December 9, 2020 CAC Packet

Citizen Advisory Committee 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – Held Electronically Until further notice Citizen Advisory Committee meetings will only be available via telephone and/or the web-based application Go To Meeting. You will not be able to attend meetings in person. You can join the meeting electronically by clinking on this link https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/321867261 and following the directions or dial in using your phone: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 321-867-261

Please visit www.capitolregionwd.org to get additional CRWD COVID-19 information.

Agenda 7:00

I)

Welcome, Announcements, Updates, and Introductions

7:05

II)

Public Comment for Issues Not on the Agenda (3 minutes per person)

7:08

III)

Approval of the Agenda

7:09

IV)

Approval of Minutes A) Approval of the November 10, 2020 Minutes

7:10

V)

District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A) Como Lake Management Plan Implementation Update (Belden)

7:50

VI)

CAC Initiatives A) Citizen Advisory Committee Name Change (Doneux) B) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Gardner) C) Watershed Stewards Awards Upate (Bromelkamp)

8:30

VII)

Project and Program Updates A) MAWD Annual Conference Review

8:50

VIII) CAC Observer Update

8:55

IX)

Discussion A) New & Old Issues B) CAC Observer for December 16, 2020 Board of Managers Meeting

9:00

X)

Adjourn

Materials Enclosed

Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

CAC Members Present: Nicole Soderholm, remote Bob Simonet, remote David Arbeit, remote Mary Lilly, remote Mike MacDonald, remote Gwen Willems, remote Richard Weil, remote Cheryl Braun, remote Steve Duerre, remote

Others Present: Mark Doneux, CRWD Shawn Murphy, CRWD, remote Anna Eleria, CRWD, remote

CAC Members Absent: Pat Cavanaugh, excused Tom Elko, unexcused Michelle Ulrich, excused I. Welcome, Announcements, and Updates Ms. Soderholm opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by videoconference. Ms. Soderholm asked for any announcements or updates. There were none.

II. Public Comment for Issues Not on the Agenda Ms. Soderholm asked for comments not on the agenda. Ms. Soderholm requested that consideration of the current Committees name be added to the agenda III. Approval of Agenda CAC 20-33 Motion: To approve the CAC November 10, 2020 agenda Simonet/Arbeit Unanimously approved

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.�

1

IV. Approval of Minutes A. October 14, 2020 CAC Meeting Minutes CAC 20-34 Motion: To approve the October 14, 2020 CAC Meeting Minutes.

Willems/Simonet Unanimously approved V. District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A. COVID – 19 Response and Preparedness Plan (Doneux) Administrator Doneux presented on the Capitol Region Watershed District COVID – 19 Response and Preparedness Plan. The District is following the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce impacts to health and safety as well as complying with the Governor’s declaration of a peacetime state of emergency. CRWD’s office was closed to the public starting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Staff have been working remotely, except for essential services, and will be available via phone or email. On April 1, 2020, the Board adopted COVID-19 Response Plan and a list of Essential Services consistent with the Governors Emergency Executive Order 20-20. The Board also affirmed that CRWD Board meetings will be conducted electronically. Staff will review our current COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Plan and discuss possible future updates with the CAC. Mr. Simonet commented that the District is now prepared with a plan and a blueprint for any future Response and Preparedness needs. Mr. Arbeit congratulated the District for its forward thinking and preparedness plan.

He asked about the impact on field operations, outreach, and cash flow. Administrator Doneux responded that public events have been suspended and virtual meetings have impacted operations, it has slowed the process down. Monitoring crews got a late start but got caught up and are now back to normal. Inspections are normal and construction projects are moving forward. Field work, for the most part, is on track. Regarding cash flow, the District has had very little impact, but our Partners have been more negatively impacted. Ms. Soderholm asked about staff engagement. Administrator Doneux replied that District Divisions are having ongoing meetings. We have virtual monthly staff meetings, birthday meetings, and staff-initiated DEI ‘Groupers’ meetings.

The CAC thanked Administrator Doneux for his presentation.

VI. CAC Initiatives

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

2

A) Citizen Advisory Committee Name Ms. Soderholm commented on the name “Citizen Advisory Committee” and that it may not apply to everyone and asked the group about recommending a name change. One name that was suggested is Community Advisory Committee. With the DEI Plan, it might be an opportunity to expand outreach. Ms. Willems asked about the Legislative Statute. Administrator Doneux will research the Statute. Administrator Doneux will notify the Board that the CAC is considering a name change and will continue the conversation at their next meeting.

