03-14-2023 WS City Council Agenda-RBWMO JOINT WORK SESSION WITH BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM
MARCH 14, 2023
5:30 PM
Call to order
1.Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) Annual Meeting. Attendees will take
any necessary official actions as RBWMO Board Members and ask questions of staff or agency
representatives.
Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at
least 96 hours in advance to the Acting City Clerk at 612-861-97 12.
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
WORK S E S S ION STAFF RE P ORT NO. 07
WORK SESSION
3/14/2023
RE P O RT P RE PA RE D B Y: S cott K ulzer, A dministrative A ide/A nalyst
D E PA RTME NT D IRE C TO R RE V IE W: K ristin A sher, P ublic Works D irector
3/7/2023
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
3/7/2023
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, March 14, 2023 at Richfield City Hall. The meeting is
scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. The agenda packet is attached to this staff report. A light dinner will be served
at 5:30 pm.
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 Metropolitan Surface Water
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, Bloomington Public W orks Staff, Board of Water and Soil Resources
Conservationist Steve Christopher
AT TAC H ME N T S:
D escription Type
Information for New B oard Members B ackup Material
2023 A nnual Meeting P acket B ackup Material
P resentation P resentation
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
www.RBWMO.org
RBWMO 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%
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 storm water management.
Any items that cross city boundaries is 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 storm water 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
October, 2017.
STAFF CONTACTS
Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington – 952-563-4557
Mattias Oddsson, Richfield – 612-861-9797
H:\Storm\Watershed\RichBloomWMO\2014\Attachment_II_C_V_f - New Member Information.docx
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
DATE: March 7, 2023
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Manager
FROM: Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington, RBWMO Executive Director
Mattias Oddsson, Richfield Water Resources Engineer
RE: Richfield Bloomington Watershed Management Organization Annual Meeting
Attached is the agenda material for the Annual Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management
Organization (RBWMO) meeting. The 39th annual meeting will take place on Tuesday, March
14, 2023, at 6PM with a light supper starting at 5:30PM. The meeting will be held in-person at
the Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave).
Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR)
• Steve Christopher, Board Conservationist with BWSR will be in attendance at the annual
meeting. BWSR Staff have continued working with local Watershed Management
Organizations and Watershed Districts with the Watershed Based Implementation Funding
(WBIF) Program.
Annual Report and WMO Activities
• The annual report is included with the agenda material. Pending Board approval, the 2022
annual report will be submitted to BWSR as required. The presentation will summarize the
annual report and include WMO’s 2022 activities as well as highlight the upcoming work
anticipated for 2023.
The RBWMO was formed to provide more uniform and comprehensive management of surface
water at the local level as mandated by the Minnesota Legislature. Where no watershed district
was in existence local governments could chose to join an existing watershed district (i.e. Nine
Mile Creek, Minnehaha) or form a watershed management organization through joint powers
agreements. The cities of Richfield and Bloomington elected to cooperatively enter into a joint-
power agreement on January 23, 1984, thereby forming the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed
Management Organization.
The attached agenda packet indicates there is some action that is requested of the Richfield-
Bloomington Watershed Management Organization Board at the annual meeting. However, no
formal action is necessary as a City Council.
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 March 14, 2023; 6:00 p.m.
Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave)
1. Call to order and introductions
2. Approval of minutes of February 22, 2022 Annual Meeting
3. Review and approval of agenda
4. Election of Officers for 2023
a. Chair: Bloomington
b. Vice-Chair: Richfield
c. Secretary: Richfield
d. Treasurer: Bloomington
5. Approve 2023 staff appointments (1st year of 1-yr term)
a. Executive Director: Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington
b. Assistant Executive Director: Mattias Oddsson, Richfield
6. 2022 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
1. Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership Pilot
2. Sheridan Pond Water Quality Project
3. RBWMO feasibility study for water quality, water quantity and ecosystem
management
b. New Wood Lake Nature Center project
c. Adopt-a-Drain
8. Consideration of approval of 2022 Annual Report
9. Public Notice; scheduled to be published March 23, 2023
10. Insurance – Estimated $2,500.00 for July 2023 - June 2024 (each City pay half: $1,250.00)
11. Adjournment
Page 1 of 2
RBWMO Meeting
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
RBWMO Meeting
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Cisco Webex Virtual Meeting
CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 PM Chair Patrick Martin called the 2022 meeting of the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed
Management Organization (RBWMO) to order at 6:00pm.
