Candidate positions on Lake Issues

Dear Friends of the Lake,

Below are three questions on lake issues that we asked the Mayoral and council member candidates. The FLLA Board members are not recommending any particular candidates.  However, we felt it was important that our members have an opportunity to understand the candidates’ position on lake issues. We hope this information is helpful to you in determining your overall voting decision.

FLLA Board Members

Lake Questions to Mayoral Candidates

Chris Johnson

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  I agree that the lake is among the most important if not the most important asset of the City.  The Lake sets the City apart from our neighboring communities.  I want to see us enhance that asset and build its reputation as much as possible to correspondingly make Forest Lake more attractive to families and businesses as a destination point and a place to live.  I like the partnership that has formed between the City and the Lake Association, but believe that the City should do more.  I would like to take a strategic approach to improving the water quality and weed control and am open to the idea of bringing in a consultant to advise on the best and most cost-effective means of achieving our goals of weed control and water quality.  Additionally, fishing is obviously an important aspect of the lake’s reputation.  I want to work with the Lake Association to make Forest Lake one of the top fishing lakes in our region.  For the specifics of how we can achieve these goals, I will seek on input from interested parties and experts and will make decisions based on those perspectives.

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  I am relatively new to this issue.  Through the information that you provided, you have made a compelling case that the City is significantly underfunding the lake.  I also understand that the City was spending $67,000.00 on weed harvesting and it sounds like we are now achieving better results spending significantly less.  This shows that spending money smartly is better than simply spending money.  This is why I would like to look into obtaining more expertise to determine the optimal means of improving the lake.  Then, if we can achieve better results, I would vote to increase the City’s current weed control budget.  I want to first make what we believe is the best plan and then I would be willing to fund the plan to the extent possible.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs? 

Answer:  As I understand it, the primary concern is boats being put into the water with the invasive species present.  I believe that the City’s role should primarily be communicating the issue through signs at the access points.  It is important that we do what we can to prevent this problem and am open to other good ideas for the City to play a role on this issue.

Jackie McNamara

Lake Position:

To the Forest Lake Lake Association:

I have always stayed true to my belief that the lakes of Forest Lake are our biggest and best asset.  This community has developed over the years because of the beautiful lakes that we are so very lucky to have and enjoy.

I believe that our city should take an aggressive approach to the beautification and the maintenance of our lakes.  The lakes bring in guests from other areas and that grows our city's businesses.  I believe that the responsibility of maintaining the lakes rests on the appropriate funding from the city budget.  A partnership with the local lakes associations seems to be working well, and I would encourage that relationship to continue.

I would like to see the best possible way to finance the maintenance of the lake by working together with the lake associations, the  DNR, and any other opportunities that may be available.  It believe that the cost of the task should be determined and then the funding should be divided accordingly.

I believe that the work that the lake associations have done with the DNR is the most effective approach to being proactive to eleviate any future invasions that may occur.  I would put my trust in the information that could be produced from these two agencies and then act on that information.

Thank you for asking the questions.  I hope that we can work together in the near future.

Jackie McNamara

Forest Lake City Council

• No response was received from Mayoral candidate Kevin Grinnell

Lake Questions to City Council Candidates

 Bruce Anderson

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  The city should play a huge role in making Forest Lake the best, most beautiful lake in the state.  It is the cornerstone of our community.  The lake should be the major draw of bringing business and customers to our city.   How many times have you heard persons talk about how weedy Forest Lake is?  We can't afford that reputation.  We need city officials who can work with the DNR.  We need better control on the lake level.  The city needs to promote the lake association to attract new members.  If elected I will propose a world scale marathon running event, using the lake as the focal point, that could bring millions to the community.

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  Absolutely increase.   But I would not stop at just weed control.  Water level, clarity, fish, lake access issues also need to be addressed.   We need to be fiscally responsible at all times and look for cheaper but effective alternatives in weed control.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  As I stated, the lake is the cornerstone of the community.  The city must do what ever is necessary to protect the lake.  This could include education so boaters know what we are talking about, and inspections and fines of careless boaters not taking precautions.   Everyone will ask about the cost.  What is the cost to the city if the lake is ruined?

Ed Eigner

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  I believe, as stated in their mission statement, the city should be the leader when it comes to maintaining and protecting some of our greatest assets, our lakes. They should not only provide some of the financial support but should work with federal, state and local agencies in order to gain support for our lakes. The city needs to be our voice in dealing with these agencies. 

 

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  If I were elected I would increase the weed control budget to $80,000 for Forest Lake and $20,000 for Clear Lake. Even though this might seem like a large increase it would only represent about 2.3% of the additional revenue the city receives on the added value assessed to Lake Homes. Going forward I would like the budget to be based on the results of the treatment and what other needs the Lakes might have. Future budgets might more accurately tie the amount of dollars to the revenue the Lakes generate for the city. The city should also consider other possible revenue sources such as TIF’s, Lake usage permits, and pull tabs.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  The city needs to take an active role in these issues so they can be proactive rather than reactive. Close alliances with these other cities and Lake Associations must be established. We need to be on the cutting edge in dealing with these issues. Federal, State and local agencies must all be informed about the condition of our lakes. If the city takes an active role we will be ahead of the curve in dealing with these issues.

