02-22-2022 Council Work Session W O R K S E S S IO N
V IR T U AL ME E TIN G H E L D V IA W E B E X
F E B R U ARY 22, 2022
6:00 P M
C all to order
1.Richfield-B loomington Watershed Management Organization (RB W MO) A nnual Meeting. A ttendees will take
any necessary official actions as RB W M O B oard Members and ask questions of staff or agency
representatives.
A djournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96
hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9738.
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
WORK S E S S ION STAFF RE P ORT NO. 6
WORK SESSION
2/22/2022
RE P O RT P RE PA RE D B Y: Jordan Vennes, Water Resources E ngineer
D E PA RTME NT D IRE C TO R RE V IE W: K ristin A sher, P ublic Works D irector
2/15/2022
O THE R D E PA RTM E NT RE V IE W:
C ITY MA NA G E R RE V IE W: K atie Rodriguez, C ity Manager
2/16/2022
I T E M F O R WO RK S E S S IO N:
Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (R B W MO) Annual Meeting. Attendees
will take any necessary official actions as R B W MO Board Members and ask questions of staff or
agency representatives.
E X E C UT IV E S UM M ARY:
The RB W MO will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 virtually via W ebEx. The meeting is
scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. The agenda packet will be sent in advance of the meeting.
D IRE C T I O N NE E D E D:
Aside from taking any official actions as R B W MO Board Members, no direction is needed.
B AC K G RO UND INF O RM AT I O N:
A.H IS TOR IC AL C ON T E X T
The Richfield-Bloomington W atershed covers a 7.55 square mile, contiguous area that comprises
portions of eastern Bloomington and southeastern, central, and northwestern Richfield.
A Board of Commissioners has been established as the governing body of the RB W MO. The
Board of Commissioners is comprised of all City Council Members in the Cities of Richfield and
Bloomington. The RB W MO holds at least one public meeting each year, at which time the Board
elects officers and conducts necessary business.
B.P OL IC IE S (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, etc):
The RB W MO's purpose is to preserve and use natural water storage and retention systems within the
Richfield-Bloomington Watershed to meet the purposes set forth in the Surface W ater Management Act.
C.C R IT IC AL T IMIN G IS S U E S:
The RB W MO is required to hold an annual meeting to conduct official business each year.
D.F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
The RB W MO has no direct expenses but any one-off expenses that span city boundaries are split
50/50 between the two member cities (i.e., consultant fees, insurance).
As identified in the J oint Powers Agreement, personnel of the Cities may be utilized, but no
additional compensation will be paid by the RB W MO.
Each city budgets and expends funds in their respective stormwater utility budgets to cover costs
associated with watershed stormwater management.
E.L E GAL C ON S ID E R AT ION:
None
ALTE R N AT IV E(S):
None
P R IN C IPAL PAR TIE S E X P E C TE D AT ME E TIN G:
Bloomington City Council, RB W MO Executive Director Bryan Gruidl, Board of Water and Soil Resources
Conservationist Steve Christopher
AT TAC H ME N T S:
D escription Type
RB W M O Information B ackup Material
RB W M O Meeting P acket B ackup Material
2022 RB W M O presentation P resentation
Bloomington Public Works
1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-4870
Richfield Public Works
1901 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
PH: 612-861-9170
www.RBWMO.org
Information for New Board Members
The Organization's purpose is to preserve and use natural water storage and retention systems within
the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed to meet the purposes set forth in the Surface Water Management
Act.
ABOUT THE RBWMO
The Richfield-Bloomington Watershed covers a 7.55 square mile, contiguous area that comprises
portions of eastern Bloomington and southeastern Richfield. Portions of the two local governmental
units within the watershed are listed below:
LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT
Local Government Unit Area within Watershed
(Square Miles)
Percent of
Watershed
Richfield 4.25 56%
Bloomington 3.3 43%
*See attachment for a RBWMO Boundary Map
A Board of Commissioners has been established as the governing body of the Richfield-Bloomington
Watershed Management Organization. The Board of Commissioners is comprised of all City Council
Members in the Cities of Richfield and Bloomington. The RBWMO holds at least one public meeting
each year, at which time the Board elects officers and conducts necessary business. The RBWMO has no
direct expenses. As identified in the Joint Powers Agreement, personnel of the Cities may be utilized,
but no additional compensation will be paid by the WMO. Each city budgets and expends funds in their
respective storm drainage utilities to cover costs associated with watershed stormwater management.
Any items that cross city boundaries are split 50/50 between the two member cities (i.e., consultant
fees).
PURPOSE AND INTENT
The duties of the organization, as enacted by the Board, are as follows:
Prepare and adopt a watershed management plan meeting the requirements of Minnesota Rules
Chapter 8410 (current plan adopted in 2018).
Review and approve local water management plans (Bloomington & Richfield) as defined in
Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.
Exercise the authority of a Watershed District or Watershed Management Organization under
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103B to regulate the use and development of land when:
1. A local water management plan has not been approved and adopted. Both Bloomington
and Richfield have current, adopted plans.
2. A local permit requires an amendment to or variance from the local water management
plan.
3. The Board has been authorized by the local government to require permits for land use.
This has not been authorized by either member city.
The intent of the organization is to address water drainage issues and stormwater management within
the watershed that are inter-governmental, rather than local (specific to one community or the other),
in scope. Goals of the organization include the following:
Protecting, preserving, and using natural surface and groundwater storage and retention
systems;
Minimizing public capital expenditures needed to address flooding and water quality problems;
Identifying and planning for opportunities to effectively protect and improve surface and
groundwater quality;
Establishing more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and groundwater
management;
Preventing erosion of soil into surface water systems;
Protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities; and
Securing the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface and
groundwater within the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE RBWMO
In 1982 the Minnesota Legislature passed the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act mandating
a comprehensive surface water management plan be developed for 46 separate watersheds in the
Metropolitan Area. A primary purpose of the Act was to provide for more uniform and comprehensive
management of surface water at the local level. Where no watershed district was in existence, local
government could chose to join an existing watershed district (i.e., Nine Mile Creek, Minnehaha Creek)
or form a watershed management organization through joint powers agreements. This was the case for
the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) formed on December 19,
1983. The agreement was amended and bylaws were adopted January 23, 1984.
In 1990 Legislature enacted a number of revisions to the Surface Water Management Act including the
requirement that the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) develop rules to help guide and
coordinate a number of aspects of the Metro Watershed Plan development and implementation. These
rules were codified under Chapter 8410 of State Rule. One aspect of the rules specifies that no plan is to
be in effect for more than ten years. The most recent update the RBWMO plan was approved in March
2018.
