WORKSHOP ITEM- Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager
Title
PIONEER PARK WETLAND BANK
Background
At the August 2, 2018 City Council meeting, staff informed the Council of an opportunity to create a wetland bank at Pioneer Park. At the meeting, the Council approved entering into a contract with Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES) to complete and submit a Draft Prospectus for a wetland bank at Pioneer Park. The Draft Prospectus was submitted to the regulatory agencies on Thursday, August 30, 2018. The regulatory agencies have reviewed the Draft Prospectus and are in favor of the project moving forward. The Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) Findings and Recommendations form was provided to the City on October 10, 2018. This form indicates that the proposed Project is suitable and viable and can proceed to the next step in the application process.
The next step is to enter into an agreement with CCES to complete the second phase of the formal application, the Wetland Mitigation Proposal (Prospectus). The cost for this work is $20,000. Going through this process does not require the City to continue moving forward. This step will help determine the amount of credits available at the site. The City will also need to enter into an agreement with the Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) to complete hydrologic monitoring. The cost for CCWD to do the work will be under $2,500.
Recommendation
Enter into an agreement with CCES to complete the first phase of the formal application with an amount not to exceed $20,000. Enter into an agreement with CCWD to complete hydrologic monitoring with an amount not to exceed $2,500.