VNP CLEAN WATER JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
October 22, 2009

The organizational meeting of the Voyageurs National Park Clean Water Joint Powers Board (VNP Clean Water JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on

October 22, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. by Ted Troolin, St. Louis County Environmental Services Director, and all attendees were welcomed.  All in attendance had an opportunity to introduce themselves and state who they represented.  All VNP Clean Water JPB members present included:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, and Koochiching Commissioner Wade Pavleck.

The first order of business was the election of officers.  The results were:  Koochiching Commissioner Wade Pavleck - Chair, Commissioner Mike Forsman – Vice Chair, and Commissioner Keith Nelson – Secretary. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Forsman, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to establish an Advisory Board made up of the members from the Namakan Basin JPB (including a representative from Koochiching County), with the VNP Clean Water JPB approving the motion unanimously.  Commissioner Nelson made a motion to have an acting secretary from the Advisory Board that would provide administrative assistance until county secretarial staff was needed.  This motion was seconded by Commissioner Forsman and the motion passed.

The VNP Clean Water JPB discussed ongoing project funding efforts.  A motion was made by Commissioner Forsman and seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to request S.E.H. to review and modify all funding requests to change as required to reflect this board as the requesting entity  The motion was approved unanimously.

The next VNP Clean Water JPB meeting will be held on December 3, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cook Land Office.  A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson and supported by Commissioner Forsman to adjourn the meeting.  All voted in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
October 22, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board  (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on October 22, 2009.  The meeting was called to order at

2:00 p.m. by Chairman Forsman.  The JPB members present were:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Bob Nevalainen, Kabetogama Township, and Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District.  The representative from Ash River was absent.

Upon motion of Rob Scott, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the minutes of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting of September 24, 2009 were unanimously approved.

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering, reported that the county postcards and the 680 surveys have been mailed, and S.E.H. has received approximately 120 responses as of today’s meeting.  The response goal is 60%.  Ms. Kennedy attended the Crane Lake Township monthly meeting on September 15, 2009, which she believed went well and answered approximately 50 numerous questions.

The JPB discussed that there needs to be an improved definition of project goals and explanations on how to handle existing systems, new systems and future systems.  A motion was made by Bob Nevalainen, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to incorporate these issues in the JPB Comprehensive Plan  The JPB approved the motion unanimously.  Ms. Kennedy informed the members that S.E.H. is including a question and answer section on their website to address these questions and how the JPB is handling them.  Also, S.E.H. will provide project report updates on this website.

Additional update comments:

Crane Lake:  Rob Scott discussed the positive response at the Crane Lake Township meeting to the S.E.H. update.

Ash River:  The representative was absent, and it was decided that S.E.H. will contact the Ash River representatives with respect to their attendance at the JPB meetings.
 
Kabetogama:  Bob Nevalainen reported all is quiet, and that Kabetogama Township supports the Namakan Basin JPB.

Koochiching:  Dale Olson reported that the facility plan is 90% complete.  They will continue to improve their project point standing to gain support for MPCA funding.

The organizational meeting of the VNP Clean Water JPB will be held immediately following today’s meeting.  Commissioner Nelson reported that the Minnesota House and Senate Bonding meetings went well.

The next JPB meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2009 at 2:00 at the Cook Land Office.  A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Rob Scott to adjourn the meeting.  All voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:12 p.m.

Submitted by:  Rob Scott

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on September 24, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m. by Chairman Forsman. The JPB members present were: St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Bob Nevalainen, Kabetogama Township, and Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District. The representative from Ash River was absent. 

The minutes of the August 20, 2009, Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting were moved for approval by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Rob Scott. The JPB approved the minutes unanimously. 

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering, provided an update on the engineering items related to the JPB Comprehensive Plan. She is working with the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department and has compiled all the data base information necessary to complete the individual surveys to be mailed out on October 1, 2009. A postcard from Environmental Services will be sent out on October, 1, 2009 advising individuals that they will be receiving a survey letter. Ms. Kennedy is scheduled to attend the Crane Lake Township meeting on October 13, 2009, to provide an overview of the project. 

Additional updates: 

Crane Lake: Rob Scott discussed the importance of his attendance at the monthly Crane Lake Township meetings to provide updates on the ongoing process.

Ash River: Due to the fact that Ash River is not a township but an unorganized area within St. Louis County, Commissioner Nelson discussed the challenges face in communicating with Ash River. 

Kabetogama: Bob Navalainen reported that he has put together the Voyageur National Park (VNP) informational packages for the upcoming State Bonding Committee meetings. 

Koochiching: Dale Olson from Koochiching County Environmental Service Office has been working with MSA Engineering on a facility plan for the Island View Project. He also stated that it is possible to tie an update on the project and a boat dedication to Senator Franken's visit. 