STAFF CONTACTS
Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington – 952-563-4557
Jordan Vennes, Richfield – 612-861-9797
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
Bloomington Public Works
1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-4870
Richfield Public Works
1901 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
PH: 612-861-9170
www.RBWMO.org
Tuesday February 22, 2022; 6:00 p.m.
Webex, Hosted by Richfield
1. Call to order and introductions
2. Approval of minutes of March 8, 2021 Annual Meeting
3. Review and approval of agenda
4. Election of Officers for 2022
a. Chair: Richfield
b. Vice-Chair: Bloomington
c. Secretary: Bloomington
d. Treasurer: Richfield
5. Approve 2021 staff appointments (1st year of 1-yr term)
a. Executive Director: Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington
b. Assistant Executive Director: Jordan Vennes, Richfield
6. 2021 Executive Director’s Report (Gruidl)
7. Business Items
a. Watershed Based Funding
i. Hennepin County Chloride Initiative and Minnesota River Basin group update
ii. Youth Education program and partnership with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends
iii. FY22-23 Watershed Based Implementation Funding
b. Education and Outreach
i. Continue and re-evaluate Education and Outreach Plan geared towards engaging
with youth. Consideration of Clean Water Fund Policy change for educational
activities
ii. Adopt-a-Drain
iii. Consideration of approval of 2021 Annual Report
iv. Public Notice; scheduled to be published March 3, 2022
8. Insurance – Estimated $2,500.00 for July 2022 - June 2023 (each City pay half: $1,250.00)
9. Adjournment
Page 1 of 2
RBWMO Meeting
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
RBWMO Meeting
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Cisco Webex Virtual Meeting
CALL TO ORDER - 6:15 PM Chair Ben Whalen called the 2021 meeting of the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed
Management Organization (RBWMO) to order at 6:15pm.
Bloomington Council Present: Mayor T. Busse; Councilmembers N. Coulter,
P. Martin, S. Nelson
Richfield Council Present: Mayor M. Regan Gonzalez; Councilmembers S.
Trautmann, M. Supple, S. Hayford Oleary, B. Whalen
Bloomington Staff Present: Bryan Gruidl, Julie Long, Steve Segar,
Karl Keel, Jamie Verbrugge
Richfield Staff Present: Kristin Asher, Katie Rodriguez, Joe Powers,
Patrick Martin, Michael Petersen, Blanca Martinez
Gaviña, Kelly Wynn
Other: Board Conservationist Steve Christopher
Absent: J. Carter, J. Baloga, D. Lowman
Approval of March 2,
2020 Annual Meeting
Minutes
Motion by Regan Gonzalez to approve the March 2, 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes,
seconded by Martin. Motion carried unanimously.
Review and Approval of
Agenda
Motion by Supple to approve Agenda, seconded by Coulter. Motion carried
unanimously.
Election of Officers for
2021
Approve 2021 staff
appointments
Motion by Coulter to nominate of Patrick Martin(Bloomington) as Chair. Seconded by
Busse. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Supple to nominate Sean Hayford Oleary as Vice Chair. Seconded by
Trautmann. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Gonzalez to nominate Simon Trautmann as Secretary. Seconded by Supple.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Martin (Bloomington) to nominate Nathan Coulter as Treasurer. Seconded
by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2021 staff appointments for Executive Director Patrick Martin (Richfield).
Motion by Trautmann. Seconded by Regan Gonzalez. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2021 staff appointments for Assistant Director Bryan Gruidl. Motion by
Trautmann. Seconded by Regan Gonzalez. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGAINIZATION UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Page 2 of 2
Executive Director's
Report
Martin (Richfield) provided overview of RBWMO via PowerPoint. Report will go to
BWSR. Explained Technical Advisory Committee; Community Advisory Commissions;
monitoring program; Smith Park Pond; activities from 2020; 2020 permits and
enforcements; 2021 work plan.
Business Item A.
Watershed Based Funding
Gruidl presented on Watershed based-funding initiatives, activities, and grants.
RBWMO received grant funding to move forward with youth education program
through Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends (MVRF).
Gruidl spoke on the education and outreach goal, including an overview of partnership
with MVRF, continued promotion of Adopt-a-Drain, and development of Education and
Outreach Plan.
Consideration to Approve
2020 Annual Report
Consideration to Approve
2021 Public Notice
Motion by Trautmann to approve the 2020 Annual Report. Seconded by Busse. Motion
carried unanimously.
Motion by Supple to approve the 2021 Public Notice. Seconded by Hayford Oleary.
Motion Carried unanimously.
Insurance Insurance estimated at $2,500.00 for July 2021 – June 2022. Consistent with past years
each city will pay half the cost or $1,250.00.
ADJOURN Motion by Coulter to adjourn. Seconded by Martin (Bloomington). Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.
Bloomington Public Works
1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-4870
Richfield Public Works
1901 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
PH: 612-861-9170
www.RBWMO.org
Information for New Board Members
The Organization's purpose is to preserve and use natural water storage and retention systems within
the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed to meet the purposes set forth in the Surface Water Management
Act.
ABOUT THE RBWMO
The Richfield-Bloomington Watershed covers a 7.55 square mile, contiguous area that comprises
portions of eastern Bloomington and southeastern Richfield. Portions of the two local governmental
units within the watershed are listed below:
LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT
Local Government Unit Area within Watershed
(Square Miles)
Percent of
Watershed
Richfield 4.25 56%
Bloomington 3.3 43%
*See attachment for a RBWMO Boundary Map
A Board of Commissioners has been established as the governing body of the Richfield-Bloomington
Watershed Management Organization. The Board of Commissioners is comprised of all City Council
Members in the Cities of Richfield and Bloomington. The RBWMO holds at least one public meeting
each year, at which time the Board elects officers and conducts necessary business. The RBWMO has no
direct expenses. As identified in the Joint Powers Agreement, personnel of the Cities may be utilized,
but no additional compensation will be paid by the WMO. Each city budgets and expends funds in their
respective storm drainage utilities to cover costs associated with watershed stormwater management.
Any items that cross city boundaries are split 50/50 between the two member cities (i.e., consultant
fees).
PURPOSE AND INTENT
The duties of the organization, as enacted by the Board, are as follows:
Prepare and adopt a watershed management plan meeting the requirements of Minnesota Rules
Chapter 8410 (current plan adopted in 2018).
Review and approve local water management plans (Bloomington & Richfield) as defined in
Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.
Exercise the authority of a Watershed District or Watershed Management Organization under
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103B to regulate the use and development of land when:
1. A local water management plan has not been approved and adopted. Both Bloomington
and Richfield have current, adopted plans.
2. A local permit requires an amendment to or variance from the local water management
plan.
3. The Board has been authorized by the local government to require permits for land use.
This has not been authorized by either member city.
