as introduced - 79th Legislature (1995 - 1996) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to waters; eliminating the position of board 1.3 of water and soil resources secretary; increasing 1.4 board members' compensation; duties of advisory 1.5 committees; rule approval procedure; guidelines for 1.6 management plans; exemptions from review; appeals from 1.7 rules, permit decisions, and orders; informal dispute 1.8 resolution; tax levy for common benefits; assessment 1.9 basis; authorizing special taxing districts and common 1.10 benefit funds; amending Minnesota Statutes 1994, 1.11 sections 103D.011, subdivision 21; 103D.101, 1.12 subdivision 4; 103D.205, subdivisions 1 and 4; 1.13 103D.221, subdivision 2; 103D.255, subdivision 1; 1.14 103D.261, subdivision 1; 103D.271, subdivisions 2 and 1.15 4; 103D.305, subdivision 1; 103D.311, subdivision 4; 1.16 103D.315, subdivisions 1, 8, and 11; 103D.321, 1.17 subdivision 2; 103D.331; 103D.335, subdivisions 5, 6, 1.18 and 13; 103D.341, subdivision 2; 103D.351; 103D.401, 1.19 subdivisions 1 and 2; 103D.405, subdivision 1; 1.20 103D.515, subdivision 4; 103D.531; 103D.535, 1.21 subdivisions 1, 4, and 5; 103D.537; 103D.611, 1.22 subdivisions 1, 4, and 5; 103D.621, subdivision 4; 1.23 103D.625, subdivisions 3 and 4; 103D.631, subdivision 1.24 2; 103D.635, subdivisions 1 and 3; 103D.705, 1.25 subdivision 1; 103D.711, subdivision 2; 103D.715, 1.26 subdivision 3; 103D.721, subdivision 2; 103D.741, 1.27 subdivision 1; 103D.745, subdivisions 2 and 3; 1.28 103D.811, subdivisions 1 and 3; 103D.901, subdivisions 1.29 2, 4, and 5; 103D.905, subdivisions 3 and 5; 103D.921, 1.30 subdivisions 1 and 3; and 103D.925; proposing coding 1.31 for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103D. 1.32 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.33 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.011, 1.34 subdivision 21, is amended to read: 1.35 Subd. 21. [PROJECT.] "Project" means planning and 1.36 development, studies and reports, monitoring, implementation 1.37 programs, construction, maintenance, repair, or improvement of a 1.38 watershed district for a purpose for which the watershed 2.1 district is established. 2.2 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.101, 2.3 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 2.4 Subd. 4. [RECORDS.] The board must keep a record of all 2.5 proceedings before it and maintain the record on filethe record2.6with the secretary of the board. Copies of the record may be 2.7 obtained on terms and conditions prescribed by the board. 2.8 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.205, 2.9 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 2.10 Subdivision 1. [FILING.] To establish a watershed 2.11 district, an establishment petition must be filed with the 2.12secretary of theboard. 2.13 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.205, 2.14 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 2.15 Subd. 4. [FILING ESTABLISHMENT PETITIONS.] The petitioners 2.16 must file a copy of the establishment petition with the auditors 2.17 of the counties affected by the proposed watershed district, the 2.18 commissioner, and the director. The original establishment 2.19 petition, with a signed statement of delivery or receipt for 2.20 each of the establishment petitions submitted to the auditors of 2.21 affected counties, the commissioners, and the directors, must be 2.22 filed with thesecretary of theboard. 2.23 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.221, 2.24 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 2.25 Subd. 2. [NOTICE.] (a) The board must give notice of the 2.26 establishment hearing by publication in a legal newspaper that 2.27 is published in counties affected by the proposed watershed 2.28 district. The last publication must occur at least ten days 2.29 before the establishment hearing. 2.30 (b) The board must give notice of the establishment hearing 2.31 by mail to the auditors of counties and to the chief executive 2.32 officials of municipalities affected by the proposed watershed 2.33 district. 2.34 (c) The notice must include: 2.35 (1) a statement that an establishment petition has been 2.36 filed with the board and auditors of counties affected by the 3.1 proposed watershed district; 3.2 (2) a general description of the need for the proposed 3.3 district, and the purpose of the proposed watershed district's 3.4 contemplated improvements, if any; 3.5 (3) a general description of the property to be included in 3.6 the proposed watershed district; 3.7 (4) the date, time, and location of hearing; and 3.8 (5) a statement that all persons affected or interested in 3.9 the establishment of the proposed watershed district may attend 3.10 and give statements at the establishment hearing. 3.11 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.255, 3.12 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 3.13 Subdivision 1. [PETITION.] (a) Proceedings to withdraw 3.14 territory from an existing watershed district must be initiated 3.15 by a petition filed with thesecretary of theboard. 3.16 (b) The required signatures on a petition for withdrawal 3.17 are the same as prescribed for an establishment petition, but 3.18 the percentages must be calculated only with reference to the 3.19 territory that is proposed to be withdrawn from the watershed 3.20 district. 3.21 (c) The petition must state that: 3.22 (1) the territory described has not received or will not 3.23 receive any benefits from the operation of the watershed 3.24 districts; 3.25 (2) the watershed district can perform the functions for 3.26 which it was established without the inclusion of the territory; 3.27 and 3.28 (3) the territory is not, in fact, a part of the watershed. 3.29 (d) The petition must request the release of the described 3.30 territory from the watershed district. 3.31 (e) The petition must be served on the board and any 3.32 affected watershed district, and the board shall proceed as 3.33 prescribed for an establishment petition. The requirements for 3.34 notices and public hearings are as prescribed for the 3.35 establishment petition. 