7.5 SR 06-01-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City of Qk*l River Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.5 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings June 1, 2020 Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator Item Description Reviewed by Public Improvement Hearing for the Lake Orono Amanda Erickson, Environmental Coordinator Restoration and Enhancement (LORE) project. Peter Beck, City Attorney Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Adopt, by motion, a resolution establishing: 1. The City Council finds that the LORE project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the city, and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents. 2. The City Council finds that the LORE project is necessary and feasible to remove accumulated sediment in the lake to improve lake quality, stabilize shoreline erosion, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and improve recreational opportunities and navigation on Lake Orono. 3. The City Council finds that the funding for the project is a cost-effective means of financing the necessary improvements to Lake Orono. 4. The City Council orders, by 4/5 or more vote of its members, that the LORE project proceed. 5. The City Council approves the plans for the LORE project and authorizes the project to be bid. 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 water body, 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. In 1998, Lake Orono was drawn down and sediment was dredged. 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 in grant funding from the state and $1 million from the Active Elk Diver project fund. The remaining portion will be paid for by adjacent lakeshore property owners and the City of Elk River. The city intends to fund $100,000 and the remaining $650,000 would be paid via special assessments. City staff have worked with Lake Orono stakeholders over the last five years to identify goals for this project and updates have been provided to the Council throughout that time. The overall goal of the LORE project is to remove sediment build up and ultimately improve the navigational depth of Lake Orono. In doing so, The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional,` 01 e service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires pi ospei ly INAWRE1