Citizen’s Advisory Committee 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - Capitol Region Watershed District Office Agenda 7:00
I)
Welcome, Announcements and Updates – Introductions
7:05
II)
Public Comment for issues not on the Agenda (3 minutes per person)
7:08
III)
Approval of the Agenda
7:09
IV)
Approval of Minutes
Materials Enclosed
Approval of the October 9, 2013 Minutes 7:10
V)
Items for Review and Comment Requested By Board of Managers A) A History of the Willow Reserve, Linda Jungwirth and Jane McClure B) Discussion on Role of the CAC C) CAC Members for Partner Grant Review Committee
8:45
VI)
Staff and Program Updates A) Villa Park (Doneux) B) Trout Brook Interceptor (Doneux)
8:50
VII)
CAC Observer and Board of Managers Update
8:55
VIII) Discussion A) B) C) E)
9:00
IX)
New & Old Issues Identify CAC Observer for November 20th Board of Managers Meeting Identify CAC Observer for Decmber 4th Board of Manager Meeting December 11, 2013 CAC Agenda Overview
Adjourn
W:\05 Citizens Advisory Committee\Agendas\2013\November 13, 2013 CAC Agenda.docx
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
Draft
Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 9, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.
CAC Members Present: Gwen Willems Michelle Ulrich Kathryn Swanson Janna Caywood Steve Duerre Mike MacDonald David Arbeit
Members absent: Ted McCaslin, with notice Pat Byrne, with notice Richard Weil, with notice Bill Barton
Others Present: Ellen Anderson, Former State Senator Michelle Sylvander, CRWD Shirley Reider, Board of Manager
Welcome, Announcements, and Updates Ms. Willems opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with a request for introductions and any announcements. Public Comments Janna Caywood handed out a brochure for the Como Curb Cleanup. This year the cleanup will be a month long event. Neighbors are asked to report their efforts so the University of Minnesota can calculate the impact. Approval of Agenda Ms. Willems asked for any additions or changes to the Agenda. No changes were requested. CAC 13-022 Motion: To approve the CAC October 9, 2013 agenda. Arbeit/MacDonald Unanimously approved Approval of the September 11, 2013 CAC Minutes Ms. Willems requested any changes or corrections to the minutes. There were no changes noted. CAC 13-023 Motion: To approve the CAC September 11, 2013 CAC Minutes. Arbeit/Ulrich Unanimously approved Discussion of Strengthening the Role of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee Former State Senator Ellen Anderson facilitated a discussion on ways to reinvigorate the committee. Ms. Anderson started the discussion with introductions from the CAC committee and asked what they like about being on the CAC. The discussion included strengths and weaknesses of CAC's current role, structure, meetings, and processes. Some brainstorm generated potential changes and new roles for the CAC members. A sub committee was formed to rank top choices from ideas and further discussion as needed. A meeting is being planned with the Board of Managers to share concepts. 1
CAC Observer and Board of Managers Update Gwen Willems gave an update on the October 2, 2013 Board of Managers meeting. A number of permits were reviewed and approved. Ms. Willems said the special report given was SSGI - Strategic Stormwater Solution for Transit Oriented Development. The purpose of the project is to create a framework for the development of shared, stacked-function green infrastructure for stormwater management. The presenters were Wes Saunders-Pearce from the City of St. Paul and Ms. Joni Giese from SRF Consulting Group. A discussion about the CAC was started by Administrator Doneux. The board was excited about the CAC taking interested in strengthening their roles. Discussion – A) New & Old Issues No discussion. B) Identify CAC Observer for October 16th Board of Managers Meeting and the November 6th Board of Managers Meeting No members were identified. C) November 13, 2013 CAC Agenda Overview Mr. Arbeit remarked that he would like to hear from Administrator Doneux if something is scheduled for Como Lake, like a forum and if so how the CAC can help. Adjourn – CAC 13-024 Motion: To adjourn. Arbeit/Ulbrich Unanimously approved The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Sylvander
W:\05 Citizens Advisory Committee\Minutes\2013\October 9 2013 Draft Minutes.doc
“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”
2
November 13, 2013 V. Items for Review & Comment Request by Board of Managers A) History of the Willow Reserve (Doneux)
DATE: TO: FROM: RE:
November 13, 2013 CRWD Citizens Advisory Committee Mark Doneux, Administrator History of the Willow Reserve, Linda Jungwirth and Jane McClure
Background CRWD provided a grant in 2012 to District 6 to prepare a history of the Willow Reserve.