3.36 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.261, 4.1 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 4.2 Subdivision 1. [PETITION.] (a) Proceedings to enlarge an 4.3 existing watershed district must be initiated by a petition 4.4 filed with thesecretary of theboard. The required signatures 4.5 on a petition to enlarge are the same as for an establishment 4.6 petition, but the percentages must be calculated only with 4.7 reference to the territory that is proposed to be added to the 4.8 watershed district. The petition must: 4.9 (1) state that the area to be added is contiguous to the 4.10 existing watershed district; 4.11 (2) state that the area can be feasibly administered by the 4.12 managers of the existing watershed district; 4.13 (3) state reasons why adding the area to the existing 4.14 watershed district would be conducive to the public health and 4.15 welfare; 4.16 (4) include a map of the affected area; 4.17 (5) state the name of the proposed enlarged watershed 4.18 district, if other than that of the existing watershed district; 4.19 and 4.20 (6) state a request for the addition of the proposed 4.21 territory. 4.22 (b) The petition must be served on the board and affected 4.23 watershed districts, and the board must proceed as prescribed 4.24 for an establishment petition. 4.25 (c) The requirement of notice and public hearings is as 4.26 prescribed for the establishment petition. 4.27 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.271, 4.28 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 4.29 Subd. 2. [INITIATION.] Proceedings for the termination of 4.30 a watershed district may only be initiated by filing a 4.31 termination petition with thesecretary of theboard. 4.32 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.271, 4.33 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 4.34 Subd. 4. [TERMINATION PETITION.] (a) The termination 4.35 petition must be signed by at least 25 percent of the resident 4.36 owners residing in the watershed district. The termination 5.1 petition must state that the existence of the watershed district 5.2 does not benefit the public welfare and public interest and the 5.3 watershed district is not needed to accomplish the purposes of 5.4 this chapter. 5.5 (b) The petitioners must file a copy of the termination 5.6 petition with the auditors of the counties affected by the 5.7 watershed district. The original termination petition with a 5.8 statement signed for delivery or receipt of each of the 5.9 termination petitions submitted to the auditors of counties 5.10 affected by the watershed district must be filed with the 5.11secretary of theboard. 5.12 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.305, 5.13 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 5.14 Subdivision 1. [INITIATION.] A proceeding to increase the 5.15 number of managers of a watershed district must be initiated by 5.16 filing a petition with thesecretary of theboard. 5.17 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.311, 5.18 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 5.19 Subd. 4. [RECORD OF APPOINTED MANAGERS.] A record of all 5.20 appointments made under this section must be filed with the 5.21 county auditor of each county affected by the watershed 5.22 district, the secretary of the board of managers, and the 5.23secretary of theboard of water and soil resources. 5.24 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.315, 5.25 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 5.26 Subdivision 1. [OATH.] Each manager must take and sign the 5.27 oath defined in the Minnesota Constitution, article V, section 5.28 6. The signed oath must be filed with thesecretary of the5.29 board. 5.30 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.315, 5.31 subdivision 8, is amended to read: 5.32 Subd. 8. [COMPENSATION.] The compensation of managers for 5.33 meetings and for performance of other necessary duties may not 5.34 exceed$50$55 a day. Managers are entitled to reimbursement 5.35 for traveling and other necessary expenses incurred in the 5.36 performance of official duties. 6.1 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.315, 6.2 subdivision 11, is amended to read: 6.3 Subd. 11. [ADMINISTRATION BYLAWSAND RULES.] The managers 6.4 shall adopt bylawsand rulesfor the administration of the 6.5 business and affairs of the watershed district.RulesBylaws 6.6 adopted under this subdivision are not subject to section 6.7 103D.341. 6.8 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.321, 6.9 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 6.10 Subd. 2. [CHANGE OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.] (a) The 6.11 managers may initiate a change of the principal place of 6.12 business to a different location within the watershed district 6.13 by passing a resolution stating the proposed change of 6.14 location. After passing the resolution, the managers must set a 6.15 time and location for a hearing on the change of the principal 6.16 place of business. 6.17 (b) The managers must give notice of the hearing by 6.18 publication in a legal newspaper, published in the counties 6.19 affected by the watershed district, with the last publication 6.20 occurring at least ten days before the hearing. Notice of the 6.21 hearing must be mailed to the auditors of counties affected by 6.22 the watershed district ten days before the hearing. After the 6.23 hearing, the managers may, by order, change the place of 6.24 business. 6.25 (c) The change of the principal place of business of the 6.26 watershed district is effective when a certified copy of the 6.27 managers' order is filed with the secretary of state and the 6.28secretary of theboard. 6.29 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.331, is 6.30 amended to read: 6.31 103D.331 [ADVISORY COMMITTEE.] 6.32 Subdivision 1. [PURPOSE.] The managers must annually 6.33 appoint an advisory committee to advise and assist the managers 6.34 on all matters affecting the interests of the watershed district 6.35 and make recommendations to the managers on all contemplated 6.36 projects and improvements in the watershed district. 7.1 Subd. 1a. [DUTIES.] For purposes of carrying out its 7.2 duties under this section the advisory committee shall: 7.3 (1) elect a chair from its membership; 7.4 (2) elect a recorder from its membership; 7.5 (3) establish a meeting schedule, which at a minimum meets 7.6 annually; 7.7 (4) consider issues pertinent to the functions and purposes 7.8 of the watershed district; 7.9 (5) review and comment on reports, minutes, activities, and 7.10 proposed projects of the managers; and 7.11 (6) report to the managers the general content of advisory 7.12 committee meetings and resulting recommendations. 