HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-23 Agenda Packet Chair:
Aisha Elmquist (2023)
Secretary:
Renee Marino (2023)
Board Members:
Linda Hansohn (2023)
Tony Peleska (2023)
Kathy Johnson (2024)
Susan Johnson (2025)
Gary Gerding (2025)
Staff Liaison:
David Swearingen
Karth Lake Improvement
District Board
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday
January 10, 2023
1245 W. Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
651.792.7800
www.cityofardenhills.org
Agenda
Board Meeting Convenes at 6:30 PM
The public may access this meeting remotely by joining via Zoom
To join the Zoom Meeting, click this link (or copy and paste it into a new browser):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84571653854
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the previous meeting October 11, 2022
4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES
5. OLD BUSINESS
5.1 Karth Lake water level modeling and management process progress report. Renee Marino
5.1.1 Background: Renee Marino’s Hypothesis: a revision to the pump management policy can reduce
water level bounce (i.e., range of high and low levels), which can improve lake quality and its environment
while appropriately mitigating risk of damage to shoreline properties.
Action from 10/11/22 Meeting: Renee to continue working with RCWD to get hydrologist modeling
launched. David Swearingen to check on constraints for DNR gauge repositioning. Renee to work with DNR to
get the gauge relocated in the spring of 2023 and to include other volunteers in weekly gauge readings. Renee to
ask RCWD and DNR for their response to Como lake level management article introduced by Susan Johnson.
5.2 Plan for 2023 removal of excess lake weeds and debris and control of invasive purple loosestrife. Susan
Johnson and Board
5.2.1 Background: Holt has scheduled another lake weed removal day in 2023 for lake property owners
interested in participating. After the Purple Loosestrife infestation event in 2022, it will be important to monitor
and mitigate new growth in the near future, since seeds from the plants removed in 2022 will most likely
continue to germinate for several years going forward.
Action: Discuss 2023 plan and identify volunteers for 2023 efforts.
5.3 Sediment Growth. David Swearingen
5.3.1 Background: Karth Lake’s sediment levels have risen through the years. Several steps have reduced
the rate of new sediment inflow including installation of grit chambers on all street sewer inflows including
within the BMP#1 Phase I structure. Board members asked whether sediment growth could be measured going
forward. David discussed how the city is measuring sediment growth in several filtration ponds in Arden Hills
and suggested that a similar measurement system might be developed for Karth Lake.
Action: Continue to discuss the possibility of measuring and monitoring sediment growth going forward.
Karth Lake District Board
January 10, 2023 Page 2
5.4 Open Meeting Policy. Susan Johnson and David Swearingen
5.4.1 Background: The City of Arden Hills’ position as of the April 2022 meeting was that, going forward,
all KLID board meeting should be in-person only and not offer a remote attendance option. The board was
concerned that such a policy could prevent board members and the public with immuno-compromised health
status from attending. Steve Scott presented this issue at the City Council meeting on October 10, 2022. The
City Council allowed on October 11, 2022. The City Council agreed that Zoom attendance the October 11, 2022
meeting would be allowed. Longer term policy to be fully explained later. This issue is therefore not resolved.
5.5 Possibility of initiating a new study to identify status and refresh list of BMPs for future management of
Karth Lake. KLIDB and David Swearingen
5.5.1 Background: The most recent Karth Lake study and BMP identification was performed in 2009. The
board would like to identify a plan to be included in a follow-up assessment of Karth Lake’s current health and
opportunities for improvement (BMPs). David Swearingen suggested that current or future grants received by
RCWD might be extended to include Karth Lake.
Action: Continue to discuss new lake study funding possibilities.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Planning process for next election of KLID Board Members and Officers whose terms have expired.
6.1.1 Background: The terms for four board members expire in 2023: those for Aisha Elmquist, Renee
Marino, Linda Hansohn and Tony Peleska. The process for announcing the April 2023 election and requesting
candidates to fill open positions involves the drafting of a letter to Karth Lake Improvement District members
(which are, by definition, Karth Lake shoreline property owners). The City of Arden Hills then sends that letter
to members by regular mail
Action: Agree on the process and general content for drafting this letter to KLID members.
6.2 Identification and onboarding of new City Council liaison and other communications with City Council.
6.2.1 Background: Several new members were elected to Arden Hills’ City Council in November 2022. A
new liaison will likely be appointed by Mayor David Grant to the KLID board. Last year’s onboarding of
liaison Steve Scott included a walking tour around the lake. At the last board meeting, the idea of an annual tour
of the lake was discussed and broadly supported.