VII. Project and Program Updates A. Seminary Pond Project Update (Eleria) Ms. Eleria provided a presentation update on Seminary Pond. She presented on the historical context, issues and a summary of the costs for Seminary Pond.

B. Watershed Management Plan Update (Eleria) Ms. Eleria provided an update on the Watershed Management Plan (WMP). Ms. Eleria announced that the WMP was adopted by the Board. She highlighted some of the items from the Plan and thanked the CAC for their comments on the Plan. Ms. Willems asked about BWSR comments. Ms. Eleria replied that there were no edits from BWSR. The CAC gave Ms. Eleria a “virtual” round of applause. Mr. Arbeit commented that Ms. Eleria deserves a great amount of credit for her hard work on the WMP. C. Midway Peace Park Update (Eleria) Ms. Eleria presented on Midway Peace Park. She provided on the history, issues and a summary of the existing and proposed conditions, pictures of the rain garden and artistic signage. The CAC thanked Ms. Eleria for her presentation.

D. Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting (Doneux) Administrator Doneux provided an update on the MAWD Annual Conference.

VIII. CAC Observer Update

IX. Discussion

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

3

A. New & Old Issues None B. CAC Observer October 7, 2020 and November 4, 2020 Board of Managers Meetings Mr. Weil provided an update on the October 7, 2020 Board meeting and Mr. Simonet provided an update on the Board’s November 4, 2020 meeting.

X. Adjourn CAC 20-35 Motion: To adjourn the November 10, 2020 CAC Meeting.

Simonet/Duerre Unanimously approved The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Belinda Gardner

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Minutes\2020\November 10, 2020.doc

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

4

December 9, 2020 V. Como Lake Management Plan Implementation Update (Belden) DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

December 3, 2020 CRWD Citizen Advisory Committee Britta Belden, Water Resource Project Manager Como Lake Management Plan Implementation Update

Background The Como Lake Management Plan (CLMP) was adopted by the CRWD Board of Managers on May 15, 2019.

The CLMP presents an adaptive management plan framework for achieving water quality goals for Como Lake through in-lake, watershed, and community actions over the next 20 years.

As part of the CLMP adaptive management approach, a short-term implementation plan was developed that defines actions to be implemented over the first three years (2019-2021). For the actions in the 2019-2021 shortterm implementation plan, each were assigned a general schedule for implementation (i.e. 2019, 2020, 2021, or ongoing). The short-term implementation plan will be evaluated and revised every three years based on how the lake responds to implemented actions. Then, an updated short-term implementation plan will be defined for the following three years (2022-2024), and so forth.

Issues Throughout 2020, staff have been working on the implementation of several actions identified in the current short-term implementation. Specifically, in the last year staff have either implemented or been in the development stages of the following actions: • • • • • • • •

Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (February 2020) Herbicide Treatment of Curly-leaf Pondweed (April 2020) Alum Treatment (May 2020) Annual Lake Monitoring – Chemical, Physical, Biological (April-November 2020) Shoreline Assessment (September 2020) Shoreline Management Plan (In Progress, anticipated: 2021) Fisheries Management Plan Development (In Progress, anticipated: December 2020) Community Engagement Efforts – Water Wildlife Signage/Stencils, Walking Tour, etc.

Staff will provide an update to the Citizen Advisory Committee by reviewing the specifics of each Como Lake project listed above.

Requested Action None requested.

W:\06 Projects\Como Lake Projects\2018 Como Lake Management Plan\Board & CAC\CAC Memo_CLMP Implementation Update_12-3-20.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

December 9, 2020 VII. CAC Initiatives A) Citizen Advisory Committee Name Change (Doneux)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

December 2, 2020 Citizen Advisory Committee Mark Doneux, Administrator Citizen Advisory Committee Name Change

Background Per State Statute 103D.331, the Board of Managers “must annually appoint an advisory committee to advise and assist the managers on all matters affecting the interests of the watershed district and make recommendations to the managers on all contemplated projects and improvements in the watershed district.”

Most watershed districts have named their advisory committees as their “Citizen Advisory Committee.”

The name for Capitol Region Watershed District’s advisory committee was also set as Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) in the original bylaws in 1999.