The intent of the organization is to address water drainage issues and stormwater management within
the watershed that are inter-governmental, rather than local (specific to one community or the other),
in scope. Goals of the organization include the following:
Protecting, preserving, and using natural surface and groundwater storage and retention
systems;
Minimizing public capital expenditures needed to address flooding and water quality problems;
Identifying and planning for opportunities to effectively protect and improve surface and
groundwater quality;
Establishing more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and groundwater
management;
Preventing erosion of soil into surface water systems;
Protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities; and
Securing the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface and
groundwater within the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE RBWMO
In 1982 the Minnesota Legislature passed the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act mandating
a comprehensive surface water management plan be developed for 46 separate watersheds in the
Metropolitan Area. A primary purpose of the Act was to provide for more uniform and comprehensive
management of surface water at the local level. Where no watershed district was in existence, local
government could chose to join an existing watershed district (i.e., Nine Mile Creek, Minnehaha Creek)
or form a watershed management organization through joint powers agreements. This was the case for
the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) formed on December 19,
1983. The agreement was amended and bylaws were adopted January 23, 1984.
In 1990 Legislature enacted a number of revisions to the Surface Water Management Act including the
requirement that the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) develop rules to help guide and
coordinate a number of aspects of the Metro Watershed Plan development and implementation. These
rules were codified under Chapter 8410 of State Rule. One aspect of the rules specifies that no plan is to
be in effect for more than ten years. The most recent update the RBWMO plan was approved in March
2018.
STAFF CONTACTS
Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington – 952-563-4557
Patrick Martin, Richfield – 612-861-9797
RBWMO Boundary Map
Bloomington Public Works
1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-4870
Richfield Public Works
1901 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
PH: 612-861-9170
www.RBWMO.org
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
I. Financial Report
II. Activity Report
A. Membership
B. Staff
C. 2021 Activity
D. 2022 Work Plan
E. Permits, Variances, and Enforcement
F. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Programs
G. Local Surface Water Plans
H. Consultant Services
I. Information Program
J. Expenditures
2 | Page
I. Financial Report
The RBWMO has not expended or accrued funds during the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2021. No financial audits are necessary. Richfield and Bloomington
expended $2.0M and $5.3M respectively from their storm water utility funds in 2021 to
manage surface and stormwater.
II. Activity Report
The RBWMO continues to function as an independent organization with Board
membership consisting of the City Councils of both Richfield and Bloomington. The
Staff of the RBWMO continues to be the staff of each City handling drainage and
surface water issues within each municipality. Since each City addresses storm water and
surface water issues on behalf of the RBWMO there is no official budget for the
organization. Each municipality funds improvements and maintenance within the
Watershed Management area within their City border via existing storm water utilities.
The 2018 Watershed Management Plan includes implementation of policies and
programs that require financial resources from each member city. As in the past, costs
to cover activities occurring in a particular city are borne by that city and activities
transcending the municipal boundary will be shared equally.
Both Cities are permitted Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) operators
under the NPDES permit program and implement Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Programs (SWPPP) including education and maintenance programs.
A. 2021 Membership
Name Representing
Shawn Nelson Bloomington
Tim Busse Bloomington
Simon Trautmann Richfield
Jack Baloga Bloomington
Maria Regan Gonzalez Richfield
Nathan Coulter Bloomington
Dwayne Lowman Bloomington
Ben Whalen Richfield
Mary Supple Richfield
Sean Hayford Oleary Richfield
Patrick Martin Bloomington
Jenna Carter Bloomington
3 | Page
Richfield members can be contacted
at:
Richfield City Hall
6700 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-9700
Bloomington members can be
contacted at:
Bloomington City Hall
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-563-8700
B. Staff
Executive Director:
(March 2020-March 2021)
Patrick Martin
City of Richfield
Water Resources/GIS Specialist
1901 E. 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-9797
Assistant Executive
Director:
Bryan Gruidl
City of Bloomington
Water Resources Manager
1700 West 98th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-563-4557
In 2021 Executive Director, Patrick Martin, left the City of Richfield. Executive
Director responsibilities were carried out by the Assistant Executive Director, Bryan
Gruidl, for the remainder of the year. Jordan Vennes was hired by the City of
Richfield as the Water Resources Engineer in June of 2021 to fill the vacancy. Jordan
was active in coordinating and supporting RMBWO related activities. City staff
from both cities cooperate to provide necessary staff support for the RBWMO.
C. 2021 Activity
Both cities perform the duties of the Local Government Unit (LGU) for BWSR for
implementation of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). Storm water utilities also
are in place in both cities providing a reliable funding source for storm water and
surface water resources management and improvement activities.
The fee structures for both cities storm water utility include a water quality
component and a water quantity component. A credit/adjustment policy is in place
providing incentive for property owners to incorporate storm water best
management practices into their sites.
4 | Page
The RBWMO works collaboratively with its member cities to include and promote
best management practices (BMPs) from both cities storm water programs. Richfield
completed inspection and maintenance of all structural pollution control devices
within the permitted MS4, and performed six city-wide street sweeping passes.
Additionally, the City is on track to complete inspections of all ponds and outfalls
prior to the expiration of the General Permit.
Bloomington provided two annual sweepings of city streets in addition to targeted
sweeping in priority watersheds and completed inspection and maintenance of 100%
of the structural pollution control devices within the permitted MS4. Inspections of
20% of the city’s MS4 outfalls, ponds and sediment basins were also ongoing in
2021. Associated maintenance as identified by the inspections was either scheduled
or completed at the time of inspection.
Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI) – Working together to develop a
strategic plan to increase adoption of best management practices with private
applicators.
In 2018 the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) piloted a watershed-based
funding program allocating $1,018,000 to Hennepin County. Through a series of
meetings with eligible entities it was agreed to dedicate 10% of County’s Watershed-
based Funding ($101,800) to countywide chloride programming. This effort has
become known as the Hennepin County Chloride Initiative.
The overall purpose of the Hennepin County Chloride Initiative includes:
• Gain an understanding of what private applicators (and those that hire them)
do and why they do it – knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors
• Develop a strategic plan, based on that understanding
• Act, to move the needle on reducing chloride use by private applicators,
property managers, and property owners (commercial, institutional, multi-
family)
In 2019 research efforts with the University of Minnesota targeted private
applicators to understand their experiences and practices during the winter season.
During 2020 the group continued to work collaboratively to offer property manager
trainings related to salt management and explored additional educational
opportunities. Unfortunately, many of the hands-on trainings that were anticipated in
2020 were not able to be implemented due to impacts of Covid-19.
In 2021 the group worked with a consultant to develop winter maintenance chloride
management templates. The consultant worked with a broad group of technical
advisors on the project that included members of the HCCI group as well as several
commercial property management personnel responsible for coordinating winter
maintenance activities. The winter maintenance templates were completed in
5 | Page
September 2021 and were being piloted in a few communities for the 2021-2022
winter season.
