DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Hastings And Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization For Vermillion River In City of Hastings, 15th And Bailey Total Suspended Solids Reduction Project
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City of Hastings (City) and Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) for Vermillion River - City of Hastings, 15th, and Bailey Total Suspended Solids Reduction Project (Project).
SUMMARY
Environmental Resources staff requests the execution of a JPA with the City and the VRWJPO to allocate funding from the 2025 Environmental Resources Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as a cash match for the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Watershed Based Implementation Funding (Grant) received by the City for the Project.
In 2024, VRWJPO staff applied for and received state Grant funding for the design and construction of a filtration basin near the intersection of 15th Street East and Bailey Street in Hastings, MN. The proposed filtration basin will reduce Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the nearby Vermillion River by filtering stormwater runoff using a combination of specific vegetation, filter media, and, if applicable, amended soils.
The estimated cost for the Project is $325,000. The Grant would provide up to $197,055 towards the Project funding. The Grant requires a minimum 10 percent local match that is being met using a combination of funding from the County, City, and VRWJPO. The County, VRWJPO, and City will contribute $5,000, $120,455, and $2,500 respectively in cash match toward the Project.
By participating as a local match partner, the County will verify it is meeting the Waste Load Allocation (WLA) (specifically the Vermillion River WLA), a regulatory mechanism assigned to the County and other Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit holders by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that requires permittees to implement practices that reduce pollutant loading to area waterbodies.
The MPCA does not require the County to achieve a specific TSS pollutant load reduction amount for the Vermillion River. However, the County does need to ensure “projects and practices are installed to retain or slow the release of stormwater runoff to be considered as compliant with the WLA.” The proposed project is estimated to reduce 3.8 tons of TSS and 15.2 lbs. of Total Phosphorus annually, ensuring the County is meeting its obligations for the WLA and improving the water quality of the Vermillion River
Environmental Resources staff recommends executing a JPA for the Project with a County contribution not to exceed $5,000.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff is recommending authorization to execute the JPA as written.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Funding in the amount of $5,000 has been budgeted for this project in the approved 2025 Environmental Resources CIP.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) received Watershed Based Implementation Funding (Grant) for the 15th and Bailey Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Reduction Project (Project); and
WHEREAS, the Project is located near 15th Street East and Bailey Street in Hastings, MN; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of the Project is $325,000; and
WHEREAS, the Grant award provides up to $197,055 for the design and construction of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Project will reduce TSS and will result in improved water quality conditions in the Vermillion River; and
WHEREAS, the County will ensure it is in compliance with its Waste Load Allocation, a regulatory mechanism assigned to the County and other Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit holders by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that requires permittees to implement practices that reduce pollutant loading to area waterbodies; and
WHEREAS, the Grant requires a minimum ten percent local match, which will be provided using a combination of funding from Dakota County, the City of Hastings, and the VRWJPO; and
WHEREAS, the County will directly contribute up to $5,000 toward the local match from the approved 2025 Environmental Resources Capital Improvement Program; and
WHEREAS, the Project activities are planned to be implemented in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Hastings and with the Vermillion River Joint Powers Organization for the Vermillion River - City of Hastings, 15th and Bailey Total Suspended Solids Reduction Project, as presented to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners at its meeting on January 21, 2025, subject to approval by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft JPA with Dakota County, Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and City of Hastings
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Cole Johnson