Bloomington Council Present: Councilmembers J. Carter, P. Martin, S. Nelson
Richfield Council Present: Mayor M. Regan Gonzalez; Council members S.
Trautmann, M. Supple, S. Hayford Oleary, B. Whalen
Bloomington Staff Present: Bryan Gruidl, Julie Long, Jack Distel, Karl Keel
Richfield Staff Present: Kristin Asher, Katie Rodriguez, Chris Swanson, Scott
Kulzer, Kari Sinning, Jordan Vennes
Other: Board Conservationist Steve Christopher
Absent: T. Busse, N. Coulter, D. Lowman, L. Dallessandro
Approval of March 9,
2021 Annual Meeting
Minutes
Motion by Regan Gonzalez to approve the March 9, 2021 Annual Meeting Minutes,
seconded by Supple. Motion carried unanimously.
Review and Approval of
Agenda
Motion by Whalen to approve Agenda, seconded by Nelson. Motion carried
unanimously.
Election of Officers for
2022
Approve 2022 staff
appointments
Motion by Supple to nominate Sean Hayford Oleary as Chair. Seconded by Trautmann.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Nelson to nominate Jenna Carter as Vice Chair. Seconded by Martin. Motion
carried unanimously.
Motion by Nelson to nominate Nathan Coulter as Secretary. Seconded by Martin.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Whalen to nominate Mary Supple as Treasurer. Seconded by Regan
Gonzalez. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2022 staff appointment for Executive Director Bryan Gruidl. Motion by Supple.
Seconded by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2022 staff appointments for Assistant Director Jordan Vennes. Motion by
Regan Gonzalez . Seconded by Whalen. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGAINIZATION UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Page 2 of 2
Executive Director's
Report
Gruidl provided overview of RBWMO geographic area, staff, and functions via
PowerPoint. Explained Annual Reporting to BWSR; Technical Advisory Committee;
Community Advisory Commissions; Water quality monitoring program; 2021 activities;
Smith Park Pond; 2021 permits and enforcements; 2022 work plan.
Business Item: Watershed
Based Funding
Christopher provided watershed-based funding information including overview of
program; Hennepin County Chloride Initiative; shift in distribution method to a
watershed basis for FY 22/23. RBWMO will receive $75,000 in funding. Elegibility
requirements may affect funding for current education program with Minnesota Valley
Refuge Friends.
Distel presented on RBWMO youth education partnership with Minnesota Valley
Refuge Friends. Summer program for Bloomington students was successful—student
assessment demonstrated increased ability to positively impact water resources and
increased confidence to be a water steward. Vennes provided summary of current
program progress with Richield Public Schools. Distel noted that summer school
programming with Bloomington Public Schools is planned to continue in 2022.
Martin opened the meeting to questions and comments. Whalen asked for clarification
on funding elegibility for the education partnership with Minnesota Valley Refuge
Friends. Gruidl responded that the program may need to be modified to be elegible for
funding. Regan Gonzalez commented on the importance of outreach and education
work and thanked RBWMO staff. Martin echoed Regan Gonzalez’s comments and noted
appreciation for Distel’s inclusion of education outcome measurements.
Consideration to Approve
2021 Annual Report
Consideration to Approve
2022 Public Notice
Motion by Carter to approve the 2021 Annual Report. Seconded by Nelson. Motion
carried unanimously.
Motion by Supple to approve the 2022 Public Notice. Seconded by Whalen. Motion
carried unanimously.
Insurance Insurance estimated at $2,500.00 for July 2022 – June 2023. Consistent with past years
each city will pay half the cost or $1,250.00.
ADJOURN Motion by Regan Gonzalez to adjourn. Seconded by Carter. Motion carried
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
www.RBWMO.org
RBWMO 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%
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 storm water management.
Any items that cross city boundaries is 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 storm water 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
October, 2017.
STAFF CONTACTS
Bryan Gruidl, Bloomington – 952-563-4557
Mattias Oddsson, Richfield – 612-861-9797
H:\Storm\Watershed\RichBloomWMO\2014\Attachment_II_C_V_f - New Member Information.docx
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
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
I. Financial Report
II. Activity Report
A. Membership
B. Staff
C. 2022 Activity
1. Ongoing Programs
2. Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF)
3. Projects
D. 2023 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 | P a g e
I. Financial Report
The RBWMO has not expended or accrued funds during the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2022. No financial audits are necessary. Richfield and Bloomington
expended $2.5M and $5.8M respectively from their storm water utility funds in 2022 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. 2022 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 | P a g e
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:
Bryan Gruidl
City of Bloomington
Water Resources Manager
1700 West 98th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-563-4557
Assistant Executive
Director:
Mattias Oddsson
City of Richfield
Water Resources Engineer
1901 E. 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-9797
In 2022 Assistant Executive Director, Jordan Vennes, left the City of Richfield.
