HomeMy Public PortalAbout1997-036Member Zietlow introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF MEDINA
RESOLUTION NO. 97-36
RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNTY
ASSISTANCE IN THE OVERSIGHT OF THE
MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City of Medina lies [partly] within the boundaries of the Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District (MCWD); and
WHEREAS, the City has significant concerns that the MCWD has not demonstrated
good governance in the conduct of its statutory responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, such concerns relate to such matters as: a lack of intergovernmental comity
and cooperation; a failure to give timely, responsive, and reasonable consideration to public and
private project applications; an apparent unwillingness to give fair consideration to alternatives for
funding MCWD projects; the absence of sound, accurate and through budgeting; a lack of
consistency in dealing with municipalities within the district; a failure .to recognize limitations on
legal authority of the District and to appreciate and accommodate local concerns; unreasonable
restrictions on minor developments, redevelopments and public improvements; a failure to utilize
professional staff effectively, excessive expenditure of public funds for administration, per diem,
consultants and travel expenses; inflexible application and unreasonable interpretation of District
rules; and the failure to evaluate fully the cost effectiveness of storm water management and water
quality improvements and structural and nonstructural alternatives to such improvements; and
WHEREAS, the actions of the District have resulted in: an unnecessary duplication of
effort among political subdivisions; unnecessary delays and increased costs of development and
redevelopment projects and public improvements, an extraordinary commitment of public money
and staff resources in dealing with the District; an excessive tax burden on the citizens of the city;
delayed provision of needed public facilities, and a declining confidence in the governance of the
affairs of the District; and
WHEREAS, a number of the cities within the MCWD also lie within other watershed
districts or participate in joint powers watershed management organizations where they have not
experienced similar problems; and
WHEREAS, the City has no means of exercising control over the affairs of the MCWD
for the benefit of the City and its citizens, and lacks the resources to monitor, oversee, and
negotiate with the District independently,
1
97-36
8-19-97
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Medina that:
1. The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is hereby requested to undertake a
thorough investigation of the activities of the MCWD, to monitor and oversee the ongoing
activities of the District, to facilitate dialog between the District and affected municipalities, to
consider diligently the cost effectiveness of capital projects proposed by the District and structural
and nonstructural alternatives to such projects prior to approval thereof, and to take such other
actions as the -County deems appropriate to ensure the accountability of the District and address
concerns described above.
2. City staff is directed to explore with other cities in the watershed district joint and
cooperative efforts to monitor and oversee the activities of the MCWD, in cooperation with
Hennepin County.
Dated: August 19, 1997.
John B. Ferris, Mayor
ATTEST:
Paul Robinson, Clerk Treasurer
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Johnson
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof
Ferris, Hamilton, Johnson, Thies, and Zietlow
and the following voted against same: None
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
2
97-36
8-19-97