Clearwater River Watershed District

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CLEARWATER RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT

Board of Managers Meeting

Annandale Middle School

April 9, 2003  

Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m. by Chairperson Tracy. Manager’s John Tracy, Clarence Klein, Marvin Brunsell and Virl Liebrenz were present. Manager Roland Froyen was absent. Others in attendance were Merle Anderson, Kelly Bergesch, Glen Sanders, Stan Weinberger, Chuck Twedt, Dave and Joy Carlson, Jerry Finch, and Dan Nordstrom.

Motion #03-04-1: Brunsell, seconded by Liebrenz, made a motion to adopt the agenda adding Presentations by Chuck Twedt and Dan Nordstrom, and Correspondence. All Managers voted aye.

Dave Carlson, representing Restawhile Shores Development, indicated to the Board that the computer hookup to the sewer system telemetry remains to be completed. Dave also wanted clarification regarding the Wenck billing for engineering of the sewer system at Restawhile Shores.

Motion #03-04-2: Brunsell, seconded by Liebrenz, made a motion requesting Wenck Associates to clarify their billing, indicating administrative costs, engineering costs, revision costs, and Operation and Maintenance fees. This matter will be discussed again at the April 23, 2003 Work Session Meeting. All Managers voted aye.

Dave and Joy Carlson left the meeting at 7:30p.m.

Chuck Twedt, resident of Bass Lake, presented the Board with documentation regarding various activities at the outlet of Bass Lake. Chuck is concerned about decisions made by DNR, Corp of Engineers, and Wright County regarding the alleged filling of the Bass Lake outlet.

Chuck Twedt updated the CRWD Board of Managers on his interest of developing ATV trails that also provide environmental benefits. Funds are available from the DNR for trail development. He will continue to provide the Board with information and suggestions as to how we can work together on this matter.

Chuck Twedt left the meeting at 8:17p.m.

Dan Nordstrom, resident of Albion Township, requested information from the Board of Managers regarding the proposed location of the Annandale/Maple Lake municipal sanitary sewer facility. Various people in attendance indicated that the CRWD had objected to the annual level of phosphorus discharge from a proposed plant, if discharge from that plant were to enter CRWD waters. An alternative site was suggested but not named by CRWD. It was also suggested to Dan that he ask at the upcoming informational meeting to be held by Annandale/Maple Lake, what criteria was used to select the proposed site for the Annandale/Maple Lake municipal sanitary sewer facility, and visit the Green Lake sanitary sewer facility.

Dan Nordstrom left the meeting at 8:35p.m.

Motion #03-04-3: Brunsell, seconded by Klein, made a motion to accept the March 17, 2003 regular meeting minutes. All Managers voted aye.

Motion #03-04-4: Liebrenz, seconded by Klein, made a motion to accept the March 26, 2003 work session minutes. All Managers voted aye.

 Motion #03-04-5: Brunsell, seconded by Klein, made a motion to accept the April 9, 2003 financial report and pay bills, except for the Carlson Plumbing and Heating bill of $31, 780 and Wenck Associates, Inc. bill of $135.60, and to pay Mares Excavating $15,190, providing an equal amount is submitted to CRWD by Restawhile Shores Development. All Managers voted aye. 

Motion #03-04-6: Brunsell, seconded by Liebrenz, made a motion to close the $8,524.26 Water Quality Conservation Tillage Fund by transferring $5,400 to the General Fund, balance of the account transferred to Data Acquisition.  All Managers voted aye. 

Glen Sanders, Engineer, reviewed the Year 2002 Water Quality Report and indicated that there are three areas of elevated phosphorus concentrations: Tributaries to Kingston Wetland, Warner Creek, especially the tributary going through Annandale, and Meeker County Ditch #20 in the Watkins area. The Board of Managers will need to define criteria prior to addressing this issue. Further water quality monitoring may be necessary to confirm the concern. The Board of Managers took this information under advisement.

Administrator Anderson reported on a recent meeting that he attended whereby Meeker County proposed turning over to the North Fork Crow River Watershed District county ditches within their boundaries. As Meeker County is suggesting that the CRWD accept certain authorities regarding county ditches within the CRWD boundaries, the Board of Managers will tour county ditches as part of their April 23, 2003 Work Session Meeting.

Kelly Bergesch left the meeting at 8:50p.m.

Manager Brunsell and Stan Weinberger, Attorney, explained to the Board a procedure to develop a revolving fund to be used to fund initiatives under consideration. This procedure is on file at the District office.

Manager Brunsell indicated that he wants to include a contingent liability section in the Year End Report and will contact our auditor about that inclusion.

Administrator Anderson informed the Board that the Meeker County Natural Resource Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation District have developed a plan and cost estimate for a structure on the Ostmark Lutheran Church property near Clear Lake. The CRWD may participate in the cost of this project when all the details have been finalized.

Manager Brunsell reported that he and Administrator Anderson recently attended and testified at the Minnesota House and Senate hearings regarding the proposed CRWD legislation to authorize monthly billing for services rather than the current method of developing annual assessment roles for Operation and Maintenance costs of sewer and other waste collection facilities. 

Administrator Anderson indicated that he has contacted Roth Insurance regarding liability protection for the proposed pontoon boat rides during the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts Summer Tour, to be hosted in June by the CRWD. After Roth Insurance has responded, a decision will be made as to whether or not we conduct the pontoon rides as a part of the tour.

Motion #03-04-7: Brunsell, seconded by Liebrenz, made a motion to submit to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency a revised TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Loading) grant application.  All Managers voted aye.

 Motion #03-04-8:  Tracy, seconded by Liebrenz, made a motion to indicate to Wright County Planning and Zoning that they enforce the 100 foot set back requirement and density requirement as it relates to Robert Young‘s request for a variance at his resort on Lake Augusta.  All Managers voted aye.

Administrator Anderson reminded Managers to submit initiatives that address resource needs in the CRWD for consideration by the Board at a later date.

Manager Klein reported that a survey conducted by the city of Watkins asking what residents think should be done about the sanitary sewer system in Watkins, resulted in most people wanting no change.

Glen Sanders, Engineer, reported that the Minnesota Department of Transportation attempted to properly align the culvert extension on the Pleasant Lake Outlet as it passes through State Highway #24. They encountered obstacles that the equipment they were using could not handle. Therefore, the Department will either come back with larger equipment or delay the change until Year 2005, when the road will be regarded.

Motion #03-04-9: Klein, seconded by Brunsell, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. All Managers voted aye.

CRWD Home PageCRWD Home Page ] ]

end mail to webmaster@crwd.org with questions or comments about this web site.