Assistant Executive Director responsibilities were carried out by Chad Donnelly until
Mattias Oddsson was hired as the Richfield Water Resources Engineer in November
2022. Both Chad and Mattias were active in coordinating and supporting RMBWO
related activities. City staff from both cities cooperate to provide necessary staff
support for the RBWMO.
C. 2022 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 | P a g e
The RBWMO works collaboratively with its member cities to include and promote
best management practices (BMPs) from both cities storm water programs. Richfield
completed routine maintenance of all structural pollution control devices for which it
is responsible within the permitted MS4 and performed five 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. Staff turnover has
hindered the completion of stormwater BMP inspections. Richfield staff have
completed an updated BMP inventory, along with updates to inspection forms and
procedures, and will strengthen the inspection and maintenance program in 2023.
Bloomington provided two annual sweepings of city streets in addition to targeted
sweeping in priority watersheds. Maintenance of structural pollution control devices
was delayed due to equipment issues. As a result, these devices will be inspected and
maintained in the spring of 2023 as weather allows. Inspections of 20% of the city’s
MS4 outfalls, ponds and sediment basins were also ongoing in 2022. Associated
maintenance as identified by the inspections was either scheduled or completed at
the time of inspection.
1. Ongoing Programs
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 2022 HCCI worked with MP+G Marketing solutions and developed the
marketing campaign “Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota – See web page,. Resources
produced included a comprehensive toolbox for Local Government Units (LGU’s)
and two professionally developed videos focused on the impacts of chloride to the
environment and reducing liability for slip and fall lawsuits. The group also
purchased 100 “ultimate ice scrapers” with the grant funds to provide to primarily
5 | P a g e
low-income, multifamily housing or faith-based communities for use on their
properties if they agree to meet with staff and participate in the Low Salt, No Salt
Minnesota program.
The Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota toolbox is intended for Local Government Units
(LGUs) such as cities and watershed management organizations to deliver the
program locally, increasing awareness and providing support for private landowners
to help them reduce chloride pollution from their properties.
The Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota program is currently being piloted in Edina and
RBWMO is working with the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District to pilot the
program in Bloomington.
The Hennepin County Chloride Initiative Project was selected as 2022 Minnesota
Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) Program of the year.
The grant period ended on December 31, 2022. A summary of activities is presented
in the following table:
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) $20,750
Marketing Campaign targeting
boards/committees with HOAs and faith
based organizations $46, 300
Purchase of ultimate ice scrapers $9,900
Total $101,728 $10,500
6 | P a g e
In addition to the HCCI program, as part of the 2018 watershed-based funding,
RBWMO also partnered with the Lower Minnesota River WD, Nine Mile Creek
WD, and Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek WD, forming the Minnesota River Basin
group, to further 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.
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. Entities applying
for a Chloride Reduction Grant were required to be Smart Salting certified through
the MPCA. The grant amount was up to $20,000 max, and/or 75% of the project
cost. In total 7 projects were funded for a total of $97,868.72. This project was
completed in December 2022 with Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
completing the final grant reporting to BWSR.
Education and Outreach Program – Continue providing educational opportunities
using the Wood Lake Nature Center and through partnering with other watershed
districts and watershed management organizations.
Youth education programming – The RBWMO, in partnership with the Minnesota Valley
Refuge Friends (MVRF), continued implementation of a youth education program
for fourth and fifth graders. This work is being funded by a BWSR grant as
described below.
Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership – A partnership between several
WMO’s and led by Hennepin County to implement a pilot program engaging in
education and outreach, that reduces duplication of efforts and overlapping
messaging, and provides a more coordinated approach to bring focus and cost
efficiency to education programming.
To meet immediate education needs and desires for tangible implementation actions,
the West Metro Watershed Alliance (WMWA) and Hennepin County initiated a pilot
program funded in part by county and WMO funding and part by WBIF. This pilot
program pools financial resources from several organizations in Hennepin County to
meet WMO, City, and County education and outreach needs, increase technical
assistance, education, and outreach with residents focused on increasing
conservation implementation success through the delivery of practical and interactive
conservation education, follow-up technical assistance site visits, and financial
assistance to help defray that cost of taking conservation action. This pilot program
will include three elements:
7 | P a g e
1. A limited-duration half-time program coordinator, supported by
Hennepin County, to provide community engagement, education,
marketing, and promotion of program elements.