The JPB discussed the need to increase private awareness and support for the project. Commissioner Pavleck added that the Friends of the VNP and many other organizations are interested in this project. He will be contacting the Superintendent of VNP, Mike Ward, to work on the issue. 

It was decided that the St. Louis and Koochiching County JPB will be called the "VNP Clean Water Joint Powers Board." The meetings will be scheduled on the same date and held immediately after the Namakan Basin JPB meeting, with the first organizational meeting beginning on October 22, 2009. 

An update was provided by Gary Cerkvenik on the funding applications for the project. He anticipates final IRRB approval for $50,000 for project planning funds. Additional planning funds should give $450,000 from the United States Army Corp of Engineers 569 (USACE 569) grant program and $285,000 from State Bonding funds. Mt. Cerkvenik outlined his approach to prepare for the House Bonding Committee on October 7, 2009 and the State Bonding Committee on October 14, 2009. These committee meetings will also include presentations by the St. Louis County and Koochiching Commissioners. 

Ms. Kennedy received a telephone call from John Cope regarding the project and an interest in having a parcel that is not part of the Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District included in the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Nelson explained that such an effort would require a request to St. Louis County. He also discussed the possibility that there may be additional requests as the project moves forward. Commissioner Nelson advised that the JPB needs to keep the scope of the project as originally outlined and then move forward from the initial concept with additional add on phases as needed. The expansion phases and any additional concepts should be addressed by the new VNP Clean Water JPB. 

The next JPB meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cook Land Office. The board decided that the November and December meetings will be combined and held on December 3, 2009, followed by a meeting on January 21, 2010. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson and a second by Rob Scott to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Rob Scott

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
August 20, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on August 20, 2009.  The meeting was called to order at 2:03 p.m. by Chairman Forsman, followed by introductions from all attendees.  The JPB members present were:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Bob Nevalainen, Kabetogama Township, Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District. The representative from Ash River was absent. 

The minutes of the July 23, 2009, Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting were moved for approval by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Rob Scott. The JPB approved the minutes unanimously.

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering, provided an update on the engineering items related to the JPB Comprehensive Plan.  She is working with the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office and the Koochiching Environmental Service Office to prepare a project area map for the new Joint JPB.  Rob Scott emphasized that the map needs to show each specific area versus a large contiguous area. Ms. Kennedy expects the map to be completed next week.  S.E.H. has received the GIS parcel database information from the St. Louis County Planning Department.  S.E.H. is obtaining the remaining parcels at the very end of Ash River which is located in a separate township. Ms. Kennedy expressed her gratitude for the great work and support that the county staff has provided. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Bob Nevalainen for the JPB Chair to send a thank you letter to the Planning Department. The JPB voted unanimously in favor of this motion.

In preparation for the community survey, S.E.H. has been working with the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department on the postcard that will be sent out prior to the survey. Based on input received from the Ash River meeting, the surveys will be sent out in mid-September to achieve timely receipt for seasonal residents. The estimated mailing dates are September 7, 2009 for the postcard and September 14, 2009 for the survey.

Discussion was held on developing a website that would provide links to related subjects pertaining to the project. There was some concern in regard to misinformation, getting ahead of actual work, and the host for the website. A motion was made by Rob Scott and seconded by Commissioner Nelson to authorize an initial website to be posted including links on an S.E.H. on-line projects page. This website will then be followed up with links on the St. Louis and Koochiching County websites after the new Joint JPB is established. This motion was unanimously approved by the board.

Additional update comments:

Crane Lake:  S.E.H. plans to attend the September 8, 2009 Crane Lake Township meeting to provide a project status update and to hear the interests and concerns of the residents. Ms. Kennedy will be working with the township clerk to get on the agenda.  Rob Scott stated that the MPCA and St Louis County’s data on existing systems needs to be considered and included with the Comprehensive Plan.

Ash River:  S.E.H. held a neighborhood meeting at Ash Trail Lodge to meet with area residents regarding the proposed planning project and upcoming community survey. The meeting was moderately attended, despite the very short notice provided. There was positive discussion and S.E.H. had several phone conversations with residents who were unable to attend. S.E.H. is planning to host another meeting in the early spring to discuss planning efforts and gain additional input.

Kabetogama:  S.E.H. has started discussions with MPCA staff and the University of Minnesota Extension Office in regard to the review of recommended treatment plant design by North America Wetland Engineering (NAWE) in their Preliminary Engineering Report.  Bob Nevalainen expressed his concerns with the NAWE treatment plant alternate sites.

Koochiching: Dale Olson from Koochiching County Environmental Service Office is working with the Public Facilities Authority (PFA) on how to get more points on PFA’s project priority list. Also, there will be a possible visit to Voyageur National Park (VNP) by Senator Al Franken.