Action: Discuss possible ways to educate new City Council members and the new liaison about Karth Lake
and the history and prospects for its management. Discuss the possibility of a 2023 walking tour of the lake,
including when, for what audience and by whom.
6.3 Education of lakeshore owners about disposal of leaves into the lake.
7. NEXT MEETING
8. ADJOURN
Draft Minutes for Karth Lake Improvement District Board
Regular Meeting 6:30 PM, Tuesday, October 11, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting convened at: 6:30 PM.
Present:
Board Members: Aisha Elmquist, Chair; Renée Marino, Secretary; Gary
Gerding; Kathy Johnson; Linda Hansohn (via conference call); Susan Johnson
Staff Liaisons: David Swearingen, Public Works Director
City Council Liaison: Steve Scott, City Council Member
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved as written.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting on April 12, 2022
were approved as written.
4. PUBLIC INQUIRIES: None.
5. OLD BUSINESS
5.1 Remediation of BMP #1 Site, Meeting with Kyle Axtell of Rice Creek
Watershed: Kathy Johnson and Board
5.1.1 Background: In 2021 the city completed installation of a storm drain at the
BMP #1 site that transports the runoff from parking lots and roads south of Karth
Lake down a drain pipe that goes under the Cummings Park walking path. This
eliminates the source of silt into Karth Lake from the former above-ground flow.
That project did not address the flow of water from the walking path to the lake.
Action from 4/12/22 Meeting: Sue Johnson agreed to capture video of the water
flow in Downstream BMP #1. Kathy Johnson agreed to set up a meeting at the
BMP #1 site with Kyle Axtell from RCWD and any board members that could
attend for his thoughts on Downstream BMP #1 mitigation.
Discussion: Susan Johnson did capture video. Susan Johnson, Kathy Johnson and
Renée Marino met with Kyle Axtell at the site on May 9, 2022. Kyle had said that
the site appeared to operating as designed. The design had not included the last
segment of drainage between the path and the lake (the “Downstream BMP #1”
segment). Susan’s video showed significant water flow in this segment during a
rain. On the day of Kyle’s visit, although dry, this segment appeared to have
suffered significant erosion. Kyle suggested that the city could pour gravel along
at least some of that segment to reduce the volume of silt carried into the lake.
David Swearingen reported that said the catch basin in the BMP#1 site had filled
up with debris in 2022. After the city had removed the debris, it again operated as
designed. He also said that the city did not have the resources to pour gravel along
the Downstream BMP#1 segment, but will address that area in 2026 (as discussed
below).
Gary Gelding noted that the BMP#1 design still offered no filtering of oil and
other pollutants. Several reiterated that the design was a misnomer and addressed
BMP#5 (drainage from parking lots and road), but not the BMP#1 goal of
filtration. David Swearingen reiterated that the filtration goal would need to be
addressed in the future as BMP#1 Phase II. Specifically, the city will address both
the BMP#1 Phase II and the Karth Lake pump site retaining wall replacement as
part of the 2026 Pavement Management Program to repave Amble Drive and
other streets around Karth Lake. Furthermore, the budgeted money for replacing
the retaining wall replacement in 2023 has been moved to the 2026 effort, but will
not be forfeited. This issue is on hold for now.
5.2. Add Grit Chambers to storm drains that empty into Karth Lake and do not
have Grit Chambers now. Next Steps: Show map of existing storm drains and grit
chambers that empty into Karth Lake. David Swearingen
5.2.1 Background: This item was mostly resolved on 4/12/22 except David said
he would obtain a map of the storm drains and grit chambers to share.
Discussion: David did bring copies of a map of grit chambers around Karth Lake,
attached. He concluded that all storm drain inputs to Karth Lake have grit
chambers. The map below shows grit chambers on 5 of 6 inputs. Although the
Lexington input does not show a grit chamber, David displayed an online map of
drainage on the east side of Lexington that has the effect of a grit chamber via
ponds and a control structure that limits the rate of water flow. Note that the
yellow line from the pump site Cummings Park Drive is the outward flow of
water when the pump is operating, so is not an input. This issue is resolved.
