Brian Kelly from the MnDOT Water Resources Division stated that he was asked to redesign the proposed pond and they looked at raising the elevation of the pond "Option No. 1 bad the bottom of the pond at the Coldwater Springs elevation and the pool was one meter higher. Option No. 2 was a modification thereof. Option No. 3 showed the pool at the elevation of Camp Coldwater Springs and the bottom was a half meter below that elevation." He stated that the third option appeared to be superior to others because it would not have an adverse affect on Camp Coldwater Springs and it would provide for adequate storm water treatment prior to discharge. Mr. Bigalke stated that when he and the District Engineer met with MnDOT, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District representatives and DNR representatives several weeks ago to discuss the concern about possible impact on ground water, he had suggested to MnDOT that they look also at what is now called Alternatives Nos. 1 and 2. At that meeting, MnDOT presented, what is now referred to as Alternative No. 3, and at that meeting the representatives of Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and DNR and he and Mr. Samstad agreed that that would be an acceptable modification of the plan, subject to reviewing the details, but that Mr. Bigalke had asked that alternatives one and two be examined. This pond would be at a maximum depth of 18 inches. This Alternative No. 3 would maintain the hydraulic ground water head in the area. Mr. Bigalke stated he believes Alternative No. 3 addresses all of the concerns and still results in adequate treatment of the surface water runoff to be discharged. He-noted that MnDOT had found an old storm water pipe that was discharging approximately 85 gallons per minute of ground water directly to the bluffs. Nobody had known of its existence before. MnDOT pulled the pipe and backfilled with course material so that the ground water would be able to continue its flow in its natural fashion.

Mr. Samstad stated at the prior meeting, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District representatives agreed with the concept of keeping the pond level at or above the elevation of Camp Coldwater. Manager Schwalbe stated that was his understanding that everyone agreed with what is the equivalent of Alternative No. 3. Mr. Kelly stated there will be a skimmer and they will clean the pond out as needed. Given the 18 inch pool depth, they hope that vegetation will grow up through the water to discourage the use by the water fowl because of FAA regulations relating to safety of the airlines. Mr. Bigalke stated that MnDOT is monitoring the spring daily during construction and will monitor it monthly thereafter to determine if there is any impact. Don Peterson of MnDOT stated that the pond would most likely be constructed next Spring since they need to order the pipe and structures this Fall, but they may construct a small portion of the pond this Fall. He stated if the monitoring shows problems during construction of the pond they will stop the work immediately  and see what needs to be done, such as adding a liner to the pond. There will be some dewatering in the Spring.

Ms. Levine of the Preserve Camp Coldwater Coalition stated that she and others were not allowed to participate in a meeting of technical staff several weeks ago. She stated that she did not think that Minnehaha Creek Watershed District had received the final documentation relating to Alternative No. 3 and she was concerned about what their comments might be.

Mr. Malkerson stated that he wanted to make sure that Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has adequate opportunity to review the final specifications and it sounded that they may not have had that opportunity. It was understandable that since this project was within the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District that MnDOT perhaps did not understand that this District wanted to be sure that Minnehaha Creek Watershed District had ample opportunity to comment on any project that took place in what was referred to the "contested areas" in the recent boundary expansion proceeding. Ms. Levine stated that she wants to make sure that there is no adverse impact on the flow to Camp Coldwater. Della Schall from MnDOT stated that they had sent a letter to Minnehaha Creek Watershed District recently and no one asked them for any additional detail as they normally do if they wanted some additional detail. It was noted that the additional detail that was sent to the District was more detailed computations relating to the pond. Mr. Bigalke noted that those were not available two weeks ago since that was a preliminary discussion.

Following discussion it was moved and seconded to table this matter to the next meeting at which time the Managers will act on it unless the Managers receive information from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District that would lead to the need for further inquiry. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District should present its comments to the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District by November 10 so there is adequate time to review them prior to the meeting. MnDOT should deliver the additional documents and all other documents requested by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District immediately. If a dispute arises relating to the comments from Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, they should be resolved prior to the next meeting. Upon vote the motion carried unanimously.