RES 20-11City of
Elk —
River
City of Elk River
City Council
Resolution 20-11
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Support a Request
to the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner regarding the
drawdown of Lake Orono
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River Minnesota (the "City") is home to Lake Orono, a
shallow 300-acre lake that captures runoff from a large watershed. Sediment has accumulated
over time, diminishing aquatic health. In 1998, the lake was drawn down and sediment was
removed by dredging; and
WHEREAS, the City has collaborated with the Lake Orono Improvement Association
(the "LOIA") for over five years to improve the overall health of Lake Orono and develop
the recently approved Lake Orono Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City began design plans for the Lake Orono Restoration and
Enhancement (the LORE) project with the goal of removing accumulated sediment and
improving overall aquatic health and wildlife habitat, utilizing state funding and other local
funding sources; and
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2019, Governor Tim Walz signed bill (I -IF 80) which included
$1.5 million in grant funding to assist with the LORE project. Additionally, $1 million of
funding was secured through a local option sales tax which was approved via referendum in
November of 2018 and subsequently by the State Legislature. Securing these funding sources
shows strong state support; and
WHEREAS, the City was petitioned for the creation of the Lake Orono Improvement
District (the "OLID") on April10, 2019, and Established by Order on July 21, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to drawdown the water level of Lake Orono for the purpose
of removing accumulated sediment by means of the LORE project. Drawdowns require
approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (the "DNR") pursuant with
Minnesota State Statue 103G.408 either via direct Commissioner approval or by obtaining
permission from at least 75% of riparian landowners; and
WHEREAS, it is the understanding of the OLID and LOIA that an opt -out option has
been utilized by the DNR in the past. Collecting signatures for support is often labor and
time intensive; and
[ J WHEREAS, the LORE project has received funding directly from the state and illustrated
V wide support from local officials for the overall goal of the project. The LORE project will
PONEAE1 BI
NAWRE
improve water quality, stabilize shoreline erosion, improve fish and wildlife habitat and
improve navigation in the lake; and
WHEREAS, Numerous public meetings and open house events have been held to inform
residents about the LORE project and benefits to the community. There have been no
formal concerns regarding the drawdown of the lake for this project; and
WHEREAS, the OLID and LOIA have submitted a letter of support to City Council
seeking direct approval from the DNR Commissioner for the drawdown or for an opt out
direct mail option.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, as follows: the City seeks approval from the DNR Commissioner for
approval for a drawdown of Lake Orono or the option for an opt out method of approval,
as utilized by the DNR in other projects.
�a
Passed and adopted this day of 020.
Jo 4J,tz, yor
ATTEST:
?LL-
Tina Allard, City Clerk
P 0 1 1 R E I I I
NATU