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Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To Item Number <br />Mayor and City Council 10.6 <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br />Work Session May 6, 2019 Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator <br />Item Description Reviewed by <br />Creation of a Lake Orono Lake Improvement Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator <br />District <br />Reviewed by <br /> <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Discuss the Orono Lake Improvement District application and provide feedback before the Public <br />Hearing <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />On April 10, 2019, the City of Elk River received the application seeking approval for the creation of a <br />lake improvement district for Lake Orono (OLID). Lake improvement districts allow citizens to address <br />specific concerns that cannot be addressed under normal governmental actions and have greater local <br />involvement in lake management via the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The application was <br />submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and DNR for review. <br /> <br />The OLID aims to manage Lake Orono and address issues like invasive species, water quality, fisheries <br />and habitat improvements and dredging project(s). These plans are detailed in the 2017-2020 Lake Orono <br />Lake Management Plan which has been reviewed by Council in the past. Lake improvement districts do <br />not have taxing authority; however, the City Council specifies the funding arrangement. The last dredging <br />of Lake Orono included assessments to benefitting property owners. <br /> <br />The OLID application requires support from lakeshore property owners via a petition. The petition <br />includes 157 signatures representing 55% of the potential 283 signatures from 188 parcels within the <br />district. State statute requires a majority of property owners, 50% plus 1. Statue also requires the city <br />verify all signatures, publish and mail notices, hold a public hearing, and publish the order before <br />establishment of the OLID. The OLID is required to host an annual meeting in July or August. <br /> <br />OLID proposes to raise approximately $750,000 through property owner assessments, including $99,486 <br />from the City of Elk River directly as a lakeshore property owner. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />See requested assessment above. <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> Orono Lake Improvement District Application <br /> <br /> <br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br />