11-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. CARMAN BAY LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (LID) (continued) Tucker displayed a graph showing the areas of heavy milfoil infestation prior to treatment as well as a graph depicting Carman Bay following the eradication. Tucker stated the treatment was very successful. Tucker stated LID stands for Lake Improvement District. Lake Improvement Districts were implemented by the state legislature in the early 1970s for three specific reasons, which were to help provide clean water, to manage lake levels, and to control aquatic invasive species. Lake Improvement Districts are a means of funding these activities. There are over 40 LIDs in the State of Minnesota. Tucker indicated a LID is formed by a petition from lakeshore residents and those who have lakeshore access. A majority of the residents must approve of the LID. There also must be approvals by the cities affected and the DNR. The DNR then receives and approves the formation of the LID. Once those steps are accomplished, a taxing district will be established for those residents affected. Residents that are affected form a board and decide how the funds collected will be spent. Residents are appointed by the city council for the first year. After that, they will be elected by those affected by the LID annually. The money collected will be spent on the control of aquatic invasive species only. Tucker stated other residents on Lake Minnetonka can form a LID. Each bay must meet the DNR requirements and receive approval by the cities. The main requirement by the DhiR is to have public access, such as a beach, fishing pier, or boat launch. Carman Bay would like to institute a LID to ensure sustainable funding in controlling aquatic invasive species. Tucker stated the next slide shows that the DNR has agreed to the Carman Bay definition and the area that would be included in the LID. Tucker displayed a draft copy of the petition. Tucker stated they were successful in 2016 because they started talking about what they wanted to do and began their fundraising efforts in the fall for the spring treatment. Tucker stated they would like to be able to have enough money to be able to do spot treatments going into the future. Council Member Walsh asked how many parcels are involved in the district. Tucker indicated there are 114 parcels. Walsh asked if they need to get 58 of those parcels to form the LID. Tucker stated they have 61 percent participating already in the fundraising and that their goal is to reach 75 percent or higher. Tucker stated everyone was very excited about the LID and that they would like to move forward with it. Walsh asked how many signatures are required from each parcel. Rob Roy, Advisory Board LID Member, stated they require one signature per household. Walsh asked if there is a sunset date on the LID or whether it is permanent. Roy indicated it can be dissolved upon a majority agreement of the residents after it is established. Page 3 of 28