Bassett Creek Water Management Commission

1999 Annual Report

Introduction

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Reporting Requirements as set forth in the Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.0150. The report format corresponds to the items listed in subparagraph 3 and subparagraph 4 of the Rules.

In 1969, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission was formed by adoption of a Joint Powers Agreement between the nine communities in the watershed. As required by the Joint Powers Agreement, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission adopted the Watershed Management Plan for Bassett Creek in February 1972.

In accordance with provisions of the 1982 Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission revised its Joint Powers Agreement and created the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission. The Bassett Creek Water Management Plan was prepared by the Commission in 1986 and adopted on December 18, 1986. The Board of Water and Soil Resources approved the plan on July 26, 1989.

Regular meetings for the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission are held at 12:00 noon at the Golden Valley City Offices on the third Thursday of each month. The fiscal year extends from February 1, 1999, through January 31, 2000.

I. Annual Activity Report

A. 1999 Commissioners

C. Commission Goals and 1999 Work Plan Summary

The primary goals of the Commission are to:

1. Reduce flooding along the Bassett Creek trunk system, which is defined as

a. The main channel from Medicine Lake to the Mississippi River.

b. The north branch from upstream of County Road 9 to its junctions with the Main Stem near
T.H. 100.

c. The Sweeney Lake branch, from its source in Section 5, T29N, R21W to its junction with the main  stem downstream of Sweeney Lake.

d. Plymouth Creek, from the point where it intersects with Highway 55 in Section 17, T228N, R22W to Medicine Lake, including the lake.

e. The designated water quantity and water quality storage facilities.

f. All other drains designated as trunks by the Commission.

2. Maintain and enhance the quality of the groundwater and surface-water resources in the watershed. Manage land development and water resource development of the watershed so that the beneficial uses of lakes and streams are available for maximum desired use by the community and to minimize the pollution of lakes, water bodies and streams.

3. Minimize the effects of the selected water management plan on the existing aesthetic environmental quality of the creek, by using a combination of structural and nonstructural alternatives. Where possible, the water management planning should enhance the existing environmental and aesthetic qualities.

Following is a summary of work performed during 1999. Work associated with review of development proposals is listed in Paragraph E.

• Annual Report—The Commission prepared the 1998 Annual Report as set forth in the Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.0150. The report was submitted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

• Water Quality—The Commission continued the watershed and lake management plan for Plymouth Creek/Medicine Lake. The Commission continued the Main Stem Watershed and Lake Management Plan for Bassett Creek between the Mississippi River and Medicine Lake. The Commission prepared the Twin Lake Watershed and Lake Management Plan. The Commission prepared the Bassett Creek Park Pond Watershed and Lake Management Plan. The Commission prepared a draft water quality capital improvement plan. The Commission performed detailed lake monitoring of Medicine Lake in Plymouth with Suburban Hennepin Regional Parks District. Water quality tasks are more thoroughly identified in Paragraph F.

The Commission entered into a cooperative agreement to monitor water quality and stream flow with the Metropolitan Council at Irving Avenue and on the Main Stem of Bassett Creek.

• Water Quantity—The Commission continued its lake- and stream-gauging program. The lake-gauging program consisted of collecting monthly lake-level readings at Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake, Parkers Lake, Westwood Lake, Crane Lake (Ridgedale Pond), and Northwood Lake. Lake levels were measured twice per month between April and September. The stream-gauging program consisted of inspecting the creek during periods of high flow. Graphs of lake levels are included in the appendix.

• Watershed Inspection—The Commission performed monthly erosion control inspections of construction sites within the watershed. Following each inspection, a letter was prepared and sent to the applicable municipality listing construction projects and the improvement needed for effective erosion control.

• Development Proposals—The Commission reviewed development proposals in the watershed for conformance to water quality and flooding policies.

• Highway 100—The Commission is working with Mn/DOT and affected communities to identify methods to mitigate impacts due to the proposed Highway 100 reconstruction.>

• Flood Control Project—The Commission is working with the Corps to prepare cost summaries and credit information regarding the Bassett Creek Flood Control Project.