7.13 Subd. 2. [MEMBERS.] (a) The advisory committee consists of 7.14 at least five members. If practicable, the advisory committee 7.15 members selectedmustshould include asupervisor of7.16arepresentative from each soil and water conservation district, 7.17 amember of arepresentative of each countyboard, a member of a 7.18 sporting organization, and a member of a farm organization. 7.19 Other advisory committee members may be appointed at the 7.20 discretion of the managers. The members must be residents of 7.21 the watershed district, except representatives from soil and 7.22 water conservation districts and counties, and serve at the 7.23 pleasure of the managers. 7.24 (b) In addition, the managers may appoint other interested 7.25 and technical persons who may or may not reside within the 7.26 watershed district to serve at the pleasure of the managers. 7.27 Subd. 3. [EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT.] The managers may 7.28 reimburse members of the advisory committee for actual traveling 7.29 and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of 7.30 duties in the amount as provided for state employees. 7.31 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.335, 7.32 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 7.33 Subd. 5. [DATA ACQUISITION.] The managers may: 7.34 (1) make necessary surveys or use other reliable surveys 7.35 and data and develop projects and programs to acquire data to 7.36 accomplish the purposes for which the watershed district is 8.1 organized; and 8.2 (2) establish and maintain devices for acquiring and 8.3 recording hydrological and water quality data. 8.4 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.335, 8.5 subdivision 6, is amended to read: 8.6 Subd. 6. [PROJECTS NOT REQUIRING A PETITION.] The managers 8.7 may initiate, undertake, andconstructimplement projects not 8.8 required to be instituted by a petition under section 103D.701. 8.9 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.335, 8.10 subdivision 13, is amended to read: 8.11 Subd. 13. [CONSTRUCTION OR IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACTS.] The 8.12 managers may enter into contracts of construction or 8.13 implementation authorized by this chapter. 8.14 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.341, 8.15 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 8.16 Subd. 2. [PROCEDURE.] (a) Rules of the watershed district 8.17 must be adopted or amended by a majority vote of the managers, 8.18 after public notice and hearing. Rules must be signed by the 8.19 secretary of the board of managers and recorded in the board of 8.20 managers' official minute book. 8.21 (b) Prior to adoption, the proposed rule or amendment to 8.22 the rule must be submitted to the board for review and comment. 8.23 The board's review shall be considered advisory. The board 8.24 shall have 45 days from receipt of the proposed rule or 8.25 amendment to the rule to provide its comments in writing to the 8.26 watershed district. 8.27 (c) For each county affected by the watershed district, the 8.28 managers must publish a notice of hearings and adopted rules in 8.29 one or more legal newspapers published in the county and 8.30 generally circulated in the watershed district. The managers 8.31 must file adopted rules with the county recorder of each county 8.32 affected by the watershed district and the board. 8.33(c)(d) The managers must mail a copy of the rules to the 8.34 governing body of each municipality affected by the watershed 8.35 district. 8.36 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.351, is 9.1 amended to read: 9.2 103D.351 [ANNUAL REPORT.] 9.3 (a) The managers must prepare a yearly report of the 9.4 financial conditions of the watershed district, the status of 9.5 all projects, the business transacted by the watershed district, 9.6 other matters affecting the interests of the watershed district, 9.7 and a discussion of the managers' plans for the succeeding year. 9.8 (b) Copies of the report must be transmitted to the 9.9secretary of theboard of water and soil resources, the 9.10 commissioner, and the director within a reasonable time. 9.11 Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.401, 9.12 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 9.13 Subdivision 1. [CONTENTS.] (a) The managers must adopt a 9.14 watershed management plan for any or all of the purposes for 9.15 which a watershed district may be established. The watershed 9.16 management plan must give a narrative description of existing 9.17 water and water-related problems within the watershed district, 9.18 possible solutions to the problems, and the general objectives 9.19 of the watershed district. The watershed management plan must 9.20 also conform closely with watershed management plan guidelines 9.21 as adopted and amended from time to time by the board of water 9.22 and soil resources. 9.23 (b) The watershed management plan may include a separate 9.24 section on proposed projects. If the watershed district is 9.25 within the metropolitan area, the separate section of proposed 9.26 projects or petitions for projects to be undertaken according to 9.27 the watershed management plan is a comprehensive plan of the 9.28 watershed district for purposes of review by the metropolitan 9.29 council under section 473.165. 9.30 Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.401, 9.31 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 9.32 Subd. 2. [REVIEW.] The managers must send a copy of the 9.33 proposed watershed management plan to the county auditor of each 9.34 county affected by the watershed district, thesecretary of the9.35 board, the commissioner, the director, the governing body of 9.36 each municipality affected by the watershed district, and soil 10.1 and water conservation districts affected by the watershed 10.2 district. For a watershed district within the metropolitan 10.3 area, a copy of the proposed watershed management plan must also 10.4 be submitted to the metropolitan council. 