Adopt Resolution #15-06-161 Approving Contract with Anoka Conservation District for Stormwater Retrofit Analysis

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #15-06-161 approving the attached Contract with the Anoka Conservation District for completing a Stormwater Retrofit Analysis within a portion of the City of Ramsey.
 
Background:
The purpose of the Stormwater Retrofit Analysis is to identify and rank projects that will improve stormwater quality discharged to the Rum and Mississippi Rivers. The final report will detail potential projects, costs, pollutant reductions, and an overall cost effectiveness ranking of all projects. It will provide all information necessary to prioritize expenditures and apply for project implementation grants.
 
The area of the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) that is proposed for this study is as shown in the attached Anoka Conservation District (ACD) proposal. Study areas will be those with limited infrastructure to treat stormwater prior to discharging into the Rum and Mississippi Rivers. The final study area boundaries include approximately 720 acres within the City of Anoka, and 469 acres within the City of Ramsey.
 
A detailed work report will be provided upon completion of the project.
 
At the February 19^th, 2015 LRRWMO meeting, Jamie Schurbon with the ACD discussed their ablity to complete a stormwater retrofit analysis.  He noted that the ACD was awarded Clean Water Fund grant funding that could be applied toward this work, and suggested that the LRRWMO contribute up to 25-percent of the costs.  He stated that the funds are available for the next two years and the item could simply be included in the LRRWMO budget for next year if desired.  He referenced Mississippi Pool erosion mapping that occurred in the past but did not extend into Ramsey. He stated that activity could be completed for Ramsey and estimated a cost of approximately $5,000.  Attached is a copy of the approved meeting minutes.
 
During the April 16^th, 2015 LRRWMO meeting, Jamie Schurbon with the ACD again discussed the proposed stormwater analysis proposal and stated that he had been working with City of Ramsey Engineering staff to obtain a great boundary for the City of Ramsey.  He stated that as proposed the LRRWMO could fund $2,000, the ACD awarded Clean Water Funds could provide $6,000, and the participating member cities could share in the remaining costs.  Schurbon noted that the study will provide all the necessary information needed for applying for future grant applications for stormwater retrofit projects.  Attached is a copy of the approved meeting minutes and the ACD’s work proposal for reference.
 
Then during the May 21^st, 2015 LRRWMO meeting, Jamie Schurbon provided final proposed funding amounts as follows.  The LRRWMO will fund $2,000, the Clean Water Fund will fund $6,000, the City of Anoka will fund $5,656, and the City of Ramsey will contribute $3,441.  The cities cost shares are both based on contributing area of stormwater runoff as outlined in the ACD’s proposal. The LRRWMO Board unanimously approved these amounts as noted in the attached meeting minutes.
 
Attached is a copy of Resolution #15-06-161.

A copy of the Contract is also attached.  The Contract that sets forth the obligations of the City in regards to contributing funding and resources for the proposed Stormwater Retrofit Analysis work.  The resources to be provided by the City carry no additional hard costs and will only require several hours of staff time to provide. The City Attorney has reviewed the Contract and suggested making several changes as shown in track changes format.  Staff is checking with the ACD to verify they have no objections with the revisions as proposed by the City Attorney.  If objections are received from the ACD, staff will relay them to Council during the presentation of this case.

N/A

Observations:
This work will allow staff to identify necessary stormwater improvements within the study area for inclusion in future CIP’s to allow the City to better budget for future stormwater improvement projects.  It will also allow staff to easily apply for external funding for identified stormwater improvements.

Alternatives:
Alternative Action #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #15-06-161 approving a Contract with the Anoka Conservation District for completing a Stormwater Retrofit Analysis for the City of Ramsey.

Alternative Action #2 – Motion to deny adoption of Resolution #15-06-161 at this time.

The City of Ramsey’s share of the costs is set at $3,441.  Per the attached Contract, City funds must be taken from the local levy so they are eligible for the State Clean Water Fund match.
 
This work is not listed in the City’s current 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and is proposed to be funded using Stormwater Utility Funds which has sufficient funds.

Staff recommends Alternative Action #1 due to the benefit received by the City upon completing this work.
Staff does not recommend Alternative Action #2 due to the need for this work.

Approve or deny adoption of Resolution #15-06-161 approving a Contract with the Anoka Conservation District for completing a Stormwater Retrofit Analysis for the City of Ramsey.