7.1. PCSR 05-26-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk - Request for Action River` To Item Number Planning Commission 6.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business May 26, 2020 Amanda Erickson, Environmental Coordinator Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator Item Description Reviewed by Lake Orono Restoration and Enhancement Zack Carlton,Planning Manager (LORE) Project Review Reviewed by Action Requested Approve,by motion,the LORE project and affirm it meets the Comprehensive Plan. Background/Discussion Lake Orono is located entirely in the City of Elk River and is a shallow 300-acre lake that captures 611- square-miles of watershed. Over time, sediment has accumulated in the lake and settled on the bottom of the lake causing negative impacts on the aquatic health and navigation of the lake. The LORE project plans to remove approximately 125,000 cubic yards of sediment material to help improve the overall quality and health of the lake. In 1998,Lake Orono was drawn down and sediment was dredged from the lake. At that time,it was expected dredging would need to be done again in approximately 20 years. The overall project budget is $3.25 million which includes $1.5 million from grant funding from the state and $1 million from the Active Elk River Local Option Sales Tax fund. The remaining portion will be paid for by adjacent lakeshore property owners and the City of Elk River. The City of Elk River intends to fund$100,000 and the remaining$650,000 would be paid via 429 assessments. The overall goal of the LORE project is to remove sediment build up and improve the navigational depth of Lake Orono. In doing so,the number of invasive plants is reduced,the health of aquatic wildlife is improved, and crews will also be able to add fish habitats before refilling the lake. City staff members are working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other regulatory agencies to ensure the proper permits are in place and the LORE meets all state and local regulations. The City has contracted with WSB &Associates to manage the design, contracts and the 429 assessment process. Before dredging can begin,a temporary drawdown of the lake is necessary which requires a permit from the DNR. Per DNR requirements, the city proposes to complete the drawdown process by mid-September of 2020 and return the lake to normal levels after the dredging is complete in the spring of 2021. This project is considered a capital improvement and thus requires review by the Planning Commission to ensure it is compliant with the comprehensive plan. The Elk River Vision A Y�elcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional P D w E A E D D Y service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,g /` UR