The JPB discussed the upcoming State Bonding bill meeting scheduled for

October 14, 2009, in Hibbing.  S.E.H. will work with Gary Cerkvenik in preparing the board members for the meeting. The bonding bill meeting will be added to the September JPB meeting agenda. Commissioner Nelson stated for the record that the St Louis County Board of Commissioners support the VNP project and has acted by deciding to go forward with a resolution to support the establishment of a Joint JPB by a 7-0 vote.

The next JPB meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2009 at 2:00 at the Cook Land Office. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson and a second by Rob Scott to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m..

Submitted by:  Rob Scott, Secretary

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
July 23, 2009
 
The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on July 23, 2009.  The meeting was called to order at 2:08 p.m. by Chairman Forsman, followed by introductions from all attendees.  The JPB members present were:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Bob Nevalainen, Kabetogama Township, and Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District.  The representative from Ash River was absent.

The minutes of the June 25, 2009, Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting were moved for approval by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Bob Nevalainen.  The JPB approved the minutes unanimously.

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering,  provided an update on the JPB Comprehensive Plan.  S.E.H. is working with the St. Louis County Auditor’s Office in developing the mailing list for the surveys.  Ms. Kennedy stated that she completed area visits to Crane Lake and Ash River.  Commissioner Forsman updated the board on the status of the Joint JPA.  He informed the members that a draft agreement has been developed through the St. Louis and Koochiching County Attorney’s Offices, and it is anticipated that the agreement will be presented to the St. Louis County Board at its August 4, 2009 meeting.  Mike Larson provided an update on project funding and stated he is continuing to work funding through the state bonding bill process.  The funds requested are $385,000 for planning and design.  Additionally, he is continuing to work with the USACE on 569 project funds for Kabetogama (treatment design work), Ash River (preliminary engineering design work), and Crane Lake (collection system extension work).

The board discussed the challenges regarding four ongoing projects along with the need for understanding and flexibility challenges that the overall project faces with the different funding sources, cycles, and timelines.  A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson to authorize the Chair to make an application for funding source versus acceptance.  This motion was seconded by Rob Scott and unanimously approved by the board. 

Additional update comments:

Kabetogama:  Bob Nevalainen provided an update and expressed concern with the VNP/MPCA meeting and attendees.  He believed that an area representative for the JPB should have been included.  The meeting was exclusively for government representatives, and Commissioner Nelson reminded the board that this JPB is a governmental entity.

Crane Lake:  Rob Scott stated that survey data was critical to the Comprehensive Plan but equally critical was getting input and involvement from MPCA and St. Louis County Environmental Services.  Ted Troolin, Director of Environmental Services agreed to support the project and be the point person from his office.

Ash River:  No report provided.

Koochiching:  Dale Olson from Koochiching County Environmental Services Dept. provided a summary of the VNP/MPCA meeting of July 8, 2009.

The next JPB Board meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cook Land Department.  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made my Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Rob Scott.  All members voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Submitted by:  Rob Scott, Secretary

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
June 25, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on June 25, 2009.  The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m. by Chairman Forsman, followed by introductions from all attendees.  The Board members present were:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Tim Watson, Kabetogama Township, Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District, and Steve Wieber, Ash River. 

The minutes of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting of May 21, 2009 were read and moved for approval by Tim Watson and seconded by Commissioner Forsman, with the correction of changing “a second on a motion to approve CLWSD correspondence from Bob Nevalainen to Rob Scott.”  The Joint Powers Board approved unanimously.

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering provided an update on the JPB Comprehensive Plan.  She discussed a draft letter that would be signed by the JPB chair requesting parcel data for the Crane Lake, Ash River, and Kabetogama areas from the St. Louis County Planning, Research and GIS Division Manager.  A motion was made by Rob Scott and seconded by Tim Watson in support of the request.  The board approved the motion unanimously.  There was extensive discussion by the JPB in regard to the need for accurate data and a high percentage of survey responses.  Additional concerns were expressed to ensure individuals surveyed understand that the purpose of the survey is only for informational purposes and will not be used to gauge compliance with any ordinances or standards.  Commissioner Nelson stated that consideration should be given to relate the survey to already existing GIS data.  To facilitate development of the survey and the survey process, Commissioner Nelson stated that he will provide a point of contact with St. Louis County Environmental Services.  Additionally, the Environmental Services Department would send out a note card advising those individuals that they will be receiving a survey letter.  S.E. H. will work with Environmental Services on the development of the note card and cover letter.  They will provide an updated version of the survey for review and approval at the JPB’s July meeting.

