October 14, 2020 CAC packet

Citizen Advisory Committee 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 14, 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/123488061 and following the directions or dial in using your phone: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 123-488-061 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 September 9, 2020 Minutes

7:10

V)

District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A) Citizen Science (Kucek) B) Thomas Building Update (Doneux)

8:10

VI)

CAC Initiatives

8:20

VII)

Project and Program Updates A) Diversity Plan Update (Gardner) B) CRWD Public Art Program (Schwantes) C) Clean Streets Outreach Update (Schwantes) D) 2021 Minnesota Water Stewards Program (Schwantes) F) District Recognitions (Doneux)

8:50

VIII) CAC Observer Update

8:55

IX)

9:00

X)

Materials Enclosed

Discussion A) New & Old Issues B) CAC Observer for October 21 and November 4, 2020 Board of Managers Meetings Adjourn

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

Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

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

Others Present: Mark Doneux, CRWD Shawn Murphy, CRWD, remote Bob Fossum, CRWD, remote Belinda Gardner, CRWD, remote Lindsay Schwantes, CRWD, remote

I. Welcome, Announcements, and Updates Ms. Soderholm opened the meeting at 7:02 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.

III. Approval of Agenda CAC 20- Motion: To approve the CAC September 9, 2020 agenda Simonet/MacDonald Unanimously approved IV. Approval of Minutes A. August 12, 2020 CAC Meeting Minutes

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.� 1

CAC 20-Motion: To approve the August 12, 2020 CAC Meeting Minutes.

Duerre/Willems Unanimously approved V. District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan (Gardner) Ms. Gardner presented the 2020-2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan for CAC review. Ms. Gardner gave a brief history of the Plan’s origins, highlighting some of the newer implementation tasks. Ms. Gardner noted the Implementation Task for Priority #1 (designating a staff coordinator to lead and coordinate implementation of the District’s Diversity Strategic Plan) will be accomplished in 2020. Mr. Doneux added that the Plan is generating interest and discussion from other watershed districts and colleagues of the CRWD. Staff will present the updated Plan to the District Board on September 16, 2020 for its adoption.

VI. CAC Initiatives Mr. Doneux addressed the District’s award ceremony which traditionally is held in person in the upcoming year (January 2021), but because of the pandemic situation, may be postponed to the following year for consideration. The CAC will provide input regarding the option of postponing the ceremony for a later time.

VII. Project and Program Updates A. Lake McCarrons Update (Fossum) Mr. Fossum provided a brief update on the condition of Lake McCarrons, explaining that samples taken in the latter part of June 2020 indicated that Lake McCarrons tested above the bacterial limit. However since implementing the District’s geese removal program in that area the lake’s bacterial levels have dropped significantly. The $2,500 removal program cost was split evenly between the District and Ramsey County. Mr. Fossum added that the District will be conducting a socially distancing public meeting in October 2020 at the Lake’s beach area to present information on the District’s Lake McCarrons Management Plan.

B. Partner Grant Program Update (Schwantes) Ms. Schwantes presented an update on the District’s Partner Grant Program, referencing the memorandum and guidance documents included in the CAC’s September 9, 2020 meeting materials. Ms. Schwantes noted the District has allocated $135,000 in its budget for proposals in 2021. In response to Ms. Schwantes’ request for program volunteers, Ms. Lilly and Mr. Arbeit volunteered to be on the review committee, with Mr. Duerre agreeing to serve as committee alternate.

C. Manager Seitu Jones Board Retirement

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 2

Mr. Doneux advised the CAC that Manager Seitu Jones did not apply for reappointment to the CRWD Board of Managers. The Ramsey County Board at its September 30, 2020 Board meeting will appoint Mr. Jones’ replacement. Mr. Doneux and the CAC expressed their appreciation for Manager Jones’ many years of outstanding service on the Board.

VIII. CAC Observer Update Mr. Simonet reported on his attending the September 2, 2020 workshop and regular meeting of the Board of Managers. Mr. Simonet noted the Board at its meeting approved the District’s 2021 budget and preliminary levy for pay ’21 taxes, as well as considering a number of permit applications involving various projects in the District.

IX. Discussion A. New & Old Issues No issues presented.

B. CAC Observer for September 16, 2020 and October 7, 2020 Board of Managers Meetings Mr. Doneux explained he will send out a go-to-meeting link for the upcoming Board meetings. Mr. Simonet volunteered to attend the Board’s October 7, 2020 meeting.

X. Adjourn CAC 20- Motion: To adjourn the September 9, 2020 CAC Meeting.

Duerre/Lilly Unanimously approved The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Michelle Ulrich

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“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 3

October 14, 2020 VII. Project & Program Updates B.) CRWD Public Art Program (Schwantes) DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

October 8, 2020 CRWD Citizen Advisory Committee Lindsay Schwantes, Community Outreach Coordinator CRWD Public Art Program Field Guide

Background In 2010, CRWD’s Board of Managers approved engaging the services of Public Art Saint Paul and Christine Bauemler as CRWD Watershed Artist in Residence. As part of this initiative, a report was drafted called The Watershed Language of Art to help provide direction on how art can enhance the District’s mission.

Art and artistic consultation has since been integrated into many District projects and programs including the Green Line green infrastructure practices, Midway Peace Park and many elements in our new office as well as adding a Public Art Program to our annual budget.

