2002-10-24_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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BREAK from 9:10 to 9:25 6. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS Natural Resources Update Presentation on the Landscape Ecology Award Program (LEAP): Mark Gernes, Co-chair of the Natural Resources Board, described the award program that was developed as a result of their involvement in creating a BMP pamphlet earlier this year. The brochure communicates to the general public the benefits associated with good management practices, such as mowing and mulching, fertilizer use and pest management, stormwater runoff and buffers, natural areas, and gardens. Among the goals of the award program: recognize and reward those who apply these practices, encourage more widespread adoption of eco-landscaping and management practices, and highlight the important role of residents and businesses in protecting, preserving, enhancing, and restoring natural resources. Applications were available at WaterFest 2002 and at city halls. Fourteen sites were nominated, and the "top picks" to receive awards were announced in three categories as follows: Government: City of Maplewood's rainwater gardens Commercial: H.B. Fuller parking lot site Residential: • Drake property at 801 Keller Parkway, Maplewood • Jader property at 960 Kohlman Lane, Maplewood • Hanley property at 6250 North 25th Street, Oakdale • Holker property at 575 White Bear Avenue, St. Paul Some of the sites will be included in the District's summer tour scheduled for September 16. Information on the awards will be advertised on the District website and in the local newspaper, yard signs will be posted in their yards as "top pick," and framed certificates of excellence will be presented. Beltline Outlet Structure Improvements Brad described the alternative design for securing the access doors on the transition structure in order to resist the forces of the rotational flow. F. F. Jedlicki Inc. provided a bid of $4,625, and staff recommended that work begin promptly since it is considered a safety issue. This site will also be included on the 2002 District summer tour. Motion: Roger Lake moved, Bob Johnson seconded, to approve the expenditure of $4,625 and to authorize F. F. Jedlicki Inc. to perform the work to repair the transition structure access doors at the Beltline Outlet Structure site. Motion carried. Valley Creek Road Stormwater Infiltration Brad Lindaman reported that the contractor's goal is to complete the project before the September 16 summer tour date. Natural Resources Update Use of Research Data in Reed Canary Grass: Staff have sprayed reed canary grass sites throughout the District at the optimum time of year and in accordance with the management practices identified by the U of M Reed Canary Grass Control Research project that has been partially funded by the District. 7. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Employee Deferred Compensation Plan Cliff Aichinger recommended that the District offer to its employees the Minnesota State Deferred Compensation Plan, which will replace the 403(b) plan that was discontinued earlier this year when employees were switched to PERA. The Board supported making this optional program available to employees. Page 4 September 4, 2002 RWMWD Minutes