HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix I_Proposed Lake and Pond Policy Amendment
Page 1 of 1
Lake & Pond Management Policy
DRAFT Proposed Amendment to Include Mill Pond
Purpose
The purpose of this proposed amendment is to add Mill Pond to the City’s Lake & Pond Management
Policy. The policy establishes a system to prioritize the waterbodies for management, define
management service levels, and lay out a process to encourage resident involvement.
Inclusion in the policy requires residents to form an association to be eligible for additional elective
services. The association members then submit a request for services that is representative of the
majority. The City coordinates elective services and special assesses costs back to property owners in
the assessment district.
Rationale
Mill Pond was not originally included in the policy; it is quite different than the other lakes and ponds
within the City because Minnehaha Creek runs through it. The DNR does not permit chemical
treatments in streams and rivers, thus a different management strategy is required. Submerged aquatic
vegetation is managed through mechanical removal and, under the policy, is an elective service available
to eligible waterbodies with an established association.
An association encourages residents to come to an agreement about the type of management they
would like, and for which they will ultimately be financially responsible for. It also allows for a shared
management vision to be communicated to the city.
In the policy, lakes and ponds are prioritized based on size, water quality, stakeholder participation, and
public use. Mill Pond is 14 acres in size, and thus is categorized as large and Minnehaha Creek is listed on
the Impaired Waters List. Mill Pond also has a high amount of public use.
Based on these criteria, the Mill Pond is eligible for a high service level including additional elective
services. These additional elective services are coordinated by the City, and associated costs are special
assessed back to property owners. An association is required to special assess these costs.
Proposed Policy Amendment
Staff recommends the following amendment to the Lake & Pond Policy;
The Lake & Pond Management Policy is hereby amended to include Mill Pond as follows;
1. Appendix C: Prioritization List is amended to include Mill Pond under the following categories;
a. Size: Large (10+ acres)
b. Water Quality: 303(d) Impaired Waters List
c. Public Access and Use
2. Appendix D: Prioritization Chart is amended to include the points awarded based on criteria
from Appendix C, indicating eligibility for service level, ‘High.’