Little Canada City Council — Transcript

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Twin Lake Emergency Pumping Operation

Funding and Cost Analysis for Pumping

Downstream Risk Management and Monitoring

Long-Term Water Level Management and Property Concerns

Votes (1)

Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

4-0 Approved

Dissent: Councilman Fisher was absent but had expressed conditional support for pumping. No dissenting votes from present councilmembers.

Moved by Councilmember [22:30] · Seconded by Councilmember [23:45]

The council convened to make a decision on how to address the unprecedented high water levels on Twin Lake, which have surpassed the lowest home's elevation. The city administrator and Bill Dirks presented background, options, and a detailed plan for a pumping operation, including costs, permitting, and risk mitigation strategies for downstream properties. Councilman Fisher's conditions for support (understanding risks, management plan, cost acceptance) were addressed. Funding mechanisms were reviewed, emphasizing reliance on city reserves and anticipated revenues. The urgency of protecting private property was a key driver for the decision, despite the significant financial outlay and the need for ongoing management and monitoring.

Notable Quotes (7)

we are now officially higher than the low home on the lake at 154 Twin Lake Boulevard

Bill [1:50]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

The primary goal for pumping would be to get to below the the low house on twin Lake

Bill [2:20]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

I support pumping water from twin lakes a few conditions

city administrator [5:50]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

any decision made here today to pump is probably in the range of a fifty thousand dollar decision or more or more

city administrator [8:15]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

what we're here for today is basically the emergency situation

Chris [13:10]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

I'm in favor the pumping to take care of the homeowners they can't see letting that go

Councilmember [17:00]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

minimal efforts would be targeting that you know 875 level

city administrator [19:50]
Decision to Initiate Emergency Pumping for Twin Lake

Ordinances & Resolutions (6)

PermitPermit

Permit required from MnDOT for the pumping operation, fast-tracked for approval.

Appropriations permitPermit

Permit from the DNR, already approved, for the pumping operation.

Fund Balance PolicyPlan

City policy that allows unreserved fund balance to be used for unforeseen expenditures related to emergencies.

Conduit bondsOther

Bonds issued for a housing project, generating revenue for the city, considered a funding source.

Emergency declarationOther

A declaration through the governor's office, necessary for FEMA disaster assistance.

Emergency response planPlan

Existing plan for homes around Jarvis Lake to address high water and wave action.

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Little Canada City Council - Little Canada Recorder