Parks & Natural Resources Commission

Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Agenda April 4, 2023 | 7 p.m. Ash North/South Conference Room City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road The April 4, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting is taking place virtually and at Woodbury City Hall in the Ash North and South Conference Rooms. Members of the public may attend the meeting in-person and may also join the meeting using a computer, tablet or smartphone and accessing the virtual meeting link at woodburymn.gov/VirtualMeetings Watch the Live Meeting Public comments will be accepted during the meeting both in-person and virtually. Virtual questions should be submitted via the online Q&A feature within the virtual meeting link. Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 651-714-3583 or at RecOnline@woodburymn.gov. Questions received after 4:30 p.m., will be responded to in the next three to seven business days. *Please note that all agenda times are estimates 7:00* 1. Call to Order 7:00 2. Open Forum 7:05 3. Approval of the Minutes – March 7, 2023 7:10 4. Water Use and Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy Review – Memorandum No. 23 – 10 7:25 5. Regional Storm water Best Management Practices for Wilmes Lake Alum Facility Within Kargel Park and Hasenbank Park Plans Approval – Memorandum No. 23 – 11 7:35 6. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Annual Report – Memorandum No. 23 – 12 7:50 7. Athletic Facility Needs Evaluation – Review 2021 Study and Recommendations – Memorandum No. 23 - 13 8:10 8. Discussion Items 1 A. Current Projects – Status Update B. Central Park Project C. Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative 1 Discussion and status updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matters under status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda. Parks and Natural Resources Commission - Agenda April 4, 2023 Page 2 8:20 9. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 23 - 14 8:30 10. Council Report – Councilmember Santini 8:40 11. Announcements/Miscellaneous 8:45 12. Adjourn If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Belinda Reed at 651-714-3584 or belinda.reed@woodburymn.gov at your earliest convenience. Thank you. The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office at 651- 714-3500. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, at 651-714-3500 (TDD 651-714-3568) to make arrangements.  City of Woodbury Woodbury City Hall 8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN 55125 651-714-3583 Minutes of Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Commission Members Present: Timothy Brewington, II, Bruce Montgomery (Co-chair), Deborah Musser (Chair), Wallace Wadd, Noah Yehalashet Commission Member(s) Virtual: Anna Doherty Commission Member(s) Absent: Charles Eckberg, Edward Myatt Councilmember: Councilmember Jennifer Santini Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director Josh Kinney, Parks Planner Belinda Reed, Recording Secretary Staff Virtual: Jodi Sauro, Parks and Recreation Coordinator Kristin Seaman, Environmental Resource Coordinator 1. Call to Order Chair Musser called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Open Forum None in-person. 3. Action Items A. February 7, 2023, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Chair Musser asked for the approval of the Minutes of the February 7, 2023, meeting of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Wadd, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, to approve the February 7, 2023, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes. Voting via voice: In favor All Against None Absent Commissioners Eckberg and Myatt 4. Storm Water Project Update – Memorandum No. 23 – 06 Ms. Okada introduced Environmental Resources Coordinator, Kristin Seaman. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 7, 2023 Page 2 Ms. Seaman noted that the Wilmes Lake Alum treatment facility is the first active storm water treatment facility in Woodbury. The facility is designed to catch storm water by pumping it from the Wilmes Lake inlet to the treatment building, where Alum is added to the water to settle contaminants in an adjacent storm water pond prior to being discharged to the lake. The facility is located in Kargel Park, off the south trail network. The city is partnering and collaborating with the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) on the project: SWWD is funding the design and constructions costs of the facility prior to the city taking ownership of the facility’s operation and providing maintenance over the long-term. Ms. Seaman shared a visual of the treatment building with the adjacent traditional storm water wet pond, noting cleaning the water in this location will have an effect on all the wetlands and waterbodies downstream. A discussion ensued with regard to the estimated total pounds of phosphorus being removed from the storm water and while Wilmes Lake is currently on the State of Minnesota’s impaired waters list, how long it may take before the phosphorus removal will have an impact on the quality of the lake water and the removal of Wilmes Lake from the impaired waters list as well. Ms. Seaman noted that this is a long-term commitment. While Wilmes Lake is unique, and the treatment facility will help, water flowing south, through the City, will continue to receive an influx of phosphorus from different directions. A discussion took place with regard to the Minnesota ban on fertilizers containing phosphorus from being used on lawns and turf. Ms. Seaman noted that while any removal of phosphorus is helpful, it should be noted that phosphorus is also a naturally occurring chemical element carried though dirt, leaves and grass. 