In July, Board Manager Seitu Jones, CRWD Watershed Artist in Residence, Christine Baeumler, Mark Doneux, Anna Eleria, Jessica Bromelkamp, Lindsay Schwantes from staff, and CAC member Pat Cavanaugh participated in a Ripple Mapping Exercise evaluation of CRWD’s Public Art Program with the goal of providing direction on how best art can further our mission.

Issues Artist in Residence, Christine Baeumler used the exercise to draft a set of recommendations and guidance for enhancing the District’s Public Art Program and improving the integration of art into other projects and programs outlined in the attached Draft CRWD Public Art Program Guiding Principles document. CRWD Board commented on and approved the Draft CRWD Public Art Program Guiding Principles at the September 16 meeting. Staff will provide a summary of suggested next steps and seek comments from the CAC. enc:

Draft CRWD Public Art Program Guiding Principles

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Guiding Principles for CRWD’s Public Art Program Intention: An interdisciplinary and socially engaged Art approach can impact how we think about problems and act out solutions. How can creative processes themselves be infused into different aspects of the District’s work?

1. Institutionalize the role of Art and artists into the fabric of CRWD’s mission, identified themes, and goals throughout the organization. Share CRWDs innovative approaches with other water quality organizations and the general public 2. Identify projects and programs in which art/artists can contribute to (and potentially transform) the work through innovative ways of thinking) 3. Use Art to engage with the wider community through hands-on engagement, aesthetic design, and educational materials and interactions 4. Whenever possible Integrate Art into Capital Improvement Projects. Explore the role of artists through contracting and RFQ processes. Art could play a significant role in drawing attention to CIPs that are below ground (e.g., TBI, Allianz Field) as well as those on the surface that seems no different from traditional infrastructure or features (e.g., Seminary Pond, Willow Reserve).

5. Consider how Art could play a role in CRWD’s diversity and inclusion goals. Examples include engaging a more comprehensive range of artists, introducing different cultural ways of knowing, celebrating, and experiencing water (for example, as a Relative rather than a Resource), and lift up and include voices that have been marginalized Next Steps: • •

•

Provide a summary of how Art has been integrated into the work of CRWD over the years (through Artist in Residence program and other initiatives) Create a CRWD Art Field Guide that will identify and provide a menu of options in terms of ways of identifying and hiring artists, and address some of the challenges and barriers (insurance requirements, for example) Initial considerations include: o Work with Artists for commissioned projects or experiences o Offer paid positions such as internships, sponsorships, or watershed artist in residences. o Include Art in the RFQ process for District initiatives.

Reference and explore developing a public art program guidelines document (similar to Saint Paul’s City Art Ordinance).

•

Develop a plan to use CRWD’s office flex space as a gallery for displaying art exhibits with a focus on work by Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color artists.

Create a reference list of Arts organizations and Artists who are working at the intersection of Art, water quality, environmental justice and bring fresh perspectives in effectively working with a wider range of stakeholders

These principles and recommendations are based, in part, on the feedback obtained through the Ripple Map Evaluation facilitated by Abby Gold created in August of 2020. The Field Guide will provide a roadmap for CRWD as membership on the staff and board changes over time. It is intended as a flexible, living document rather than contain prescriptive recommendations.

October 14, 2020 VII. Project & Program Updates D.) 2021 Minnesota Water Stewards Program (Schwantes)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

October 8, 2020 CRWD Citizen Advisory Committee Lindsay Schwantes, Community Outreach Coordinator CRWD 2021 Minnesota Water Stewards Program

Background The Minnesota Water Stewards program trains, certifies and supports community leaders to install pollution prevention projects that educate community members and reduce polluted runoff. CRWD recruited its first class of Stewards in 2016 and currently has five cohorts and 20 active stewards.

Update In response to feedback from partner organizations as well as challenges with in-person gatherings due to COVID 19, Freshwater has made changes to the program for the upcoming cohort. Additionally, the program is now called Minnesota Water Stewards to better align with anti-racist values. Changes to the upcoming program year were made with the goals to use the same curriculum, reduce the cost per stewards and accommodate changes required to keep stewards and staff safe during COVID 19. The training will shift to be held fully online with opportunities for scheduled in-person or virtual check-ins and kick-off and closing gatherings hosted by Freshwater. The cost for partners to sponsor stewards in 2021 has been reduced to $1,500 compared to $2,500 in previous years. Finally, the training schedule has shifted to run from January – May 2021 compared the October – April of previous program years. Freshwater will provide the following services for the 2021 cohort: • • • •

online recruitment gatherings/info sessions planned with partners a kick-off virtual workshop/intro class independent online course study and a concluding workshop to lead into capstone work

Looking to the future of Minnesota Water Stewards, Freshwater plans to shift entirely to a self-led online training curriculum that would be offered at a much lower cost per Steward and have opportunities for partner organizations like CRWD to sponsor and engage with Stewards upon completing the coursework. Staff plan to provide a future update to the Board as the program details become clear. CRWD Board of Managers approved sponsoring six stewards for the following course session at the October 7 meeting. Staff request the CAC help promote the program and recruit new stewards. If you are interested in learning more or applying yourself please visit www.minnesotawaterstewards.org.

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