HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/09
MINUTES OF THE LAKES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
May 19, 2009
The Lake Advisory Committee (LAC) Meeting was called to order at 4:30 P.M.
Members present: Harry Alcorn (Chair), Donna Mankowski (Vice Chair), Dan
O’Keefe, Jim Marchessault, Char Jasan, Tom Voll, Liz Weninger.
Others present: Ross Bintner (Water Resources Engineer) Steve Millar (City
Council – LAC liaison), Stacy Sass (Watershed District Technician).
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Mankowski, Weninger 3:0)
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. MS4 Public Hearing: Bintner introduced the Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and listed and explained acronyms.
Bintner stated that the SWPPP is the requirement of the NPDES
permit, overseen by the MPCA. During the annual report staff
focuses on implementation of 2 Minimum control measures
(MCMs), 5 and 6 will be the focus this year. Bintner stated that in
previous years, he would go into detail on how the City met the
permit. This year he would detail implementation steps taken in
2008 that met the intent of MCM 5 and 6, but were not specifically
required by this permit.
Bintner summarized water quality efforts in the Brooksville Hills
reconstruction phase 1 and 2 projects, and the site development of
the water treatment facility saying the projects reduced the amount
of impervious surface in its subwatershed. Bintner detailed all
treatment practices put in place as a part of these three projects
and highlighted the goals of the treatment. Bintner explained how
goals of various City planning documents are balanced to create a
treatment plan. Bintner detailed costs of retrofitting water quality
projects into existing development.
Motion to open the public hearing (Mankowski, Alcorn 5:0)
Motion to close the public hearing (Marchessault, Mankowski 5:0)
Marchessault commended the policy of retrofitting existing
neighborhoods. Weninger asked if narrowing the city streets is
standard policy. Bintner said the current standard is 32 feet, and
28 in environmentally sensitive areas. Collector streets have a
wider standard.
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B. Dive The Lake Promotion: Mankowski gave background
information saying that the Dive the Lake event is in its fourth year,
and diving will be from 9:30 to 11:30. 35-60 divers have
participated in the past, and lake association members volunteer
their boats. Captain Jacks restaurant hosts, this year’s event is
called the “Urban Treasure Hunt.” In years past anchors, bottles,
cans, and various debris have been found. Occasionally valuable
items are found. Bintner said that the same day will be proclaimed
“Lake Cleanup Day” by the City Council.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
A. 703 Ordinance Revision, Status: Alcorn said City Council
forwarded the ordinance revision back to the LAC for review.
Alcorn suggested the LAC form a subcommittee to do research.
Weninger and Marchessault volunteered to staff the subcommittee.
V. STAFF UPDATE
A. Lake Level Update: Bintner detailed water levels from 1980 to
2009, 900.03 was the current level, but had been at a 17 ½ year
low. Alcorn asked about the impervious around the lake, and how
that would affect the lake levels. Bintner explained that that study
has been done on the high side risk due to increasing impervious,
but that study and regulation of that is the prevue of the Watershed
District. Bintner detailed 2003-2009 yearly water levels and
explained the seasonal hydrology typical to the area. Drought and
an 8-10 inch precipitation deficit over the last 12 months.
Marchessault asked why Prior Lake looses so much water. Bintner
said deep water infiltration played a small role, but evaporation is
expected to be the largest portion. Mankowski said she
remembered the last time the water was low and the public angst
during the last significant drought.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Markley and Downtown studies: Bintner explained that both of
these studies where in draft form and the purpose of bringing it to
the LAC was to explain the problems involved so that over the
course of the next meetings the LAC could get into more detail. On
Markley Lake, Bintner explained the goal of the Markley study is to
create a high-side risk model. Bintner said the City is working with
its technical partners, the DNR and the WMO to review the draft
before finalizing it. The Scott WMO is the water planning authority
in the area. Once the study has been vetted by it’s technical
partners and approved by City, it would be added as an addendum
to the city Local Surface Water Management Plan. Policy
decisions relating to, or resulting from the study would be reviewed
at the LAC.
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Marchessault asked if it’s possible to dig part of the pond to
increase storage. Bintner said the management options are
endless, but he wouldn’t rule any out. The study only scratches the
surface of management options and the City would lean on the
WMO for advice. Voll asked if a nearby municipality would
participate in the study. Bintner said they did not.
Bintner introduced the Downtown Study, saying expected increased
imperviousness resuscitated this study as well. The trouble with
small piecemeal development that is expected downtown make
management of stormwater difficult. The Downtown Stormwater
study lays out a menu of options for stormwater treatment and
recommends simplifying the regulation of stormwater management.
Mankowski asked about the Arcadia realignment, what stormwater
management would take place. Millar said it was tentatively
planned for 2012. Bintner said a comprehensive plan would knit
together public and privately build stormwater treatment to plan for
long term water quality.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Ross Bintner
Water Resources Engineer
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