5. Park at Canvas North Concept Plan – Memorandum No. 23 – 07 Mr. Kinney reviewed the concept plan as it was previously presented at the February 7, PNRC meeting and highlighted how the park fits adjacent to the rental property development’s private amenities: clubhouse and fenced in pool, as well as the location of the storm water storage area and trails that loop through the neighborhood. It was noted that parking is available for three cars in the roadside cut-in. A discussion ensued with regard to storm water ponds within or near city park spaces. It was noted that Council Directive: Fencing of Storm Water Ponds and Wetlands states that “The city … will not build fences around storm water ponds and wetland …” Ms. Seaman noted that the wet holding storm water pond at the Park at Canvas North, is tied to irrigation so there could be a bounce of water, depending on conditions. Additional trees, between the park and pond, were designed to add a buffering effect. An inquiry was made as to whether there may have been a conversation about flipping the picnic table locations with the play structure. It was noted that having green space (existing picnic table location) between the active park space and the private pool, helps to provide clarity between what is public and private space. It was noted that although signage is not planned for the park space, aside from the main sign designating the park name, the rental development may have signs identifying the private pool and clubhouse. Chair Musser asked for the approval of the Park at Canvas North Concept Plan – Memorandum No. 23 - 07. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 7, 2023 Page 3 Motion: Moved by Commissioner Brewington, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, to approve the Park at Canvas North Concept Plan – Memorandum No. 23 - 07. Voting via voice: In favor All Against None Absent Commissioners Eckberg and Myatt 6. Goose Management Plan – Memorandum No. 23 – 08 Ms. Okada noted that there have been previous PNRC conversations about the overpopulation of geese in the city. The draft Goose Management Plan is being presented tonight for the PNRC to review prior to it being forward to the City Council. A discussion ensued regarding how the management plan would work. It was noted that to determine whether strategies and tools used are working, in areas that are significantly overpopulated with geese, and to reduce the conflict in certain areas, such as Carver Lake Beach, Eagle Valley Golf Course and areas of heavy traffic like Radio and Valley Creek Road, will be visually evident so as to allow the city to adjust strategies used accordingly. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires cities have in place a Goose Management Plan, in order to be granted DNR permits to take action in controlling the geese population utilizing some strategies, up to and including round-up and removal. It was also noted that once the city management plan is in place, private entities will be able to use the same strategies to control the geese population, should they desire to do so. Ms. Okada noted that the plan will provide the city with a toolbox of possible solutions with implementation on a case-by-case basis. Ms. Okada noted that included in the plan is consideration for community education. A suggestion was made to donate the goose meat to a food shelf. Ms. Okada note that the desire would be for the contractor to process the geese for donation to a local food shelf or wildlife facility, whenever possible. Ms. Okada noted the approval and recommendation of the PNRC, is to move the plan forward to the City Council for consideration. Chair Musser asked for the approval of the Goose Management Plan – Memorandum No. 23 - 08. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Wadd, seconded by Commissioner Doherty, to approve the Goose Management Plan – Memorandum No. 23 - 08. Voting via voice: In favor All Against None Absent Commissioners Eckberg and Myatt 7. Discussion Items 1 A. Current Projects – Status Update 1 Discussion and updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matter under status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 7, 2023 Page 4 Ms. Okada noted that the Central Park Renovation Project design development update is scheduled to go before the City Council at their March 15, workshop meeting, at which time staff will be looking for Council direction for the remaining spaces, park gathering, south plaza and west entry. These areas are really the main heart of the facility and the design impacts much of the other spaces. Ms. Okada noted that staff continue to work with the citizen group and Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF), on the Angels of Hope – Woodbury memorial. A Memorandum of Understanding, between the city and the WCF is being drafted. Staff is also working with Master Gardeners on the memorial’s landscaping design. Once a groundbreaking dates has been determined, staff will share that date with the PNRC. B. Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative Ms. Okada noted that the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Initiative (ESSI) Project Charter is in its final draft and it is anticipated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be going out shortly. Mr. Kinney highlighted that work on the boardwalk construction project, behind City Hall, is in progress. 8. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 23 – 09 Ms. Okada highlighted various division activities including the golf course, sports center and noted the annual Ice Show at M Health Fairview Sports Center, will be taking place on April 14 and 15. In addition, the spring/summer programming brochure is currently being distributed, with a number of new program offerings, especially in the adaptive area. 9. Council Report – Councilmember Santini Councilmember Santini noted that the March City Council Workshop is scheduled for March 15, and the March Council meeting on the March 22. The Mayor’s State of the City is scheduled for March 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the Eagle Valley Golf Course Clubhouse. 10. Announcements/Miscellaneous Ms. Okada noted that Public Works staff will be presenting at the PNRC April meeting, on the Water Strategic Initiative which intersect with the ESSI with regard to irrigation lawn management. Staff asked the Commissioner’s their preference on continuing to receive a paper copy of the monthly packets at each meeting, or if the electronic copy, emailed prior to each meeting, would suffice. It was noted that the paper copy is appreciated: staff will continue providing a paper copy of the packet at the monthly meetings. A discussion ensued with regard to park/open space sites the PNRC has an interest in touring prior to the April, May, and June meetings. The following venues were suggested: • La Lake and Prairie Ridge parks were suggested for later in the summer • Copper Hills as part of the south of Dale Master Plan • Seasons Park completed storm water filter, following the installation of interpretive signs • Angels of Hope City Hall site visit prior to the May meeting Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 7, 2023 Page 5 • Valley Creek Park - It was noted that the Valley Creek Park Management Plan is available on the city’s website. Ms. Seaman noted that an open house seeding event is being planned for the Hasenbank Woods on May 6, with the event being an opportunity for visitors to participate in preparing the landscape by seeding the understory of the forest, followed by spreading sawdust over the seeds. Following the May 6, event, the next step will be to bring goats in to graze. Ms. Seaman noted that by having the goat’s move around the site, their hooves help press the seeds into the ground. A discussion ensued with regard to the tree canopy goals of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It was noted that in 2021, these goals had been adjusted to take into account the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer. A request was made for access to the city’s tree plan. Staff was asked, by the Commission, to provide the city’s Tree Canopy Assessment and Management plan. An inquiry was made with regard to the city map. Paper copies of the city’s Parks and Trail Map will be made available at the April PNRC meeting. 11. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ Belinda Reed Administrative Assistant Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on April 4, 2023.  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 10 April 4, 2023 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: Subject: Water Use and Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy Review Woodbury City Council adopted three 2023-2024 strategic initiatives, and implementation teams have been assembled to see these initiatives successfully to the finish line. The topic of water use, particularly for irrigation purposes, and the Lawn and Landscaping Watering policy lay at the intersection of two strategic initiatives: Drinking Water and Environmental Stewardship. Due to this Commission’s involvement and guidance with the Environmental Stewardship strategic initiative, it is appropriate for the body to review potential policy changes which would have an impact on Woodbury’s environment and its natural resources. Staff will be attending the April 4, PNRC meeting to share the results of a working model regarding peak water demand and demonstrate the impact that adopting enhanced watering restrictions could have on Woodbury’s overall water system and the natural resource. Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy Woodbury’s current Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy was last updated in 2022. This policy emphasizes the protection of groundwater resources (Woodbury’s municipal source water), the management and prevention of excessive water demand on the municipal water system, and encourages efficiency and conservation of the groundwater resource by regulating lawn and landscaping watering. Summer 2021, was the regions 34th driest on record (from 152 years of National Weather Service data), which resulted in higher than normal water consumption. Additionally, the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) required drought phase restrictions, which led the city to implement Level 2 restrictions (trash day plus one weekend day) on July 27, 2021. The restrictions had an overall positive reception from Woodbury residents and for the most part achieved the intended goals: reduced overall water use and limited the system peak daily demand volumes. Staff’s observations over the 2021 summer season led to a few conclusions: • Level 2 restrictions stressed peak demand due to the trash day boundaries creating areas of unequal water use; this was remedied after modeling the city's water system, and an introduction to the revised two day per week schedule will be widely communicated to the community (2022 update). • Green infrastructure did well with only two days per week watering. This conclusion is also widely supported by staff research, experts, and the City’s historic message that grass only needs one inch of water per week to stay healthy, including precipitation and irrigation. • Residents were mostly supportive of the change vocally and in their action to support reduced water usage. The new level two watering restrictions map which was informed by the 2021 season was adopted in the spring 2022, and is attached. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 10 April 4, 2023 Page | 2 Water stewardship As stated previously, the summer of 2021, was one of the region’s driest on record. In response to DNR restrictions, the city implemented additional watering restrictions which reduced overall water use and limited daily demand peaks. Total monthly water use dropped from approximately 511 million gallons in July to 359 million gallons in August as a result, saving between 120 and 150 million gallons of water. It is anticipated that similar savings may be replicated in addition to shaving peak demand if the proposed watering restrictions are implemented. Current Municipal Water System Status The City of Woodbury municipal water system currently has nine of its twenty production wells under health advisories from the Minnesota Department of Health due to PFAS impacts. Six wells are currently connected to the Temporary Water Treatment Plant (TWTP), five of which can be treated at a time. The remaining wells are offline. Additional temporary treatment capacity is under development. Staff have also advanced the construction of two new municipal water supply wells to help offset the lost production with wells out of service, growth, and to meet production demands through when the long-term water treatment plant is brought online. The first of two wells was put into service March 2023 with the second anticipated to be in service before summer 2024. Proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards On June 15, 2022, the EPA released draft guidance on specific PFAS parameters, prompting Woodbury Council and staff to begin developing contingency planning for changing standards. Contingency plans include the ordering of treatment equipment for three additional wells, operationally managing wells to limit use of contaminated wells, examination of the possible addition of an additional tower for storage, delaying the opening of next phase of development – sub phase 2D, escalated watering restrictions (being discussed with the PNRC), education/communication and conservation measures. The EPA released proposed maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) on March 14, 2023. The proposed standards will go through public comment period and likely be finalized end of 2023/early 2024 and its anticipated municipalities will have 3-5 years to come into compliance. However, as a result of the EPA’s announcement, the city expects the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – the agency that monitors and enforces standards on Woodbury drinking water – to release new, more stringent statewide health standard for PFAS sometime in 2023. Those new health standards will have an impact on how we operate the Woodbury water system. With the EPA proposed MCLs and anticipated MDH health standards later this year, an additional eight wells may receive health advisories in the near future. Recommendations Staff recommends the Parks and Natural Resources Commission discuss the following two options, and following review make a recommendation for City Council consideration: Option 1- Be reactive to weather, climate, and PFAS operational impacts conditions and implement increased watering restrictions pursuant to the existing Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy as warranted. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 10 April 4, 2023 Page | 3 Option 2- Adopt a Council resolution which amends the Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy to implement two days per week for residential and one day per week for commercial, industrial and institutional watering restrictions with the commitment to review the restrictions one year following the completion of the permanent Woodbury Water Treatment Plant. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Mary Hurliman Public Works Director Attachments: 2022 Water Restrictions Map Lawn and Landscaping Watering Policy – strikethrough with proposed changes  Adopted: 07-18-07 Number: CD-ENGPW-4.4 Revised: 10-30-18, 06- 15-22, xx-xx-xx Mayor: City Administrator: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE For: Public Works Department Subject: Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy PURPOSE It is the purpose of this policy to protect groundwater resources, prevent excessive water demand, encourage water efficiency and conservation, and support municipal water system operations by regulating lawn and landscape watering. This policy is authorized under Woodbury City Code 23-20, Emergency Water Conservation. This policy covers all water services, all private wells within the City that do not hold a water appropriations permit from the State of Minnesota, and irrigation systems partly or solely served by a water reuse system. This policy regulates lawn and landscape watering only; other outdoor water uses including, but not limited to, car washing and filling of swimming pools are not included in this policy. Hand watering from single-family rain barrels, when filled by rainfall, is exempt from this policy. POLICY Level 1- Watering Policy ▪ Level 1 policy is in effect year-round. ▪ Lawn and landscape watering is regulated with an odd/even system according to the last number of the property address. Addresses ending in an odd number may irrigate on odd numbered days and addresses ending in an even number may irrigate on even numbered days. The City will assign odd or even days to complexes with multiple units on one irrigation system. Complexes must follow odd/even watering based on their assigned day. ▪ The city will regulate lawn and landscape watering for residential properties and homeowner associations to their designated watering zone day and one corresponding weekend day for two day a week irrigation. ▪ The weekend day is assigned as follows: ▪ For Watering Zones A and B, the weekend watering day will be Saturday. ▪ For Watering Zones C and D, the weekend watering day will be Sunday. Council Directive CD-ENGPW-4.4 Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy ▪ Complexes with multiple units on one irrigation system are permitted to irrigate