10.5 Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.405, 10.6 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 10.7 Subdivision 1. [REQUIREMENTS.] (a) The managers and the 10.8 board must revise the watershed management plan for the 10.9 watershed district at least once every ten years after the 10.10 original watershed management plan is approved. The revised 10.11 watershed management plan of the district must conform closely 10.12 with adopted watershed management plan guidelines of the board 10.13 of water and soil resources. 10.14 (b) The managers mustconsider inclusion of at least10.15 include the following items in the revised watershed management 10.16 plan: 10.17 (1) updates and supplements of the existing hydrological 10.18 and other statistical data of the watershed district; 10.19 (2) specific projects and programs to becompleted10.20 considered for implementation; 10.21 (3) a statement of the extent that the purposes for which 10.22 the watershed district had been established have been 10.23 accomplished; 10.24 (4) a description of problems requiring future action by 10.25 the watershed district; 10.26 (5) a summary of completed studies on active or planned 10.27 projects, including financial data; and 10.28 (6) an analysis of the effectiveness of the watershed 10.29 district's rules and permits in achieving its water management 10.30 objectives in the watershed district. 10.31 (c) A revised watershed management plan must be 10.32 transmitted, reviewed, recommended, and approved as provided in 10.33 subdivisions 2 to 4 and 6. 10.34 Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.515, 10.35 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 10.36 Subd. 4. [APPROVAL OF RIGHTS TRANSFER.] Leases, 11.1 assignments, permits, or contracts for the use of water shall be 11.2 entered into only after the managers have reported to the board 11.3 the terms and conditions of the lease, permit, or contract 11.4 relative to the use of any watershed district property. The 11.5secretary of theboard shall give notice of the contract to all 11.6 parties interested, by mail, and shall have notice of the 11.7 application published. The notice must state the purpose of the 11.8 application and the time and place of hearing on it. At the 11.9 time of hearing the board shall hear all interested persons for 11.10 or against the proposed contract and make an order accordingly 11.11 on conditions and restrictions necessary to protect the interest 11.12 of the watershed district and of the public. 11.13 Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.531, is 11.14 amended to read: 11.15 103D.531 [CONTINUANCE OF HEARINGS.] 11.16 If an order has been made and notice given for a hearing in 11.17 a proceeding under this chapter, and the board, managers, or 11.18 court fail to appear at the time and place specified, the 11.19secretary of theboard or the managers, or the court 11.20 administrator of the district court shall continue the hearing 11.21 to another date as necessary and notify the board, managers, or 11.22 the court of the continuance and the date of hearing. The 11.23 matter shall be continued to that date without affecting the 11.24 jurisdiction of the board, the managers, or the court. 11.25 Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.535, 11.26 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 11.27 Subdivision 1. [WHAT CAN BE APPEALED.] (a) Any party alone 11.28 or jointly may appeal to the district court or to the board an 11.29 order of the managers made in a proceeding relating to a project 11.30 and entered in the watershed district's record that determines: 11.31 (1) the amount of benefits determined; 11.32 (2) the amount of damages allowed; 11.33 (3) the allowance of fees or expenses in any proceedings; 11.34 (4) a matter in the proceeding that affects a substantial 11.35 right; or 11.36 (5) an order of the managers authorizing or refusing to 12.1 establish a project in whole or in part. 12.2 (b) Actions of the managers that do not relate to projects, 12.3 including actions related to permits and actions to enforce 12.4 watershed district rules, are not reviewable under this section. 12.5 (c) Projects initiated and financed by watershed districts, 12.6 wholly within the metropolitan area, under a state-approved and 12.7 locally adopted surface water management plan under section 12.8 103B.201 are not reviewable under this section. 12.9 Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.535, 12.10 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 12.11 Subd. 4. [APPEALS CAN INVOLVE PROPERTY OTHER THAN 12.12 APPELLANT'S OWN.] (a) A person or political subdivision 12.13 appealing the amount of benefits or damages may include and have 12.14 considered and determined benefits or damages affecting property 12.15 other than that person's or political subdivision's own property. 12.16 (b) Notice of the appeal must be served on: 12.17 (1) the owner or occupant of the property not owned by the 12.18 appellant or on the attorney who represented the other owner in 12.19 the proceedings; 12.20 (2) the auditor of the county where the property is 12.21 located; and 12.22 (3) on the court administrator of the district court of the 12.23 county where the principal place of business of the watershed 12.24 district is located, or on thesecretary of theboard. 12.25 Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.535, 12.26 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 12.27 Subd. 5. [NOTICE OF APPEAL.] (a) Before the appeal is 12.28 heard by the court or board, the appellant must file a notice of 12.29 appeal with the court administrator of the district court or the 12.30 secretary of the board. The appeal must: 12.31 (1) be filed within 30 days of the date of the final order; 12.32 (2) state the grounds upon which the appeal is taken; and 12.33 (3) be accompanied by an appeal bond of at least $250 to 12.34 the watershed district where the property is located. 12.35 (b) The bond must be approved by the court administrator of 12.36 the district court or thesecretary of theboard where the 13.1 appeal is filed. The bond must be conditioned that the 13.2 appellant will: 13.3 (1) make the appeal; 13.4 (2) pay all costs and disbursements that may be adjudged 13.5 against the appellant; and 13.6 (3) comply with the order of the court or of the board 13.7 where the appeal is filed. 