Issues The Willow has a long and storied past. Today, many changes are being proposed around the area know as the Willow Reserve. To help recall its past to provide a guide to future use and neighboring developments, District 6 thought it would be a good idea to document the natural and cultural history of the Willow Reserve and its surroundings.
Request Action Provide feedback on History Report
enc:
History of the Willow Reserve
W:\05 Citizens Advisory Committee\2013 Files\CAC Memo 2013 History of Willow Reserve 11-13-13.docx
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
Described as an “urban hidden gem,” the beautiful yet largely unknown Willow Reserve is a 23‐acre wetland area located two blocks northeast of Loeb Lake. It is north of Maryland Avenue and has the railroad, Arundel Street and a point between Farrington and Virginia streets as its boundaries. Its historic and current purposes are a part of the history of St. Paul’s North End. Willow Reserve currently serves several purposes, including that of a rare urban bird and wildlife habitat and as a water quality/interceptor for the area’s watershed. It is located on the Trout Brook interceptor, downstream from Como Lake. It is owned by the City of St. Paul. Willow Reserve’s role in the area’s wetlands and water quality system is important as it provides a basin to reduce peak water flow at times. That is a key piece in the system to protect area neighborhoods from flooding. It also is a place where pollutants can settle, instead of eventually being washed into the Mississippi River.
Willow Reserve 2010
The Willow Reserve area lays in the larger Trout Brook Valley which, before 10,000 B.C., was the course of the Mississippi River prior to the last glaciation. As the glaciers passed through, the original route was blocked, thus realigning the Mississippi River to its current route. All that remains of that pre‐glacial Mississippi Valley is Trout Brook. This act of nature accounts for the bluffs along Wheelock Parkway. McCarrron’s Lake in Roseville is the headwaters of Trout Brook.
Trout Brook
Maps from the 19th century show the distinguishing “3 forks” of the Trout Brook, one of which passes through the Willow Reserve area. This accounts for the marsh/bog characteristics of that area. St. Paul was once dotted with wetlands similar to Willow Reserve, as well as streams and ponds. Most were filled in as the city grew and neighborhoods developed in the late 19th and early to mid‐20th centuries. In fact, the area of Maryland Avenue south of Willow Reserve was once a wetland. Willow Reserve is one of the city’s few remaining natural wetlands. The North End had other small bodies of water, including Weber’s Pond, which was in an area bounded by Front, Hatch, Grotto and St. Alban’s. In his book “On the
Street Where You Live,” historian Donald Empson noted that St. Paul had many lakes, ponds, and wetlands that were either drained, filled in or diverted into the city’s storm sewer system. Maps from the 19th century show more than 50 lakes, ponds, wetlands and small streams around the city at one time. Willow Reserve is classified as a park preserve. The land was originally acquired to provide a wildlife preserve, and in particular, for birds. It is located within the Mississippi Flyway. This is a migration path for birds which extends from the wintering areas in the south to the breeding areas in the north.