2. Resident-facing workshops using a model like Dakota County’s
Landscaping for Clean Water program where participants attend.
3. Multi-family housing- facing projects using Metro Blooms’ model of
Equitable Engagement.
Adopt-a-Drain - RBWMO was also continued to participate in the Adopt-a-Drain
program within the watershed in 2022. 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 are currently 212 drains
adopted. Participants reported adopting 32 new drains and removing 1024 lbs of
debris in 2022. There were 18 new participants in 2022, for a cumulative total of 119.
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 records are available
upon request.
Monitoring has been on-going at Wood Lake, Richfield, Lake, and Smith Pond since
2010. Monitoring began on Wrights Lake in 2013 From April to August, 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.
Richfield retained Barr Engineering to conduct water quality monitoring in 2022.
Barr staff conducted monthly sampling for temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO),
chloride, pH, and phosphorus, as well as continuous water level monitoring. Wood
Lake, Richfield Lake, and Augsburg Pond were monitored throughout the growing
season. Richfield staff are planning to transition to in-house water quality monitoring
for 2023, with assistance from consultants as needed.
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 12, 2022. Minutes from that meeting are provided at the end of the
report.
8 | P a g e
2. Watershed Based Implementation Funding
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.
RBWMO submitted a youth education program for consideration and was awarded a
grant of $30,000 to develop and implement the program. RBWMO partnered with
the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends (MVRF) to develop the 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 with a field trip to the Minnesota
River at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge and Trailhead. 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 contracts 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. At the end
of 2021, a full classroom session was completed in partnership with Richfield Public
Schools. It was conducted fully online due to pandemic restrictions. An in-person
fieldtrip occurred that spring.
In 2022, there were two Bloomington summer sessions. One partnered with the
districts summer school program and the other partnered with the American Indian
Studies Program. In total they reached 37 students. That fall, an in-person classroom
9 | P a g e
session was conducted with Richfield Public Schools, reaching 84 students. Pre and
post assessments from all sessions conducted to date have shown a marked increase
in knowledge, ability, and confidence. The field trip was highly regarded.
Because the 2022 Bloomington summer school program was smaller than
anticipated, there are enough funds to host one additional classroom session in
cooperation with Bloomington Public Schools in 2023. The BWSR grant period
expires on December 31, 2023. To date the project has spent a total of $24,248.84,
including match funding. There is $16,706.63 left on the grant.
2022-23 Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) Program
In February 2022 BWSR Kicked-off the FY 22-23 WBIF program. The goal of this
program continues to be to accelerate Clean Water Fund activities towards advancing
Minnesota’s water quality goals through prioritized, targeted, cost effective actions
with measurable water quality results. RBWMO was awarded $75,000 from the
WBIF program and through a series of convene meetings the following projects
were selected for funding: Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership
($25,000), Sheridan Pond Water Quality Outlet Structure ($20,000), and a Feasibility
Study to assess hydraulic and biotic interventions to improve water quality and biotic
integrity within the RBWMO ($30,000)
3. Projects
Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project – Richfield Public Works Stormwater Utility
division initiated this project to improve the functional nature of the pond as well as
to enhance the adjacent terrestrial area. Phase 1 included dredging and re-shaping of
the basin and storm sewer installation. A new outlet structure designed to improve
downstream water quality by capturing debris funded through WBIF was also
installed.
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 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. The project is approximately
10 | P a g e
85% complete as of March 2023. Remaining work will focus on pavement and
concrete for 77th St and landscaping in Washington Park.
Bloomington PMP Street Maintenance Project - As part of the 2021-101 PMP Street
Maintenance Project Bloomington coordinated the reconstruction sections of 3rd
Avenue, 11th Avenue, and 22nd Avenue areas.
Project included 7,150 feet of fully reconstructed bituminous pavement. Curb and
gutter total length 12,710 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 included oversized
perforated CMP at two sites identified as flood areas under our Atlas 14 study. Each
pipe gallery included a sump MH for pre-treatment at one end and a second one
with cedar stop logs for level control. The pre-treatment sumps include a SAFL
Baffle.
