I think we're ready to call this meeting to order. So it is October 28th, 2026 at 3.36 p.m. We are here
in the NETU Hill Room and it is the stormwater management board. In attendance are the surveyors, surveyor
Tron and Wright Randolph, Commissioner Jody Madeira, Commissioner Julie Thomas. And so,
The first order of business is public input for items not on the agenda. I don't see anyone here in
person. Anyone on teams? Please raise your hand. Seeing no one. We will move on to approval of the minutes
for August 2026. Can I have a motion? Move approval of the minutes for August 2026. Second. Any corrections,
additions? All right. All in favor of approving the minutes for August 2026, say aye.
motion passes. Next we have the stormwater expenditure report for August and September twenty twenty
six. Okay for August we had the gas for July was seven thousand four hundred and fifty one dollars and
twenty nine cents. Traffic officers was twenty five thousand eight hundred and thirteen dollars and
ninety eight
And the great all was repaired again. That was nine thousand four twenty three ten And then for professional
fees twenty six thousand one eighty nine ten and that was a I believe a post construction detention
basin maintenance assessment And do you have any questions? Thank you And then for September
The gas for August was $7,484.41 and traffic officers, $13,531.43. And those are the two big expenditures.
Thank you. Any comments or questions from my colleagues? No. All right. Moving on to new business, the
Friends of Lake Monroe program report.
I'm Maggie Sullivan with Friends of Lake Monroe. I just wanted to give you guys a brief update on the
work that we're doing. We just had our 10-year celebration in September, so we spent some time looking
back. I wanted to run through some numbers. We've been working on the watershed management plan and
its implementation since 2019. And in that time, we've given over 50 educational presentations about
protecting Lake Monroe and its watershed. We sent mailers to over 9,000 watershed residents about how
to protect
water quality through septic maintenance, agricultural conservation, and stream stewardship. We held
10 in-person workshops on topics ranging from cover crops to septic system maintenance to good forestry
stewardship, and we've logged over 200 volunteer hours doing trash cleanups around Lake Monroe and its
tributaries. Where maybe most
of our work installing conservation projects on agricultural and forested land through our conservation
cost share program. So we've completed eight projects so far and the models show that we're keeping
over 13,000 tons of sediment, 13,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 27,000 pounds of nitrogen out of the
lake. Those projects included
using cover crops on corn and soybean fields, installing heavy-use area pads where livestock gather,
putting in sediment control basins on hilly ground, installing pollinator plantings, and converting
cropland to pasture. We have six more projects that we have approved and are in progress, and we have
a dozen other farmers who are interested and are going through the design
process before we get those formally approved. So really excited about the work that we're doing and
thank you so much for all the ways that you have supported us and contributed to that work. Our most
recent grant through the 319 program started in December last year and will run through December of
2028. So we're about a third of the way through.
And just a reminder that the stormwater board did pledge $25,000 a year through those three years. And
so the next payment is coming up this fall that will fund the work we'll do for the next calendar year.
Happy to answer any questions, but thank you again for all your support. Any questions, remarks? Yes.
Remarks. This is one of the most gratifying kind of
roles on this board, even if it's just showing support, not necessarily the boots on the ground, even
though I feel like I do my fair share of being knowledgeable in this area and attending a lot of different
organizations that kind of support the efforts that you're doing with the watershed.
My remarks are, I think we just kind of scratched the surface and we need to continue to work forward
or continue to go forward and continue to support these efforts until we really have a solid management
plan in place, like with recurring mailers to folks that have septics that need to have them flushed.
or just information about the need of making sure they're in good repair or rapport. Also, the fact
that the watershed is quite large and a large portion of it is outside of the county, 40% plus in Brown
County alone. Looking at a water conservation district, I think,
something that could really help with the watershed needs but Lake Monroe is what I'm saying is like
because that's in kind of Monroe County and without that collaborative effort we're really limited on
what we can do that's kind of hitting the actual body of water so you know to really look at water quality
water quantity, you know, we need to continue this effort and this support. So I'm really happy you
gave us an update, but I'm also, I guess, asking for you to let us know what your needs are moving forward
to really continue to collaborate to preserve our lakes in Monroe County. Sorry, I'm kind of long-winded
there, but I hope I was to the point.
