Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/21/2016

Home

City Planner Anderson stated that the intention of the cities involved was not to set goals or expectations but to bring the item forward to the two cities that were not aware of the complaints. He stated that none of the cities want to take a leadership role but simply educate residents of the regulations of what can and cannot be done on the lake. He advised of a past neighborhood meeting that was held with the Conservation District to educate residents and explain the process that would need to be followed for general management of the lake, noting that it was said that the lakeshore residents would need to step up into that role in order for an application of that nature to move forward. It was estimated that there were about 20 homeowners along the lakeshore, but split between the different municipalities. Board Member Hiatt stated that he likes the portion of the Fact Sheet that clearly identifies the items that can be done and the item that would need approval from certain entities, such as the DNR. Councilmember LeTourneau asked for more information on the classification of wetland. City Planner Anderson stated that the lake is six feet or shallower at the deepest point and that element would lean more towards a wetland. He noted that the heavy vegetation would also lend a hand towards that classification. He noted that there is no section of the water body that is clear so the DNR regulations regarding aquatic plant management that speak of clear water or channels are hard to apply. Board Member Hiatt stated that the challenge is that many of the residents view the lake as a recreational lake while the water body seems to fall more under the wetland category. City Planner Anderson noted that the DNR has not yet categorized the water body as a wetland. He stated that the designation of the lake currently can be misleading and is not completely accurate and that is why clarification has been requested from the DNR. Chairperson Stodola referenced a discrepancy in the list of allowable and unallowable uses. City Planner Anderson noted that he would clarify the language in that item. Board Member Valentine commented that using an outboard motor is not the best method for removing perennial weeds in the lake. Board Member Bernard stated that it appears to him that the people are not attempting to clear the lake but simply create a place to hunt ducks. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the lake is large enough to allow hunting. City Planner Anderson stated that Police Chief Katers attended the meeting with adjacent communities and did not have any concerns with hunting in that area as it would not violate the State requirements. Board Member Anderson asked the type of violation the DNR would issue for some of these actions. Environmental Policy Board/ October 17, 2016 Page 3 of 5