Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Appointment to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District
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Recommendation
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Appointment Gabrielle Grogan to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Board of Managers for a term beginning February 24, 2025 and ending on February 23, 2028.
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Background and Rationale
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The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) is responsible for preserving and improving water resources and related ecosystems in eastern Ramsey County and western Washington County. The watershed district is managed by a board of managers, which consists of four Ramsey County-appointed managers and one Washington County-appointed manager. The district cities include North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, parts of Roseville, Saint Paul, and Shoreview. RWMWD managers must be residents of the watershed district and serve a three-year term. RWMWD managers must be appointed to fairly represent the various hydraulic areas within the watershed district by residence of the manager appointed.
There is currently one vacancy on the RWMWD Board of Managers due to term expirations. Recruitment through the county’s open appointment resulted in one application. On October 1, 2024, the application was forwarded to the commissioners and an interview was held between October 10, 2024 and October 17, 2024 for final recommendations.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
In addition to the usual recruitment for advisory board and committee vacancies through GovDelivery, recruitment also occurred through word of mouth by committee members, and staff. This extended process is a step towards better outreach to recruit from a wider range of racially diverse and underrepresented community members. Furthermore, the application for these vacancies were updated to focus more on the lived experiences, knowledge, and skills a resident may bring along with an optional section to insert demographic information to ensure we are reaching new and diverse candidates.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Participation and input from community members help to improve programs and services for the community. There are also opportunities to share information and increase the level of understanding of programs and services through discussions and community engagement.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
As a separate local jurisdiction, the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District policy provides for a per diem of $50 to appointed managers.
Last Previous Action
On February 20, 2024, the Ramsey County Board appointed Val Eisele to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Board of Managers for a term beginning February 24, 2024 and ending on February 23, 2027 (Resolution B2024-031).
Attachments
1. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Roster