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Waite asked who has ultimate control of Savage Lake. Aichinger replied that there are multiple <br />authorities. Savage Lake falls under the Wetland Conservation Act, Watershed rules, and City <br />land use regulations. Waite asked if the DNR has jurisdiction. Aichinger replied that the DNR <br />regulates the Public Waters Act, and they have jurisdiction over the OHW. <br />Waite indicated that when the weir structure was installed about 4'h years ago, it was like <br />someone pulled the plug on Savage Lake. He also noted that there had never been water lilies on <br />the lake before. Aichinger noted that there has been some speculation that someone introduced <br />water lilies to Savage Lake. <br />Waite noted that in 1991 then Council Member Bev Scalze had suggested a fishing pier be <br />installed on Savage Lake. Waite pointed out that obviously the water levels were deep enough to <br />support fish. Aichinger replied that the DNR has urban fishing programs wherein the stock fish. <br />This occurs on bodies of water that are shallow and freeze out in the winter. <br />There was additional discussion of the OHW for Savage Lake and Aichinger's position that none <br />has been established for Savage Lake. Additional discussion occurred about the manipulated <br />structure that the Watershed replaced with a weir at the request of the City. One property owner <br />agreed with Smith's previous comment that replacement of the manipulated gate with the weir <br />resulted in the current problems on Savage Lake. <br />There was discussion about the impact of raising water level to the existing homes on Savage <br />Lane and Rose Lane. The City Engineer noted that these homes existed prior to the installation <br />of the weir structure. The City Administrator indicated that the Savage Lane cul -de -sac did flood <br />on occasion due to poor drainage. That problem has since been corrected. <br />Aichinger indicated that there are a couple of low spots, and indicated that the DNR will look at <br />flood plain management in considering an increase in the water level. He noted there previous <br />request for easements around Savage Lake when the level was raised a couple of years ago. The <br />DNR did settle for signed agreements from the property owners rather than easements. <br />One property owner indicated that when the highway went through, MN DOT condemned some <br />of the property abutting Savage Lake for easements. Aichinger indicated that there is nothing of <br />this nature recorded against the properties. <br />One property owner summarized the solutions being discussed: <br />The DNR be contacted to re- evaluate the OHW level for Savage Lake; <br />The DNR be contacted to expand the area of water lily treatment on Savage; <br />Investigation into the possibility of a grant to assist in the cost of water lily treatment. <br />Aichinger indicated that he will contact the DNR hydrologist regarding the Savage Lake water <br />level to determine if an adjustment can be made. If not, special legislation would have to be <br />sought. McGraw suggested that if legislation is necessary, both Rep. Scalze and Sen. Marty be <br />contacted. <br />