In May 2021 the group discussed options and ideas for developing educational
materials and/or a media campaign for targeted audiences noting that property
managers were likely the highest priority group. A sub-set of the HCCI group met
several times over the summer discussing outreach to different audiences or sections
of property managers and communication strategies. Ultimately an RFP was
developed to hire a professional marketing firm to develop a media campaign.
MP+G Marketing solutions was selected to develop the campaign and will be
working on the project into 2022.
The HCCI group was also participating with the Parkers Lake Chloride Project
Facilitation Plan being led by the City of Plymouth with their consultant Young
Environmental Consulting Group. The results of this project will: 1) Compile
available land use data and chloride concentrations, 2) Develop consensus on the
chloride sources to Parkers Lake and potential projects to address these sources, 3)
Develop a recommendation for a future pilot project to reduce chloride
concentrations in Parkers Lake that could be replicated in other areas of Hennepin
County, like Parkers Lake, and 4) Help target education and training needs by land
use.
The grant period was extended to December 31, 2022. A summary of activities is
presented in the following table:
6 | Page
Original Budget Grant $101,800 Match: $10,180
Task Grant Funding Spent
or Encumbered Match Funding Spent
Qualitative research with private salt
applicators, survey, and project report
(2019 - 2020) $4,828
Development of Smart Salting for
Property Manager’s Guidebook (Fortin
Consulting, Oct 2019) $10,000
$10,500
(RPBCWD, NMCWD,
LMRWD)
Development of Winter Management
Plan Template
(Fortin Consulting, March 2021) $9,950
Parker’s Lake Chloride Project Facilitation
Plan (BCWMC/Plymouth, March 2021) Up to $20,750
Marketing Campaign targeting
boards/committees with HOAs and faith
based organizations Up to $48,000
Total Spent/Encumbered to Date $93,528 $10,500
Remaining Funds $8,272 -$320
RBWMO has continued to work with the Minnesota River Basin group (Richfield-
Bloomington WMO, Lower Minnesota River WD, Nine Mile Creek WD, and Riley
Purgatory Bluff Creek WD) to further the chloride reduction efforts by developing a
cost-share grant program. The program reduces chloride in the environment by
providing cost-share grants to applicators to retrofit equipment with efficient
technology to maintain sidewalks and roads.
In 2020 the group rolled out the Chloride Reduction Cost-Share Grant program to
offer financial support and resources for businesses and local government units for
tools and practices which reduce, directly or indirectly, chloride usage by that
organization. Entities applying for a Chloride Reduction Grant must be currently
Smart Salting certified through the MPCA. These are cost-share grants. That means
the cost share grant covers part of the project cost, and the award recipient covers
part. The grant amount is up to $20,000 max, and up to 75% of the project cost.
While there were several inquiries about the grant opportunity in 2021 only one
application was received and funded. As a result, the group began additional
marketing of the grant opportunity in the fall of 2021. Currently two projects are in
the process of being reviewed for funding. The Lower Minnesota River Basin Group
grant period expires on December 31, 2022.
7 | Page
2020-21 Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) Program
In 2020 BWSR staff rolled out the FY20-21 Watershed-based Implementation
Funding (WBIF) Program. Staff worked with BWSR and other agencies within the
Lower Minnesota North basin through a series of meetings to ultimately determine a
list of projects to receive funding from the 20-21 WBIF program.
The RBWMO submitted a youth education program for consideration and was
awarded a grant of $30,000 to implement the education program in early 2021. The
RBWMO partnered with the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends (MVRF) to develop a
youth education program with curriculum focused around basic hydrologic and
ecological principles. The funding covers materials, educator fees, and transportation
costs for approximately 400 students. Each session is ended by a field trip to the
Minnesota River at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Park. The goals of the program are
to:
• Increase knowledge on hydraulic and ecological principles
o basic understanding of a watershed
o understanding of how water interacts with environment
o understanding of water stewardship
• Increase ability to positively impact water resources
• Increase confidence to be a water steward
In 2021 the MVRF were contracted by the RBWMO and City of Bloomington to
run the program. MVRF hired a professional educator to create and carry out the
curriculum. The curriculum was designed to empower youth members of the
RBWMO community to become water quality stewards. These students leave the
program better able to protect water resources, enhance local ecology and be better
equipped to support restoration initiatives. The curriculum is tailored to reference
the Lower Minnesota River corridor. However, the topics covered in the curriculum
pertain to drinking water, surface water and groundwater. Major concepts covered by
the curriculum include: Watersheds, Storm water, Storm drains, Run off, Habitat,
Pollution, Pollutant, Point source pollution, Nonpoint source pollution, Wetlands.
In 2021, the first session was successfully implemented. It was hosted in cooperation
with a Bloomington summer school program. A total of 103 students took part in
the programming though attendance fluctuated throughout the program. Pre and
post assessments showed a marked increase in knowledge, ability, and confidence.
The field trip was highly regarded.
Bloomington’s summer school program cost was approximately $12,000. In addition
to the teaching costs, that number reflects one-time costs for materials and
curriculum. Richfield Schools are currently implementing an online version of the
course with a field trip planned for the spring of 2022. Bloomington is planning to
8 | Page
host another session at the 2022 summer school. Upon completion of the 2022
Bloomington summer school programming the grants funds along with the required
matching funds will be expended. The BWSR grant period expires on December 31,
2023.
Website Maintenance – The website is updated with the current watershed
management plan, contact information, and resource links for residents, the public
and other agencies.
Technical Advisory Commission – In accordance with the 2018 Approved
Watershed Management Plan, the RBWMO Technical Advisory Committee met on
December 16, 2021. Minutes from that meeting are provided at the end of the
report as Attachment 1.
Section V Implementation Studies and Programs Activities:
a. Education and Outreach Program – Continue providing educational
opportunities through the use of the Wood Lake Nature Center and in
partnering with other watershed districts and watershed management
organizations.
Youth education programming – The RBWMO, in partnership with the
Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends (MVRF), began implementation of a youth
education program for fourth and fifth graders. This work is being funded by
a BWSR grant as described above.
Adopt-a-Drain - RBWMO was also active with the Adopt-a-Drain program
within the watershed in 2021. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm
drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other
debris to reduce water pollution. Within the RBWMO there were 23 new
participants who adopted 41 new drains. There are currently 103 total
participants who have adopted a total of 183 drains in the RBWMO.
Participants reported collecting 1,181 lbs of debris on 2021.
b. Storm Water Monitoring Program – Identified as a high priority in the
RBWMO both Richfield and Bloomington continue to conduct regular water
quality monitoring as outlined in Section 5.4 of the approved watershed
management plan. The monitoring is intended to establish long-term water
quality data for Wood Lake, Richfield Lake, Smith Pond, and Wrights Lake.
