1990-05-01 63
May 1, 1990
MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE YHOLE - MAY 1, 1990
The meeting was called to order at 7 PM, at the City of
Mound Public Works Building at 5468 Lynwood Blvd. Members
present: Mayor Smith, Councilmembers Andrea Ahrens, Phyllis
Jessen, Liz Jensen, Skip Johnson. Absent: None. Also present:
Hennepin County Commissioner Tad Jude, Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District representative Woodrow Love, Lori Hamm from The Laker,
Tom Casey, Park and Open Space Commission and Ed Shukle, City
Manager.
Ed Shukle, City Manager, opened the meeting by giving background
on why the meeting was being held with regard to the issue of
pumping of well water into Lake Minnetonka to increase its level.
Hennepin County Commissioner Tad Jude, presented the County's
position on the issue. He indicated that they have asked the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to lease the wells on Lake
Minnetonka from the County Board, since they have the expertise
in this area of determining whether or not this is a good idea.
He indicated that the seven wells on the Lake were used for
pumping water into it back in the 1930's. He also indicated that
discussions had been held at the County Board level regarding the
diversion of river water both from the Mississippi and the Crow
River to Lake Minnetonka. He indicated that this matter is being
studied presently through the City of Minneapolis and other
suburban communities. Also being studied is the use of Lake
Minnetonka water for lawn irrigation purposes. He discussed the
issue of water from Lake Minnetonka being used for drinking water
purposes in emergency situations, primarily for the cities of
Minneapolis and St. Paul. Woodrow Love indicated that the
Watershed District had not made a decision on the issue of
accepting the leases on the wells. He indicated that if nothing
else, these wells need to be capped. Therefore, basically
indicating that the Watershed District was not in favor pumping
well water into the lake. He presented a great deal of
statistical information on the history of lake levels in Lake
Minnetonka and basically said that lake levels would be satisfied
by precipitation amounts. He also indicated that the sanitary
sewer systems are not flowing into the lake. Following the
discussion, the Council thanked Jude and Love for attending.
Jude indicated that he would keep us posted on the studies that
were being undertaken. (Mayor Smith left at 7:44 PM)
The next issue discussed was the LMCD Long-Term Management Plan
of Lake Minnetonka. The Council reviewed the Recreation
Management Section and the User Experience and Satisfaction
Sections of the Plan and made various comments. They will also
discuss this at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 15th
64
May 1, 1990
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting
May 1, 1990
and regular meeting on May 22nd, formulating a formal list of
questions to be addressed to the LMCD prior to the public hearing
scheduled for June 6th at Minnetonka.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10 PM.
s~eCtfully submitted,
City Manager
ES:s