• Watershed Outlet Monitoring Program (WOMP)— The Commission agreed to participate with the Metropolitan Council in this program to monitor water quality and stream flow in Bassett Creek.

• River Watch Program— The Commission agreed to participate with the Hennepin Conservation District in this program.

• Wisconsin Avenue Control Structure— The Commission will assist the City of Golden Valley to review modifications to the Wisconsin Avenue control structure and other flood storage areas to minimize inundation of upstream storage areas.

• Flood Profiles—The Commission worked with the Corp of Engineers to approve revised flood profiles along sections of Bassett Creek for the Federal Flood Insurance Program.

• Bassett Creek Middle Mississippi Watershed Boundary Change—The Commission worked with the City of Minneapolis regarding a proposed boundary change due to construction of the new tunnel.

• Second Generation Planning Committee—The Commission established a committee to review preparation of its Second-Generation Water Management Plan.

• Watershed Partnership—Commission staff attended a meeting conducted by a group called the Watershed Partnership. This is a newly formed organization consisting of members of WMO's, watershed districts, and cities.

• Phosphorus Free Fertilizer—Commission sent letters to encourage member cities to consider adopting a phosphorus free fertilizer ordinance.

• State Bonding Bill—A letter was submitted to Minnesota State Planning Department requesting that funds for lake restoration projects for Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake and Wirth Lake be included in the State Bonding Bill.

• Ditch Legislation— Commission sent a letter to Hennepin County supporting legislation to transfer authority of county ditches to WMOs.

• St. Louis Park Water Management Plan— The Commission reviewed the St. Louis Park Water Resource Management Plan. The plan was conditionally approved at its May 20, 1999 meeting.

• Resolution 99-1, Room and Board Properties—The Commission adopted resolution 99-1 granting a variance to the water quality management policy.

• Resolution 99-2, Bassett Creek/Middle Mississippi Watershed Boundary Change—The Commission adopted Resolution 99-2 recommending to member cities a change in boundaries of the Bassett Creek Watershed.

• Resolution 99-3—The Commission adopted a resolution of appreciation for services by Alternate Commissioner Michael Johnson commending his 16 years of service. Mr. Johnson was appointed an Alternate Commissioner by City of Minnetonka in 1983.

• Resolution 99-4—Commission adopted a resolution, authorizing signature of Board of Water and Soil Resources Watershed Plan Grant Documents.

• Resolution 99-5—Commission adopted a resolution establishing policy for credit for funds remaining from construction of flood control project.

• Resolution 99-6, Golden Valley Surface Water Management Plan—The Commission reviewed the City of Golden Valley Surface Water Management Plan. The plan was conditionally approved at its August 19, 1999 meeting. Resolution 99-6 was prepared approving the plan.

• Resolution 99-7, Plymouth Water Resource Management Plan—The Commission reviewed the Plymouth Water Resource Management Plan. The plan was conditionally approved at its February 18, 1900 meeting. Resolution 99-7 was prepared approving the plan.

• Resolution of Appreciation for W. Peter Enck—The Commission adopted a resolution of appreciation for services by Commissioner W. Peter Enck commending his 27 years of service. Mr. Enck has served as the City of New Hope Commissioner since 1974 and as Chair of the Commission since 1979. Under Mr. Enck's dedication and leadership, the Commission has implemented the construction of significant public works, assisted its member cities in regulating development to assure sound management of surface waters of the watershed, developed and reviewed plans for surface water management and become a model joint powers organization in the State of Minnesota.

D. 2000 Projected Work Plan

Following is a list of tasks to be completed during 2000:

• Water Quantity—The Commission will continue its lake- and stream-gauging program. The lake-gauging program will encompass Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake, Parkers Lake, Westwood Lake, Crane Lake (Ridgedale Pond), and Northwood Lake. The stream-gauging program will consist of periodically surveying stages or inspecting the creek if periods of high flow exist.

