1998_0120.ws_packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

January 14, 1998 Steve Sarkozy Page which would replace the CRWMO and assume ownership of the Trout Brook interceptor. The City of St. Paul is concerned about potential failure of the interceptor and is anxious to resolve the ownership issue. They have indicated that they would not sign a new. RWMO joint powers agreement unless the Trout Brook interceptor reconveyance issue is resolved. A copy of an earlier memo outlining the Trout Brook interceptor issue is attached. 3) Lake Como water Quality_ Over the past year, the St. Paul District Council 10 Environmental Committee has attempted to improve water quality in Lake Como. They have been frustrated by St. Paul's lack of cooperation and feel that the CRWMO should force improvements. They have indicated that they will petition BWSR to form a watershed district to replace the RWMO with the hope that more attention would be placed on Lake Como, If petitioned, Bev has the power to force the formation of a watershed district. The question before the City currently is whether we support the formation of a watershed district or wish the existing CRWMO to survive. A brief discussion of each option follows: 1) Support Watershed District A watershed district is a separate unit of government managed by a board of commissioners appointed by the county board. Typically, watertshed districts are funded by a separate tax levy and require full time staff'support. while watershed districts are considerably more expensive to operate,they tend to be more active. Being a separate unit of government,the formation of a watershed district would complicate water resources planning and permitting. It may be possible to annex the CMO to are existing watershed district. In most cases, a watershed district is more expensive to operate than a comparably active WMO. 2 Op o se Formation of a watershed District This option would require that the existing joint powers agreement be revised to give the RWMO board more autonomy. Based on St. Paul's position, it would also rewire that the Trout Brook reconveyance issue also be resolved. In order to survive, the CRWMO would likely need to increase its activity thus increasing costs slightly. However, the l WMO would be able to complete projects more efficiently than a watershed district. Please schedule time on the next Roseville City Council worksession-to discuss these issues. The Central Ramsey water management organization board meets on February 2 to discuss its future and a clew'Roseville position would be helpful. attachments KJm