Mike Larson provided an update on plan funding.  There will be a request submitted to the IRRB for an additional $50,000 in planning funds.  This will be done after July 1, 2009.  He also discussed the state bonding bill process and the request for an additional $385,000 for pre-design planning funds.  These funds will be used for testing and an analysis of alternatives developed in the comprehensive plan.  Commissioner Nelson made a motion to approve the application and signature by the chair and seconded by Rob Scott.  During discussion, there was an agreement that letters to our elected officials be sent out seeking their support.  These letters were added to the motion and approved unanimously by the board.

Additional update comments on the comprehensive plan:

Kabetogama:  Tim Watson discussed the S.E. H. visit that included discussions on the survey and plan with an area familiarization boat trip.

Ash River:  Steve Wieber stated there is no governmental entity or formal group at Ash River but he and/or Katy Ebel would assist S.E.H. as needed.

Crane Lake:  Rob Scott stated that Julie Kennedy had completed the initial site survey and would revisit Crane Lake on July 1, 2009.

Koochiching:  Dale Olson talked about the Island View extension of the Jackfish Bay sewer system and interest by MPCA to visit with the Voyageur National Park.  He also stated there is possibly the need to expand the visit and interest to include other areas.

Joint JPA:  Commissioner Nelson provided an update on the status of the Joint JPA.  The County Commissioners have approved the willingness to a Joint JPA.  The new JPA will consist of two Commissioners for St. Louis and Koochiching Counties.  A draft JPA is being developed and completion is anticipated within 30 days for review and approval in August.  With the approval of the Joint JPA, there is further anticipation that the new JPB will establish an Advisory Board made up of representatives from each of the four areas.

The next JPA Board meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2009 at 2:00 at the Cook Land Office.  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Rob Scott.  All members voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Submitted by:  Rob Scott, Secretary

NAMAKAN BASIN JOINT POWERS BOARD MEETING
May 21, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board (JPB) was held at the Cook Land Department on May 21, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 2:02 p.m. by Chairman Forsman. All Board members were present as follows:  St. Louis County Commissioners Mike Forsman and Keith Nelson, Bob Nevalainen, Kabetogama Township, Rob Scott, Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District, and Katy Ebel, Ash River.

The minutes of the Namakan Basin Joint Powers Board meeting of April 23, 2009 were read and moved by Commissioner Nelson to approve and seconded by Bob Nevalainen. The board approved unanimously.

Julie Kennedy, S.E.H. Engineering provided an update on the JPB Comprehensive Plan. A revision to the original proposal was submitted to Chairman Forsman for his review and approval along with Al Mitchell’s review. All modifications were in line with the

April 23, 2009 JPB recommendations and motions. Commissioner Forsman signed the contract on May 7, 2009. Julie Kennedy outlined that the initial data collection phase would utilize the GIS data base for surveying existing systems. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson to approve S.E.H.’s request to have access to St Louis County’s GIS Parcel Overlay Geographic Information System. The motion was seconded by Rob Scott and unanimously approved by the board. Julie Kennedy stated that the data needs collection would be based on:

1. density location

2. existing systems

3. seasonal vs. permanent users

4. types of users (residential, commercial, etc.)

Also, S.E.H. would employ a site vs. enforcement assessment approach. To assist S.E.H. in the development of the comprehensive plan, the agenda for the JPB meetings would include written and meeting updates from each of the three areas including Koochiching County.

Commissioner Nelson provided an update on the status of the Joint JPA that is in progress between St. Louis County and Koochiching County. He stated that he anticipated that at the next St. Louis County Commissioner’s Board meeting the resolution would be approved, and further noted Koochiching County Commissioners have already approved the resolution. There were additional discussions that the new JPB would be made up of County Commissioners from each county and that an advisory board would be recommended to be formed to provide appropriate area representation.

Gary Cerkvenik provided an update on the potential funding areas he was working on. At the Federal level he stated that the $900K funding request to the Water and Energy Subcommittee for 2010 funding was submitted. He is working on WRDA II funding input and planned to have that ready for the new Joint JPB to sign. At the State level he is working on three avenues for state matching funds. One is with the USACE 569 Grant program and the other is under the Clean Water Legacy Fund program. Lastly, he is looking into state bonding funds. The JPB Chair will act on behalf of the JPB in working with Gary Cerkvenik on state bonding funds. This authority was approved unanimously by the JPB from a motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Bob Nevalainen. All of these submissions are in progress. Gary also discussed two letters regarding CLWSD debt relief effort. Commissioner Nelson will sign one letter as the Chair of the County’s Finance and Budget committee stating there are no county funds available to support CLWSD. The other letter will be signed by the JPB Chair under the authority granted by the JPB. This approval was through a motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Bob Nevalainen. The board approved unanimously.

The next JPA Board meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cook Land Office. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Rob Scott. All members voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Submitted by:  Rob Scott, Secretary