• Watershed Inspection—The Commission will continue its watershed construction-site inspection program. The inspections have proved valuable in correcting erosion- and sediment-control practices that are not in conformance with Commission policies.

• Water Quality—Proposed water quality tasks for 2000 include performance of the following tasks:

1. Detailed Lake Monitoring of Parker's Lake in Plymouth, Northwood Lake in New Hope, Sweeney Lake and Twin Lake in Golden Valley: Monitoring will be performed at each lake on six occasions for selected parameters. Selected parameters include total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, pH, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. An aquatic survey will be performed on two occasions.
2. Bassett Creek Biotic Index Monitoring: An assessment of the benthic invertebrates found in a stream provides a long-term assessment of its water quality. During 1980, 1983, 1991 and 1995 benthic invertebrates were collected from Plymouth Creek, the Sweeney Lake Branch, the North Branch and the Main Stem of Bassett Creek to evaluate its water quality and to detect changes in water quality over time. During 2000, the same six stations monitored in previous surveys will be monitored. Hilsenhoff's Biotic Index will be used to evaluate existing water quality and to assess changes.
3. Implement Water Quality Improvement Plan: Select capital improvement projects to construct based water quality capital improvement plan and prioritization.
4. Water Quality Capital Improvement Plan: Revise water quality capital improvement plan and prioritization, as necessary. Review options for funding construction.

• Flood Profiles—The Commission will continue to work with the Corp of Engineers to approve revised flood profiles along sections of Bassett Creek.

• Water Management Plan Amendment— The Commission will proceed in preparing minor amendments to the Water Management Plan and present amendments to the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

• Development—The Commission will continue to review development proposals in the watershed for conformance to water quality and flooding policies. Some cities may elect to minimize Commission review after approval of its individual water management plan.

• Citizen Advisory Committee—The Commission will continue to make provisions for citizen participation.

• Total Maximum Daily Load Program (TMDL)—Commission will follow EPA's proposed revisions to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Water Quality Standards Program to facilitate implementation of TMDLs.

• Second Generation Water Management Plan—The Commission will continue its second generation planning process. Revisions are necessary to the existing plan in order to comply with the provisions of Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410, the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act, the Metropolitan Water Management Development Guide and the approved county groundwater and other regional plans.

• LCMR Grant Application—A LCMR (Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources) grant application will be prepared for funding lake restoration projects at Medicine, Sweeney and Wirth Lake.

• Ditch Legislation—Commission will continue to work with Hennepin County regarding legislation to transfer authority of county ditches to WMOs.

• Capital Improvement Plan and Prioritization—Commission will continue to review and update its capital improvement plan and its water resource prioritization.

E. Project Reviews

The following two tables list construction projects and other plans that were reviewed by the Commission and/or its engineering consultant. The first table, "Plans Presented for Commission Review and Comment," is a list of projects that were discussed during Commission meetings. The second table, "Plans Presented for Administrative Review and Comment," is a list of projects that were reviewed by the Commission's engineering consultant in accordance with policies of the Commission.

Plans Presented For Commission Review and Comment

Plans Presented for Administrative Review and Comment

The following water quality monitoring and water quality studies were performed:

• Detailed Monitoring of Medicine Lake in Plymouth—Monitoring was performed at each lake on six occasions for selected parameters. Selected parameters include total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, pH, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. An aquatic survey was performed on two occasions. Monitoring was performed as a joint project with Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District. A copy of the executive summary is appended.

• Medicine Lake/Plymouth Creek Watershed and Lake Management Plan—Medicine Lake is defined as a Level I (recreation, all activities) water body in the draft Water Quality Management Plan. The Medicine Lake watershed is rapidly developing. The recommended management plan for Medicine Lake consist of (1) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Plymouth Creek and Medicine Lake consistent with Level I standards (completed 1994); (2) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (3) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. The Commission is working with the MPCA and Hennepin Parks to perform the study. A copy of the executive summary is appended.

