Workshop Item: Jim Hafner, Stormwater Manager
Title
APPROVE COMMENT LETTER ON RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT PROPOSED CWPMP MINOR PLAN AMENDMENT
Background
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is proposing a minor plan amendment to five (5) of their Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plans (CWPMP). Two of these plans directly affect the City of Blaine: Anoka County Ditch 53-62 CWMP Rule M and Anoka County Ditch 53-62 Resource Management Plan (RMP-1). If approved, the change in rules would allow the RCWD to mitigate wetland impacts resulting from ditch maintenance and repair any where in the state as opposed to replacing the lost functions and values within the area where the impacts occur. The RCWD Board of Managers cites cost and lack of available mitigation sites as the primary reasons for this proposed change. The amendment would apply to only RCWD ditch projects and would not apply to municipal or private projects.
Blaine staff has cited 5 reasons why this is not in the best interest of the City and its residents. These reasons are detailed in the attached draft letter of comment and summarized below.
1. The proposed amendment is contrary to the intent of Rule M and RMP-1.
2. This represents an alternative use of public funds derived from the citizens of Blaine.
3. The change poses a potential negative impact to the purpose and need of Blaine's master development plan.
4. This represents a lack of equity for public projects by other entities and for private projects.
5. The RCWD has not exercised due diligence in investigating available mitigation sites in the local area.
Comments are due in the RCWD office by March 16, 2012
Recommendation
Staff recommends Council approval of the comment letter for submittal to the RCWD by March 16, 2012.