City of Northfield, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Project Process

The City has adopted a plan to obtain comments, general to technical in nature, during the ordinance development process.  Two groups will be called on to give specific feedback throughout the process.

The schedule of meetings and topics is available (PDF file). Note that meeting dates may change if the process is delayed or scheduling conflicts arise.

Technical Steering Committee (TSC)

The TSC is intended to be a group of individuals with specific credentials to guide the technical aspects of creation of the surface water management ordinance.  The areas of expertise that are recommended be represented are pollutant fate and transport, water chemistry, ecology, hydrology, geology, policy, and staffing/budgets.  It is anticipated that this group will guide the creation of the ordinance with input from the Council, City Boards and Commissions, other advisory groups and the general public.  It is possible that others could be called upon when necessary to provide further direction.

Draft documents will be developed by Barr Engineering with input and discussion with the TSC. The draft documents will be the primary focus of discussion at the second and third Advisory Group and Public meetings (June 9 and July 12, 2010).

• Second Reading of updates to Ch. 34 and Ch. 82 to comform to new stormwater ordinances (9/21/2010)
  • Ch. 34 (Land Development Code) Updates (PDF)
  • Ch. 82 (Utilities) Updates (PDF)
• Second Reading (9/7/2010)
  • Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
• Draft 2 (7/12/2010)
  • Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
  • Rice Creek Policy Document (5.6MB PDF)
• Draft 1 (6/7/2010)
  • Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
  • Definitions (PDF)
  • Rice Creek Policy Document (1.7 MB PDF)
  • Policy Questions (PDF)

A series of technical reports was created by Barr Engineering to serve as a basis for the development of the new regulations. These reports will be posted here as they are completed.

• Existing Regulatory Conditions (PDF) 4/29/2010 - this report summarizes the state and federal regulations that the city must meet. It also describes the goals and performance standards outlined in the city's Surface Water Management Plan (2007).
• Shoreland Regulations (PDF) - this report summarizes the implications of the new draft shoreland regulations developed by the MN/DNR. These regulations are expected to be enacted by the state within the next twelve months.
• LID Practices (2.5 MB PDF) - this report discusses some of the available Low-Impact Development (LID) practices available as a set of tools to help the city meet its new surface water management performance goals. The report discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these methods from the point of view of performance as well as the cost of development and administration.
• Cold Water (Trout) Streams (PDF) - this report discusses the special requirements of cold water streams that host trout populations. Rice Creek (Spring Brook) is a state-designated trout stream. A policy document will be developed with specific rules for this creek to be prepared in the event portions of it are annexed into the city.

Advisory Group

The advisory group is intended to be a larger group that has interest in the creation of the regulation for various reasons but may be focused more on policy and implementation.  For example members of the Planning Commission, EQC, local builders and developers, or other citizens having an interest in the process could be included in this group.  It is anticipated that the meeting of the Advisory group be both for explaining the reasoning for recommendations of the TSC along with getting input and comments on the policies.

• 7/12/2010 - Third Advisory Group Meeting - discussion of second draft and review City Council direction from 6/22/10 work session
  • Draft 2 (7/12/2010)
    • Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
    • Rice Creek Policy Document (5.6MB PDF)
  • Presentation (14 MB PDF)
• 6/9/2010 - Second Advisory Group Meeting - discussion of first draft ordinance and some policy questions
  • Draft 1 (6/7/2010)
    • Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
    • Definitions (PDF)
    • Rice Creek Policy Document (1.7 MB PDF)
  • Policy Questions- Discussion questions addressed by committee members
  • Presentation (6.7MB PDF)
• 5/4/2010 - First Advisory Group Meeting
  • Presentation - Additional notes for specific slides are found in the upper left corner of the slide. (8.5 MB PDF)
  • Policy Questions and Responses- Discussion questions addressed by committee members. Responses are summaries of the general consensus in the group and may not represent views of individual members.

Public Meetings

In addition to the groups described above, there will be multiple opportunities for public input including open houses, public hearings, and online resources (this site). Information and public event dates will be posted on this page as they become available.

• Presentation for the third Public Meeting is identical to that used for the Advisory Group, 7/12/2010.
• Presentation for the second Public Meeting is identical to that used for the Advisory Group, 6/9/2010.
• Presentation for the first Public Meeting is identical to that used for the Advisory Group, 5/4/2010.

City Council

The City Council will review two drafts of the ordinance and provide feedback and direction regarding any policy questions that arise during the process.

• July 20, 2010 - City Council Work Session, 7:15PM, City Hall - Present second draft and ask for direction on policy questions. (Agenda & Packet)
• June 22, 2010 - City Council Work Session, 7:15PM, City Hall - Present second draft and ask for direction on policy questions. (Agenda & Packet)

More Information

• Introduction
• Local Government Collaboration
• Public Input (including sign-up for email notifications)
• Documents