7.1. SR 06-15-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings June 15, 2020 Amanda Erickson, Environmental Coordinator Item Description Reviewed by Lake Orono Drawdown Permit Requirement Per Peter Beck, City Attorney Minn. Stat. §§ 103G.408 Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Adopt, by motion, a resolution establishing: 1. The City Council finds that the temporary drawdown of Lake Orono is necessary to facilitate the LORE project and that the temporary drawdown and the LORE project are beneficial to the city and in the public interest. 2. The City Council directs that a Temporary Drawdown of Public Waters Permit request be submitted for the temporary drawdown of Lake Orono for the purpose of the LORE project. 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 causing negative impacts on the aquatic health and navigation. The LORE project plans to remove approximately 125,000 cubic yards of sediment material to help improve the overall quality, health and recreational value of the lake. 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. During the June 1, 2020, City Council meeting, Council reviewed the LORE Project Feasibility Report and approved moving the project forward. They found the project is consistent with city goals, is necessary and feasible to improve Lake Orono and is a cost-effective means of financing the improvements. The LORE project requires Lake Orono be temporarily drawn down so dredging can proceed in the most cost effective and efficient manner. Minnesota Statues, Section 103G.408, Temporary Drawdown of Public Waters, requires a Public-Waters-Work Permit be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and the applicant (the city) obtain permission for the drawdown from at least 75% of riparian landowners. Pursuant to DNR direction, approval was obtained via a postcard mailed to each riparian property advising residents on how they could opt-out of the drawdown. Residents were given over 30 days to opt out via mail, email or by phone call. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity