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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5E Resolution Approving Wetland Replacement Plan04tr l vm)solt � CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2011 AGENDA #: 5E PREPARED BY: ROSS BINTNER, WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER PRESENTER: ROSS BINTNER, WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLAND REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR THE 2011 WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND RETROFIT PROJECT (CITY PROJECT #11 -012) DISCUSSION: Introduction This agenda item approves a wetland replacement plan for the 2011 Water Quality Maintenance and Retrofit Project. History The City Council is the Local Government Unit under the Wetland Conservation Act. On January 18, 1994, the City Council passed Resolution 94 -01 adopting the permanent rules of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) of 1991. Along with this, the Council also assumed the role of Local Government Unit (LGU) for making WCA determinations for landowners. The purpose of WCA is as follows: 1. Achieve a no net loss in the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of Minnesota's existing wetlands; 2. Increase the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of Minnesota's wetlands by restoring or enhancing diminished or drained wetlands; 3. Avoid direct or indirect impacts from activities that destroy or diminish the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of wetlands; and 4. Replace wetland values where avoidance of activity is not feasible or prudent. On November 16, 2010 the City Council accepted bids and awarded a contract to Quiring Excavating for the 2011 Water Quality Maintenance Project. Current Circumstances Maintenance activities at 3 sites on the 2011 Water Quality Maintenance and Retrofit Project will permanently impact nearby wetlands. This was determined as part of the final project permitting. Because existing ponds were constructed in existing wetlands during the 1990's they are required to be mitigated. Staff has determined that the wetlands impacts were not mitigated at the time of the pond construction and now need to be completed. The wetland replacement plan application for this project proposes to permanently impact wetlands and replace the functions and values in an approved mitigation bank. The total impact is 0.406 acres, and the mitigation ratio is 2:1, wetland bank credit to impact. Wetlands are proposed to be replaced through purchase of 0.82 acres of wetland credit at an approved wetland bank. Conclusion In order to properly maintain the existing stormwater ponds the City needs to mitigate impacts in accordance with the WCA. The WCA requires this wetland replacement plan, a copy of which is available in the Engineering office. ISSUES: The City may have the opportunity in the future to consider partnering with the Watershed District to build mitigation bank sites tributary to local lakes, providing benefit to water quality and allowing additional flexibility when constructing and maintaining the water quality utility infrastructure. The project may not move forward unless the city completes this mitigation step. FINANCIAL Quotes were sought from 3 approved wetland banks, and the lowest cost IMPACT: was chosen. Wetland replacement credit will be purchased from a bank owned by WestStar Properties, Inc for $21,780 /acre plus a 6.5% transaction fee to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for administration of the wetland bank. The total cost comes to $18,837.72 The majority of this cost will be offset through reductions in project cost, due to savings in reduced costs of trucking and land filling PAH contaminated sediment material. ALTERNATIVES: The alternatives are as follows: 1. Approve a resolution approving a wetland replacement plan for Maintenance and Retrofit Project (City Project #11 -012). 2. Deny this item for a specific reason and provide Staff with direction. 3. Table this item until some date in the future. RECOMMENDED Alternate 1 MOTION: iger 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 RESOLUTION 11 -xxx A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLAND REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR THE 2011 WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND RETROFIT PROJECT (CITY PROJECT #11 -012) Motion By: Second By: WHEREAS, On November 15, 2010 the City Council accepted bids and approved completion of the 2011 Water Quality Maintenance and Retrofit Project; and WHEREAS, It was determined as part of final project permitting that a wetland replacement plan was required for maintenance of ponds previously constructed within wetlands without mitigation; and WHEREAS, The wetland replacement plan avoids unnecessary wetland filling on the project to the greatest extent possible; and WHEREAS, Sequencing criteria has been met; and WHEREAS, The proposed impact is 0.42 acres; and WHEREAS, Mitigation is proposed to meet or exceed the WCA required ratio: 2:1, and WHEREAS, The mitigation plan is in accordance with the Wetland Conservation Act and City of Prior Lake ordinances; and WHEREAS, The City has solicited costs for wetland credits to be purchased with the low quote submitted by WestStar Properties Wetland Bank in the amount of $18,837.72. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA as follows: 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein. 2. Wetland Replacement plan for the City Project #11 -012 is approved. 3. The City Manager is authorized to complete the Wetland Credit purchase in an amount not to exceed $18,837.72 with the WestStar Properties Wetland Bank. 4. Project funding shall come from Account # 602 -49420 -530. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 7th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2011. YES NO M ser M ser Erickson Erickson Hedberg Hedber Keeney Keene Soukup Souku Frank Boyles, City Manager