I do want to pass along thanks to the Friends Lake Monroe. I'm on the steering committee and the watershed
program. And it's really exciting to see these single projects with such a big impact. So thank you
for all the work in advertising it and getting those things together. I really appreciate it. And it
is true that we only control so much of the watershed.
I'm just so impressed with the septic program, the work being done to try to limit animal waste that
runs off into the lake, and efforts to try to reduce erosion, which our hands have been tied by the
state in a lot of this, unfortunately. But I really, really do appreciate the efforts, the ongoing education
of the entire community, because I heard people talking about
the septic program, even though they weren't in the watershed. And I thought, that's what we need, right?
So we did our own sort of small version of that. Well, it was not so small, but with the ARPA funds
elsewhere in the county. So this is really the start of something great. And we want to see it continue.
And we're here for you. If you need anything, let us know.
Thank you so much. Just one last plug for anyone who might be listening in is we are funding septic
system maintenance throughout the watershed. If there's anyone listening who needs the tank pumped,
we do have funding for that right now. Thank you. Great. That's awesome. Thanks. Thank you so very much.
Thank you for this critical work. So we are on to resolution 2026-1, South Roger Street Drainage Improvements
Project. But we don't have anything in our packet.
that we can look at. So is there something we can look at. Because it's not in our packet. Yes, it wasn't.
I didn't send the packet to you. No, it just really has. It starts at item. See the country club. Yeah.
Number 1 resolution B resolution. She's doing that with Dave. Okay, we were just discussing that. Okay,
because it's not in our packet. It's in there. I'm it says it's between him. It says SWMB resolution.
It's not in our packet from the web.
So we're going to table that portion anyway, because our contracts need to go first. And that's my error
for getting it on here. And then once we have the plans, the specifications and everything, then we'll
develop the resolution. We just had that out of sequence. So I'm going to move to continue resolution
2026-1. I will second. All in favor of moving to continue, of continuing item B resolution 2026-1, say aye.
I that item is continued moving on to see country club manner drainage improvement project phase 3.
I make a motion. I'm sorry, yes, I like to make a motion for country club manner drainage improvement
project phase 3 proposal for land survey and civil engineering services not to exceed $47,000. Yes, second.
So we have a drainage project that we want to take on in the Willow Creek area, Roger Street area. We
have broke it down into three, basically three phases for this project because we believe part of it
we can do in-house, part of it we will not, part of it we have an HOA involved. So this portion is for
phase three of the project. And then you can see,
on the proposal for land surveying, civil engineering services for this portion of the project. So this
is trying to get that project started before we try and set up to pave that subdivision eventually.
We want to get all the drainage concerns fixed. And this is our first step. Quick question.
And I guess I'm going to start with a comment. I've noticed that some of the efforts with the stormwater
rate fee in the city are being shift to kind of help address more historic neighborhoods that have had
a HOA that are in good standing or can't really take on the obligation to deal with some of what they
need. I'm only saying that because this is going to help out that neighborhood and
potentially get the HOA in a better position to manage it moving forward. My question is after we put
in these investments and then one step of many, is there a way where we can work with the HOA to get
them committed to maintaining these neighborhoods so we don't have to come back after the fact again?