Monitoring has been on-going at Wood Lake, Richfield, Lake, and Smith
Pond since 2010. Monitoring began on Wrights Lake in 2013 including
being monitored as part of the Hennepin County Wetland Health Evaluation
Program from 2013-2015. The RBWMO has been committed to monitoring
at least one waterbody each year has part of the Hennepin County Wetland
9 | Page
Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). However, Hennepin County did not
offer the WHEP program in 2020 due to Covid-19 and the program is still
being re-evaluated by the County and it is unknown if this program will
continue in the future.
Staff completed autonomous sampling of conductivity, temperature and
depth on Wrights Lake using a EnviroDIY monitoring unit. This comes after
successfully piloting the project in 2020. Monthly water quality samples and
aquatic vegetation surveys were conducted on Wrights Lake and Smith Park
Pond. This information helps inform on future management decisions. A
mechanical duckweed skimmer was pilot tested on Running Park Pond. The
goal of mechanical removal is to minimize community desire for chemical
plant control for aesthetic purposes and pull nutrients out of a water body.
Monitoring records are available upon request.
c. 2020-21 Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) Program
The RBWMO submitted a youth education program for consideration and
was awarded a grant of $30,000 to implement the education program. The
RBWMO partnered with the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends to develop a
youth education program with curriculum focused around basic hydrologic
and ecological principles.
Richfield Schools are currently implementing an online version of the course
with a field trip planned for the spring of 2022. Bloomington is planning to
host another session at the 2022 summer school.
d. Sheridan Pond Dredging Project – Richfield– A wetland boundary survey
was completed in 2021 to help facilitate project design. Construction is
anticipated in 2022.
e. I-494: Airport to Highway 169 – Staff continued to work with MnDOT and
other stakeholders on surface and stormwater management challenges and
opportunities throughout the I-494 corridor.
Projects:
• 77th Street Underpass – The City of Richfield coordinated the construction of
underpass beneath TH77 connecting 77th St to the east and west of of TH77.
The project is currently ongoing and includes Construction of 4-lane divided
road connecting 77th Street to realigned Longfellow Ave on East side of
TH77, new bridge on TH77 carrying TH77 over 77th St. Reconstruction of
southbound TH77 to westbound I-494 ramp, westbound I-494 to
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northbound TH77 amp, and frontage road over new 77th St. Also includes
rehabilitation and/or replacement of majority of city-owned utilities in
project area. Stormwater management elements on the project include
underground detention system beneath Washington Park. A SWPPP was
developed for the project and MPCA Construction Stormwater Permit was
obtained. Erosion control includes inlet protection, bioroll and silt fence
perimeter control, stabilized construction exits, seed mix and sod.
• Bloomington PMP Street Maintenance Project
As part of the 2021-101 PMP Street Maintenance Project Bloomington
coordinated the reconstruction of Park Rd, E. 88th Street, 13th Ave, and 14th
Ave.
Project included 3,950 feet of fully-reconstructed bituminous pavement.
Curb and gutter total length 7,600 feet with typical street width of 32-feet.
Stormwater management elements on the project included: A SWPPP was
developed for the project. MPCA Construction Stormwater Permit was
obtained. Erosion control included inlet protection, perimeter control, and
sod. The new storm sewer construction allowed for providing a stub-out for
future connection to McAndrews Playlot and two sump MH. The sumps
include a SAFL Baffle and a Preserver for comparing performance on the
similar-sized subwatersheds.
D. 2021 Work Plan
Watershed Based Funding – Staff will continue to work on the Hennepin County
Chloride Initiative to finalize the media campaign and Parkers Lake Chloride Project
Facilitation Plan. Staff will also continue working with the Minnesota River Basin
group on the cost-share grants for applicators to retrofit equipment to use efficient
technology to maintain sidewalks and roads. As part of the FY20-21 WBIF staff will
continue to work with Richfield and Bloomington educators and Minnesota Valley
Refuge Friends to implement the youth education program.
Education and Outreach – Staff will look to partner with adjacent watershed districts
to promote and sponsor educational opportunities such as Smart Salting and
Summer Turf Maintenance workshops. Additionally, staff will look for
opportunities to continue the goal of engaging with and educating youth about water
and natural resources using the Wood Lake Nature Center and through partnerships
with other watershed districts and water management organizations.
Education and Outreach Plan – One of goals of the WMO is to work more
efficiently and effectively with public and private partners on engaging youth in area
schools. This effort was initiated in 2020, but progress was impacted due to Covid-
19 and limited work was completed in 2021. The WMO will use the experience with
the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends and Bloomington and Richfield schools’ youth
11 | Page
education program to continue developing an education and outreach plan geared
towards specifically engaging with students. The education and outreach plan will
consider ways to engage with schools, public and private partners and youth in an
effort to incorporate water resources educational programming.
I-494: Airport to Highway 169 – Staff will continue to collaborate with other
watershed districts and water management organizations for an acceptable approach
to water management along the I-494 corridor. Staff will also continue working with
MnDOT and other stakeholders on surface and stormwater management challenges
and opportunities throughout the corridor.
Adopt-a-Drain – RBWMO Staff will continue to promote the Adopt-a-drain
program for the area. This program is organized through Hamline University is now
available to all interested entities in the metro area.
Ongoing Items – Staff will continue to implement ongoing studies and programs as
outlined in the 2018 Watershed Management Plan, including:
• Website maintenance for distribution of education and WMO related
information
• Water quality monitoring
• Continued TAC coordination
Projects – Sheridan Pond Dredging Project – A wetland boundary survey was
completed in 2021 to help facilitate project design. Construction is anticipated in
2022.
E. Permits, Variances and Enforcement
Richfield had one wetland boundary approval for Sheridan Pond and Bloomington
had zero actions relating to the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) within the
RBWMO area in 2021. The WCA 2021 Annual Reporting Forms are available upon
request.
In 2021, Bloomington staff completed erosion control inspections at four
construction/redevelopment sites in Bloomington within the RBWMO.
• 8201 Old Cedar: Apartment Complex
• 8714 Portland Ave S: Portland Commons Ph. 2
• 1344 Park Rd: Single family home addition
• 1900 E 86th Street: Village Club
In 2021, Richfield staff completed erosion control inspections at five
construction/redevelopment sites in Richfield within the RBWMO.