Issues During the development of the Como Lake Management Plan, the advisory group that would represent area residents was deliberately named the Community Advisory Group. This was done to ensure that anyone who lives in the area would feel welcome to join and participate on the Community Advisory Group. We are now looking to the future with a renewed effort to recruit additional CAC members as part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan. With this effort, it is time to reflect on the committee’s name and to ensure that it is not unintentionally discouraging the participation of residents who may not be citizens. This topic was discussed at the November 10 CAC meeting. While there was general support at the November meeting for a name change, the committee felt that it should be brought back as an agenda item before a vote to change the name would be taken. While no specific name change was agreed to, the name Community Advisory Committee resonated with the committee. If a name change is made, an update to the committee bylaws would be needed as well as Board approval (for a Bylaw amendment).

Requested Action Adopt new name for CRWD Advisory Committee. enc:

State Statute 103D.331 – Advisory Committee

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\CAC By-Laws\CAC Memo - CAC Name Change 12-2-20-Final.docx

Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

1​

MINNESOTA STATUTES 2020​

103D.331​

103D.331 ADVISORY COMMITTEE.​ Subdivision 1. Purpose. The managers must annually appoint an advisory committee to advise and​ assist the managers on all matters affecting the interests of the watershed district and make recommendations​ to the managers on all contemplated projects and improvements in the watershed district.​ Subd. 1a. Duties. For purposes of carrying out its duties under this section the advisory committee shall:​ (1) elect a chair from its membership;​ (2) elect a recorder from its membership;​ (3) establish a meeting schedule, which at a minimum meets annually;​ (4) consider issues pertinent to the functions and purposes of the watershed district;​ (5) review and comment on reports, minutes, activities, and proposed projects of the managers; and​ (6) report to the managers the general content of advisory committee meetings and resulting​ recommendations.​ Subd. 2. Members. (a) The advisory committee consists of at least five members. If practicable, the​ advisory committee members selected should include a representative from each soil and water conservation​ district, a representative of each county, a member of a sporting organization, and a member of a farm​ organization. Other advisory committee members may be appointed at the discretion of the managers. The​ members must be residents of the watershed district, except representatives from soil and water conservation​ districts and counties, and serve at the pleasure of the managers.​ (b) In addition, the managers may appoint other interested and technical persons who may or may not​ reside within the watershed district to serve at the pleasure of the managers.​ Subd. 3. Expense reimbursement. The managers may reimburse members of the advisory committee​ for actual traveling and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of duties in the amount as​ provided for state employees.​ History: 1990 c 391 art 4 s 24; 1995 c 199 s 15​

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota​ Revisor of Statutes​

December 9, 2020 VII. CAC Initiatives A) 2020 Watershed Steward Awards Program (Bromelkamp)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

December 2, 2020 Citizen Advisory Committee Jessica Bromelkamp 2020 Watershed Steward Awards Program

Background In 2014, the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) developed the Watershed Steward Awards Program to honor individuals and organizations that exemplify watershed stewardship through activities or projects that demonstrate a commitment to CRWD’s mission to protect, manage and improve water resources of the District. The award categories include: Watershed Citizen, Watershed Partner, Watershed Outreach Program, Young Watershed Steward, Watershed Project, and Lifetime Stewardship Awards.

Issues Outstanding, innovative work continues with CRWD’s partners and they have adapted the programs and projects we support to meet the needs of today’s world. Celebrating these accomplishments may be more important than ever in 2020 – at a time when good news feels hard to come by.

CRWD has transitioned most of our in-person meetings and gatherings to a virtual platform to reduce risks associated with Covid-19. Staff recommend hosting a smaller virtual 2020 Awards and Recognition Ceremony for this year’s winners, staff, board and CAC members. A shorter program will be planned highlighting CRWD’s major accomplishments and awards in 2020; board, staff and CAC anniversaries; the Employee of the Year and three Watershed Steward Award winners in the categories of Citizen, Partner and Outreach Program. The winners will be asked to share about their experiences working with CRWD as part of the gathering.

Staff recommend we forego a District wide nomination process and share our top recommendations for the three categories mentioned above with the Awards Committee. Winners will be contacted via Go to Meeting with the exciting news. Their awards and a small gift basket, in lieu of the meal served at the event, will be delivered to a location of their choosing. Staff, board and CAC plaques of recognition will also be delivered in advance of the gathering. Each winner will be asked to provide photos and a quote, or a short video about the project for CRWD to share via our blog, e-newsletter and social media accounts.

Request Action Review, comment and approve a plan for the 2020 Watershed Steward Awards.

"W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Watershed Steward Awards Program\2020\2020 Watershed Steward Awards CAC Memo 12-9-20.docx"

Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.