I don't know what that would look like from a commitment from an HOA or even just have them attend some
of these educational courses we offer so they understand what they need to do to have a long-term maintenance
plan for these areas. I'm just trying to figure out what's the best way to maximize our dollars when
we have these issues and these
more historic neighborhoods that you know we need to come in and help because it's just not doable from
you know a cost standpoint for the HOA. Correct so I think that's why our and I can't speak for Erica
I know she has been very involved in the project I know she has been involved with the HOA and they're
very interested in help and and getting this problem fixed. What we're finding sometimes when you have
the HOAs involved again they don't have the money to bring it up to
get it working condition. That's where I feel like we're stepping in. We're going to take it on to get
it to it's fixing these problems and then train the HOAs to take them over. I think that's part of our
contract with HNTB also is getting HOAs more involved in taking care of their drainage or their detention
areas in their subdivisions. I definitely think that this is a good way to really address
issues that are going to just stay present if we don't take action. I guess, sorry, Director Ridge,
that you're taking in extra duty as our project managers on leave. So I guess my comments or questions
are really meant to kind of stir that discussion up on your side.
internally and, you know, thank you for addressing that. I think it's also something that as you're
aware that we have started. So we've set up the interviews for our long range stormwater plan. So I've
been involved with WS WSP on that one. Yes, trying to remember which contract consultant. So I've been
very involved with Heather Williams and getting getting that set up getting the interview started. But
I think that's also something that can play into our long
long range storm plan of getting these HOA is involved and having race showing responsibility, and I
think in my opinion, just my opinion that will be in my interview. That that needs to play a part in
that long range plan and that needs to be included and maybe even trying to map out some of
the infrastructure so they can be more. You know, due diligent on the needs that they need to maintain.
Sorry, the mapping the GIS data.
And the, the training and education for a choice is already part of what we've talked about with them.
So it's already something we talked about him playing national the time. So I don't know that we're
broaching a new topic here, but certainly there.
their support to continue down that road. I think it's just an unknown for some of the HOAs. They didn't
know what they're responsible for. And I don't know how an HOA works. I've never belonged to an HOA.
I don't know how informative they are. But I think it's our duties at this point, being Plain Commission,
being stormwater, that we get that education to them of what is their responsibility.
Absolutely. And I applaud Commissioner Thomas's effort on the HOA issue. I feel like we've kind of looked
at this very similar over the years. And I think this is a nice reflection of a lot of effort over a
lot of years and seeing things kind of come together. So this is kind of the first stormwater project
I've seen with us outside of a filled stone dam that we're helping with.
I guess, you know, kudos, and it's awesome to kind of see things come together after so much time and
effort. I think my big concern, and this is something we can't control for, is when we create HOAs,
create subdivisions, create PUDs that have HOAs, the problem is whether or not they have sufficient
funding to do what they have to do and whether that's a priority. And that's not something we can control.
And so I still think we need a legal answer as to what we're going to do, because I don't think it's
fair to the residents of Monroe County who pay the stormwater fee to have to see this kind of thing
happen in a project when an HOE should be managing something. They can come to us for guidance. That
would be great, because then we can really make sure things are done right.
But it's going to come down to money, and it's going to come down to how bad it gets before we have
to step in, and if that's going to cost us more money, because we waited. And this one is a little trickier,
just because it's actually different names of different subdivisions here that connect. So you don't
have an HOA through this whole subdivision. So that's kind of why we broke it down. And HOA is only
going to be as good as it is educated, and its members are educated. And so there needs to be a continuity plan.
I agree with what my colleague said. It's not fair to offload these costs onto taxpayers. And part of
that should be, frankly, education on how to fund this moving forward. And just for all those citizens
out there who wonder, why is a stormwater department so essential? This is one of those reasons why.
Yeah. Yeah. I think the education on stormwater, and even for myself, has grown so much over the last
10 years, and the importance of it.
And this has been a problem area for a long time. So we've completed the step road project and such.
But it's an area that needs attention. It needs paving. It needs curb work. It needs a lot of attention.
So I'm thrilled to be able to take this project on and get it started. And we've done other projects
in this area, too. Pardon me? We've done other projects in this area as well. Yes. Yes. That's what
I thought. OK. Excellent.
public comment. Yes. Any members of the public who would like to comment on this proposal? I don't see
anyone here in the Nightingale room. Is there anyone present online? Just raise your hand. We will call
on you. Seeing no one, I think we're moving forward to a vote. Roll call since it has money. That's
what I was going to ask. Can we do a roll call vote? Oh, sure.