13.8 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.537, is 13.9 amended to read: 13.10 103D.537 [APPEALS OF RULES, PERMIT DECISIONS, AND ORDERS 13.11 NOT INVOLVING PROJECTS.] 13.12 (a) Except as provided in section 103D.535, an interested 13.13 party may appeal arule,permit decision,or order made by the 13.14 managers by a declaratory judgment action brought under chapter 13.15 555or by appeal to the board. An interested party may appeal a 13.16 rule made by the managers by a declaratory judgment action 13.17 brought under chapter 555 or by appeal to the board. The 13.18 decision on appeal must be based on the record made in the 13.19 proceeding before the managers. An appeal of a permit 13.20 decision or order must be filed within 30 days of the managers' 13.21 decision. 13.22 (b) By January 1,19931997, the board shall adopt rules 13.23 governing appeals to the board under paragraph (a). A decision 13.24 of the board on appeal is subject to judicial review under 13.25 sections 14.63 to 14.69. 13.26 Sec. 31. [103D.539] [INFORMAL RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES.] 13.27 An interested party may request a meeting with the dispute 13.28 resolution committee of the board of water and soil resources to 13.29 informally resolve a dispute before initiating an appeal under 13.30 sections 103D.535 and 103D.537. 13.31 Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.611, 13.32 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 13.33 Subdivision 1. [PROJECT PLAN TO DIRECTOR AND BOARD.] If a 13.34 project is to be constructed within the watershed district under 13.35 a contract between the watershed district and the state or the 13.36 federal government, and the cost of construction or 14.1 implementation is to be paid by the governmental agency but the 14.2 rights-of-way, legal, and general expenses of the improvement 14.3 are to be paid by the watershed district, the managers shall 14.4 forward a copy of the project plan to the board and the 14.5 director. The director shall prepare a director's advisory 14.6 report and the board shall prepare a board's advisory report. 14.7 Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.611, 14.8 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 14.9 Subd. 4. [APPRAISAL.] (a) After authorizing the project, 14.10 the managers shall appoint three disinterested resident owners 14.11 of the state to act as appraisers. 14.12 (b) After the appraisers sign an oath to faithfully and 14.13 impartially perform their duties, they shall, with or without 14.14 the engineer, determine the benefits and damages to property 14.15 affected by the proposed project. The appraisers shall make a 14.16 detailed statement and file the statement with the managers 14.17 showing: 14.18 (1) the actual damages that have resulted or will result to 14.19 individuals, property, or corporations from the construction or 14.20 implementation of the project; and 14.21 (2) a list of property, including highways and 14.22 corporations, receiving actual benefits by way of drainage, 14.23 control of flood waters, or other means authorized in this 14.24 chapter. 14.25 Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.611, 14.26 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 14.27 Subd. 5. [HEARING ON APPRAISERS' REPORT.] (a) After the 14.28 appraisers' report and the plans and engineering data prepared 14.29 by the governmental agency are filed with the managers, the 14.30 managers shall prepare a detailed statement of all costs, 14.31 including damages, to be incurred by the watershed district in 14.32 construction or implementation of the project. 14.33 (b) The managers shall order a time and place within the 14.34 watershed district for a hearing on the appraisers' report by 35 14.35 days after the detailed statement of costs is prepared. The 14.36 managers shall give notice by publication and mailing as 15.1 provided in subdivision 1 for a hearing on a petition. At the 15.2 time and place specified in the notice, the managers shall hear 15.3 all parties interested for and against confirming the 15.4 appraisers' report. 15.5 (c) The managers may order and direct the modification of 15.6 the assessment of benefits and damages, and amend or change the 15.7 list of properties reported as benefited or damaged. If the 15.8 amended reports include property not included in the original 15.9 report, the managers shall adjourn and publish and mail in the 15.10 manner for the original notice, the proper notice concerning the 15.11 property not included in the previous notice. 15.12 (d) If upon full hearing the managers find that the 15.13 benefits resulting from the construction or implementation will 15.14 be greater than the assessments including damages they shall 15.15 confirm the appraisers' report. 15.16 (e) Persons or political subdivisions affected by the order 15.17 may appeal the order under this chapter. 15.18 Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.621, 15.19 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 15.20 Subd. 4. [ALTERNATIVE POWER.] With the concurrence of the 15.21 governing bodies of the cities and the town boards of the towns 15.22 where the drainage system is located, the managers may improve 15.23 and repair a drainage system under the power granted to them in 15.24 this chapter notwithstanding any provision of chapter 103E. 15.25 Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.625, 15.26 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 15.27 Subd. 3. [PROCEDURE FOR REPAIR OR IMPROVEMENT.] After the 15.28 transfer is ordered, all proceedings for repair and maintenance 15.29 must conform to chapter 103E, except for repairs and maintenance 15.30 done pursuant to section 103D.621, subdivision 4. 15.31 Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.625, 15.32 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 15.33 Subd. 4. [CONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENT.] Construction of 15.34 new drainage systems or improvements of existing drainage 15.35 systems in the watershed district must be initiated by filing a 15.36 petition with the managers. The proceedings for the 16.1 construction or improvement of drainage systems in the watershed 16.2 district must conform to chapter 103E, except for repairs and 16.3 maintenance done pursuant to section 103D.621, subdivision 4. 