I-494: Airport to Highway 169 – Staff worked cooperatively with MnDOT to
coordinate plans for stormwater utilities with highway construction.
D. 2023 Work Plan
Watershed Based Funding – As part of the FY22-23 WBIF staff will continue to
work with Hennepin County, WMWA, and the other partners to launch, coordinate
and implement educational programs including individual and multi-family housing
focused equitable engagement projects.
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 engaging with and educating youth about water and natural
resources using the Wood Lake Nature Center.
Wood Lake Nature Center – The Wood Lake Nature Center is proposing to
construct a new nature center building incorporating water education and water
quality features. RBWMO staff are working to identify opportunities for partnership
within this project, with a particular focus on enhancing education and outreach
around water resources.
I-494: Airport to Highway 169 – Staff will work cooperatively with MnDOT and the
design-build team as the project begins the first year of construction.
11 | P a g e
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
Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project – Phase 2 of the project begins on May 1st, 2023.
Phase 2 will consist of substantial vegetation restoration and improvements, planting
native wetland species around the perimeter of the pond, as well as native prairie
species and oak trees upland. Substantial completion is scheduled for June 30th, 2023.
E. Permits, Variances and Enforcement
There were zero actions relating to the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) within the
RBWMO area in 2022. The WCA 2022 Annual Reporting Forms are available upon
request.
In 2022, Bloomington staff completed erosion control inspections at three
construction/redevelopment sites in Bloomington within the RBWMO.
• 8201 Old Cedar: Apartment Complex
• 8714 Portland Ave S: Portland Commons Ph. 2
• 1900 E 86th Street: Village Club
In 2022, Richfield staff completed erosion control inspections at seven
construction/redevelopment sites in Richfield within the RBWMO.
• 600 W 64th St: Riley Apartments
• 6228 Penn Ave S: Landsby on Penn Apartments
• 7132 Portland Ave S: Hope Church
• 6437 Lyndale Ave S: Lynvue Apartments
• 6300 Richfield Pkwy: RF64 Townhomes and Rya Apartments
• 6500 Nicollet Ave S: Partnership Academy
• 6501 Penn Ave S: Stormwater Management Project
F. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Programs (SWPPPs)
12 | P a g e
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). In December 2022, Richfield staff began an update to the city
SWPPP, transitioning to an improved, more concise format and incorporating the
latest information. These updates are anticipated to be completed by summer of
2023. 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.
MCM 4 – Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
13 | P a g e
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 November 2020. 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
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
14 | P a g e
The City of Richfield retained Barr Engineering to conduct water quality monitoring,
and WSB to assist with erosion control inspections throughout 2022.
I. Information Program
A copy of the publication for the Bloomington Sun and Richfield Sun is included.
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 2022 was $2,473.00.
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (RBWMO)
2022 TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 12, 2022
1:00p.m. | Hybrid Meeting – 1700 W. 98th St South Conference Room + WebEx
Technical Advisory Members: Bryan Gruidl (Bloomington); Steve Gurney (Bloomington); Jack
Distel (Bloomington); Julie Long (Bloomington); Kristin Asher (Richfield) Chad Donnelly
(Richfield); Joe Powers (Richfield); Mattias Oddsson (Richfield)
A. 1:00 PM: STAFF INTRODUCTIONS (ALL)
1:07 PM: Discussion of RBWMO organizational structure. BWSR review in 2014 suggested either
increased public awareness or integration with existing watershed districts. Decision was made to
retain RBWMO. Executive direct or & asst. executive director in 2 yr rotating terms, annual
meeting exchanged annually.
Bloomington City Council will confirm shortly attendance at annual meeting. Confirmed
anticipated date on 3/14.
1:11 PM: Request for Bryan to remain as Executive Director for 2023; normal rotation will resume
in 2024.
B. 1:13 PM: LOCAL PLAN ACTIVITIES AND RBWMO PLAN REVIEW (DUE IN EVEN
YEARS) (ALL)
• Current Watershed management plan approved by the BWSR on December 20,
2017 and adopted by the RBWMO Board of Commissioners on March 5, 2018.
1:14 PM: Plan to be updated by 2027, will begin discussion in next few years.
• Implementation Program:
I. Monitoring Program
1:15 PM: Jack Distel handles all Bloomington WQ monitoring. Collects monthly surface water
samples. Bloomington plans to invest in updated Sonde for monitoring. Conductivity, pH, DO of
interest. All monitoring conducted in-lake. Bloomington will share with Richfield bid information
for sondes. 4 public waters within RBWMO are of main importance for monitoring.
