The committee devoted considerable attention to the stormwater management program, highlighting efforts to comply with the federal Clean Water Act and reduce pollutants in surface water bodies. The discussion included a presentation on the 2024 annual report, outlining ongoing initiatives to manage stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants into water bodies. Notably, there has been a significant reduction in salt usage for de-icing roads, over 40% since 2001, balancing public safety with environmental health by minimizing harm to local ecosystems.

Future plans for 2025 were also discussed, such as expanding multilingual educational materials and continuing successful programs like the trash reduction initiative at Lake Hiawatha. The committee considered new strategies to forecast and manage salt usage. The session concluded with a commitment to maintaining clean water and responsible stormwater practices, emphasizing the importance of public education and community involvement in these efforts.

The meeting also addressed the issue of algae blooms in Lake of the Isles. A committee member raised concerns about the worsening blooms, attributing them to stormwater runoff and nutrient loads from grass and tree clippings. The proposal to increase street sweeping and implement other stormwater management measures was put forward, highlighting the need for further discussions with affected residents to explore viable solutions.

In other business, the committee tackled a proposed ordinance amending outdoor stadium noise regulations. The amendment aims to extend current exemptions from noise permits for amplified sound activities at stadiums to include concerts, with specific conditions. These conditions include limiting operational hours from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. and capping sound levels at 15 decibels above ambient noise at nearby registered locations. The public hearing for this ordinance saw no participants, but the need to address a loophole affecting stadium usage was highlighted.

The committee also discussed the Columbus Park Alley Reconstruction Project, where an engineer from Public Works outlined the project’s scope. The alley, constructed in 1937, is slated for significant repairs. During the public hearing, a resident expressed concerns about inadequate notification to some neighbors and the impact on newly constructed driveways. Issues related to parking during the construction period and ensuring access for residents with disabilities were also raised. The engineer assured residents that communications would continue before construction begins, with plans in place to manage garbage collection and address specific needs.

In the public comment period on the stormwater management plan, a representative from a local coalition proposed initiatives to enhance collaboration between the Park Board, Public Works, and neighborhood advocates. They suggested establishing a city-wide network of lake and creek groups and holding quarterly forums to discuss broader water quality issues. The representative also urged the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to recognize litter and trash as contaminants of concern, proposing that the city work with the agency to track these metrics. These suggestions were noted by the committee for consideration before finalizing any actions on the stormwater management plan.