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 Val Eisele, District 2, to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Board of Managers for a term beginning February 24, 2027 and ending on February 23, 2030.
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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 Washing 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. Each board of managers is appointed to a 3-year term. 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 Board of Managers must be residents of the watershed district and serve a three-year term. RWMWD Board of 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 upcoming vacancy on the RWMWD Board of Managers due to term expirations. Recruitment through the county’s community advisory board recruitment process resulted in one applications. On September 14, 2026, the application was forwarded to the commissioners for review and interviews were conducted the week of September 21, 2026.
These interviews provided the commissioners with the opportunity to engage with each candidate and to learn more about their qualifications beyond what was included in their applications. This board action supports the Racial & Health Equity and Shared Community Power strategic priority by embedding Ramsey County residents in shared decision-making processes.
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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 November 4, 2025, the Ramsey County Board appointed Mark C. Gernes and Benjamin M. Karp to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Board of Managers for terms beginning February 24, 2026 and ending on February 23, 2029 (Resolution B2025-200).
Attachments
1. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Roster.