II. Water Quality, Data Management, and Evaluation
1:20 PM: Planning for RBWMO website to be updated with WQ data accessible to public.
Bloomington does EnviroDIY autonomous monitoring – conductivity, temp, depth every 15 mins.
III. H&H Model Update
1:24 PM: Confirming that H&H updates were complete for Bloomington & Richfield. For next
update, will include ‘midcentury storm’ – modeling more intense rain events in anticipation of
climate change.
IV. Education and Outreach Plan
1:27 PM: Discussing collaboration with Wood Lake Nature Center. Potential incorporation of BMPs
into Nature Center Renovations. Potential need to develop more detailed education & outreach
plan. Bloomington presented draft of Education Program summary; will share with Richfield &
develop final draft. Idea: signage for chloride reduction posted in winter. Challenges: cost of
transportation for students. Use of Old Cedar Ave Bridge in Bloomington as focal point in addition
to Wood Lake.
V. MNRAM Wetland Assessments
1:38 PM: MNRAM now obsolete – MN-WI Functional assessment being developed as replacement.
VI. Invasive Species Management Plan
1:40 PM: RFP out with WBIF to identify methods to manage invasive species. Goldfish in Wood
Lake, Penn Lake are main problem. Riparian buffer crowding with Buckthorn or hybrid cattail are
also noted concerns with invasive species management. AIS grants available are primarily geared
- 2 -
towards Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed. RBWMO will act on grants when available
– either through BWSR or DNR. Funds could be brought to Wood Lake Nature Center for
restoration. Plan would need to be amended in order to fund projects. Dredging projects would
not be grant-funded, but new outlet structures, WQ improvements, vegetation improvements
could be. Next round of WBIF will be in 2024-25. Amendments will be proposed before 3/14/23
meeting.
VII. Sheridan Pond Dredging Project
To be discussed with 2022 project review
VIII. Christian Pond Dredging Project
Project complete
IX. 77th Street Underpass Project
Project progressing as scheduled – stormwater management components complete, forecast
completion in late summer 2023.
X. 66th Street Sewer Improvement Project
Project complete
C. 1:54 PM: 2022 PROJECT REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (PRIVATE - BLOOMINGTON)
Use: Our Design Review Committee reviewed several potential redevelopment projects,
although there were no ground-disturbing projects undertaken in 2022.
Stormwater Elements: The proposed projects involve repurposing of existing buildings, so
no permanent BMPs are anticipated. Erosion control will be required for ground -disturbing
exterior work.
2021-101 BLOOMINGTON PMP RECONSTRUCT PROJECT, 3RD AVENUE, 11TH
AVENUE, AND 22ND AVENUE AREAS (PUBLIC - BLOOMINGTON)
Use: Full reconstruction of residential street and storm sewer.
Size: (RBWMO only) 7.8 Acre total Site, 0.20 ac decrease in impervious surface, including
pavement and curb and gutter.
Description: Project included 7,150 feet of fully-reconstructed bituminous pavement. Curb
and gutter total length 12,710 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 included oversized perforated CMP at
two sites identified as flood areas under our Atlas 14 study. Each pipe gallery included a
sump MH for pre-treatment at one end and a second one with cedar stop logs for level
control. The pre-treatment sumps include a SAFL Baffle.
LANDSBY APARTMENTS (PRIVATE - RICHFIELD)
Use: Redevelopment dividing existing commercial lot in two and constructing 6 story, 132
unit apartment building with underground parking.
Size: 5.30 ac original lot, 2.01 ac apartment lot, 1.46 ac (72.6%) impervious.
Stormwater Elements: A SWPPP was developed for this project, and MPCA Construction
Stormwater Permit was obtained. 2 underground stormwater systems were installed. Site
is located in an area of high groundwater vulnerability, but an infiltration system was
allowed to receive runoff from the roof after engineering review, with a maintenance
agreement requiring regular water quality testing.
SHERIDAN POND MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION (PUBLIC - RICHFIELD)
- 3 -
Use: Dredging and regrading of constructed stormwater pond, followed by vegetation
restoration throughout park.
Size: Project area 3.9 ac, disturbed area <1 ac
Description: Sheridan Pond is a constructed stormwater pond that drains to Richfield Lake.
