Dear Friends of the Lake,
To assist you in understanding the Mayorial and City Council candidate positions on the lake, your Board of Directors have asked the candidates three questions about lake issues/needs. Below are their answers, listed by candidate in alphabetical order.
The position of your Board of Directors is to educate our members on lake issues and not to promote any specific candidate.
Bruce Anderson…..Candidate for Mayor
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
Our lake is the “crowning jewel” of our city. The city should maintain and protect our lake to the highest extent, no matter the cost. Forest Lake should be an example to the state in how to keep a lake clean, have weeds under total control, and protect against the foreign invaders that are ruining so many lakes. I find it interesting that the incumbents running for office now proclaim that the city should do more, but WHILE IN OFFICE DID NOT DO MORE. The FLLA should still be a great watchdog for the lake and hold the city accountable and do the other great work that it currently does.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
INCREASE the budget to what ever it takes to make our lake the best lake in the state. As I stated, the current city officials have not done the job and our lake has suffered. Thanks to the FLLA for organizing and doing the great job. Forest Lake is the name of our city, the lake as I stated is our “crowing jewel”.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
The city should control all lake access points and monitor all boats going into and out of Forest Lake. The city should be a leader in scientific research to combat these enemies. The city should work closer with the DNR, and even the US Government to find answers to these problems.
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
Phosphorus is essential to life. The problem is too much phosphorus is harmful to our lake. Forest Lake should be very aggressive with storm water abatement projects. Yes, this is costly. But what kind of lake do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? As I have stated many times, if this city was fiscally sound, we would have a plan for the abatement costs. While some want a $22,000,000 new city hall, I would prefer to protect our lake. We need to have stiff fines for any phosphorus fertilizer use, and educate the public on this issue. There are many ways individual homeowners can reduce the pollution going into our lake. Also, let’s learn from other cities. This issue is being discussed and projects started throughout the United States.
To assist you in understanding the Mayorial and City Council candidate positions on the lake, your Board of Directors have asked the candidates three questions about lake issues/needs. Below are their answers, listed by candidate in alphabetical order.
The position of your Board of Directors is to educate our members on lake issues and not to promote any specific candidate.
Bruce Anderson…..Candidate for Mayor
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
Our lake is the “crowning jewel” of our city. The city should maintain and protect our lake to the highest extent, no matter the cost. Forest Lake should be an example to the state in how to keep a lake clean, have weeds under total control, and protect against the foreign invaders that are ruining so many lakes. I find it interesting that the incumbents running for office now proclaim that the city should do more, but WHILE IN OFFICE DID NOT DO MORE. The FLLA should still be a great watchdog for the lake and hold the city accountable and do the other great work that it currently does.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
INCREASE the budget to what ever it takes to make our lake the best lake in the state. As I stated, the current city officials have not done the job and our lake has suffered. Thanks to the FLLA for organizing and doing the great job. Forest Lake is the name of our city, the lake as I stated is our “crowing jewel”.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
The city should control all lake access points and monitor all boats going into and out of Forest Lake. The city should be a leader in scientific research to combat these enemies. The city should work closer with the DNR, and even the US Government to find answers to these problems.
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
Phosphorus is essential to life. The problem is too much phosphorus is harmful to our lake. Forest Lake should be very aggressive with storm water abatement projects. Yes, this is costly. But what kind of lake do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? As I have stated many times, if this city was fiscally sound, we would have a plan for the abatement costs. While some want a $22,000,000 new city hall, I would prefer to protect our lake. We need to have stiff fines for any phosphorus fertilizer use, and educate the public on this issue. There are many ways individual homeowners can reduce the pollution going into our lake. Also, let’s learn from other cities. This issue is being discussed and projects started throughout the United States.
Bruce Anderson
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Jim Dufour….City Council Incumbant
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
The city should be very pro-active in protecting all of our natural resources. Being involved with the lake associations, watershed districts, DNR and all other sources. I'm very grateful for all the lake associations have done to help the lakes.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would like to increase the lakes budget if we can. Also get more people involvement into the lake associations. Protecting our natural resources is very important to its preservation.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
The curly leaf pond weed has been dramatically reduced due to the aggressive chemical treatments. We should keep treating the maximum acres allowable. Milfoil is much harder to eradicate, I think education to the public is key to prevention of this invasive species. Zebra mussels are a huge threat as well. Again, education and early detection are our best ways to stop the spread of all these species.
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly In many neighboring lakes).