Michael Freer

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  Forest Lake is the identity of the city.  It is essential that the city invests in its own future by preserving the lake.

 

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  I would increase the weed control budget for both lakes.  This investment will help attract people to our area for relaxation and recreation.  Our business will benefit from this investment through increased sales. The values of houses will increase.  The increased tax base will allow for further investment into our lakes.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  When the weeds are under control, the city investment could go towards stopping the spread of invasive species.  The spread of these invasive species is a result of people being irresponsible.  Cities can help through promoting responsible use of its lakes by its citizens.  Their financial support and the advertising assistance help get the message out to more people and different audiences.

Jeff Klein

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  I believe the city should look at the lake(s) as one big park.  Our lake(s) is what sets us apart from other communites in the area.  I like the fact that there is a public / private partnership currently in place as I believe that is a good model for success.  I would like to see the city increase its role in this partnership both physically and monetarily.

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  I would vote to increase the weed control budget.  Speaking with many people personally during the campaign, it has become obvious to me that a majority of people in the community value the lakes in our area.  It has also been noticed by me and brought to my attention by others that Forest Lake was weedier than usual this year.  Especially around the public boat launches – most notably #2.  A quality lake will help increase property values and drive business into the city.  Not by itself, mind you, but it can play a key role.  So, to abandon the weed control effort would be shortsighted. 

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  Education and communication are probably the most productive thing the city can do.   The DNR does a good job getting the word out statewide but we need an extra effort locally to protect our lakes.   Once milfoil and, even worse, zebra mussels enter a lake it is extremely difficult to control and nearly impossible to eradicate.   At that point,  a tremendous amount of money and resources would be needed constantly just to maintain.  I liken education and communication to the old adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Michael Kuehn

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  The city should work side by side with the two lake committees to research and administer positive and effective measures to control weeds.

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  Increase. The budget was cut and is now time to resume lake (weed) control-but only in a positive or permanent way.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  The city should support the results of the two lake committees and help protect our valuable asset.

Christopher Soderlind

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  Like our business district which also needs much support and expanding both of these can and should be utilized as a resource to build our community. I believe we should take advantage of those things explained in this FLLA report. In my view I saw in the cities 2010 comprehensive budget report, a money pit that brings in little to the city, has little activity from the city and costs the city much I would consider de-funding this other department and spreading these funds towards the lake and other more useful areas. I truly see the lake as a huge resource, and would support as such.

 

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:

• Not only would look into what it would take to increase this budget, I would look for ways to add to this budget with other revenue resources.
• Why? First I believe they are beautiful lakes and can be a city revenue resource, attracting people from outside the city.  * the reason I added this information is White Bear Lake has both a private and public pavilions, why not look into how we could do the same. If this city wants to move forward we will need to take advantage of all our possible resources.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  If elected I would be open to any means in protecting our resources

Susan Young

Question 1:  Forest Lake is an important natural resource that attracts many people from outside the area into Forest Lake for recreation which brings in money for local businesses and visitors to the Lake Street area.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Answer:  The City has a legally limited number of roles to play in protecting Forest Lake and the other waters in the City.  Zoning control and stormwater management activities including requirement of construction BMP’s and education are the primary mechanisms that we can use to protect water quality; lake maintenance activities include weed control and inlet/outlet maintenance.  Through zoning rules we can control lakeshore setbacks and density along the lakes and in the watersheds.  Our State Stormwater Permit requires the City to have ordinances that control the contamination of water through non-point source controls.  These BMP’s (Best Management Practices) require measures such as construction runoff control (to keep mud and dirt out of the waters), require the City to keep detergents, oil and other pollutants from parking lots and businesses from running into waters and monitor stormwater ponds and infiltration beds to insure that releases from these do not exceed “natural” rates.  Our Stormwater Permit also requires the City to conduct an education program for citizens to learn how to minimize their effect on waters by plantings, lawn and landscape management and car washing, for example.  Forest Lake can enact ordinances to protect water quality.  Forest Lake was one of the first cities in the metro area to prohibit phosphate fertilizers from being used in the City limits, and ordinances that have been enacted to support the Stormwater Permit include requirements of certain BMP’s, anti-littering ordinance (on streets and on the lake ice during winter) and runoff rate controls.

Lake maintenance activities include weed cutting, and herbicide applications.  The City can also maintain the inlet and outlet structures of our waterbodies so that they meet the state-set water levels.

Question 2:  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $25,000 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

Answer:  I have voted to maintain the City’s current lake week control budget.  Assuming that the City’s budget constraints remain relatively similar or improved to what they are today, I can commit to maintaining that level, with an inflationary increase in future years.

Question 3:  What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species such as milfoil and zebra muscles, which have invaded lakes in the area such as Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake and Lake Milacs?

Answer:  Legally the City has little role to play in invasive species management.  We can include invasive species management education in our Stormwater permit education activities.  We can encourage volunteers to educate boaters at boat ramps in the City, as we have encouraged volunteers to plant native species that improve runoff quality in several areas around the lake.  I am willing to investigate our jurisdiction to enact an ordinance that would duplicate State laws requiring draining of live wells and cleaning of boats when boats are taken from the lakes.

• No response was received from City Council candidate Bo Bogotty