Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Appointments to the Valley Branch Watershed District Board of Managers
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Recommendation
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Appoint Rick Gelbmann (incumbent) the Valley Branch Watershed District Board of Managers for terms beginning November 14, 2025 and ending November 13, 2028.
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Background and Rationale
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The Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) is led by a five-person Board of Managers that is responsible for the control and management of the water resources in the VBWD; four managers are appointed by Washington County and one by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
There is currently one vacancy on the VBWD Board of Managers due to term expirations. Recruitment through the county’s open appointment resulted in one application from the incumbent. On September 29, 2025, the application was forwarded to three Ramsey County Board Commissioners to interview, which gave the commissioners an opportunity to engage with and learn more about the applicant. The interview occurred on October 3, 2025, 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 committee vacancies through GovDelivery and word of mouth by advisory committee members, staff and the Ramsey County Board, the vacancies and application were promoted through an email listserv reaching numerous diverse organizations and networks. This extended promotion process is a step towards better outreach to more racially diverse and underrepresented voices that are often missed. 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 demographics to ensure we are reaching new and diverse candidates.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Participation by and input from community members appointed to advisory groups helps to shape and improve programs and services for the community, share information and increase the level of understanding through discussion, dialogue and engagement.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
As a separate local jurisdiction, the Valley Branch Watershed District policy has provisions for per diem payments to appointed managers.
Last Previous Action
On October 25, 2022, the Ramsey County Board appointed Rick Gelbmann to the Valley Branch Watershed District Board of Managers for terms ending November 13, 2025 (B2022-246).
Attachments
1. Valley Branch Watershed District Board of Managers Roster