97-074
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CITY OF SHOREWOOD
RESOLUTION NO. 97- 74
RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNTY ASSISTANCE IN THE OVERSIGHT
OF THE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City of Shorewood lies partly within the boundaries of the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD); and
WHEREAS, the City has significant concerns that the MCWD has not demonstrated
good governance in the conduct of its satutory responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, such concerns related to such matters as: a lack of intergovernmental
comity and cooperation; a lack of consistency in dealing with municipalities within the district;
a failure to recognize limitations on legal authority of the District and to appreciate and
accommodate local concerns; unreasonable restrictions on minor developments,
redevelopments and public improvements; inflexible application and interpretation of District
rules; and the failure to evaluate fully the cost effectiveness of storm water management and
water quality improvements and structural and nonstructural alternatives to such improvements;
and
WHEREAS, the actions of the District have resulted in: an unnecessary duplication of
effort among political subdivisions; increased costs of development, redevelopment projects
and public improvements; an extraordinary commitment of public money and staff resources in
dealing with the District; an excessive tax burden on the citizens of the city; delayed provision
of needed public facilities; and a declining confidence in the governance of the affairs of the
District; and
WHEREAS, a number of the cities within the MCWD also lie within other watershed
districts or participate in joint powers watershed management organizations where they have
not experienced similar problems; and
WHEREAS, the City has no means of exercising control over the affairs of the
MCWD for the benefit of the City and its citizens, and lacks the resources to monitor, oversee,
and negotiate with the District independently.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Shorewood that:
1 . The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is hereby requested to
undertake a thorough investigation of the activities of the MCWD, to monitor
and oversee the ongoing activities of the District, to facilitate dialog between the
District and affected municipalities, to consider diligently the cost effectiveness
of capital projects proposed by the District and structural and non structural
alternatives to such projects prior to approval thereof, and to take such other
actions as the County deems appropriate to ensure the accountability of the
District and address concerns described above.
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Resolution No. 97- 74
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2. City staff is directed to explore with other cities in the watershed district joint
and cooperative efforts to monitor and oversee the activities of the MCWD, in
cooperation with Hennepin County.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Shorewood the 8th day of September,
1997
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S C. HURM, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
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