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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 9, 2020 4 (Minnesota Statute 103E). Kyle Axtell, project manager for the Rice Creek Watershed District, will be available at the City Council meeting to provide a presentation for the requested City concurrence. Kyle Axtell, Rice Creek Watershed District representative, provided the Council with a presentation on Ramsey County Ditch #4 which was located in the southern portion of Arden Hills. He explained much of Arden Hills drains through the Lake Johanna outlet channel north and west to Long Lake. He reviewed the area of the City that drains to Ramsey County Ditch #4. He commented on the basis of the RCWD request noting Ramsey County was responsible for managing and maintaining the 103E systems on behalf of the landowners who originally paid for the system. He described the assessment system that could be used for this project. Further discussion ensued regarding Watershed Law which grants the RCWD authority to undertake drainage system proceedings under 103D, rather than 103E, subject to concurrence by cities and towns within the drainage area of the system. He noted this facilitates flexibility for RCWD to finance repair work on its drainage systems and spreads charges across all parcels within a systems sub-watershed. He described why the Ditch #4 project was important now. He reported the new pipe would eliminate major sources of erosion, sediment, nutrients and trash. The project costs were reviewed with the Council and it was noted the City of Arden Hills would be responsible for $267 and the average charge to Arden Hills properties would be $25 to $75. He asked that the Arden Hills City Council adopt a Resolution consenting to the RCWD’s request to conduct proceedings for Ditch #4 under Minnesota Statute Chapter 103D. Councilmember Scott questioned who the taxing authority is and how long the properties would have to pay off their assessment. Mr. Axtell reported the watershed district was the taxing authority and the assessments would be collected through Ramsey County. He noted the assessments less than $300 were considered one year charges and would be collected in 2021. Councilmember Holden asked how these residents would be notified of the assessment. Mr. Axtell explained the watershed district has notification requirements. He reported for this project notifications have been sent to property owners that were within the Ramsey County Ditch #4 project area. He stated a public hearing occurred earlier this year. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2020-051 – To Conduct Drainage Proceedings for Ramsey County Ditch Number 4 Under Watershed Law MS 103D (Rice Creek Watershed District). Councilmember Holmes thanked staff for revising the Resolution to be more specific to this project. She stated she would be able to support the Resolution at this time. Mayor Grant agreed stating he appreciated the fact the Council now had a full understanding of the project being proposed by the Rice Creek Watershed District.