

The committee reviewed the availability of Channel Maintenance funds and received a status update on the FEMA-funded Twin Cities Watershed Hydrologic Modeling and Mapping Project. Discussions included the review of a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, with a specific recommendation to cost-share the purchase of a high-efficiency street sweeper with the City of Crystal. Additionally, the committee evaluated updates to the scope and budget for the hydrologic and hydraulic model conversion project, addressing grant funding status and identifying potential alternative funding sources should FEMA grant support be limited.