Stormwater Elements: Construction Stormwater Permit not required, but erosion control
measures are included in the plan and will be implemented, including silt fencing and
floating curtains around the pond outlet. Accumulated sediment will be dredged to improve
storage capacity and pollutant removal. A new outlet structure containing a baffle and
sump will be installed at the pipe leading to Richfield Lake. Native vegetation will be
planted as buffers around the pond in phase II of the project.
D. 2:08 PM: 2021 NPDES ANNUAL REPORT REVIEW (ALL)
• TMDL’S
I. South Metro Mississippi
II. TCMA Chloride
III. Penn Lake Nutrients
No TMDL within RBWMO – main concerns are regional TMDLs listed above. Project in development
to address Penn Lake TMDL.
E. 2:12 PM: COMPLIANCE CONCERNS (All)
• No WCA action
• Other compliance concerns: N/A in 2022
F. 2:13 PM: 2023 RBWMO ANNUAL MEETING (All)
• Richfield hosting, will be in-person with hybrid option (if needed)
o Preferred date: March 14, 2023
Bryan will confirm with Bloomington City Council and staff that 3/14 will work.
• Sun Current Public Notices – will be submitted by Richfield
• Agenda
o Annual Report
Bryan will begin work on annual report.
o Business items
Update new board members on RBWMO.
G. 2:19 PM: OTHER ITEMS
• 2022 Activity Update:
• FY2019 Watershed Based Implementation Funding - Pilot project (Bryan)
o Hennepin County Chloride Initiative
▪ Grant extended due to Covid impacts; expires 12/31/2022
o Lower Minnesota River Collaborative
▪ Grant extended due to Covid impacts. Grant expires 12/31/2022
Some funds will be returned to BWSR at grant expiration.
• FY2020-2021 Watershed Based Implementation Funding (Jack)
o RBWMO Youth Education Program
RBWMO was approached by Lower MN Valley Refuge Friends about education program. Ongoing
since summer 2021, total of 314 students reached so far. Grant funding ($30,000) received to
carry out program. $15000 spent so far, remaining funding will be received following report to
BWSR. RBWMO funds education + field trip for program participants. Goal of 400 students, on
target to reach with upcoming Bloomington Public Schools Program. Look into continuing program
under separate grand once current funding expires. Inconsistency of programming has been a
limiting factor. Predictability of education program will be key to getting more teachers onboard.
• FY2022-2023 Watershed Based Implementation Funding
o Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project (Chad) - $20,000 for improved outlet
structure
- 4 -
o Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership (Bryan) - $25,000 to
Hennepin County for education program development. West metro developing
coordinated stormwater education program. Meeting to be forwarded to
Richfield city staff. In collaboration with Metro Blooms.
o Feasibility study - $30,000 to help assist in management decisions and
identification of priority project that will protect, enhance, and restore surface
water quality.
▪ Primary waters to be assessed in the study are: Richfield Lake, Wood
Lake, Smith Pond, and Wrights Lake.
▪ Is there a desire to include the Richfield portion of the Penn Lake TMDL?
Workplan being completed for cost requests as of week of 12/12/22 on E -Link. Will be ready for
3/14 board meeting. Richfield has ongoing study on Best Buy Campus related to Penn Lake TMDL.
o Website Maintenance and updates
Mattias will update website with projects, water quality data
o I-494: Airport to Highway 169
City staff working to prepare for upcoming project.
