Valley Branch Watershed District

The board discussed several items, including approval of the consent calendar excluding an item related to beaver removal, which was later approved for payment based on a detailed report. The meeting also covered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's draft permit for the Simmeron Park wastewater treatment plant, with the board approving a comment letter emphasizing sanitary sewer connection. Finally, the board discussed a $350,000 grant awarded for chloride source control and reduction, authorizing staff to proceed with the necessary grant application revisions and administrative requirements.

The Board approved the 2026-2035 Watershed Management Plan and discussed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's draft reissued permit for the Simmeron Park Wastewater Treatment Plant. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding flood analysis, potential impacts on Rose Lake, and the need for connection to urban sanitary sewer services. Additionally, the Board reviewed a culvert replacement project on Joselyn Road and determined not to assume ownership of the culverts, recommending the city maintain responsibility.

The agenda includes a public forum, a consent calendar featuring a wetland replacement plan notice, a payment recommendation for the Goose Lake aluminum treatment, an intergovernmental agreement regarding the citizen-assisted monitoring program, a permit maintenance agreement, various native plant grants and reimbursements, and a sponsorship for the Metro Children's Water Festival. Business and reports cover proposed resolutions from Minnesota Watersheds, a presentation on the 2026-2035 Watershed Management Plan to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, and a presentation to the Baytown Township Board.

The board discussed and approved several items, including the consent calendar, the approval of permit 2026-19 for the Farms of Aptton, and permit 2026-22 for the Gilen Shoreline in Lake Elmo. There was also a significant discussion regarding a resolution for storm water runoff reuse, with the board considering co-authoring the resolution with other watershed districts to address plumbing code challenges. The board received updates on an ongoing erosion issue and a legal matter regarding a property owner near a permit project. Additionally, a manager provided an update on a completed photo project.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding amendments to the water district's disability regulations. Key discussion topics focused on the transition to utilizing the Washington Conservation District for inspection services, the mechanics of these inspections, the frequency of site visits, and the professional protocol for addressing potential compliance issues and managing communication with property owners. The board also reviewed the estimated financial costs associated with these inspection services.