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