I was waiting to see how Enright Randolph was going to translate on this. I've just never done this
before, so I'm sorry. No, it's fine. Yes. Commissioner Madeira? Yes. And Commissioner Thomas? Yes. You're
going to have to do this again. A unanimous vote? So the contract passes. Excellent. Can't wait for
Erica to be back. Can we go make a motion on the next item?
I move approval of Country Club Little Creek HOA drainage improvement project, land serving and civil
engineering services not to exceed $58,260. I will second that. So this is the other portion that we
will be working on. I believe this is the HOA area. Basically a different phase of it that we're looking
at goes in hand with the
that you just approved for continuing of this drainage improvement in this area. Excellent. I don't
have any comments. Do you, Mike? Mine is I'm completely supportive of getting us to like this, you know,
first step of like having something that is functional and, you know, supporting these, I guess.
Long term, and that's a weird thing to say,
serving in an elected role, but you know, it will really be the track record. And it's if we can get
these HOAs up to a good standing and they maintain it, great, but let's say we do this and then we're
back in the same conversation seven years from now, which I can't say I'll be in the same role, but
just if I am, you know, that's when I'll start to have to figure out like where I waver on these efforts
because I wanna make sure that the money we're investing gives them
we empower them to be able to maintain it moving forward. And we don't just have to go through and recycle
these, just to kind of close the loop on my stance on this effort, which I do support. Thank you. Any
other comments? All right. Sending this out to public. Comment. No one here in the Nattie Hill room.
Anyone online that would like to offer comment? Seeing no one, I think we're ready for the roll call vote.
Ron. I don't think you're both going the same order, so I'll say yes. Commissioner Thomas. And Commissioner
Madeira. Unanimous vote. And so it passes. Motion passes. Excellent. Thank you so much. This is my first
public meeting. You host the MPO and you do an amazing job at it. I don't know why I'm just so
staff reports. Um. Don't have early a lot, Um, Stip road. We are finishing up just making we have probably
one more. Um. And voice that we will be paying about. I've requested that to be in before the middle
of November so we can take it out of 2026 budget. We don't have to take anything into 2027. The project
has turned out great. We walked the
So very, very happy to have that done. Erica, as you know, is on maternity leave, and her son was born on 9-11.
a week early. I will say kudos to Erica. She was sending out emails right and left on 9-11 before she
left at the end of the day. And then we got an email over the weekend that Sal was born. And it seems
like everything is going great. So we want to wish her and her new family the best. And she is scheduled
to be back December 7th with us.
But other than that, I think that's all I have unless you have any questions on anything. Just one comment
that Ross and Greg have done a tremendous job with the drainage board in Erica's stead as well. Just
wanted to give a shout out. I'm glad you mentioned that, Tron. I couldn't be taking over some of the
duties that I have done without
Tina, Adam, Ross, and Greg. They are doing what they can to keep me in line and not forget anything.
We actually did finish the log jam removal that we had the grant for. Worked really close. NCRS was
great to work with. Bluestone came in last week, had it done in, I think, three and a half days. Our
crew went back in on Friday.
was a little bit of running from the equipment. Worked with the property owners. I've heard no complaints.
I walked the project when they were down there, it looks 100% better. And NCRS said, you know, they've
already. We've gotten invoice processed up for payment and they've already submitted for our reimbursement.
City of Bloomington's already been, I think, invoiced for their portion for that part of the grant.
that we were able to work with a grant to work so easy in a week's time. Um but we did, uh,
got that done. So I was glad we didn't lose that. Um because the deadline for that to be done, I think
was November 16th. So yeah. So that did get completed in the last week. I've been there and it's beautiful.
It's very much an improvement. Thank you so much for all of the hard work there and the real improvement
will come when we get lots of rain,
Yes. Literally a lifesaver. Yes. Absolutely. I'm flooded with tears. Nah. Flushed with success.
Wrong pun. All right. Any other staff reports updates? All right. Any other comments from colleagues?
If not, I believe we're adjourned. Our next meeting is November 18th, 2026. Thank you so much. Thank you.