16.4 Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.631, 16.5 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 16.6 Subd. 2. [MAINTENANCE FUND.] (a) The cost of normal or 16.7 routine maintenance of the projects of the watershed district, 16.8 and the cost of removing obstructions and accumulations of 16.9 foreign substances from a drainage system, shall be paid from 16.10 the maintenance fund on the order of the managers. 16.11 (b) The managers may assess all the parcels of property and 16.12 municipal corporations previously assessed for benefits in 16.13 proceedings for the construction or implementation of the 16.14 project, to establish a maintenance fund for the project. The 16.15 assessment must be made pro rata according to benefits 16.16 determined. An assessment for the benefit of the maintenance 16.17 fund may not be made when the fund exceeds 20 percent of the 16.18 original cost of construction or implementation of the project. 16.19 The auditors of the affected counties shall file a tabular lien 16.20 statement covering the assessment in the office of the county 16.21 recorder for the county when the assessment order from the 16.22 managers is received. 16.23 (c) The assessment shall be collected as provided in the 16.24 order in the same manner as provided in section 103E.731. 16.25 (d) Before ordering the levy of an assessment for the 16.26 benefit of the maintenance fund, the managers may give notice of 16.27 a hearing on making the assessment and establishing the 16.28 maintenance fund. 16.29 Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.635, 16.30 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 16.31 Subdivision 1. [TECHNICAL AND COST SPECIFICATIONS.] The 16.32 managers shall order the engineer to prepare and submit to the 16.33 managers technical and cost specifications on the work necessary 16.34 to restore or improve the project to the desired level of 16.35 operating efficiency before ordering repairs other than normal 16.36 and routine maintenance if the engineer certifies to the 17.1 managers, in the annual report or otherwise, that: 17.2 (1) a project of the watershed district is in such a state 17.3 of disrepair that the project cannot be restored by normal and 17.4 routine maintenance to the same condition as when it was 17.5 originally constructed or subsequently improved; 17.6 (2) a ditch or channel must be widened or deepened; or 17.7 (3) a project of the watershed district must be altered or 17.8 improved to attain the level of operating efficiency 17.9 contemplated at the time of the original construction or 17.10 implementation. 17.11 Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.635, 17.12 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 17.13 Subd. 3. [ASSESSMENT.] (a) The managers may order the 17.14 repair or improvement and assess the cost against the benefited 17.15 properties if, after a hearing, the managers find that the 17.16 repair or improvement is in compliance with the plan, is 17.17 necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, and that 17.18 the cost of the repair or improvement will not exceed its 17.19 benefits. The cost of the repair or improvement shall be 17.20 apportioned and assessed pro rata upon all property that was 17.21 assessed for the construction or implementation of the project. 17.22 (b) A single levy for the repair or improvement may not 17.23 exceed the amount of benefits originally determined. The 17.24 managers shall file a copy of the order for levy with the 17.25 auditor of each affected county. The auditor shall extend the 17.26 levy against affected properties as in proceedings for the levy, 17.27 assessment, and collection of assessments in drainage 17.28 proceedings conducted under sections 103E.601 to 103E.631. 17.29 Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.705, 17.30 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 17.31 Subdivision 1. [REQUIREMENTS.] A project within the 17.32 watershed district that generally conforms with the watershed 17.33 management plan may be initiated by a project petition. A 17.34 project petition must contain: 17.35 (1) a description of the proposed project and the purpose 17.36 to be accomplished; 18.1 (2) a description of the property where the proposed 18.2 project passes over or is located; 18.3 (3) a general description of the part of the watershed 18.4 district that will be affected, if less than the entire 18.5 watershed district; 18.6 (4) the necessity for the proposed project; 18.7 (5) a statement that the proposed project will be conducive 18.8 to public health, convenience, and welfare; and 18.9 (6) a statement that the petitioners will pay all costs and 18.10 expenses that may be incurred if the proceedings are dismissed 18.11 or a construction or implementation contract is not awarded for 18.12 the proposed project. 18.13 Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.711, 18.14 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 18.15 Subd. 2. [REQUIREMENTS.] (a) The engineer's report must 18.16 include findings and recommendations about the proposed 18.17 project. If the engineer finds theimprovementproject 18.18 feasible, the engineer must provide a plan of the proposed 18.19 project as part of the report. The plan must include: 18.20 (1) a map of the project areato be improved, drawn to 18.21 scale, showing the location of the proposed improvements, if 18.22 any; 18.23 (2) the estimated total cost of completing the project 18.24 including construction, operation, implementation, supervision, 18.25 and administrative costs; 18.26 (3) the acreage required as right-of-way listed by each lot 18.27 and 40-acre tract or fraction of the lot or tract under separate 18.28 ownership, if required to implement the project; and 18.29 (4) other details and information to inform the managers of 18.30 the practicability and necessity of the proposed project with 18.31 the engineer's recommendations on these matters. 