Item Description:
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Set Bassett Creek Watershed Mgmt Commission 2027 max levy at $2,862,900 for projects to improve water quality
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2027 maximum levy for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $2,862,900; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the levy be certified to the county auditor and placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the commission.
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Background:
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has proposed a maximum 2027 special projects levy of $2,862,900 to fund the commission’s portion of the project costs for five water quality projects that are a priority in the commission’s Capital Improvement Plan. The projects will achieve the commission’s goals to improve stream habitat, water quality, and flood protection. These projects will benefit the water quality of Bassett Creek, Plymouth Creek, and downstream water resources like the Mississippi River.
Descriptions of the projects to be implemented, in part, by the levy funds are:
• Bassett Creek Main Stem Restoration Project - Regent Avenue to Golden Valley Road - This project in the City of Golden Valley will stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and improve stream habitat along an 8,100 foot section of Bassett Creek. The project is expected to annually reduce pollution in Bassett Creek and downstream in the Mississippi River by an estimated 193 pounds of total phosphorus and 386,570 pounds of total suspended solids. The total estimated cost of this project is $3,534,600. Levy funds totaling $1,741,000 were collected in 2024, 2025 and 2026. An additional $510,800 is planned to come from the City of Golden Valley and other sources. The commission requests a 2027 levy of $1,282,800.
• Flood Control Project Double Box Culvert Repairs - This project in the City of Minneapolis addresses needed repairs and updates to access in the Double Box Culvert section of the Bassett Creek Tunnel. The estimated total project cost is $1,504,000. Levy funds of $950,000 were collected in 2026. The commission is proposing to levy $331,600 in 2027. The remaining funds of $222,400 would be levied in 2028.
• Crane Lake Chloride Reduction Demonstration Project - This project will address extremely high chloride levels in Crane Lake in the City of Minnetonka. This work will be phased and includes engagement with property managers regarding winter maintenance practices and chloride reduction implementation strategies. The estimated total cost of this project is $464,200 which is proposed for collection by levy in 2027.
• Main Stem Lagoon Dredging Project, Phase II - This project in Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley will expand on the initial dredging project constructed in winter 2022/2023. This project will remove accumulated contaminated sediment, preserve and restore wetlands, and improve water quality. The project will result in an estimated annual pollution reduction of 363 pounds of total phosphorus and 94,000 pounds of sediment in Bassett Creek. The estimated cost for this project is $2,669,467. The commission will utilize $1,169,467 remaining from phase one of the original Lagoon Dredging Project and proposes to levy $765,000 for their project in 2027. An additional $765,000 is planned to be collected in 2028.
• Cost Share High Efficiency Street Sweeper - This project will assist the City of Crystal in funding the purchase of a street sweeper to begin a systematic municipal street sweeping program and reduce pollutants entering Bassett Creek. Street sweeping is one of the most cost-effective best management practices for improving water quality. The new sweeper captures and removes finer particles that cannot be captured by mechanical means for enhanced pollution reduction. The total cost of the project is $400,000 and the commission requests a levy of $19,300.
Levies authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.251, are exempt from any statutory limitation on taxes. A county levying a tax under Minnesota Statutes, section 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. The commission must certify its final levies to the county auditor prior to October 1, 2026.
Current Request: This request is to set the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission 2027 maximum levy at $2,862,900 for projects that will improve water quality and stream habitat.
This request also establishes that the levy be certified to the county auditor and placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the commission.
Impact/Outcomes: Projects in this request will improve water quality in Bassett Creek, Plymouth Creek, Medicine Lake, and downstream resources like the Mississippi River and improves the environment for people and wildlife.
These projects also support the county’s disparity elimination work and climate action goals by enhancing stormwater management systems and mitigating the flooding risks that climate change poses to our infrastructure and more vulnerable residents. The Flood Control Project Double Box Culvert Repairs project will occur in an area of environmental justice concern identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Approval of this request fulfills the county’s responsibility to levy requests per Minnesota Statutes, section 103B, and allows certification of the maximum levy to the county auditor for inclusion in Truth in Taxation statement.
Approval of this request will allow certification of the maximum levy to the county auditor for inclusion in Truth in Taxation statement.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval