DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization For Water Conservation And Landscaping For Clean Water Marketing Campaign
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 471.59 authorizes local governmental units to jointly or cooperatively exercise any power common to the contracting parties; and
WHEREAS, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is a watershed management body consisting of Dakota and Scott Counties, which is governed by the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) and is charged with carrying out the duties set forth in Minn. Stat. § 103B.211 to 103B.255 and as otherwise provided by law; and
WHEREAS, the County of Dakota (County) is a governmental and political subdivision of the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, over 90 percent of the County’s water supply comes from groundwater; and
WHEREAS, increased water usage can become a regional, long-term issue if the demand for groundwater is consistently higher than aquifer recharge rates; and
WHEREAS, the 2020 - 2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan identifies promoting water conservation in collaboration with cities, townships, watershed organizations, and large water users as a high priority (strategy 2A2); and
WHEREAS, the County proposes to collaborate with partners to raise awareness of groundwater and water conservation issues through a Water Conservation and Landscaping for Clean Water Marketing Campaign (Project); and
WHEREAS, the Project will include working with a consultant to develop and distribute professional grade videos promoting Landscaping for Clean Water programs and ways to reduce outdoor water use by increasing irrigation efficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the Project will be developed in collaboration with the VRWJPO, Black Dog Watershed Management Organization, Eagan-Inver Grove Heights Watershed Management Organization, Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization, and the Dakota Soil and Water Conservation District as cost-share partners; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends executing a joint powers agreement with the VRWJPO to support the implementation of the Project; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County shall provide financial assistance to the VRWJPO; contribute staffing in collaboration with the VRWJPO for administration, coordination, and overseeing the development of the campaign materials associated with the Project; and regularly confer with partners regarding material content; and
WHEREAS, the VRWJPO will administer the consultant contract and act as the paying agent for all payments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Division Director, or designee, to execute a joint powers agreement with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization for the County to provide up to $10,000 towards completion of a Water Conservation and Landscaping for Clean Water Marketing Campaign for the period of July 31, 2024, to April 30, 2026, substantially as presented to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on July 23, 2024, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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