RES 20-30Of
City of Elk River
ver City Council
Resolution 20.3o
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Ordering the Lake
Orono Restoration and Enhancement Project
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; and
WHEREAS, sediment has accumulated in Lake Orono over time, diminishing the
recreational value and aquatic health of the lake; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, the lake was drawn down and sediment was removed by dredging;
and
WHEREAS, at the time of the 1998 project, a follow up sediment removal project was
anticipated to be needed in approximately 20 years to remove additional sediment loads
entering into the lake basin; 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 to
develop the recently approved Lake Orono Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City began design plans for the Lake Orono Restoration and
Enhancement ("LORE") project several years ago, with the goal of removing accumulated
sediment and improving the overall aquatic health, wildlife habitat and recreational value of
the lake utilizing state funding and other local funding sources; and
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2019, Governor Tim Walz signed legislation (HF 80) which
included $1.5 million in grant funding to assist with the LORE project, and
WHEREAS, an additional $1 million of funding for the LORE project was secured
through a local option sales tax which was approved via referendum in November 2018 and
subsequently by the state legislature, and
WHEREAS, the city has previously committed to funding approximately $100,000 of the
cost of the LORE project from general city funds; and
WHEREAS, the state grant funding, local sales tax funding and $100,000 city contribution
will cover approximately 80% of the costs of the LORE project; and
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WHEREAS, securing these funding sources shows strong state and local support for the
LORE project; and
WHEREAS, the City received a petition for the creation of the Lake Orono Improvement
District (the "OLID") on April 10, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the OLID was established, pursuant to the procedures and requirements of
Minnesota Statues, Sections 103B.501 to 103B.581 and Minnesota Rules, Parts 6115.0900 to
6115.0980, by Order of the City Council on July 21, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the OLID has requested that the City Council proceed with the LORE
project and assess approximately 20% of the cost of the project of the benefitted properties;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council directed the preparation of a feasibility report to determine
the necessity, cost effectiveness and feasibility of the LORE project; and
WHEREAS, the feasibility report demonstrates that the LORE project will improve water
quality, stabilize shoreline erosion, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and improve
recreational opportunities and navigation on the lake; and
WHEREAS, the LORE project has received wide support from local citizens and officials
for the overall goals of the project; and
WHEREAS, numerous public meetings and open house events have been held to inform
citizens and residents about the LORE project and the benefits of the project to the
community; and
WHEREAS, on May 13, 2020, the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission reviewed
and recommended approval of the LORE project; and
WHEREAS, on May 26, 2020, the Elk River Planning Commission reviewed the LORE
project plans and found them to be consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the LORE project has been designed to meet the needs of stakeholders to a
maximum reasonable extent taking into account funding, permitting, and other project
related considerations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, as follows:
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,
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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.
The City Council approves the plans for the LORE project and authorizes the
project to be bid.
Passed and adopted this 1st day of June
5 0
aye votes _
!WATTES''
Tina Allard, City Clerk
2020.
nay votes
Jo ietz,11 yor
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