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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A Lake Adv Annual Report AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND: STAFF AGENDA REPORT 5A JOEL RUTHERFORD, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR PRESENTATION OF THE LAKE ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S ANNUAL REPORT JANUARY 18,1994 The bylaws of the Lake Advisory Committee states an annual report be prepared which provides an accounting of their activities. Attached to this agenda report is the Annual Report of the Lake Advisory Committee. At their meeting on January 5, 1994, the Lake Advisory Committee discussed their activities for 1993 and began developing a work program for 1994. These discussions led to the completion of the annual report included with this agenda report. The committee members encourage the City Council to review and comment on this report. Lake Advisory Committee members will be present at the Council meeting to hear comments and suggestions, and to answer any questions from the City Council. All comments and recommendations will be used to help complete the 1994 work program, which will also be discussed by the City Council at their January 21, 22 workshop. RECOMMENDATION: The City Council is encouraged to review and comment on the Annual Report. DISCUSSION: -1- 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER T T LAKE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT The following is the Annual Report of the Lake Advisory Committee. By an act of the Prior Lake City Council, the Lake Advisory Committee was formed in October, 1991. Membership on the Lake Advisory Committee for 1993 consisted of: Chair Dave Vinlove, Vice-Chair Jody Stroh, Dave Moran, Bill Packer, Peter Patchin, Tom Watkins, and John Wingard. The purpose of this Annual Report is to comply with the Lake Advisory Committee Bylaws as prescribed within Article 4; Section A, "Scope of Powers & Duties." The Lake Advisory Committee "shall give an accounting of its activities each year in an Annual Report." The report of the Committee will be divided into specific work topics: I. WATER QUALITY In early 1993, the LAC worked together with the City Council and staff to implement the storm water management utility fee. This fee will be used to fund improvements to the City's storm sewer system that will help improve water quality to water bodies in the City, as well as reduce the amount of nutrients reaching downstream areas, including the Minnesota River. The committee reviewed and discussed projects included in the Capital Improvement Program for the years 1994 through 1998. The committee recommended that a portion of the funds generated by the storm water management utility fee be used to help support a Water Resources Coordinator position. This position was created in 1993 to develop and implement future water quality improvement projects, as well as administering other programs designed to improve water quality. During the year, members discussed several programs which were developed to promote water quality, including ordinances amending the City Code. The new Shoreland Ordinance, as well as changes to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances were discussed and supported by the committee. These changes in the City Code are now being used for Page 1of4 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER "~"""",,w~'_.~""""""'-_"".""""_""'_.____"'.m'~_..___...,'~_"'_'_ all new subdivisions and land disturbing activities (building permits, grading and excavating permits, etc.) Several discussions were conducted on the status of the eurasian water milfoil project implemented by the Watershed District, with much of the information provided by Executive Director Bill Dilks of the Prior Lake/Spring Lake Watershed District, Mr. Dilks attended several meetings in 1993, as an ex officio member. Members discussed information obtained by the DNR, describing a project the DNR is sponsoring to evaluate the effectiveness of treating lakes infested with eurasian water milfoil. These discussions led to the development of the language included in the proposed surface water restrictions, relating to eurasian water milfoil. The LAC investigated grant money available for wetland restorations and other projects which would improve water quality. The LAC recommended the City Council support and become a sponsor of an Implementation Plan developed by the Prior Lake/Spring Lake Watershed District, as part of a grant application. This plan, presented to the committee by Watershed District consultant Paul Nelson of Montgomery Watson, includes several projects and programs which will improve water quality in Spring Lake, Upper Prior Lake, and Lower Prior Lake. II. WATER LEVEL When the lake was hovering around 904.0' for several weeks this past summer, this issue became a top priority for the LAC. Bill Dilks played a major role in keeping the members informed on lake levels and what was being done to control them. Bill Dilks presented to the committee his suggestions on what should done in the future to decrease the amount of damage caused when the water elevation approaches the higher levels. He suggested the City, Watershed District, and DNR, conduct more monitoring, and enforce the restrictions that apply to altering those areas below the 904.0' elevation. During high water, much of the damage to retaining walls and other structures, is caused by inadequate installation or location. He also presented information on the outlet channel and the problems encountered when the outlet structure was opened to near full capacity. His suggestions for eliminating some of these problems included increasing the capacity of the channel, and meeting with officials from Shakopee, Prior Lake, the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, and others, to reach an agreement on an acceptable plan to avoid future problems and misunderstandings. Mr. Dilks expressed his concerns that without an agreement, the City of Shakopee could force the Watershed District to close the outlet, at a Page 20f4 time when it is needed most. Other improvements that would help control the water level were discussed by the committee, especially increased "ponding" before discharging into Spring Lake. Because of new laws, and more restrictions towards altering water levels, the committee felt implementation of these projects would be more difficult than originally expected. However, the commitee has not abandoned the idea, and will continue to evaluate projects that could be used to help control lake levels. III. WATER USE When the lake level was approaching 904.0' this summer, the LAC was asked to consider amending the high water slow no-wake ordinance, adopted by the City in the early 1980's. City Manager Frank Boyles presented information to the committee which he obtained from individuals who have suggested lowering the threshold for imposing the slow no-wake. While trying to impose this ordinance when the lake levels exceeded 904.0', it was discovered the ordinance was never approved by the DNR, and therefore not enforceable. Further investigation revealed none of the surface water restrictions in the City Code were enforceable, because they were never approved by the DNR. LAC members met with Sheriff Bill Nevin and Deputy John Grover to discuss problems with regulating and enforcing existing water laws and restrictions, and what the City could do to help them. The Committee researched restrictions on other area lakes, and the DNR's requirements for local restrictions. This information was used to draft a proposed ordinance which would amend the entire Public Waters Chapter in the City Code. The committee presented their recommendations at the Public Hearing in which several dozen citizens attended to express their thoughts and opinions of the proposed ordinance. Mter hearing these comments, the committee was asked by the City Council to reevaluate this issue, to decide whether they would like to change their recommendation. At their next Lake Advisory Committee meeting, approximately 20 citizens attended, including County Commissioner Dick Underferth, to listen to the committee's discussion and voice their concerns over the proposed restrictions. In December a Public Forum was held at the High School Auditorium, where approximately 50 were in attendance. The LAC is currently working with the City Council on an acceptable ordinance, which would rewrite the Public Waters Chapter in the City Code. N. GOVERNANCE Page 3 of 4 - -", .__.,,_.,,~---.~--~ -..... - The members held discussions on a future access and public marina. The committee investigated various sites, and corresponded with the DNR to evaluate the feasibility of these sites. After reviewing the information and limited options, the committee felt the importance of other projects was too great to justify spending the time necessary to complete a thorough study. In addition, the members felt proposals for the abandoned railroad peninsula/causeway should not be attempted, because of the uncertainty over who owns the property. The members made a decision to postpone further study of these issues until later. The members discussed how development around the lake and island development will be affected by the new Shoreland Ordinance. The committee felt the restrictions in the ordinance were adequate and therefore no additional changes were recommended. V. 1994 GOALS & OBJECTIVES The Lake Advisory Committee is currently developing the 1994 Goals and Objectives. The City Council will discuss the work program at their workshop scheduled for January 21 and 22, 1994. When completed this document will be presented to the City Council. 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