If you missed our recent meeting, here are the highlights of what was discussed:

May 16, 2023

FUNDING COMMITMENTS  Information was presented regarding current funding commitments of the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) for Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) and water quality projects that are in various phases along with annually funded programs and one-time allocations. Current commitments include the following: FDR Projects (82%):...............................................................$27,350,388.51 Water Quality Program (11%):................................................$ 3,712,538.56 Annually Funded Programs/One-time Allocations (7%):......$ 2,427,290.90 TOTAL Remaining Funding Commitments:.....................................$33,490,217.97   Below is an illustration of current RRWMB funding commitments as of May 2023. Annual operating expenses are not included in funding commitments.

RECOGNITION

Blake Carlson being presented a plaque for his years of service on the RRWMB’s TAC by RRWMB President John Finney. The RRWMB recognized Blake Carlson, PE, who is retiring from Widseth with 43 years of engineering experience, 25 years of that being specific to flood control and urban and agricultural drainage. Blake served on the RRWMB Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for 17 years.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT The RRWMB Managers approved a two-year contract with Park Street Public for legislative services for $99,000/year from July 1,2023 to June 30, 2025.

RED RIVER BASIN COORDINATOR CONTRACT – FY 2024/2025 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discussed funding options for the RRWMB – DNR shared Red River Coordinator position for Fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The Managers approved moving forward with a new contract for the two fiscal years at $46,000 per year due to inflationary factors, with the RRWMB’s current share being $40,000 per year.

CONTRACT FOR VIDEO DEVELOPMENT/CREATION In its role as the fiscal agent for the Flood Damage Reduction Work Group (FDRWG), a contract up to $13,500 was approved with Houston Engineering Incorporated to develop and create up to four videos for the FDRWG and RRWMB prior to the start of the 2024 Minnesota legislative session.

HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN (HCSP) The Mangers authorized a HCSP policy for RRWMB employees and approved an agreement with the State of Minnesota to manage the HCSP through the Minnesota State Retirement System.

DRAINAGE WORK GROUP (DWG) The RRWMB Managers discussed planning and preparation for the upcoming June 8, 2023 DWG meeting. The Managers requested staff to convene a meeting of Red River Basin watershed district administrators to obtain input and recommendations prior to the upcoming meeting. LiDAR UPDATE Dave Kirkpatrick from the International Water Institute (IWI) shared updates about the LiDAR project. Mr. Kirkpatrick presented information about IWI’s quality control process and how procedures have changed since the original LiDAR data collection for the Red River Basin was completed in 2009.

USFWS DRAIN TILE SETBACKS The RRWMB Managers discussed rules being proposed for tile setbacks for private landowners that have USFWS easements on their lands. The Managers directed staff to develop comment letters in conjunction with the Red River Retention Authority and the Red River Joint Water Resource District.

PERSONNEL MANUAL UPDATE The Managers authorized staff to work with legal counsel to update the 2006 Manual, with the RRWMB Human Resources Committee to review proposed edits at an upcoming Committee meeting. Recommendations from the Committee will be brought forth to a future RRWMB meeting for review and approval by the Managers.

Meeting Highlights

Next RRWMB Meeting Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the RRWMB office, Ada, MN.

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