Migrating birds typically follow the Mississippi River and use large nearby areas such as Willow Reserve for stopping points during their migration. Because of its size, its location in the region, and minimal undeveloped natural spaces in the area, Willow Reserve provides cover, forage, and nesting for wildlife. Dozens of bird species live there, as do many animals and amphibians. One field survey in 2007 identified the 36 varieties of birds listed below: * Canada Goose * White breasted Nuthatch
* Blue‐Winged Teal * House Wren * Bald Eagle * Ruby‐crowned Kinglet * Cooper’s Hawk * American Robin * Ring‐necked Pheasant * European Starling * Ring‐billed Gull * Cedar Waxwing * Rock Dove * Yellow Warbler * Mourning Dove * Yellow‐rumped Warbler * Belted Kingfisher * Common Yellowthroat * Downy Woodpecker * Chipping Sparrow * Hairy Woodpecker * Song Sparrow * Northern Flicker * Dark‐eyed Junco * Least Flycatcher * Northern Cardinal * Eastern Phoebe * Red‐winged Blackbird * Blue Jay * Common Grackle * House Finch * American Crow * Tree Swallow * American Goldfinch * Black‐capped Chickadee * House Sparrow There are also dozens of species of plants and trees, many native to Minnesota. The upper part of the property is considered to be mixed deciduous woodland, dominated by box elders, black willows and green ash. The willow swamp and wet meadow are dominated by black willow, sandbar willow and Bebbs’s willow, as well as some cottonwood trees and many understory species. Old field and cattail marsh areas are also features of Willow Reserve. Unfortunately, there are also signs of invasive species, such as buckthorn, that were inadvertently introduced by birds that carried its seeds through their droppings. The increased value of the wildlife habitat that Willow Reserve affords is due to the scarcity of open space in this area. The site is much more valuable at this location than it would be in an undeveloped area.
Many of the willows in Willow Reserve are not native but were introduced more than a century ago. Ancestors of the willows that grow at Willow Reserve and give the area its name were planted by Austrian immigrants, and cut and sold at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market in the 19th century. The North End was settled by many Austrian families and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church served Austrian Catholics as well as German Catholics starting in its early years. Part of the neighborhood was known as Little Bavaria. That area was loosely bounded by Western, Maryland, Hatch and Jackson. The North End at that time was the outskirts of St. Paul. Front Avenue gets its name because it was the first or “front” street in the 1856 city map. By then Oakland Cemetery had been established in 1853 as the city’s first permanent burial ground. The Catholic community founded Calvary Cemetery in 1856. Lutheran churches and the city’s growing German communities founded what is now Elmhurst Cemetery on Dale Street.
Oakland Cemetery 1800
On April 20, 1855, W.F. Duffy signed off on the plat/survey for the parcel of land entitled “Cottage Homes” in the County of Ramsey located in the Territory of Minnesota. Duffy was hired by Henry McKinty who filed for ownership on June1, 1855. The current Willow Reserve was part of that property.
Cottage Homes 1887
In 1886, the rail line on the north edge of Willow Reserve was built by the Northern Pacific Railroad. It was subsequently known as the “A” line from St. Paul to Minneapolis. This is the line that eventually ran to the Northern Pacific Railroad’s Como Shops or what is now the redeveloped Bandana Square area. In 1887, the “T.B. Sommers 2nd Addition” evolved from the “Cottage Homes Addition.” Gates A. Johnson Jr. was the surveyor and Wm. K. Gaston and his wife, Andora, were the owners. Throughout the subsequent years, lots were sold or parceled off to new owners. Some of the owners included S. H. Thompson, I. Stringer, M. Bies, Maria Thill and her heirs, Spreigl, Berkey, and Dim. During
difficult times such as the Great Depression and World War II, some lots went tax forfeit and/or were sold. On March 30, 1976, the land that is now Willow Reserve was bought by the City of St. Paul from Jacob and Gloria Dim. Although much of today’s North End was annexed into the city starting in the early 1870’s and streets were platted soon after, not all of the area filled in with houses right away. That is because so much of the area was being farmed and gardened. Weber’s Pond location was in an area where early settler Henry Weber farmed. Although it is conjecture, the prevalence of farming may be what saved Willow Reserve’s wetlands from being filled in, as happened in other parts of the city. Another factor may have been that most of the neighborhood’s early developers didn’t live in the community.
City of Saint Paul 1800
Willow Reserve’s history is intertwined with that of St. Paul, the city’s agricultural and truck gardening history, and the surrounding North End neighborhood. The area around the wetland was farmed from Minnesota territorial days through the late 1980’s, and
again in recent years. Not only did area farmers harvest and sell the willows, area greenhouses also harvested the willows for sale and for use in floral arrangements for many years. The Willow Reserve is near the historic Dey Greenhouse site at Dale and Maryland, which operated in the neighborhood from 1939‐1994, and Larson’s Greenhouse, which closed and was sold in 2004. Other greenhouse operators included the Grill and Hewin families. All harvested willows from Willow Reserve. Dolly Hewin planted pussy willows along the railroad tracks between what was then Carbon Street and South Street. Hewins would pick the pussy willows and “color” them with colored chalk. They would be sold for income during the winter months when their greenhouse business was slow. Willows, flowers, fruits and vegetables were grown in the North End for decades. Starting in the 1850’s, North End residents grew produce for the St. Paul Farmers’ Market. After the Minnesota Pioneer newspaper began promoting the need for an organized farmers’ market in 1852, community leaders worked to build the Market House downtown in 1853. This two‐story brick building was erected at Seventh and Wabasha and opened its doors as the city’s first public market. Produce was sold there during the growing seasons. Farmers and small manufacturers brought other wares year‐round including flour, grain, baked goods, candies and dairy products.
Farmers Market 1800
North End farmers made the trip to the market via Rice Street, Jackson Street and Dale Street or Western Avenue. Farmers used horse‐drawn wagons or in some cases, handcarts, to transport their wares. Farmers in the North End, Little Canada and Rosetown (now Roseville) areas were among the market’s earliest suppliers. The market was in several places downtown, with its longest tenure at Tenth and Jackson streets, opening in 1902. According to the market’s history, the market remained there until freeway construction and downtown development claimed the site, causing a move to Fifth and Wall streets in 1982. Some of the early North End farmers grew their crops on a small scale. Others expanded to become established businesses. One example of the latter is Linder’s. What is now Linders Greenhouse & Garden Center has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations. The business was started by Albert Linder in 1910 on Wheelock Parkway, north of the current Willow Reserve area. Like others in the North End, he grew celery and other vegetables to take to market. After World War II, times were tough for the celery fields. The celery was getting blight and refrigerated freight cars made it possible to get fresh produce from other parts of the country.
Albert Linder
Albert Linder gradually phased out vegetables and grew flowers, passing the business on to sons Peter Linder Sr. and Walter Linder who continued to successfully expand the flower production and build several greenhouses to sell their flowers to both wholesale and retail customers. The founder of Linder’s passed away in 1963, leaving his legacy of gardening to the next generations. Peter’s children, Dave, Rob, Pete and Lill became the third generation of family members to continue the business and operated it until 2013. Numerous families farmed on what was part of Willow Reserve for years. One family that owned a good part of the property there for several years was the Schletti family, which was involved in farming. Aerial maps show some degree of farming in the area from the 1940’s, when consistent aerial mapping began, through the 1980’s.
Another family with long ties to the Willow Reserve area is the Merkl family. Four generations of the family farmed and gardened there, before the property was sold in 2005 by Joe Merkl Jr. Family members lived at their farm house and in the surrounding area for many decades. Joe’s grandfather, Anton Merkl, came to St. Paul from Germany via Canada. Merkl met his wife Philomena at the old German American Club on Rice Street, near the state capitol. She was working as a domestic at the time for a wealthy family on Summit Avenue. The Merkls bought their property in 1932 from Paul Bremer. They originally owned 23 acres, extending north from Maryland toward the railroad tracks and today’s mix of apartment and warehouse buildings. The property had 200 feet of frontage on Maryland when they bought there. What was the Merkl home for years originally stood at Park and Litchfield streets. It was moved to Maryland and Arundel. One of the family’s first tasks was to install a well for irrigation for crops and for drinking water. It was 260 feet deep and produced 60 gallons per minute.
Merkl Farm
Anton Merkl didn’t plan to be a farmer and market gardener. “During the Great Depression, people had no money to buy meat,” recalled Joe Merkl Jr. The family, which had gardened like most St. Paul families, began farming their land in earnest. A small flock of chickens and a cow helped feed the parents and children. The chickens provided eggs for sale. For many years, the Merkls kept a horse for plowing the fields and to pull the wagon of produce from the farm to the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. Joe Merkl Jr. recalled that the family didn’t own a truck until after World War II.
Merkl Farm
A hand‐drawn map by Joe Merkl Sr. shows the families who lived in the area of Willow Reserve in the 1930’s. Aside from South Street, which was a dirt road along the south side of the railroad tracks, there were no roads through the Willow Reserve area. Carbon Street ran along the north side of the railroad tracks. A crossing between South Street and Carbon Street was near the area where Western Street would have extended. Along Maryland Avenue, from west to east, were the Merkl homestead, Hewin’s greenhouse, and Gus Grill’s greenhouse. The Tschida and Neusse farms were north of the railroad tracks and beyond those, both Linders and Cincottas had farms in the “horseshoe bend” area of Wheelock Parkway. South of Maryland Avenue, along the shore of Loeb Lake, the Dabe and George families grew vegetables and tobacco. Some of the Merkl property, including land that became part of Willow Reserve, was forfeited to provide for public assistance around the time of the Second World War. Anton Merkl had died and his widow was in need of assistance because her sons were
serving in the military. The family continued to farm a smaller tract near Willow Reserve for many years. Joe Sr. and his brother John were most involved in the raising of produce. Joe Merkl Jr. also gardened there for many years. The Merkls raised a variety of crops, as did others, on and near Willow Reserve. “I think we grew a little bit of everything,” said Joe Merkl Jr. The family’s grandmother would also harvest wild asparagus along the nearby railroad property. Because the area was mostly bog, celery was the major crop for many of the farmers. Joe Merkl Sr. used to say that “celery likes wet feet.” The area was moist so the stalks flourished. Lorraine Merkl, Joe Jr.’s mother, said “I remember when celery was grown all along Maryland Avenue.” Other crops raised included cabbage for sauerkraut. Yet another crop that was memorable for Joe Merkl Jr. was when potatoes were grown. A machine was used to excavate the crop but that didn’t spare the young people the job of picking potatoes for sale. Potatoes were bagged in 100 pound sacks. One attempt to grow giant potatoes resulted in some five‐pound specimens. Another crop that didn’t go well was raising sod. “That was more trouble than it was worth,” Joe Merkl Jr. said. Articles in the North End News over the years also recalled the Willow Reserve area’s agricultural history, noting additional crops including corn, wheat and other grains being grown near there. Development sometimes threatened Willow Reserve and the surrounding area. At one point in the 1960’s Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) planned to install a large power substation in the area but it was never built. Also, in the 1960’s, the land where Willow Reserve is now located was eyed for redevelopment. That prompted a number of North End community groups, civic groups and nature enthusiasts to rally a call for the property to be saved. Groups involved in the 1960’s and 1970’s efforts to help preserve Willow Reserve were many and included the St. Paul League of Women Voters, Audubon Society and neighbors who later helped form the North End Community Organization (NECO). It was considered critical to preserve the area’s marshes and wetlands. One key argument for preserving the area in its natural state was to provide habitat for wildlife and a resting spot for migratory birds using the Mississippi River Flyway. In 1976 the property was purchased by the City and Willow Reserve was established. One area resident who played a major role in the preservation of Willow Reserve was longtime Como resident and community activist Marylyn Deneen. She was one of many community leaders who advocated for the Willow Reserve to be saved and for the formation of the Capital Region Watershed District as a means of better protecting water quality for all of the area’s lakes and wetlands. Marylyn, her husband Irv, and the company Irv worked for, Delux, contributed toward a large portion of the acquisition cost of the Reserve. Marylyn continued to be a watch dog for its preservation and took pride in her role as “guardian” of Willow Reserve.
