08-26-2024 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 21, 2024 Dear Council Members: The “Friends of Forest Lake” are requesting the City of Orono to support the establishment of a "Forest Lake Improvement District" (Forest Lake LID) as proposed below and as authorized by Minnesota Statute § 103B.501-103B.581. The Forest Lake LID is needed to provide equitable and stable, ongoing funding for Forest Lake residents to manage existing aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pondweed, and be positioned to deal with future AIS threats. In the past, homeowners have been successful in controlling Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pondweed in small areas; however, a lake wide approach is now needed and relying solely on voluntary funding is not a sustainable nor a reliable strategy to address future AIS prevention and control needs. It is hoped a LID can be established to oversee treatment programs beginning in 2025. Absent these treatments, Eurasian water milfoil and other invasive weeds will dominate Forest Lake to the detriment of property values, recreation, water quality, ecological health, and lake aesthetics. Forest Lake property owners, all city residents, and anyone who recreates or enjoys Forest Lake will benefit from the proposed Forest Lake LID. The LID will provide homeowners the ability to control invasive weeds, restore native ecology, improve fisheries, improve water quality, and improve recreational use. The Forest Lake LID will be funded by only those homeowners on Forest Lake or that have deeded access to the lake. The proposed boundary and list of addresses of the Forest Lake LID are attached. By statute, the majority of effected property owners must agree to the formation of a LID. We are well on the way of meeting this requirement and will continue to reach out to property owners before requesting further action from the City. Minnesota Statute § 459.20, gives cities the authority to establish LIDs. Such authority permits allows a city to create a Lake Improvement District. Once we have secured the required number of signatures, we will call on the City of Orono to pass a “A Resolution of Intent Regarding the Establishment of a Forest Lake Improvement District and hold a public hearing to establish the Forest Lake LID. Additional information is attached regarding LIDs. Residents from Forest Lake and representatives from the Lake Minnetonka Association will be available during the August 26th Orono City Council meeting to provide additional information and to answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, L. Eric Evenson L. Eric Evenson, Lake Minnetonka Association On behalf of the “Friends of Forest Lake” Cc Sapa Carlson, Forest Lake Susie Eastman, Forest Lake Lori Anderson, Forest Lake 219