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
The city has started working diligently on storm water pounding and filtration. We must get and stay on top of this. I do know that if we move forward with the Northland mall site there will be a huge benefit to the runoff that flows into Clear Lk from the mall site itself and areas to the north and east that currently is not filtered at all. Also again, education is a huge part of stopping phosphates from entering our waters. I see people mowing their grass clippings into the streets, and rite to the edge of the water. That doesn't help the inflow at all.
Together we can and will preserve our waters.
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Jim Dufour….City Council Incumbant
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
The city should be very pro-active in protecting all of our natural resources. Being involved with the lake associations, watershed districts, DNR and all other sources. I'm very grateful for all the lake associations have done to help the lakes.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would like to increase the lakes budget if we can. Also get more people involvement into the lake associations. Protecting our natural resources is very important to its preservation.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
The curly leaf pond weed has been dramatically reduced due to the aggressive chemical treatments. We should keep treating the maximum acres allowable. Milfoil is much harder to eradicate, I think education to the public is key to prevention of this invasive species. Zebra mussels are a huge threat as well. Again, education and early detection are our best ways to stop the spread of all these species.
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly In many neighboring lakes).
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
The city has started working diligently on storm water pounding and filtration. We must get and stay on top of this. I do know that if we move forward with the Northland mall site there will be a huge benefit to the runoff that flows into Clear Lk from the mall site itself and areas to the north and east that currently is not filtered at all. Also again, education is a huge part of stopping phosphates from entering our waters. I see people mowing their grass clippings into the streets, and rite to the edge of the water. That doesn't help the inflow at all.
Together we can and will preserve our waters.
Thank you. Jim Dufour
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Ed Eigner….City Council Candidate
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
I believe it is part of the mission statement of the city council to maintain and protect the city’s assets. What greater assets do we have than our name sake Forest Lake and Clear Lake. One might say they are the largest parks in our city but they receive far less in the way of up keep. The city should not only provide financial assistance but should work closely with State and local agencies in order to gain support for our lakes.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would vote to increase it for both Lakes. I would base it on a percentage of the added tax revenue generated by the Lake Homes. If the lake quality declines so will the property values and taxes are tied to property values.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
I believe the city can only cooperate with the enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the lakes. However the city can partner with the U of M to try and have our lakes become test studies for dealing with these issues.
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
The city should do everything in their power to limit the amount of phosphorus and pollution entering our lakes. It is very important that the city work with the Met Council in order to reduce this amount and separate some of the larger areas of run off and divert them to holding ponds where the pollutants can be filtered out before the water returns to the lakes.
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
I believe it is part of the mission statement of the city council to maintain and protect the city’s assets. What greater assets do we have than our name sake Forest Lake and Clear Lake. One might say they are the largest parks in our city but they receive far less in the way of up keep. The city should not only provide financial assistance but should work closely with State and local agencies in order to gain support for our lakes.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would vote to increase it for both Lakes. I would base it on a percentage of the added tax revenue generated by the Lake Homes. If the lake quality declines so will the property values and taxes are tied to property values.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
I believe the city can only cooperate with the enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the lakes. However the city can partner with the U of M to try and have our lakes become test studies for dealing with these issues.
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
The city should do everything in their power to limit the amount of phosphorus and pollution entering our lakes. It is very important that the city work with the Met Council in order to reduce this amount and separate some of the larger areas of run off and divert them to holding ponds where the pollutants can be filtered out before the water returns to the lakes.
Ed Eigner
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Brian Hile.....Candidate for Mayor
No input received at time of mailing ..will send out when received
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Chris Johnson.....Incumbant Mayor
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
I believe the partnerships between the City, the Lake Association, the Watershed Districts and the DNR, which all work together as members of the Forest Lake Lakes Committee, is the correct model to coordinate our efforts on the Lakes. The City’s role in that group is to execute many of the directives of the Committee, such as funding the chemical treatments, assisting with the weed harvester, coordinating and funding landing inspections and now increasingly funding projects for filtration of phosphorus from storm water runoff.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
We are currently chemically treating the maximum area of each lake that is allowed by the DNR, so we can’t further fund weed control by chemical treatments. I support continuing to do the maximum allowable chemical treatments and the current weed harvester program. The place that I support more funding for weed control is in the filtration of phosphorus from the storm water runoff. In 2012, we have funded two projects at a total cost of just over $55,000. Both projects will provide very good phosphorus removal from Forest Lake. By next year, the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District will have completed its study of storm water runoff identifying the primary funnel-points of storm water runoff to the lake. With that study, going forward, we can take a more scientific approach to identifying and prioritizing our future projects. With all that said, when considering the two storm water filtration projects, the City has more than doubled is funding of weed control for Forest Lake in 2012.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
As stated above, we are currently treating the maximum area allowed to reduce Curly Leaf Pondweed. I believe the City’s role of funding that treatment is proper and should continue.