based on their location within the Watering Zone Map, including their corresponding weekend day. ▪ For non-residential irrigation systems, lawn and landscape watering is permitted on Friday only. Non-residential is defined as places to shop, places to work, schools, and churches, and the like. ▪ Watering is not permitted between noon and 5 p.m. ▪ All irrigation systems must be in compliance with City Code 23-36, Lawn and Landscape Irrigation Systems and any future updates. ▪ The watering of shrubs, flowers, or other landscaping vegetation when done by hand is permitted at any time. This includes using a hose, watering can, or similar implement. ▪ Watering permits can be obtained for watering new sod, seed, or landscaping for 14 consecutive days. The permit must be visible in a window. Permittees must follow the noon to 5 p.m. watering ban. ▪ Irrigation systems that have been activated due to a power outage will be excused when the owner provides the City with printed verification of the power outage from the electric company. ▪ Athletic fields, golf courses, commercial nurseries, and agricultural and horticultural businesses that operate under a State of Minnesota appropriation permit will be exempt from this policy. These users are encouraged to employ water conservation practices to the extent possible. ▪ Athletic fields connected to the municipal system are exempt from Level 1 and 2 of this policy. ▪ The watering policy above remains in effect unless stated otherwise. Level 2 Watering Restrictions The following restrictions are imposed at 90 percent water production firm capacity. The following restrictions may also be imposed in response to the Minnesota DNR placing the city in drought phase designations. ▪ The city will restrict lawn and landscape watering to residential and homeowner association watering on their designated watering zone day and one associated weekend day. . ▪ The weekend day is assigned as follows: ▪ For Watering Zones A and B, the weekend watering day will be Saturday. ▪ For Watering Zones C and D, the weekend watering day will be Sunday. Council Directive CD-ENGPW-4.4 Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy ▪ Complexes with multiple units on one irrigation system are permitted to irrigate based on their location within the Watering Zone Map, including one weekend day. ▪ For non-residential irrigation systems, lawn and landscape watering is permitted on Friday only. Non-residential is defined as places to shop, places to work, schools, and churches. ▪ Watering permits may be obtained under Level 2 with verification of need by city staff. Previously obtained permits are void unless deemed necessary by city staff. Staff will provide guidance to maximize conservation for any permit granted during Level 2 restrictions. Level 2 watering restrictions are imposed at 93 percent water production firm capacity. The following restrictions may also be imposed in response to the Minnesota DNR placing the city in drought phase designations. ▪ A total lawn and landscape watering ban, including hand watering, will be implemented. ▪ Athletic fields that receive water from the municipal water system must follow Level 2 watering restrictions. ▪ Watering permits cannot be obtained under Level 2. All previously obtained permits are void under Level 2 watering restrictions. Council Directive CD-ENGPW-4.4 Lawn and Landscape Watering Policy Level 3 Watering Restrictions Level 3 watering restrictions will occur at 93 percent water production firm capacity. The following restrictions may also be imposed in response to the Minnesota DNR placing the city in drought phase designations. ▪ A total lawn and landscape watering ban, including hand watering, will be implemented. ▪ Athletic fields that receive water from the municipal water system must follow Level 3 watering restrictions. ▪ Watering permits cannot be obtained under Level 3. All previously obtained permits are void under Level 3 watering restrictions. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Drought Phase The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains a statewide drought plan with five different drought phase levels. The drought phases require public water suppliers to follow conservation guidance as follows: ▪ Non-Drought Phase - Minimize water supply system losses and improve water use efficiency. ▪ Drought Watch Phase - Provide conservation information and request customers to implement voluntary measures to reduce water use. ▪ Drought Warning Phase - Implement water use reduction actions with a goal of reducing water use to 50% above January levels. ▪ Restrictive Phase - Implement water use reduction actions with a goal of reducing water use to 25% above January levels. ▪ Emergency Phase - Implement mandatory water use reduction actions with a goal of reducing water use to January levels. The City of Woodbury will react accordingly when drought phases are issued by the Minnesota DNR. This may include implementation of Level 2 and Level 3 restrictions to reduce water use.  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 11 April 4, 2023 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: Subject: Regional Stormwater Best Management Practices for Wilmes Lake Alum Facility Within Kargel Park and Hasenbank Park Plans Approval The City of Woodbury has partnered with South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) for design and construction of two regional stormwater best management practices facilities located in Kargel Park adjacent to Wilmes Lake and improvements within Hasenbank Park. The Wilmes Lake Alum Facility was reviewed at the March 7, 2023, Parks and Natural Resources Commission meeting, with no changes to the plan suggested. The improvements suggested in Hasenbank Park were reviewed at the December 6, 2022, Parks and Natural Resources Commission meeting, with no changes to the plan suggested. Staff from SWWD and the city have drafted agreements pertaining to construction, long- term maintenance, and funding, which were approved by SWWD Board and Woodbury City Council in March 2023. SWWD is finalizing construction documents and shall acquire Land Disturbance Permits from the city prior to starting construction. Construction in both areas is anticipated to begin in Quarter 2 of 2023, and conclude around the same time in 2024. Vegetation restoration activities will extend multiple years after, with coordination with City staff. Recommendation Staff recommends the Parks and Natural Resources Commission approve the designs for the Wilmes Lake Alum Facility and the water quality improvements proposed in Hasenbank Park as presented. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Kristin Seaman Environmental Resources Coordinator Attachments: Location Maps  Tamarack Road Kargel Park Kargel Park Proposed Alum Treatment Location Wilmes Lake  Saint John’s Drive Hasenbank Park Stony Creek Drive Proposed Stormwater and Trail Amenities Powers Lake Water Lily Lane  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 12 April 4, 2023 Subject: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Annual Report Water Efficiency Incentive Program NPDES Annual Report The city’s stormwater system is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. In Minnesota, the Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for administering the permit. The main component is the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The SWPPP is comprised of six “minimum control measures” that are expected to result in reductions of pollutants discharged to receiving waters. The minimum control measures are: 1. Public Education and Outreach 2. Public Participation/Involvement 3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management 6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping For each of the six minimum control measures, various best management practices are established along with an implementation schedule. The city is required to submit an annual report to the MPCA that summarizes the accomplishments related to the city’s NPDES stormwater permit under the six measures during the previous year. Annual reports typically need to be submitted by June 30, of the following year to the MPCA, but the MPCA is updating its reporting software so annual reporting will be due when the MPCA implements its new reporting software. The estimate timeline provided by the MPCA to implement its new reporting software is sometime in 2025. The city must also hold a public meeting to accept comments on the city’s permit and related documents. The April 4, 2023, PRNC meeting will serve as this annual public meeting and will highlight the major stormwater projects that were worked on in 2022. Water Efficiency Incentive Program The city annually offers a program to assist homeowners improve irrigation efficiency through the Residential Irrigation Controller Program. With this program, the city purchases smart irrigation controllers in bulk and sells them to homeowners for a discounted price. Since 2016, Woodbury has distributed over 3,400 controllers. Each controller is expected to reduce water use by an average of 30,000 gallons per household per year. As part of the city’s water conservation program, we are offering rebates up to $100 for replacing an old toilet with a U.S. EPA WaterSense low-flush model. Since July 2022, we have issued rebates for 358 toilets. WaterSense labeled products are 20 percent more water-efficient and perform as well as, or better than standard models. The average family can save 13,000 gallons of water and $140 in water costs per year by replacing all old, inefficient toilets in their home with WaterSense labeled models. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 - 12 April 4, 2023 Page 2 In 2019, the city received a grant from the Metropolitan Council through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Fund. This funding was used to pilot a toilet replacement program at one of the largest multi-family properties in Woodbury, with toilets that pre-date the Environmental Protection Agency’s gallons per flush standard. The final year for the pilot toilet replacement program was 2022. The program replaced a total of 358 toilets since 2019. For more information about these programs, and to purchase your smart controller, go to woodburymn.gov/waterwise. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Benjamin Guell Environmental Resources Technician  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 13 April 4, 2023 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: Subject: Outdoor Athletic Facility Needs Evaluation – Review Study & Recommendations The City of Woodbury has an established and strong reputation for the quality of its athletic facilities. The M Health Fairview Sports Center and Ojibway Park, among the many neighborhood facilities demonstrate the community’s dedication and investments in recreation, and quality of life. Building on the city’s past work to establish a strong system of athletic facilities, this study is intended to understand the current and future needs of the community, strengthen existing investments, and guide upcoming development. The study was completed through review of city experiences, data, user group input, and consultant analysis of trends, demographic projections, and recreation standards. Woodbury is a growing community that is expected to reach a population of almost 90,000 by 2040. This represents an expansion of around 26,000 people since the last major expansion of outdoor athletic facilities in 2011. The study identified qualitative and quantity/capacity related needs and opportunities, both currently and anticipated short and long term. Woodbury has a