Item Description:
title
Set 2024 special levies for Shingle Creek Watershed at $986,265; Bassett Creek Watershed at $2,238,000; West Mississippi Watershed at $159,075; and Elm Creek Watershed at $814,200
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2024 special levy for the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $986,265 to support five priorities in the commission’s watershed management plan, including two water quality cost share programs, a maintenance fund, as well as the Pike Creek Stabilization Project in the city of Plymouth and the Brookdale Park Natural Channel Phase 1 Project in the city of Brooklyn Park; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2024 special levy for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $2,238,000 to support the Medley Park Stormwater Treatment Facility in the city of Golden Valley, the SEA School - Wildwood Flood Reduction Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Cost Share Purchase of a High-efficiency Street Sweeper Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Bassett Creek Main Stem Restoration Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration Project in the city of Plymouth, and the Sochacki Park Water Quality Improvement project in the cities of Robbinsdale and Golden Valley; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2024 special levy for the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission be set at $159,075 to support two water quality cost share programs; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2024 special levy for the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $814,200 to support two water quality cost share programs as well as the South Fork Rush Creek Stream Restoration Project in the city of Maple Grove, the CSAH 12/Dayton River Road Ravine Stabilization Project in the city of Dayton, and the Downtown Pond Expansion and Reuse Project in the city of Rogers; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission.
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Background:
The Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $986,265 to support five priorities in the commission’s watershed management plan, including two water quality cost share programs, a maintenance fund, and two water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy to fund these same priorities at $986,265. The programs, funds, and projects are more fully described in board action request 23-0290.
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $2,238,000 for six water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy for these same projects at $2,238,000, which are more fully described in board action request 23-0288.
The West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $159,075 to support two water quality cost share programs. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy to fund the cost-share programs at $159,075, which are more fully described in board action request 22-0290.
The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $814,200 for two water quality cost share programs and three water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy at $814,200 for these projects and programs, which are more fully described in board action request 23-0289.
The projects proposed by the watersheds will be paid for by a special levy authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §103B.251 and such levies are exempt from any statutory limitation on taxes. A county levying a tax under Minnesota Statutes §103B.251 shall not include that tax in the county’s general levy but shall separately certify that amount to the County Auditor. The County Auditor shall extend that levy as a special taxing district.
Current Request:
This request is to set the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission 2024 special levy at $986,265, the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission 2024 special levy at $2,238,000, the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission 2024 special levy at $159,075, and the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission 2024 special levy at $814,200 for projects that improve water quality. This request also establishes that levies for each commission be certified by the County Auditor and each levy to be placed on taxable properties under the jurisdiction of each respective commission.
Impact/Outcomes:
The special levies will fund projects that will facilitate the improved water quality and habitat of a wide variety of water resources throughout the county. Projects in this request will improve water quality and aquatic habitat throughout the Shingle Creek, Bassett Creek West Mississippi, and Elm Creek watershed areas.
These projects will also contribute to make Hennepin County more resilient to climate change by creating streambanks that are better able to withstand high flows associated with increasing precipitation patterns, and by improving water quality in advance of wetter and warmer mid-century conditions.
This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by enhancing stormwater management systems and mitigating the flooding risks that climate change poses to our infrastructure and vulnerable populations.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval