Agenda - Council - 02/22/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I i I I I i I I I I I I I I I controlling and maintaining the North Park area, consisting of 300 acres as a natural habitat for wildlife and passive recreational uses. We also operate a dam which affects wetlands associated with the aforementioned North Park, so we appreciate the problems and responsibilities associated with operating a dam. As one examines the facts surrounding the '~ontroversy of the Coon Rapids Dam, one discovers first, that the City of Anoka applied initially for the permit and was rejected on a minor technicality. Second, the City feels it is better equipped to operate a hydroelectric facility than is the Hennepin County Park Reserve District. Third, the State of Minnesota has recognized that cities have the right to operate municipal utilities and that Park Districts do not. Fourth, allegations made by the Hennepin County Park Reserve District concerning environmental damages and concern about Anoka's operation of the dam are ludicrous because Anoka has made a concerted effort and commitment to parks and open space in its own City and in other cities. In addition, Anoka would only operate the dam in a manner so it would not cause flooding, because the Mississippi River backs up into the Rum River which, consequently, can cause floods in Anoka. It is truly disheartening that the Hennepin County Park Reserve District must resort to political maneuvers to initiate special legislation~ to rationalize its right and/ or perogatives to operate an electric utility or dam, which we do not believe was or is the purpose of park reserve districts, nor should it be.