Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The meeting included administrative items such as roll call and agenda approval. Key discussions centered on authorizing a contract for an existing condition site survey for the 325 Blake Road Regional Stormwater and Greenway Project, including a recommendation to contract with Stantec based on competitive quotes. The Board also voted to approve Resolution 20-084, which approves the City of Hopkins Local Water Management Plan, noting coordination efforts regarding stormwater management, nutrient load reduction, and land use planning integration. Finally, an update was provided on the Long Lake Creek Partnership Initiative, covering the roadmap preview, feedback from city council presentations, and the award of grant funding for the Woolsfeld Ravine project.

The meeting involved discussions regarding the agenda, including moving the discussion on the 6300 Painter Road financing ahead of the resolution for carp removal contract authorization. The Board approved several resolutions via the consent agenda, including naming the official depository for District Funds and noncash financial assurances, designating the official District newspaper for 2026, and approving the District Fee Schedule. Key discussion centered on financing options for the 6300 Painter Road acquisition, with staff preparing a reimbursement resolution for a future meeting. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing a contract with WSB for winter carp removal services in Parley Lake. Officer elections were held, resulting in the re-election of President White and the election of new Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Committee assignments were confirmed. Staff updates covered the release of bids for the Gateway to the Greenway Project, plans for buckthorn removal, progress on demolition at 6300 Painter Road, and commencement of construction for three other projects. The Board also moved into a closed session to discuss the performance evaluation of the Administrator.

The workshop included the approval of the agenda with specified additions and corrections, including updating dates and committee assignments for upcoming meetings. Key discussions involved reports on recent meetings attended, such as a session regarding the comprehensive plan and presentations by the Army Corps of Engineers. Budget discussions led to recommendations for the board concerning levy adjustments, fund balance drawdowns, capital project funding, and delinquent taxes. The Planning and Policy Committee report focused on pursuing the comprehensive plan schedule while capitalizing on opportunistic planning within the six-mile corridor. The CIC report covered community events, water quality, and planning for the 50th anniversary. Action items included the approval of Resolution 16-067 authorizing a contract with WINK to conduct land surveys and soil analysis for a project, and approval for Resolution 16-2065 to enter a contract with Blackstone Contractors for infrastructure maintenance planning, prioritizing the Grey's Bay Dam assessment. Resolution 16-066 consideration involved presenting the Wolf Lake Condominiums Rain Garden project for future funding approval after a required public hearing. Furthermore, the board reviewed and sought authorization for the final design and construction bids for the Highway 101 Shoreline Construction Project, which involves shoreline restoration and habitat creation, with subsequent discussion on maintaining sightlines through tree canopy management.

The Board meeting commenced with roll call, confirming a quorum, and included approval of the agenda and consent items, such as minutes from a prior meeting and a resolution to reschedule the December 5th meeting to December 3rd. Key discussions centered on committee reports, including a work session regarding 325 Blake Road and a briefing on the boardwalk projects and the emphasis on water issues by Commissioner Edon. The Policy and Planning Committee introduced the 10-year plan development process and welcomed new staff members. The Citizen Advisory Committee meeting theme was stream management. The public hearing addressed the Greenway to Cedar Trail connection and stream bank restoration project (Agenda Item 10.1) and project ordering (Agenda Item 11.1). The presentation detailed the project's location within the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed, its connection to the broader Greenway work aimed at addressing downstream water quality and quantity issues, and the feasibility findings. The preferred approach involves building the trail with an estimated cost of $884,000, incorporating stream bank restoration for ecological enhancement. The board discussed necessary partnerships with the City of St. Louis Park, Hennepin County (including a $200,000 Community Works Grant), the Metropolitan Council (regarding Southwest Light Rail coordination), and Three Rivers Park District (regarding trail tie-in design). Coordination with the private property owner, Professional Instruments Company, for staging and property transfer for the trail alignment was also detailed.

The Board meeting agenda included a recommended action for the County Road 6 Pond Retrofit Project. Staff recommended authorizing a change order with Minger Construction to address additional muck removal and corrective soil import during the construction phase. This arose because additional unconsolidated bottom material (muck) was found during excavation beyond the initial bid quantities, creating constructability and long-term performance concerns for the filter bench foundation. The discussion involved outlining the scope of the issue, alternatives considered, and the recommended course of action, which requires establishing a suitable foundation by removing the additional muck and replacing it with clay fill.