• 3:05 PM: 2023 Work Plan Items
o Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project
o Youth Education program partnership with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends
o I-494: Airport to Highway 169
o Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership
o RBWMO Feasibility Study
o Other items
H. 3:20 PM: Meeting Adjourned
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
Sharon Christensen Richfield
Lona Dallessandro Bloomington
Mary Supple Richfield
Chao Moua 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 (2023) Executive Director
of the RBWMO. Mattias Oddsson, 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 23, 2023
Annual Meeting
March 14, 2023
Bryan Gruidl, RBWMO Executive Director
Mattias Oddsson, 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 12, 2022
•2022 Project Review, MS4 Permit updates, WCA action, Work Plan review and update
•2022 TAC Members
–Bryan Gruidl (Bloomington)
–Julie Long (Bloomington)
–Steve Gurney (Bloomington)
–Jack Distel (Bloomington)
–Kristin Asher (Richfield)
–Mattias Oddsson (Richfield)
–Chad Donnelly (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
Smith Park Pond
Summer Average Annual Total Phosphorus Concentration
Minnesota Shallow Lake Water
Quality Standard = <60ug/L
Typical Shallow Lake WQ goal = 45 –75 ug/L
2022 Activity
•Watershed Based Implementation Funding
–FY18/19
•Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI)
•Minnesota River Basin Group
–FY20/21
•Youth Education Program with Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends
–FY22/23
•Conservation education & implementation partnership
•Sheridan Pond water quality outlet
•Feasibility study to improve biotic integrity within RBWMO
•Education and Outreach
–Adopt-a-Drain
•Storm and surface water quality monitoring
2022 Activity Continued
•Website maintenance and updates
•I-494: Airport to Highway 169
•Sheridan Pond Dredging Project
2022 Permit –Variances -Enforcement
•Perform duties of the Local Government Unit (LGU) for
implementation of the Wetland Conservation Act
–No WCA action within WMO
•10 Erosion control inspection sites
2023 Work Plan
•Watershed Based Implementation Funding
–Youth Education Program
–Feasibility study
–Conservation Education and Implementation Partnership
•Website maintenance and updates
•Water quality monitoring
•Education and Outreach
–Continue to evaluate education and outreach activities geared towards engaging with youth
•New Wood Lake Nature Center
•I-494: Airport to Highway 169
•Sheridan Pond Dredging Project
Business Items
Wood Lake Nature Center
•Wood Lake staff are proposing a
new nature center building to
replace the existing facility
•Opportunity for continued
partnership between RBWMO and
WLNC in water education
Sheridan Pond Maintenance Project
•Enhance functionality of the pond
and adjacent parkland area
•Install new water quality enhancing
outlet structure funded by BWSR
grant
•Repair storm sewers adjacent to
pond
•Control invasive species and
restore native vegetation around
the pond and in Sheridan Park
Watershed-based Funding
•Lower Minnesota River Basin Group
–Chloride Reduction Cost-Share Grant program
–Funded 7 projects for a total of $97,868.72 awarded cost-share funds
•Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI)
–Working together to develop a strategic plan to increase adoption of best
management practices with private applicators.
–Low Salt, No Salt. Minnesota
Watershed-based Funding
•FY 21-22 ongoing initiatives:
–RBWMO Youth Education Program
•RBWMO awarded $75,000 for FY 22-23
–Conservation education & implementation partnership
–Sheridan Pond water quality outlet structure
–Feasibility study
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
Impact Summary To Date
Total = 314 Students
RBWMO Youth Education Program
Has the programming succeeded in the program goals?
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
Q1:Where is
nature?
Q2:What is a
watershed?
Q3:Where does
the water in storm
drains go?
Q4:Which one
of these examples
is a point source
of pollution?
Q5:Which one
of these examples
is a non-point
source
of pollution?
Q6:How
can someone be a
good water
steward?
Only on hiking
trails in State
forests
A large building
where cities store
water
It goes directly
into a lake, pond,
wetland or river
Sharp pieces of
plastic that can
harm animals
A big factory that
pours pollution
into a lake
Working every day
to help keep water
clean
In areas with no
people
The area of land
where all the water
flows to the same
place
The water does
not go anywhere,
it stays
underneath the
roads
Fertilizer from
many
neighborhood
lawns washing
into a pond
All the chemicals
on the roads that
are washed into a
river after it rains
Ignoring water
and not caring
about it
Everywhere Earth’s four main
oceans: Atlantic,
Pacific, Indian
and Artic
Big factories that
clean the water
A big factory that
pours toxic
chemicals into a
river
An oil company
that digs up a
wetland
Only keeping
water clean when
an adult is
watching
Student Evaluation Results
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6
PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST PRE POST
A 14%6%45%16%52%75%31%22%35%31%73%86%
B 5%6%40%69%17%7%27%18%33%43%16%6%
C 82%88%15%15%31%17%36%59%33%26%11%7%
%
Change 7%29%23%23%10%14%
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 253221071372191741117 25RANKING (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 conducted field trips from 2021 session
–Bloomington held classroom sessions in 2022
–BWSR grant period expires on December 31, 2023.
–RBWMO is partnering with Hennepin County to create water-based
education resources and training sessions.
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
Education and Outreach
Adopt-a-Drain
•2022 Results
–18 New participants
–32 New storm drains adopted
•Current Status
–119 Total participants
–212 Total drains adopted in
RBWMO
–Participants reported 1,024 lbs. of
debris collected in 2022
Public
Notice
Construction Public Education & Involvement
Restoration
Water Quality
Partnerships
Storm Sewer
Water Quality StructuresSustainability
Maintenance
Planning