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May 1211, council meeting <br />Jim Theisen <br />1295 Elmwood Ave <br />I have been before this council on three separate occasions to discuss our opposition to the <br />formation of Lake Improvement Districts in Orono. I also sent an email to Alisa Benson, that was <br />to be forwarded to all council members by Adam Edwards. At the council meeting on April 41h it <br />was apparent by the question Alisa asked regarding what was the basis of our opposition. I <br />would like to hopefully make it clear with three main points. <br />1. We are opposed to the formation of an "association" or LID and forcing our neighbors <br />into this structure to manage a public body of water. <br />2. We are opposed to the liability placed on us as residents and on the City of Orono by <br />state statute 6115,0980, and "hold harmless" on the State of Minnesota to manage a <br />public body of water. <br />3. We are opposed to the wide spread chemical treatment of our bays with these <br />potentially harmful /forever chemicals. <br />LID's were first create by legislation in 1973, there are currently 54 in the state, with two that <br />exist on Lake Minnetonka. Why after 52 years do so few exist? <br />Lake Minnetonka Association (later referred to as LMA) is spear heading the creation of multiple <br />new LID's on Lake Minnetonka. Forest Lake, Crystal Bay, Stubbs Bay, and Harrison's Bay. These <br />are only the one's that I'm aware of. North Arm expressed interest in forming a LID at the April <br />4th meeting. <br />Eric Evenson, the "executive Direction" of LMA presented at the Apr 4th meeting. Eric was <br />previously the executive director of the Minnehaha Watershed District. This organization <br />promotes a more holistic approach of water management, he is now "all in" with chemical <br />treatment, this is shocking to me given his past history. Eric Evanson accidently sent me an <br />email regarding chemical treatments around Brackets Point. This is being done in one of the <br />bays with the best water quality on Minnetonka. He was afforded a separate private meeting <br />with the mayor, city manager and staff. When I asked Adam Edwards if I could have the same <br />access to the mayor I was told "no", I could only submit a letter. <br />LMA board of directors consists of nine members. One is Lee Harren, he is a resident of Stubb's <br />Bay that is promoting the creation of a LID in that bay. He is also listed as "principle officer" on <br />their 501C financial reporting. Another board member is Amanda Walsh, wife of the former <br />mayor Denny Walsh who helped create the first LID in Orono in 2017. And finally Wells Brose of <br />Harrison's Bay. The following is the Organizations Filed Purposes: "TO PROMOTE PRESERVATION <br />