Nine Mile Creek Watershed District 1

The meeting included the reading of the Code of Conduct/bylaws and a discussion of the Open Meeting Law. Two members volunteered to serve as co-chairs for the coming year, and one member volunteered as secretary. Key topics included updates from a visit to Hocokata Ti and information regarding a new applicant from Hopkins. Program updates featured a recap of the 'State of the Waters' event, emphasizing the interactive art project. The main focus was the Water Management Plan (WMP), including a presentation on the 10-year plan drafting, community feedback process, and issue area ranking for prioritization. Members expressed interest in reviewing the WMP at key phases moving forward. Prioritized resource topics identified included water quality, surface water, wetlands, groundwater management, stormwater management, climate change adaptation, natural resources management, land use management, and flood management. Operational priorities included capital projects, watershed-wide strategy, partnership and collaboration, and measurable goals.

The workshop meeting included approval of the agenda and consent items covering the 2025 Annual Communication, 2026 Annual Business Items and Designations (including naming the district bank, confirming investment certificates, naming the official newspaper, and reviewing fee schedules), and the adoption of the Board Meeting Schedule and CAC appointment. Action items involved the election of officers and the designation of committee members and liaisons for Personnel, flood management, Community Advisory Committee, diversity/equity/inclusion/accessibility, and cost-share review. Discussion items focused on a draft scope of work for a district-wide flood management plan, with a final draft expected in January or February, and collaborative discussions regarding goals and priorities for the next water management plan concerning climate, education, and diversity.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The consent agenda included approval of the Cost-Share Grants. Key action items involved authorizing the administrator to amend the contract with Houston Engineering for an amount not to exceed $9,050 to complete permitting module changes to MS4Front. Discussion topics included a presentation and discussion on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal project, review of draft updates to the Employee Policy Manual and Governance Manual, and a presentation on management strategies for submerged aquatic invasive plants and cattails for the Anderson Lakes, which will be followed by a public hearing regarding herbicide treatment.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the amended agenda, including authorization to receive a grant and enter a contract with Hennepin County. The consent agenda items approved included the Minutes of the March 19, 2025, Board Meeting, the 2024 Annual Report Memo, and the 2024 Annual Audit Memo. Action items involved adopting resolution 2025-03, which amends the watershed plan to include Hopkins Central Park and Bloomington Main Stem capital projects and water-resource study details. Authorization was given to Barr Engineering for the water management plan scope of work and to enter a cooperative agreement with the City of Edina for fisheries and aquatic plant management. The administrator was authorized to enter a $10,260 grant agreement with Hennepin County for herbicide treatment on Shady Oak Lake. The treasurer's report was accepted. Discussions included deploying $243,888 from the Stormwater Facilities Fund for beyond-compliance stormwater management at the Southdale Library project, requiring authorization for a public hearing notice, and amending the cost-share policy regarding reserved funds for equity zones.

The regular meeting covered several key areas, beginning with the approval of the agenda. A public open forum was held with no public comments. A presentation was given regarding the City of Edina's redevelopment plans for the Fred Richards Golf Course, specifically concerning wetlands changes. The consent agenda addressed multiple items, including the adoption of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Plan and authorization to issue the proposed water management Plan Amendment. Key action items included authorizing a contract not to exceed $71,484 with WSB Inc. for fisheries surveys and management, and authorizing the purchase of a field truck not to exceed $50,000. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of the treasurer's report and discussion items covering the 2024 WMP Workplan Tracking and 2025 Workplan.