For children growing up in the area, Willow Reserve was a place to explore, play and even fish. Many longtime North End residents recall picking flowers, catching frogs and turtles, or just making up games to play in the trees. Not long after Willow Reserve was formally established in the 1960’s, many neighbors recalled that they soon saw more species of birds and wildlife. Long time Maryland Avenue resident, Derek Hollanitsch, shared his memories of growing up around Willow Reserve. “I remember this tract of land serving as an informal playground for myself and many other neighborhood kids during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The main entrance point was at the end of Ivy Street just west of Farrington Street. From here you could take one of two paths: the “high road” or the “low road.” The high road path took you closer to the adjacent railroad tracks, whereas the lower path took you into the heart of the Reserve. This lower path would get quite boggy after recent rains. The upper path served as a more direct link to the former Skatedium Roller Rink located on the other side of the Reserve on Arundel Street. I remember the abundant wildlife that was always present. As kids we would get spooked when a pheasant would suddenly fly up while we were riding our bicycles through there. Many deer could be seen early in the morning. There was an abundance of butterflies; Monarch and Swallowtails seemed to be everywhere. My grandfather built a bug house for me and I brought home an assortment of these flying creatures one day. My grandfather and I released 29 butterflies altogether that day! He told me that from now on, I needed to keep them down at the Reserve. Raccoons, opossums, skunks, turtles and chipmunks were also seen. Tadpoles could be caught in the pond by the hundreds using my butterfly net. The frogs proved to be more elusive than the butterflies.” Sewer separation in the area, in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, also affected Willow Reserve in terms of runoff and the property itself. Willow Reserve was historically a marsh and over the years, was in varying degrees of agricultural use. As part of a sewer separation project, the large pond in the Reserve was excavated by the City in 1991 to serve as a surge basin for the Trout Brook storm sewer. The objective is to reduce the flow rates of water in the storm sewer pipe during heavy rain events by diverting water into the pond, which then allows it to slowly re‐enter the system. The area also changed with the closing of Larson’s Greenhouse in 2004. That site was then purchased, along with the Merkl property to the west, for potential redevelopment. In 2011 the site was leased for use as an urban farm. In 2013, the City acquired the 3‐acre parcel and is pursuing development proposals. As for the Willow Reserve itself, Capital Region Watershed District, District 6 Planning Council, the City and the community will eventually decide its future. Studies have been done to assess wildlife, trees and plant life. Watershed district plans identify opportunities for the preservation and improvement of Willow Reserve, but no specific restoration plan has been approved yet. According to the Loeb Lake Plan, before any plans are set for Willow Reserve, it must be determined what degree of restoration is desired for the area. Goals that have been identified for Willow Reserve include:
• • •
Restore the area to maximize urban wildlife and native, non‐invasive vegetative species diversity; Raise the awareness of Willow Reserve, its purpose, and its potential; and Improve the quality of water discharging from Willow Reserve to the Trout Brook Storm Sewer System.
The value of the “urban gem” that is Willow Reserve, lies in its status as one of the City’s few remaining natural wetlands, its location along the Mississippi River Flyway, the habitat it provides in an urban core, and its “sense of place” in the history of the North End neighborhood.