18.32 (b) The map of the area must include: 18.33 (1) the location and adequacy of the outlet, if the project 18.34 is related to drainage; 18.35 (2) the watershed of the project area; 18.36 (3) the location of existing highways, bridges, and 19.1 culverts; 19.2 (4) the property, highways, and utilities affected by the 19.3 project with the names of the known property owners; 19.4 (5) the location of public land and water affected by the 19.5 project; and 19.6 (6) other physical characteristics of the watershed 19.7 necessary to understand the area. 19.8 Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.715, 19.9 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 19.10 Subd. 3. [DUTIES.] The appraisers shall with or without 19.11 the engineer determine the benefits and damages to property 19.12 affected by the proposed project, including property owned by 19.13 the state or a state agency, highways, and other property likely 19.14 to be affected by the proposed project or that may be used or 19.15 taken for construction, implementation, or maintenance. 19.16 Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.721, 19.17 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 19.18 Subd. 2. [DETERMINATION.] After the engineer's report is 19.19 filed, the managers, with the assistance of the engineer, shall 19.20 determine the benefits or damages to the property affected by 19.21 the proposed project, including property owned by the state or a 19.22 state agency, highways, and other property likely to be affected 19.23 by the proposed improvement or that may be used or taken for 19.24 construction, implementation, or maintenance. 19.25 Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.741, 19.26 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 19.27 Subdivision 1. [PUBLISHED FINAL HEARING NOTICE.] The 19.28 managers shall give notice by publication of the final hearing. 19.29 The final hearing notice must contain: 19.30 (1) a statement of the pendency of the petition or 19.31 resolution; 19.32 (2) the time and place for hearing; 19.33 (3) a statement that the engineer's report and appraisers' 19.34 report, including the plans, have been filed with the managers 19.35 and are subject to inspection; 19.36 (4) a brief description of the proposed project; 20.1 (5) a description of the properties benefited or damaged, 20.2 the names of the owners of the properties, the public and other 20.3 corporations affected by the project as shown by the engineer's 20.4 report and appraisers' report or may include a map of the 20.5 affected area in lieu of the names of the owners and of the 20.6 descriptions of the properties affected by the project; and 20.7 (6) a statement requiring all parties interested in the 20.8 proposed project to appear before the managers at the time and 20.9 place designated in the final hearing notice to present 20.10 objections, and to show why an order should not be made by the 20.11 managers granting the petition, confirming the reports of the 20.12 engineer and appraisers, and ordering the establishment and 20.13 construction or implementation of the project. 20.14 Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.745, 20.15 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 20.16 Subd. 2. [MODIFICATION OF REPORTS.] (a) The managers may 20.17 order and direct the modification of: 20.18 (1) the engineer's report within the scope of the watershed 20.19 management plan for the watershed district; 20.20 (2) the assessment of benefits and damages; and 20.21 (3) amendment or change of the list of property reported as 20.22 assessable for construction or implementation and maintenance. 20.23 (b) If the amended engineer's report and appraisers' report 20.24 includes property not included in the original reports, the 20.25 managers shall adjourn the hearing and have an amended notice 20.26 published and mailed with the proper reference to all property 20.27 as amended by the managers. 20.28 Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.745, 20.29 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 20.30 Subd. 3. [ESTABLISHMENT OF PROJECT.] (a) The managers 20.31 shall make findings, order and direct construction or 20.32 implementation of the project, and confirm the engineer's report 20.33 and the findings of the appraisers and the appraisers' report 20.34 if, at the end of the final hearing, the managers find that the 20.35 project will: 20.36 (1) be conducive to public health; 21.1 (2) promote the general welfare; 21.2 (3) be in compliance with this chapter; and 21.3 (4) result in benefits that will be greater than the cost 21.4 of the construction or implementation and damages. 21.5 (b) The order may authorize the construction or 21.6 implementation of the project as a whole or authorize different 21.7 parts of the project to be constructed separately. 21.8 (c) The managers shall order the engineer to proceed with 21.9 making the necessary surveys and preparing plans and 21.10 specifications that are needed to construct the project and 21.11 report the results of the surveys and plans to the managers. 21.12 Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.811, 21.13 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 21.14 Subdivision 1. [CALL FOR BIDS.] After an establishment 21.15 order has been made by the managers directing the establishment 21.16 of a project, the managers shall call for bids for the 21.17 construction or implementation of the work and give notice by 21.18 publication specifying the time and place when the bids will be 21.19 opened for awarding a contract for the construction or 21.20 implementation of the project. The contract may be awarded in 21.21 sections or as a whole, as directed by the managers. 21.22 Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.811, 21.23 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 21.24 Subd. 3. [AWARDING OF CONTRACT.] (a) At a time and place 21.25 specified in the bid notice, the managers may accept or reject 21.26 any or all bids and may award the contract to the lowest 21.27 responsible bidder. The bidder to whom the contract is to be 21.28 awarded must give a bond, with ample security, conditioned by 21.29 satisfactory completion of the contract. 21.30 (b) Bids must not be considered which in the aggregate 21.31 exceed by more than 30 percent the total estimated cost of 21.32 construction or implementation. 21.33 (c) The contract must be in writing and be accompanied by 21.34 or refer to the plans and specifications for the work to be done 21.35 as prepared by the engineer for the watershed district. The 21.36 plans and specifications shall become a part of the contract. 