• Mississippi River to Medicine Lake (Main Stem) Watershed Management Plan—The Main Stem is defined as a Level III water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Bassett Creek Main Stem consist of (1) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Bassett Creek consistent with standards (completed 1994); (2) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (3) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. A copy of the executive summary is appended.

• Twin Lake Watershed Management Plan—Twin Lake is defined as a Level I water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Twin Lake consist of: (1) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Twin Lake consistent with standards (completed 1994); (2) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (3) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. A copy of the executive summary is appended.

• Bassett Creek Park Pond Watershed Management— Bassett Creek Park Pond is defined as a Level III water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Bassett Creek Park Pond consist of: (a) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Bassett Creek Park Pond consistent with standards (completed 1994); (b) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (c) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. A copy of the executive summary is appended.

• Water Quality Capital Improvement Plan—A draft capital improvements plan for water quality improvement throughout Bassett Creek watershed was summarized and revised. An overall draft prioritization of the primary water resources within Bassett Creek Watershed was prepared. A copy of the draft capital improvement plan and draft prioritization is appended.

H. Watershed Communication

In accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8410, Subpart 4, the Commission utilized the following information sources for providing information to the general public:

• Development Requirements—The report Requirements for Improvements and Development Proposals prepared by the Commission was updated November 1998 and distributed to communities during May 1999.

• Web Site—The Commission updated its web site. The address for Bassett Creek web site is "http://www.barr.com/bassett/".

• Cable Television—The City of New Hope held a meeting on May 25, 1999 to discuss buffer zones around the lakes. Chairman Enck spoke during the program that was televised on cable channel 12.

• Watershed Outlet Monitoring Program (WOMP)—The Commission agreed to participate with the Metropolitan Council in this program.

• River Watch Program—The Commission agreed to participate with the Hennepin Conservation District in this program.

• Commission Meeting Packet—Distributed monthly meeting agenda, meeting minutes, and Commission packet including various correspondence and items of interest to approximately 40 interested parties over the last 12 months.

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 103B.227, Subdivision 5, the Commission solicited proposals for legal and engineering technical consulting services. The Commission formed two committees, one for legal and one for engineering, to review the proposals. During its September 17, 1998 meeting, the Commission elected to retain the firm Kennedy & Graven for legal services. During its November 19, 1998 meeting, the Commission elected to retain Barr Engineering Company for engineering technical services.

J. Assessment of Changes in Fund Balance

A discussion of the fund balance is included in the Audit Report and the Treasurers Report.

K. Wetland Conservation Act/Wetland Banking Program

1991 Wetland Conservation Act The interim program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act was effective through December 31, 1993. On January 1, 1994, the permanent program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act became effective. Each municipality was required to designate the local government unit (LGU) responsible for administrating the interim program and the permanent program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act. The following table indicates the local governmental unit for each municipality.

BCWMC = Bassett Creek Water Management Commission

Wetland Mitigation Policy  
The Commission's wetland mitigation policy specifies that filling or developing existing lakes and wetlands require an evaluation of the benefits of the wetland for stormwater storage, water quality enhancement, and wildlife habitat, as well as the development of a plan to mitigate the loss of those benefits somewhere in the affected municipality.

Wetland Banking Program   
Currently, the Commission has not adopted a wetland-banking program.

II. Annual Financial Report

The 1999 fiscal year for the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission commenced on February 1, 1999 and ended January 31, 2000.

A. Approved Budget

The approved budget for fiscal year 1999 was $320,500. Each member's contribution toward the annual budget is based 50 percent on the total area of the municipality within the watershed and 50 percent on the tax capacity of the area within the watershed. A copy of the 1999 budget proposal prepared by the Commission's treasurer is appended.

B. Report of Revenues

See audit report.

C. Report of Expenditures

See audit report.

D. Financial Audit Report

The annual audit report for the year ending January 31, 2000, was performed by George M. Hansen Company, P.A. A copy of the report is appended.