Willow Reserve 2013 Willow Reserve 2010
Prepared and Written by Jane McClure, Local Historian Acknowledgements: Linder’s Garden Center
Lorraine Merkl Joe Merkl Jr. Derek Hollanitsch Ramsey County Historical Society Ramsey County Property Records Department Minnesota Historical Society Willow Reserve Resource Inventory and Habitat Assessment 2007 prepared for Capital Region Watershed District by Emmons and Oliver Resources Inc. Loeb Lake and Willow Reserve Management Plan 2009 prepared for Capital Region Watershed District by Wenck Loeb Lake Small Area Plan Minnesota Transportation Museum Capital Region Watershed District John and Linda Jungwirth Leann Martens District 6 Planning Council In memory of Marylyn Deneen Made possible by a grant from the Capital Region Watershed District October 2013
Willow Reserve From Past to Present a Snapshot
November 13, 2013 V. Items for Review & Comment Request by Board of Managers B) Discussion on Role of the CAC (Doneux)
DATE: TO: FROM: RE:
November 13, 2013 CRWD Citizens Advisory Committee Mark Doneux, Administrator Discussion on Role of the CAC
Background At the October 9th CAC meeting, former State Senator Ellen Anderson facilitated a discussion on ways to reinvigorate the committee. As part of that discussion the Board felt that it would be beneficial to provide input on ways to provide a clearer role and responsibilities for the CAC.
Issues The October discussion included strengths and weaknesses of CAC's current role, structure, meetings, and processes. Some brainstorming generated potential changes and new roles for the CAC members. A sub committee was formed to rank top choices from ideas and further discussion as needed. A joint meeting is being planned with the Board of Managers to share concepts.
Request Action Provide feedback and updates to the CAC Strengthening Discussion Summary
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CAC Strengthening Discussion Summary
W:\05 Citizens Advisory Committee\2013 Files\CAC Memo 2013 Discussion on Role of CAC 11-13-13.docx
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
CAC Strengthening Discussion The following is a summary of the CAC's 10/9/2013 comments and ideas regarding the current role of the CAC and the ways in which the committee may be strengthened and invigorated 10/9/2013, rev 11‐6‐13 Strengths In the time that you have been on the CAC, what responsibilities have been the most valuable? Important to learn & receive info. Lecture info, projects the district is doing, report w/neighbors, sharing information, able to get rain garden planted on street, because of role here was able to have rain garden planted on own street Activity of learning, bring information back to general public, coming prepared to have a good meeting Meetings enjoyed the most, City of St. Paul ‐ issues, see from different point of view, wrote letter to parks ‐ felt like she was making a difference Impressed how City of St. Paul has participated in rain gardens, central corridor vs. other cities, CAC support board, well informed both informal & formal Invites CAC to participate, keep informed on projects, priorities, budget, bring info on regular basis, stay in touch, w/communities, most improvements cannot be seen. Big event to show public what kind of improvements have been made, public needs Likes field trips, focus group, education to public what has been done at Como Learning about the storm water, watershed district, understand process, sharing information able to explain projects, developing new ways, external communication. Likes bringing in outside education. Likes the willingness of CRWD to try new things Felt well informed, tree‐trench education, CAC sharing input example ‐ logo, rain gardens developed, RSVP, program developed, early on CAC was asked to volunteer planting rain gardens, water festival ‐ feeling of helping make a difference, talking to neighbors, volunteerism has dropped off Motions passed, resolutions passed on to board Viewing rules, seeing the budget Budget input Appreciate charts & graphs that Mark puts together Future Big Event Social info. Weaknesses Know the staff better Social event, know the staff Open house for the staff How is the time commitment? Meetings get long? Information technical Long meetings Once a month is about right Need stronger attendance Passive role