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
I understand the primary defense is inspections at entry points. We do fund a large number of man hours by DNR inspectors at our landings. As the DNR has experienced greater demand for their services from other lakes that are now coming late to the issue, we are finding them less available even if we have funds to pay them. I think the City should consider alternative staffing for those inspections to insure that they are taking place.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
My comments in response to B above apply to this question as well.
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
As I mentioned above, I believe this is the next frontier for the City as it works to improve its lakes. We have already begun by doing two projects in 2012. I hope to continue to do projects every year. Each project builds on the previous. In not too many years, we will have significantly reduced phosphorus loading of our lakes and in doing so, significantly increased the water clarity and quality. In addition to the City’s projects, the City can raise awareness of the issue so that private property owners will join in the effort by implementing similar techniques on their properties, both shoreline properties and others that may not even know that the water on their land is reaching the lakes.
I understand that these questions are being asked primarily to assist Lake Association members in deciding which candidates will be best for the lake. I believe that it is important to note that the Council’s vote on the most-recently-approved water-enhancement project was not unanimous. Many of the Council’s decisions are close 3-2 votes. This election is important as it could swing the balance of the Council. Jim Dufour and I are both members of the Forest Lake Association and Jim lives on Forest Lake. Jim and I have consistently been strong advocates for our lakes and we both voted in favor of both water-enhancement projects this year for Forest Lake.
Chris Johnson
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Jeff Klein……City Council Candidate
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
The city should take a very active role. The city is named after a lake after all. I like the public / private partnership currently in place but believe the city can do much more for their part since the lakes are public property.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would increase it to at least get it back to funding levels from years ago. This is needed to help get ahead of the problems that we have been seeing this year and perhaps set aside money to be spent during difficult years like this one.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
We need to work closely with the DNR and other government entities to control and prevent the three things mentioned above as well as other threats. However, it is up to the city to be a leader in this effort and champion the cause because, after all, it is our lake but there are over 10,000 other ones in the state as well all competing for help from government entities. And, ultimately, these are our city lakes.
On the ground we need to continue both harvesting and chemically treating and looking for new ways to address these problems if the old ways aren’t cutting it.
3. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
This is key. I believe there are currently projects in the works as it is apparent that untreated runoff is the major contributor to the proliferation of weeds and algae blooms. But much more needs to be done. We can’t have storm runoff just going directly from pipes into the lake like it currently does in spots. Through ponding and other measures, phosphorous runoff would be greatly reduced. I believe getting more storm water abatement projects going would be the prevention we need to start getting ahead of the weeds instead of just reacting to them.
Thank you for asking my opinion,
Jeff Klein
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Ben Winnick ….City Council Candidate
Oct 10, 2012
Candidate Questions:
1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses. What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
Yes, the lake does bring in people to the city, and some money to local businesses, but the lakes bring in lots of extra taxes (thank you), and for this, the council needs to be very receptive to those people living around the lake. the council needs to have a strong relationship with the lake association to identify and address the needs of the lake.
2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I don’t know how much money is appropriate for the lake, just like the old Fram oil commercial “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later” I think that the council and the lake association need to look at a long term approach to the quality of the lake, and with expert input, develop the most cost effective approach. Specifically, I would not look to reduce spending.
3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?
A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in
Forest Lake).
B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.
C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
In many neighboring lakes).
Honestly, currently the city can’t even care of the roads, and I don’t think that increased city involvement directly in the lake will produce any benefit, except for lots of our tax money being wasted. What the city council can do is be the lakes advocate with the appropriate federal, state, and county agencies, using the knowledge and concern of the lake association as its lead
4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
I know the city currently has begun to address this issue, and going beyond just talking about it, but actually doing something about it by installing a storm water infiltration/ phosphorus filter at North shore drive and Hayward ave. Indentifying the worst of these areas as well as estimating costs to fix them is the next step, then the city will have something solid to put together a budget and timetable for these projects
Ben Winnick
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This concludes the candiate positions on the subject lake issues.We hope this will be helpful in determinig your overall voting position.
Board Of Directors, Forest Lake Lake Association
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