• Riley Apartments (600 West 64th Street)
• Chase Bank (66th and Lyndale Avenue South)
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• Sheridan Hills Elementary School (6400 Sheridan Avenue South)
• Novo Apartments (2400 66th Street West)
Landsby on Penn Apartments (6228 Penn Avenue South)
F. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Programs (SWPPPs)
The RBWMO works collaboratively with its member cities to include and promote
best management practices (BMPs) from both cities storm water programs
consistent with the requirements of the MPCA Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) Storm Water Program and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Program (SWPPP). The Richfield and Bloomington SWPPPs address all of the six
Minimum Control Measures (MCM) outlined in the permit and BMPs have been
prepared for each measure as follows:
MCM 1 & 2 – Public Education, Participation, Outreach and Involvement
The RBWMO, through its member cities, has an established education and outreach
program that focuses on illicit discharge recognition and reporting, as well as other
specifically selected storm water-related issues such as chloride management. In
addition, both cities continue to solicit public input on the Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Program. The RBWMO offers opportunities to learn how storm water
can impact streams, rivers, and wetlands, and the steps people can take to reduce
pollutants in the storm water runoff. These opportunities are offered on a continual
basis at the Wood Lake Nature Center where the center receives 75,000 visitors per
year (on average). In addition to educating various grades of student classrooms
annually, additional education opportunities are provided through quarterly utility bill
mailing inserts, Bloomington’s Green Room (which is part of the City’s biennial
Home Improvement Fair), and Public Works Open House. Information is available
on city websites, the RBWMO website, in city newsletters, and through employee
training programs.
Public participation and involvement is solicited through public meetings and
specific storm water project meetings, or open houses.
MCM 3 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Both cities implement and enforce an illicit discharge program.
Richfield’s and Bloomington’s staff keep up-to-date records of the storm sewer
system identifying all ponds, lakes, streams, storm sewer pipes, conveyances, and
outfalls leaving the RBWMO. Public Works staff annually inspects sanitary and
storm sewer mainline pipes checking for defects such as fractures, cracks, open
joints, or other defects that could lead to illicit discharges. Once identified, pipe
distresses can be scheduled for repair or maintenance.
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Bloomington continues to administer the curb-side-cleanup resulting in the proper
handling and disposal waste and problem items helping to keep these items from
entering stormwater and surface waters. Continued promotion of the Hennepin
County Hazardous Waste disposal facility provides residents a resource for proper
disposal of hazardous wastes.
MCM 4 – Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
Both cities require site specific storm water management plans and erosion control
plans for new development and redevelopment that meet the NPDES requirements.
The required erosion control BMPs are monitored and inspected as the work
progresses. Existing erosion control ordinances and development plan review
procedures provide the mechanisms to help prevent soil erosion into the MS4.
MCM 5 – Post Construction Storm Water Management for New Development and
Redevelopment
Storm water runoff rate control continues to be a critical component in Richfield and
Bloomington development/redevelopment.
The current MS4 permit was approved in August, 2013. Post-Construction
stormwater management requirements contain multiple components including:
storm water volume reduction requirements for new development and
redevelopment, regulating areas allowed for infiltration, allowable exceptions,
mitigation provisions, long-term maintenance requirements of structural BMPs, and
site plan review.
MCM 6 – Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Both cities continue to implement education and conduct inspection measure to
ensure that good housekeeping practices are in place at their respective facilities.
Annually the City of Richfield completes several city-wide street sweeping passes and
performs inspection and maintenance on all structural pollution control devices
within the permitted MS4. Additionally, the City inspects all outfalls and ponds
within the city’s MS4 during each permit term.
Bloomington provides two annual sweepings of city streets and completes inspection
and maintenance of 100% of the structural pollution control devices within the
permitted MS4. Inspections of 20% of the city’s MS4 outfalls, ponds and sediment
basins are also completed annually. Associated maintenance as identified by the
inspections is either scheduled or completed at the time of inspection.
G. Local Surface Water Plans
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Bloomington’s LSWMP received RBWMO approval on May 16, 2018.
Richfield’s SWMP received RBWMO approval on August 23, 2018.
Subsequent to the March 5, 2018 approval of the RBWMO Plan, staff has reviewed
each city’s plan to ensure conformance with new policies and procedures.
H. Consultant Services
None
I. Information Program
A copy of the publication for the Bloomington Sun and Richfield Sun is included.
(Attachment 2)
The RBWMO website provides a location for the public and other agencies to view
the Watershed Management Plan as well as find general contact information, and
links to other water resources-related information. The website address is
www.RBWMO.org
J. Expenditures
All RBWMO expenses are shared equally and paid through the member cities storm water
utility funds.
Insurance for 2021 was $2,279.00.
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (RBWMO)
2021 TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2021
1:00p.m. | WebEx meeting
Technical Advisory Members: Bryan Gruidl (Bloomington); Steve Gurney (Bloomington); Jack
Distel (Bloomington); Jordan Vennes (Richfield); Joe Powers (Richfield);
A. LOCAL PLAN ACTIVITIES AND RBWMO PLAN REVIEW (DUE IN EVEN YEARS)
B. 2021 PROJECT REVIEW
8012 OLD CEDAR APARTMENTS (PRIVATE - BLOOMINGTON)
Use: Construction of a new 4 story apartment building consisting of 68 rental units with
underground parking.
Size: 1.15 acre total site; Impervious Areas (Pre) 0.36 Acres (31%), (Post) 0.84 Acres
(73%)
Stormwater Elements: The project included a 72” CMP underground infiltration system,
with an isolator row for pretreatment, to provide rate control, water quality and the
required volume reduction (3,356 CF provided > 3,344 CF req’d). Water quality treatment
was provided for the entire site, including 91% TSS and 91% total phosphorus removal
from the new/reconstructed impervious surface. A SWPPP and MPCA Construction
Stormwater Permit were required. Temporary erosion control included rock construction
entrance, inlet protection, silt fence and restoration with sod and landscaping materials. A
stormwater maintenance plan was recorded with Hennepin County.
2021-101 BLOOMINGTON PMP RECONSTRUCT PROJECT, PARK AREA (PARK RD, E.
88TH STREET, 13TH AVE, 14TH AVE) (PUBLIC - BLOOMINGTON)
Use: Full reconstruction of residential street and storm sewer.
Size: (RBWMO only) 4.1 Acre total Site, 0.25 ac increase in impervious surface, including
pavement and curb and gutter.
Description: Project included 3,950 feet of fully-reconstructed bituminous pavement. Curb
and gutter total length 7,600 feet with typical street width of 32-feet.
Stormwater Elements: A SWPPP was developed for the project. MPCA Construction
Stormwater Permit was obtained. Erosion control included inlet protection, perimeter
control, and sod. The new storm sewer construction allowed for providing a stub-out for
future connection to McAndrews Playlot and two sump MH. The sumps include a SAFL
Baffle and a Preserver for comparing performance on the similar-sized subwatersheds.
RILEY APARTMENTS (PRIVATE - RICHFIELD)
Use: Reconstruction replacing existing single-family homes with 5-story, 82-unit
apartment building with underground parking.