Subcommittee ‐ review tech. part of projects In the past a tech committee was formed to report back to CAC Define tech, drawings, engineering drawings, what r the standards, how much permitting review, bus depot ‐ project opportunities Reasons people don't come? Other obligations, meetings are important, learning Attendance rules not enforced by agreement Board meeting attendance Volunteers, no schedule Valuable info Social time ‐ more time commitment At one time Not in Dec. More interaction with community Plan something one time a year, CAC is the judge Blooming Garden Awards No orientation now ‐ develop a new member orientation packet New roles What is my role? In some way I should be helping CRWD. Potential activities, changes, and ongoing activities Open brainstorming Should be interacting with neighborhood more, didn't know about rain gardens installed in neighborhood Receiving information and passing it along: two‐way communication Tours ‐ two/year, different focus to the second annual tour such as in‐depth tour of water facilities Would like monthly summary of permits and projects (maybe on website?). Often don’t know about a project till it has already started. Could do projects that will have community impact, work w/staff to inform them if there's a problem at the site, or as volunteer staff member, develop working relationship w/staff, some projects Website utilized more, what is happening in areas CAC meetings are often immensely educational. It would be good to advertise these on the CRWD website as an educational opportunity with no strings attached. Current website says the meetings are open to the public, but it emphasizes membership. Subcommittee view grant applications once per year Would be more meaningful to be more involved Annual holiday party ‐ CAC & board & staff (what combination?) Blooming garden or other water quality awards, modeled on LEAP Awards and events A new‐member orientation, including mentoring of CAC members and a welcome package for new CAC members (possibly include mission of CAC & WD, statute, bylaws, list of functions, membership roster, exec. summary of watershed plan, short bios of members?) Attend MAWD convention, is her third visit, all day board training ‐ let CAC know in advance and report back on the convention As citizens being interested
Legislation Connect with legislature: lobbying with MAWD Day at the Capitol in March. Do we want to lobby? Does MAWD want CAC members involved? Or could we at least get legislative information? How else could we help (e.g., letter to the legislators)? Don’t know what committee my legislators are on, would love to know Invite local legislature to meetings Legislature: tracking of projects, policies, proposals, want to know more about Recruitment Undergrads From other organizations, churches, schools, businesses ‐ other points of view Diversity of group (Hmong, African‐American, etc.) ‐ CAC should better represent cultural diversity of watershed Membership down Targeting groups with neighborhood presence District councils Academia: Mac, St. Thomas, Concordia, Hamline, U of M, St. Paul Tech, Metro State Connect with cities CAC members attend city council meetings CAC members attend pertinent city department meetings CAC meetings Could change length, set‐up, timing, frequency, how formal/informal, have no meeting in December Consider more subcommittees as needed: such as we're doing for this, could for grants, planning holiday party, etc. Enforce attendance? Missing four in a row without notice is in the current wording now. What carrots would work instead of sticks? More reminders? Annual attendance recognition awards? Gift certificate? I think staff does most of the heavy lifting for meeting content. More CAC‐ generated meeting content would ease this burden and create more interest among CAC members. Continue guest speakers, such as Dr. Mark Seeley and the tree‐trench expert Next Have a subcommittee refine categorization of feedback and report back to the whole committee with summarized comments and ideas regarding present and future role of CAC Gwen, Michelle, Steve
November 13, 2013 V. Items for Review & Comment Request by Board of Managers C) CAC Members for Partner Grant Review Committee (Doneux)
DATE: TO: FROM: RE:
November 13, 2013 CRWD Citizens Advisory Committee Mark Doneux, Administrator CAC Members for Partner Grant Review Committee
Background Each year CRWD awards grants to Partner organizations to further support the goals and mission of the District. This year the Board of Managers would like to form a joint committee consisting of two CAC and two Board members to recommend grant awards for 2014 Partner Grants.
Issues This fall staff issued a Request for Proposals for 2014 Partner Grants. The District has received 15 requests totally $224,000. The 2014 Partner Grant budget is $60,000. The Board would ask that the CAC designate 2 members and an alternate to be part of the review committee. The committee will meet on either November 20th or 21st at 4:30 depending on the availability of CAC members appointed to this committee. Materials including copies of the grant applications and a summary table will be provided with staff comments and recommendations. The time commitment for this assignment will be approximately 2-3 hours to review applications and 1 ½ hours for the committee meeting. It would also be beneficial for one of the CAC committee members to attend the December 4th Board meeting when the grants will be acted on by the full Board of Managers.
Request Action Appoint two CAC Members and one alternate to the 2014 Partner Grant Review Committee.
W:\05 Citizens Advisory Committee\2013 Files\CAC Memo 2013 CAC Members for Partner Grant Review Committee 11-13-13.docx
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.