Adopt Resolution #18-134 to Enter into Memorandum of Understanding for Anoka County Cooperative Weed Management Area Partnership

Earlier in 2018, the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) was awarded $20,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) to manage noxious weeds within Anoka County. The purpose of this case is to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Anoka Conservation District to make funds eligible to Ramsey residents.

The Conservation District has convened multiple meetings with municipalities, county parks, watershed districts and organizations, and state agencies over the past several months on how to best distribute the funds through the establishment of a Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA/Management Area).  Ultimately, the Conservation District intends to make the grant funds available to property owners within Anoka County, through a competitive application process. The funds are intended to assist with their efforts managing noxious weeds. 

For property owners to be eligible for the grant funds, municipalities need to enter into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the primary goals of the Management Area. These goals include the following. These objectives are intended to create a consistent management plan across Anoka County.

• Information Exchange
• Education
• Prevention
• Noxious Weed Control
• Cooperation. 

The grant funds assist local communities in meeting existing statutory requirements. Minn. Statutes § 18.78-18.85 outline the requirements for local weed inspectors, including inspections throughout their jurisdiction for noxious weeds and their control.  Through past efforts of the Environmental Policy Board (EPB), information is available on our website (http://www.cityoframsey.com/304/Invasive-Species) providing information on invasive and noxious weeds.  Joining the Management Area would improve access and consistency for educational materials.

The Management Area will have an emphasis on mapping occurrences of noxious weeds and addressing 'new' infestations before they can get firmly established.  Additionally, the Management Area will emphasize education.  For example, Conservation District Staff have already met with Ramsey Public Works Staff to review certain noxious weeds, how to identify them, and review control measures.  Staff has also worked with Conservation District Staff in the last month to confirm a small infestation of Wild Parsnip, a noxious weed that can cause severe blistering and swelling when the sap comes in contact with human skin.

The MOU is non-binding and does not require any financial contribution by the City.  Furthermore, it does not obligate the City to anything above and beyond what is already outlined in State Statute, and is simply another tool to assist the City in achieving compliance with statutory requirements.  The MOU clearly states that any participating member can withdraw at any time with thirty (30) day written notice. Withdrawing from the agreement would make Ramsey residents inelgible for the funds.

This item was reviewed by the EPB on multiple occasions and most recently at their June 18, 2018 meeting.  The EPB did inquire about potential impacts on Staff resources by participating in the Management Area. Staff Impact should be minimal, as a majority of these activities are already being completed. There is a slight impact to Staff by needing to regular update communication channels (website, etc.). Finally, the Conservation District will act as the grant administrator and fiscal agent, and so there would not be any additional strain on Staff resources from that perspective either.

Alternatives

Alternative #1: Adopt Resolution #18-134 to enter into an MOU to join the Anoka County Cooperative Weed Management Area Partnership.  This will provide property owners in Ramsey possible access to grant funds to manage noxious weeds through a competitive application process.  The goals/objectives of the Management Area seem to align with the EPB's Statement of Purpose and the City Council's Strategic Action Plan. 

Alternative #2: Do not enter into the MOU to join the Anoka County Cooperative Weed Management Area Partnership.  This will not have any significant impacts to Staff's regular duties (e.g.. it will not reduce demand on staff resources) and will eliminate an opportunity for property owners in Ramsey to apply for grant funds to manage noxious weeds on their property. 

This case is being handled as part of Staff's normal duties.

The EPB recommends entering into the MOU and joining the Management Area.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-134 to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding to particpate in the Anoka County Cooperative Weed Management Area Partnership.