longstanding commitment to providing residents and guests with high quality, safe, and accessible fields. The city’s athletic facilities and programs are an important part of why people, particularly families, choose to locate in the community. The community benefits from the positives associated with participation in sports: physical activity, teamwork, competition, confidence, dedication, hard work, social connectedness, and fun. An athletics facilities study was completed in 2015, along with the City of Cottage Grove and South Washington School District - ISD 833. Since that time, the City of Woodbury has outpaced growth projections and addressed many of the city’s identified needs. At the same time, athletic programs have continued to grow and an update to the study was needed to guide investments for the next decade. Woodbury has also seen significant growth in pickleball participation. The game is embraced by and well suited to a growing senior population and is becoming increasingly popular with all ages, trending younger every year. As the sport grows in popularity, so do user groups such as the Woodbury Pickleball Club and participation in park and recreation pickleball lessons and tournaments. Youth pickleball lessons, designed for ages 12-16 year olds, were added in 2023. The 2011 renovation of two tennis courts at Shawnee Park led the way in Minnesota, changing to 6 dedicated pickleball courts, which was one of the earliest and largest dedicated facilities in the region at that time. In 2016, the Shawnee Park pickleball courts were updated with fresh paint, standards, nets, support amenities and additional gathering space. Since the Shawnee courts were built, additional dedicated and dual-lined pickleball courts have been built in the community to meet the increasing demand and growth of the sport. Pickleball growth continues to increase along with the demand for additional dedicated court facilities. Unlike pickleball, tennis is a long-established sport with stable to slightly declining participation. Most regular players are participating as part of a larger group or club that is utilizing multi-court Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 13 April 4, 2023 Page | 2 facilities, rather than single or double courts in neighborhood parks. Interest in facilities at centralized locations is often higher than neighborhood parks. The outdoor athletic field and court study’s process drew from three main sources: 1. First-hand experiences, current policies, and field and court use data; 2. Surveys and conversations with user groups; and 3. Consultant analysis of data, demographic projections, level of service standards, facility evaluations, and current trends in athletic facilities. The study identified qualitative and quantity/capacity related needs and opportunities, both currently and future considerations. Needs identified included: • Development of additional field lighting to improve capacity on existing fields • An 0pportunity to support cricket as an emerging sport, by installing dedicated pitches located between other open rectangle fields • Development of 300’ ballfields that can support 12-13 year old baseball and slow pitch softball • Development of additional rectangle fields to support soccer, football, and lacrosse • Improvement of support features at fields to improve user experience • Continuing to pursue tournaments and funding partnerships between the city, youth athletic associations, and school districts • Continue to evaluate court locations in the community that can be converted to pickleball courts or dual-lined tennis/pickleball courts • Development of a destination pickleball facility with lights • Evaluate potential partnerships with ISD 833 to add lights to high school tennis court facilities Recommendation Staff is requesting the Commission engage in the presentation, consider the information presented, and provide feedback related to the recommendations for addressing the facility needs that were identified within the study. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Reed Smidt Recreation Manager  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 14 April 4, 2023 M Health Fairview Sports Center (MHFV-SC) – Katie Ryden The late spring arrival has increased the use of the field house this time of year, with teams seeking more indoor field space for high school and youth association sports. AAA Hockey teams have started their spring season, and ice show practices commenced at the end of March. Staff is working on projects such as painting, deep cleaning, organizing, and planning for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Recreation Division – Reed Smidt Summer recreation program registration opened on Wednesday, March 15, with much success. Recreation continues to be popular with the community as many programs quickly surpassed the minimum roster requirement, and several reaching the roster maximum. Plenty of fun and exciting programs are still available for the community this summer, in addition to several special events. Central Park hosted three musical performances in March: Classic Brass Quintet, Spirit Song Choir, and Red Rock Swing Band. Each of these performances had approximately 100 attendees. Staff held the Playground Egg Hunts on March 25 at Ojibway Park. At this event, participants searched for hidden eggs, assembled a festive craft, and had photos taken with our special Bunny guest. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 23 – 14 April 4, 2023 Page 2 of 2 The new East Metro Miracle League Craft and Social Hour program brings together friends to socialize, complete crafts, and play fun games at Ojibway Park. This is one of the new adaptive and therapeutic recreation programs added this year. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Michelle Okada Parks and Recreation Director