DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization And City Of Lakeville For Construction Of Launch Park Wetland Restoration
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between Dakota County (County), the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), and the City of Lakeville (City) for Launch Park Wetland Restoration Construction and Maintenance (Project).
SUMMARY
At the regularly scheduled September 24, 2024, County Board meeting, the Board authorized the execution of a JPA between the County, VRWJPO, and City for preliminary engineering design and permitting coordination for the Launch Park Wetland Restoration (Project). The Project would result in a reduction to pollutant loading and volume to a branch of South Creek, which is listed as impaired by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Engineering design and permitting coordination are now complete, and the Project is ready for construction. The County, VRWJPO, and City are now proposing to enter a JPA to support construction and project vegetation maintenance for the first five years immediately following construction.
The project, once complete, will result in the conversion of current agricultural land in Lakeville city limits to a functioning wetland.
Participation in this project will grant the County and City progress towards their Waste Load Allocations, a regulatory requirement to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff, which is mandated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The project also aligns with goals and actions included in the 2016 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan.
The City’s engineer is looking to assemble a draft quote package to distribute to prospective contractors. Site work for the Project is proposed to begin in the fall of 2025, with completion no later than December 31, 2025. Vegetation maintenance cost-share is proposed to be provided through 2030, aligning with wetland vegetation restoration best management practices.
The VRWJPO and City are seeking approval of the JPA at their Council/Board meeting on December 4 and October 6, respectively.
Staff is requesting approval of the draft JPA for Project construction and vegetation maintenance in the first five years immediately following construction.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff is requesting approval of the draft JPA for Project construction.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The engineer’s opinion of probable cost for Project construction is $84,840. Dakota County plans to contribute $75,000 toward the project construction via its approved 2025 Environmental Resources Capital Improvement Plan, which is solely funded by the Environmental Legacy Fund. The VRWJPO and the City of Lakeville are responsible for sharing the remaining construction cost as well as covering the ongoing maintenance costs, after project completion.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, South Creek is included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s 303d Impaired Waters List for Total Suspended Solids (TSS); and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan includes goals and actions that would be addressed by implementing a project to reduce sediment loading and attenuate runoff volume to South Creek; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County must annually report on pollutant reductions achieved by the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) in accordance with its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System General Permit; and
WHEREAS, construction of the Launch Park Wetland Restoration is a best management practice that would reduce TSS loading and attenuate stormwater runoff volume to South Creek; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County (County) executed a Joint Powers Agreement with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), and the City of Lakeville (City) to complete engineering design and permitting coordination associated with the Launch Park Wetland Restoration; and
WHEREAS, engineering design and permitting coordination are now complete, and the City’s engineer is looking to assemble a quote package for distribution to prospective contractors; and
WHEREAS, the VRWJPO, County, and City have agreed to cooperatively participate in funding construction and vegetation maintenance for the Launch Park Wetland Restoration and have funding available in their respective budgets to jointly participate in the costs.
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 Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and the City of Lakeville for the Launch Park Wetland Restoration construction and vegetation maintenance subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-459; 09/24/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Cole Johnson