10-20-08 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 20, 2008 stock the lake. One resident indicated that float planes used to land on the lake. Aichinger noted that lake levels change from year to year depending on conditions. He reported that the 1990's were a wet cycle, and from 2002 to present the area has been in a dry cycle. Lakes respond to these cycles. Neil Vanderbosch, DNR, reported that water levels on most lakes in the area are down. He reported that the Metro Area has been in a drought, while other parts of the state have received rain. Virginia Smith asked the reason the weir system was installed. Aichinger reported that the previous slide gate system was rusted open. The City no longer wanted to maintain that system and asked the Watershed to install a new outlet. Aichinger reported that the Watershed's policy is when new outlets are installed, outlets are used that will not clog to prevent flooding. Aichinger reported that when the weir was installed, the Watershed did not account for the land bridge out in the lake, therefore, it was necessary to raise the outlet a foot. Then it was discovered that the pipe was tipped, so another 4-inch riser was added. Aichinger reported that the weir level is at the same level as when the gate structure was in place. Virginia Smith asked about the lily pads. Aichinger reported that lily pads can survive in about 6 feet of water, but noted that on West Savage there are lilies in about 9 feet. He reported that Savage Lake is a very clear lake, the sunlight penehates the water, and the lily tubers sprout and spread like a vine. Don Smith asked if East Savage will end up covered in lilies like West Savage. Aichinger stated that he does not know why the lilies started on West Savage, but indicated that they have been there for at least 10 years. Smith suggested that raising the water level of the lake would help control the lily pads. Aichinger noted that raising the water level will jeopardize homes, including the Smith's. Smith noted that there was only one complaint in the 30 years that the gate system was in place to control the lake levels. Virginia Smith commented that the previous gate system worked just fine. Aichinger reported that the Watershed will not put in an outlet with controls given the possibility of what might happen if the person that controls an outlet would not be there during amega-storm event. One property owner felt that when the weir system was first installed and the lake level lowered, that is when the lily pads were able to establish themselves. Aichinger disagreed and indicated that there were lily pads on