Size: 1.34 acre total site; Impervious Area (Pre) 0.68 Acres (51%), (Post) 1.05 Acres
(78%)
Stormwater Elements: Project includes a filtration basin with sump manholes for upstream
pretreatment to provide rate control, water quality, and required volume reduction. A
SWPPP and MPCA Construction Stormwater Permit were required. Erosion control includes
inlet protection, bioroll for perimeter control, and rock construction entrance.
77TH ST UNDERPASS (PUBLIC - RICHFIELD)
Use: Construction of underpass beneath TH77 connecting 77th St to the east and west of
highway.
Size: 14.95 Acre total Site, 1.27 acre increase in impervious surface.
Description: Construction of 4-lane divided road connecting 77th Street to realigned
Longfellow Ave on East side of TH77, new bridge on TH77 carrying TH77 over 77th St.
- 2 -
Reconstruction of southbound TH77 to westbound I-494 ramp, westbound I-494 to
northbound TH77 amp, and frontage road over new 77th St. Also includes rehabilitation
and/or replacement of majority of city-owned utilities in project area.
Stormwater Elements: Project includes underground detention system beneath
Washington Park. A SWPPP was developed for the project and MPCA Construction
Stormwater Permit was obtained. Erosion control includes inlet protection, bioroll and silt
fence perimeter control, stabilized construction exits, seed mix and sod.
C. 2020 NPDES ANNUAL REPORT REVIEW
• TMDL’S
I. SOUTH METRO MISSISSIPPI
II. TCMA CHLORIDE
III. PENN LAKE NUTRIENTS
• MS4 PERMIT RE-ISSUANCE AND SWPPP UPDATING
D. COMPLIANCE CONCERNS
• WCA action – Sheridan Pond
I. Barr Engineering performed a wetland delineation to determine the extent of
the area that may be potentially regulated for Sheridan Pond Maintenance
Project.
II. LGU (Richfield) issued approval via Notice of Decision following 21 day TEP
review and field review (Ben Carlson, BWSR, and Brian Burgner, Barr Eng.)
III. Further WCA review to be completed following completion of final plans
• Other compliance concerns
E. 2022 RBWMO ANNUAL MEETING
• Bloomington hosting, will be remote
o Possible dates: Bryan will verify if February 22 works for Bloomington Council
• Sun Current Public Notices – submitted by Richfield
• Agenda
o Annual Report
o Business items
F. OTHER ITEMS
• 2021 Work Plan Review and Update
o Hennepin County Chloride Initiative & MN River Basin Group - Bryan
o FY 2021-2022 Watershed Based Implementation Funding – Received $30k grant
for partnership with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends – Jack
RPS hoping to begin programming in January
o Website Maintenance and updates
o Christian Pond Dredging Project- Jordan
o Education and Outreach Plan – update and development
o Invasive species management- Wood Lake received permit and funding to stock
bluegill in 2021 and 2022
o I-494: Airport to Highway 169- Joe
• 2022 Work Plan Items
o Education and Outreach Plan
o Sheridan Pond Dredging Project
o Education program partnership with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends
o I-494: Airport to Highway 169
• Discussion
o Review of implementation section of Watershed Plan for any additional projects
to be completed
o Clean Water Fund Policy has changed with respect to education activities.
- 3 -
Ineligible Activities - 4.8 Development and delivery of educational
activities and curriculum that do not support or lead to the
implementation of prioritized and targeted water quality practices
Full FY22 policy here: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2021-
09/FY22_CWF_Competitive%20Grant%20Policy.pdf
Potential concern for education activities listed in the RBWMO plan
PUBLIC NOTICE CONCERNING THE RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
The Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) is a result of a joint powers
agreement between the cities of Richfield and Bloomington. The organization was established to manage
natural water drainage, retention, and stormwater management occurring in approximately a 7.5 square
mile, contiguous area that comprises portions of eastern Bloomington and southeastern Richfield. A map of
the area is shown below:
The intent of the organization is to address water drainage issues and stormwater management within the
watershed that are inter-governmental, rather than local (specific to one community or the other), in scope.
Goals of the organization include the following:
• Protecting, preserving, and using natural surface and groundwater storage and retention systems;
• Minimizing public capital expenditures needed to address flooding and water quality problems;
• Identifying and planning for opportunities to effectively protect and improve surface and groundwater
quality;
• Establishing more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and groundwater
management;
• Preventing erosion of soil into surface water systems;
• Protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities; and
• Securing the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface and groundwater
within the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed.
The RBWMO meets at least once a year in the first 90 days of each year, at which time the Board elects
officers and conducts necessary business. The annual meeting is open to the public.
Commissioners of the RBWMO Board are all members of the Richfield and Bloomington City Councils.
Current members of the RBWMO Board are as follows:
Name Representing
Shawn Nelson Bloomington
Tim Busse Bloomington
Simon Trautmann Richfield
Maria Regan Gonzalez Richfield
Lona Dallessandro Bloomington
Mary Supple Richfield
Nathan Coulter Bloomington
Patrick Martin Bloomington
Ben Whalen Richfield
Sean Hayford Oleary Richfield
Dwayne Lowman Bloomington
Jenna Carter Bloomington
Bryan Gruidl, Water Resources Manager for the City of Bloomington, is the current (2022) Executive
Director of the RBWMO. Jordan Vennes, Water Resources Engineer for the City of Richfield, is the
Assistant Executive Director.
The RBWMO has no direct expenses. Each city budgets and expends funds in their respective storm drainage utilities to cover costs associated with watershed stormwater management.
The RBWMO’s revised Watershed Management Plan was approved by the Board of Water and Soil
Resources (BWSR) in 2017 and adopted by the RBWMO Board on March 5, 2018. The plan discusses the
physical environment, land use and development in the RBWMO area; discusses geologic and hydrologic
features of the watershed district; sets forth a management plan for the district, including the water qualities
that will be sought and opportunities for improvement; describes the objectives and policies of the RBWMO;
and sets forth an implementation program consistent with the management plan. More information can be
found at www.rbwmo.org
Both cities serve as the Local Government Unit in their respective communities for enforcement of the
regulations of the State Wetland Conservation Act.
Both cities have approved stormwater management plans and are owners of Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer Systems regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Permit coverage for each MS4 under
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is required including implementation of a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program.
