Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

The meeting focused on various watershed management and district operations topics. Discussions included updates on the regulatory program, Stewardship Grant Program applications, and budget status reports. Board members received reports on the communications and engagement program, new membrane filter technology, and administrator updates including meetings attended, staff anniversaries, and budget planning for 2027. Project and program status reports covered several feasibility studies, water quality monitoring, watershed management plan updates, lake studies, and ongoing capital improvement projects, including basin outlet repairs and exterior office improvements.

The board meeting covered several agenda items, including the approval of the consent agenda and discussions regarding district activities. Key topics included updates on technical advisory committee participation for regional trail planning, a pilot partnership with the school district for infrastructure maintenance, and grant program updates. Additionally, the board discussed MS4 stormwater pollution prevention plan reporting requirements and reviewed exterior improvements for the district office, including monitoring parameters and user perception documentation.

The board workshop focused on reviewing draft issue statements, goals, and goal measurability, specifically in alignment with guidelines from the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Key discussion topics included surface water quality concerning impaired waters and pollutant loading, flood risk and water quantity management, and various aspects of ecosystem health, such as wetlands, invasive species, and shoreline integrity, as well as groundwater quality.

The board meeting agenda focused on regulatory program applications, including variance requests and monthly memorandums. Key action items included approval of plans for district office improvements, bid awards for various projects, and the 2025 annual financial audit. Presentations were conducted regarding water monitoring and water quality data management. Additionally, staff provided updates on project feasibility studies, the watershed management plan, lake studies, capital improvements, and communications programs.

The meeting included the administration of the oath of office for the Board of Managers. The board reviewed regulatory program updates, including inspections following snow melt, and received a budget status update for the stewardship grant program, which included information on a community partner grant and the Get Gritty campaign. During the annual meeting portion, the board handled governance matters, including the election of officers, appointments to the Citizen Advisory Committee, selection of consulting staff, and official designations for the bank of deposit and newspaper. Additional actions included approval for plans and solicitation of bids or quotes for the Gustavus Adolphus and Thirty Twenty Estates targeted retrofit projects. The board also discussed legislative updates from Minnesota Watersheds, reviewed a 2026 project story map, and received reports on various project status updates, including chloride management and watershed management plan development.