22.1 (d) The contract shall be approved by the managers and 22.2 signed by the president, secretary, and contractor. 22.3 Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.901, 22.4 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 22.5 Subd. 2. [COUNTY FUNDING.] After the assessment statement 22.6 is filed with the auditor, the county board of each affected 22.7 county shall provide funds to meet its proportionate share of 22.8 the total cost of the project, as shown by the engineer's report 22.9 and order of the managers. The county may issue bonds of the 22.10 county in the manner provided by section 103E.635. If an 22.11 improvement is to be constructed under section 103D.611, the 22.12 provisions of section 103E.635 requiring the county board to 22.13 award a contract for construction or implementation before 22.14 issuing bonds is not applicable to bonds issued to provide the 22.15 funds required to be furnished by this section. 22.16 Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.901, 22.17 subdivision 4, is amended to read: 22.18 Subd. 4. [ASSESSMENT MAY NOT EXCEED BENEFITS.] (a) An 22.19 assessment may not be levied against property or corporations 22.20 benefited under this chapter in excess of the amount of benefits 22.21 received as set by the order of the managers authorizing the 22.22 construction or implementation of the project or subsequently 22.23 determined on appeal. 22.24 (b) If the damages for a project financed by special 22.25 assessment are awarded and confirmed, the managers must 22.26 determine that the project's benefits exceed the total costs, 22.27 including damages awarded. 22.28 (c) The managers shall amend the project's statement filed 22.29 with the county auditor to reflect the amount of damages awarded. 22.30 Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.901, 22.31 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 22.32 Subd. 5. [DAMAGES PAID BEFORE ENTERING PROPERTY.] Before 22.33 entering property for which damages were awarded to begin 22.34 construction or implementation of the project, the managers 22.35 shall pay the amount of damages awarded less any assessment 22.36 against the property from the funds provided by the county board 23.1 under subdivision 3. If the amount of damages is appealed, 23.2 damages may not be paid until the final determination of the 23.3 appeal. 23.4 Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.905, 23.5 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 23.6 Subd. 3. [ADMINISTRATIVE FUND.] An administrative fund, 23.7 consisting of an ad valorem tax levy, may not exceed 0.02418 23.8 percent of taxable market value, or $125,000, whichever is 23.9 less. The money in the fund shall be used for general 23.10 administrative expenses and for the construction or 23.11 implementation and maintenance of projects of common benefit to 23.12 the watershed district. The managers may make an annual levy 23.13 for the administrative fund as provided in section 103D.911. In 23.14 addition to the annual administrative levy, the managers may 23.15 annually levy a tax not to exceed 0.00798 percent of taxable 23.16 market value for a period not to exceed 15 consecutive years to 23.17 pay the cost attributable to the basic water management features 23.18 of projects initiated by petition of a municipality of the 23.19 watershed district. 23.20 Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.905, 23.21 subdivision 5, is amended to read: 23.22 Subd. 5. [CONSTRUCTION OR IMPLEMENTATION FUND.] (a) A 23.23 construction or implementation fund consists of: 23.24 (1) the proceeds of the sale of county bonds; 23.25 (2) construction or implementation loans from any agency of 23.26 the federal government; and 23.27 (3) special assessments to be levied to supply funds for 23.28 the construction or implementation of the projects of the 23.29 watershed district, including reservoirs, ditches, dikes, 23.30 canals, channels, and other works, and the expenses incident to 23.31 and connected with the construction or implementation. 23.32 (b) Construction or implementation loans from an agency of 23.33 the federal government may be repaid from money collected by 23.34 special assessments on properties benefited by the project. 23.35 Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.921, 23.36 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 24.1 Subdivision 1. [PETITION.] (a) If a petition has been 24.2 filed with the managers for the construction or implementation 24.3 of a project within the watershed district, the managers may 24.4 file a petition with the district court in the county where the 24.5 watershed district has its principal place of business asking 24.6 that a preliminary expense fund be created for the watershed 24.7 district. 24.8 (b) The managers may subsequently amend or supplement the 24.9 petition if necessary. At least ten days' notice of a petition 24.10 or amended or supplementary petition must be given to the 24.11 auditor of each county affected by the proposed project. 24.12 (c) The preliminary fund must be of a size that is 24.13 proportionate to the needs of the watershed district for 24.14 preliminary work on the proposed project. 24.15 Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.921, 24.16 subdivision 3, is amended to read: 24.17 Subd. 3. [USE OF FUND.] The preliminary fund must be used 24.18 by the managers for preliminary work. If the managers incur 24.19 expenses for surveys or other preliminary work on a proposed 24.20 project, all expenses connected with the work shall be included 24.21 in the cost of construction or implementation of the proposed 24.22 project. If construction or implementation of the project is 24.23 authorized by the managers, the money advanced from the 24.24 preliminary fund shall be repaid from assessments for the 24.25 project. 24.26 Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 103D.925, is 24.27 amended to read: 24.28 103D.925 [WARRANTS.] 24.29 The managers may issue warrants of the watershed district 24.30 to pay contracts for the construction or implementation of 24.31 projects, ordinary general expenses, and expenses incurred in 24.32 making repairs that have been approved by the managers, only if 24.33 there are sufficient funds available for payment in the 24.34 watershed district treasury.