1998-10-22_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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The recommendations for the East Tamarack Swamp (Project 1) focus on the following goals: improve the quality of the swamp, reduce nutrients entering the swamp by improving stormwater treatment, improve drainage of the City Hall ponds, and lower the normal water level by lowering the outlet at Bielenberg Drive. Recommended improvements include a new culvert and outlet structure at Bielenberg Drive, retrofitting storm sewers entering the swamp from the south, and improving the water quality treatment provided in existing ponds north of the swamp.. The goals for the West Tamarack Swamp (Project 3) focus on improving the water quality of Battle Creek Lake, reducing the rate of stormwater flow to the lake, and protection of I-494 during the 100-year flood event. Recommendations include the construction of a berm along the west end of the West Tamarack Swamp adjacent to I-494, modification of the pond inlet on the Fortis property, and the creation of a regional stormwater pretreatment system on the Dohlim property just north of the swamp. A significant preliminary finding that affects Projects 1 and 3 resulted from a recent visit made to the West Tamarack Swamp by Bill Bartodziej and Fred Rozumalski, who found an incredibly diverse sedge wetland that had riot bee- previously documented. Indications aie that there is more value associated with this wetland community than with the documented value of the tamarack trees as indicated in the species-specific focus of the Puettmann report dated July 22, 1994. Cliff Aichinger pointed out that the proposed berm at the west end would result in higher bounce levels, which could cause detrimental impacts to this area. The scope of the project as contained in the feasibility study could be adjusted to protect any unique plant communities, based on a wetland plant inventory that is also proposed. The last group of recommendations is centered on the Oakdale Drainage District (Project 2), with the goal of providing water quality treatment for stormwater currently discharging directly to Battle Creek Lake. Anew wetland ponding area is proposed behind the Apostolic Bible Institute. An existing large wetland on the Klein property would serve as a regional detention pond near the I-694 / I-94 interchange. Both projects would involve easement acquisition costs. Cliff Aichinger stated that all CIP numbers referenced in the feasibility study correspond. to flood control or water quality inadequacies identified in the Watershed Management Plan. The proposed CIP budget for next year already includes costs for the projects identified in the feasibility study. The Board should review the report to make sure they are comfortable with the concepts proposed for each project. When the budget is acted on in September, its approval would authorize staff to proceed with the design elements of the projects identified in the feasibility study. Since many of the proposed tasks hinge on the outcome of the plant inventory in the West Tamarack Swamp, Cliff proposed that an estimated $20,000 be authorized from the capital improvement reserves so that the plant inventory can proceed as soon as possible, then re-allocate the expense to the project budget once officially approved. Discussion was held on Jack Frost's expectations that there be minimal change during the design phase when compared to the projects described in the feasibility study. Cliff Aichinger stated that the $75,000 as budgeted for feasibility studies has been spent, so the Board would have to authorize a budget increase if they want staff to scope out more detail on these projects. Motion: Bob Johnson moved, Pam Skinner seconded, that the plant study be authorized with the recognition that the budget for the feasibility reports be increased by $20,000 to cover the plant study. The motion carried. The CIB recommendations will be placed on the August agenda, and. Tom MacDonald will be in attendance again. y Jack Frost reported that MnDOT is looking for wetland mitigation opportunities and has ample funding to assist in wetland creation projects. Denny Palmer clarified that typically, stormwater storage is not considered "wetland creation." MnDOT is interested in spending money on projects Page 2 July 1, 1998 RWMWD Minutes