Adopt Resolution #14-01-010 Approving Amendment to Lower Rum River WMO Joint Powers Agreement

PURPOSE
The purpose of this case is to consider approving an amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) to approve a boundary revision for the City of Coon Rapids reallocating that area of Coon Rapids that is currently allocated to the LRRWMO (290.32 acres) to the Coon Creek Watershed instead.  This would result in the complete removal of all contributing drainage area from the City of Coon Rapids to the LRRWMO, allowing them to withdraw from the LRRWMO thereby simplifying their permitting and reporting requirements.

BACKGROUND
The City of Coon Rapids is one of four member cities of the LRRWMO.  The other three cities are Andover, Anoka and Ramsey.  The City of Coon Rapids recently petitioned the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (“BWSR”) to approve a boundary revision that would remove that part of the LRRWMO’s area lying within the City of Coon Rapids (290.32 acres) from the LRRWMO and attaching it to the Coon Creek Watershed District instead.  BWSR subsequently approved the change in boundaries per Coon Rapid's request.  Attached are copies of Coon Rapids request and the approved Order from BWSR.

Coon Rapids is now requesting that each of the LRRWMO member cities approve the attached amendment to the JPA thereby allowing Coon Rapids to withdraw as a party to the JPA and subsequently as a member of the LRRWMO.  Also attached is a copy of the current JPA for reference.

The amendment shall be effective upon ratification by the City Councils of all four member cities, as well as the execution of the amendment by all four member cities.  Upon receipt of certified copies of resolutions approving the JPA amendment and executed copies of the amendment by all four cities, the secretary of the LRRWMO shall supply to the City Clerk of each of the cities a copy of the resolutions and the signed agreement.

No notifications are required with this case.

ALTERNATIVES

Alternative #1 - Motion adopting Resolution #14-01-010 approving an amendment to the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization Joint Powers Agreement removing the City of Coon Rapids as a party to the Joint Powers Agreement.  The City of Ramsey's annual fee will increase slightly due to the withdrawal of the City of Coon Rapids.

Alternative #2 - Motion denying adoption of Resolution #14-01-010 at this time.  A majority of Cities in the current JPA would need to support this position for it to prevail.  Based upon the small portion within the WMO, there is no compelling reason to make them remain a part of the WMO.

The City of Ramsey's annual fee will increase slightly due to the withdrawal of the City of Coon Rapids.  This fee will be paid through the Storm Water Fund.

Staff recommends Alternative #1 approving the amendment to the LRRWMO JPA as attached thereby removing the City of Coon Rapids as a party to the LRRWMO Joint Powers Agreement.

The City Council should approve Alternative #1 adopting Resolution #14-01-010 approving an amendment to the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization Joint Powers Agreement removing the City of Coon Rapids as a party to the Joint Powers Agreement if Council agrees that this action will positively impact the LRRWMO.

The City Council should approve Alternative #2 denying adoption of Resolution #14-01-010 at this time if Council agrees that this action will negatively impact the LRRWMO.