Richfield and Bloomington residents can obtain additional information about the RBWMO, view the
Watershed Management Plan, and/or contact their RBWMO commissioner by visiting their website at
www.rbwmo.org or by calling their city halls. Addresses and phone numbers for both locations are listed
below:
Richfield City Hall
6700 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-9700
Bloomington City Hall
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-563-8700
For publication in the Richfield-Bloomington Sun-Current: March 3, 2022
Annual Meeting
February 22, 2022
Bryan Gruidl, RBWMO Executive Director
Jordan Vennes, Richfield Water Resources Engineer
Richfield-Bloomington WMO
Richfield-Bloomington WMO
Directors Report
RBWMO Facts and Function
•Member cities share equal responsibilities
–Staff from each member city
–Both cities act as Local Government Unit (LGU)
–Storm Water Utility for funding
•Annual Reporting to MN Board of Soil and Water Resources
(BWSR)
Technical Advisory Committee
Purpose:
Complete a peer review of the member cities local plan activities, NPDES compliance, site development plan review processes, and preparation of annual report.
•Met on December 16, 2021
•2121 Project Review, MS4 Permit update, WCA action, Work Plan review and update
•2021 TAC Members
–Bryan Gruidl (Bloomington)
–Steve Gurney (Bloomington)
–Jack Distel (Bloomington)
–Jordan Vennes (Richfield)
–Joe Powers (Richfield)
Community Advisory Commissions
Purpose: To educate and involve the public on pertinent water resource
management issues and increase public participation in water management activities.
•Community Services Commission (Richfield)
•Planning Commission (Bloomington)
Monitoring Program
Water Quality Parameters:
•Total Phosphorus
•Total Suspended Solids
•Ortho-Phosphorus
2021 Activity
•Watershed Based Implementation Funding
–FY18/19
•Hennepin County Chloride Initiative
•Minnesota River Basin group
–FY20/21
•Youth Education Program
•Education and Outreach
–Adopt-a-Drain
•Storm and surface water quality monitoring
Smith Park Pond
Summer Average Annual Total Phosphorus Concentration
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Total Phosphorus (ug/L) Year
Typical Shallow Lake WQ goal = 45 -75 ug/L
Minnesota Shallow Lake Water State Quality Standard = < 60ug/L
2021 Activity Continued
•Website maintenance and updates
•I-494: Airport to Highway 169
•Christian Pond Dredging Project
2020 Permit – Variances - Enforcement
•Perform duties of the Local Government Unit (LGU) for
implementation of the Wetland Conservation Act
–One WCA action within WMO
•9 Erosion control inspection sites
2022 Work Plan
•Watershed Based Implementation Funding
–Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI)
–Mn River Basin Group,
–Youth Education Program
–FY22-23 process
•Website maintenance and updates
•Water quality monitoring
•Education and Outreach
–Update and re-evaluate Education and Outreach Plan geared towards engaging with youth
•I-494: Airport to Highway 169
•Sheridan Pond Dredging Project
Business Items
Watershed-based Funding
•BWSR allocated $1,018,000 to Hennepin County for FY18/19
•10% of the County’s Watershed-based Funding ($101,800) to
countywide chloride programming
•Remainder to watershed districts and watershed management
organizations
–Minnesota River Basin Group ($197,209)
Watershed-based Funding - HCCL
•Grant Activities to date:
–Outreach and research efforts
–Smart salting and property management workshops
–Development of Chloride Mgmt. Templates for property owners
•On going and Upcoming Activities
–Parkers Lake Chloride Reduction Project
–Media campaign development
•Grant extended. Work completed and grant funds expended by December 31, 2022
Watershed-based Funding – MN River Basin Group
•Providing cost-share grants for public and private applicators
–$200,000 available for cost-share grants
–75% (grant) / 25% (applicator) max grant $20K
–Grant program launched summer 2020
–One project awarded funding in 2021.
•Schedule:
–Three applications currently under review
–December 2022: Project Completion
FY 2020/2021 Watershed-based Implementation
Funding Program
•Purpose: Accelerate clean water work through prioritized and
targeted actions for improved water quality
•Watershed based allocation of funds
–$6.0M allocated for 7-County metro
–Lower Minnesota North - $673,699
–Mississippi West $874,153
•RBWMO Awarded $30,000 grant
RBWMO Youth Education Program
In partnership with the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends
RBWMO Youth Education Program
•Background
–Grant received from BWSR for 30K with 5% required local match
–Budget for approximately 400 students
–Contract with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends to carry out program
•Program Goals
–Increased knowledge on hydrologic and ecological principles
1)Basic understanding of a watershed
2)Understanding of how water interacts with environment
3)Understanding of water stewardship
RBWMO Youth Education Program
•2021 Activity
–Curriculum created for watershed-based education
–Supplies purchased
–2021 session conducted in partnership with Bloomington Summer
school serving 103 students
–Total cost to date $12K
RBWMO Youth Education Program
Program goals: Increased knowledge on hydrologic and ecological
principles
1)Basic understanding of a watershed
2)Understanding of how water interacts with the environment
3)Understanding of water stewardship
RBWMO Youth Education Program
Students improved for every question but one – a tricky question on non-point source
pollution
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6
PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST
A 14% 8% 46% 11% 51% 73% 28% 22% 41% 41% 61% 81%
B 3% 6% 37% 63% 20% 6% 33% 22% 31% 31% 23% 9%
C 83% 86% 17% 25% 29% 19% 39% 54% 28% 28% 15% 9%
RBWMO Youth Education Program
Increase ability to positively impact water resources & Increase
confidence to be a water steward
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Pre (n = 65)3 2 2 10 7 13 7 2 19
Post (n = 56)1 7 4 1 11 7 253 2 2 10 7 13 7 2 19 1 7 4 1 11 7 25 RANKING (1 -10)
QUESTION 7: SELF REPORTED CONFIDENCE
LEVEL
Listed Items
PRE POST
40 75
QUESTION 8: HOW TO BE A WATER
STEWARD
Example of items listed:
•Don’t put unhealthy things in water
•Take 5-minute Showers
•Do not throw garbage in lakes
•Don’t put your fingers in it
•Do not pee in water
RBWMO Youth Education Program
Next Steps
–Richfield currently conducting an online version of the program – field
trip to occur in spring 2022
–Bloomington planning to partner with 2022 summer school
–BWSR grant period expires on December 31, 2023.
–Clean Water Fund policy change – This program may no longer qualify
for grant funding
Education and Outreach
•Goal – Work efficiently and effectively with partners to engage
residents and youth in area schools
–Partner with other agencies to promote and sponsor educational
opportunities
–Continue to implement Adopt-a-drain
–Continue and re-evaluate Education and Outreach Plan geared towards
engaging with youth
Education and Outreach
Adopt-a-Drain
•2021 Results
–23 New participants
–41 New storm drains adopted
•Current Status
–103 Total participants
–183 Total drains adopted in
RBWMO
–Participants reported 1,181 lbs. of
debris collected in 2021
Public
Notice
Construction Public Education & Involvement Restoration
Water Quality
Partnerships
Storm Sewer
Water Quality Structures
Sustainability
Maintenance
Planning