5.3. Karth Lake water level modeling and management process progress report.
Renee Marino
5.3.1 Background: Renee Marino’s Hypothesis: a revision to the pump
management policy can reduce water level bounce (i.e., range of high and low
levels), which can improve lake quality and its environment while appropriately
mitigating risk of damage to shoreline properties.
Action from 4/12/22 Meeting: Renee to coordinate launching the modeling effort
with Rice Creek Watershed and work with the DNR to get a lake gauge installed
and begin taking measurements. Measurements are now posted here:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showlevel.html?downum=62007200
Discussion: Renée Marino reported that Matt Kocian from Rice Creek Watershed
District said he would launch the modeling effort with their hydrologist before
agreeing to a meeting with the city and board members. Although they had
spoken during the summer of 2022, she was unable to get an update on the status
prior to this meeting.
With regards to the DNR gauge reading volunteer program, Renée Marino and
Jim Elliott took all readings in 2022. Renée has asked the DNR if they could
relocate the gauge to the end of the path west of the pump. Its current location
next to the old gauges at pump site has required stepping down the retaining wall
to the shore in order to read the gauge with the accuracy required by the DNR.
Renée Marino asked David Swearingen if there are constraints about gauge
positioning so as not to interfere with the city’s installation of the pump. David
said he did not think there are constraints but would follow up with his staff.
Susan Johnson brought an article written by Dick Osgood discussing Como
Lake’s health asserting that large changes in lake levels and fish kills can be good
for a lake, contrary to other opinions. Renée agreed to share this with the people
at the Rice Creek Watershed and DNR involved with this lake level monitoring
and management project to get their reaction to the article. Action: Renée Marino.
5.4. Plan for 2022 removal of excess lake weeds and debris and control of invasive
purple loosestrife. Update: Susan Johnson, Renee Marino and Kathy Johnson
5.4.1 Background: Susan agreed to again manage lake weed removal efforts in
2022. Susan agreed to coordinate on notifying lakeshore owners about Purple
Loosestrife and Renee agreed to work with the City of Arden Hills to post
information on the city’s website. There were 21 locations on Karth Lake with
Purple Loosestrife in 2022. Because this could not wait until after the October
meeting to address, the board was notified by email in August of the combined
efforts of Susan, Renee, Kathy and others to address this issue.
Discussion: Susan Johnson shared that the 2022 removal of excess lake weed
effort had involved 21 households. The total cost was $7,420. The fund has
$1,270 remaining for future efforts. This year, only lake weeds were removed, not
other debris. Some property owners wanted water lilies removed, others did not.
Only one property owner had a complaint about an aspect of the work. The weed
removal contractor, Holt, has scheduled another Karth Lake day in 2023.
Renée Marino shared a map of the 21 properties with Purple Loosestrife sightings
in 2022 (attached). Several members discussed the coordination and quick
response in identifying and removing most plants in 2022. It will be important to
monitor and respond to new plants in the near future, since seeds from the plants
removed in 2022 will most likely continue to germinate for several years going
forward.
5.5. Open Meeting Policy: Susan Johnson, Steve Scott
5.5.1 Background: The City of Arden Hills’ position as of the April 2022
meeting was that, going forward, all KLID board meeting should be in-person
only and not offer a remote attendance option. The board was concerned that such
a policy could prevent board members and the public with immuno-compromised
health status from attending. Susan Johnson offered to prepare a brief written
summary of open meeting laws and their relevance to KLID board meetings. She
will provide that write-up to Steve Scott before the next board meeting.
Discussion: Steve Scott presented this issue at the City Council meeting on
October 10, 2022. The City Council agreed that Zoom attendance at meetings
would be allowed on October 11, 2022. Longer term policy to be fully explained
later. This issue is therefore not resolved.
5.6. Sediment Growth: David Swearingen
5.6.1 Background: Board members noted that sediment levels around street
sewer outlets into Karth Lake have risen in at least the past two decades. While
past KLID board and City of Arden Hills efforts should have reduced the rate of
new sediment inflow, David noted that the City of Shoreview and Ramsey County
manage drainage into Karth Lake from Lexington. To begin addressing these
sources, David agreed to share a map of that drainage system at the next meeting.
Discussion: David Swearingen did share an online map of drainage on the east
side of Lexington, as well as the grit chamber map discussed above. He also
shared that his team is studying its management of multiple filtration ponds
throughout Arden Hills. They currently measure depth of storm ponds during the
winter by drilling holes in ice and dropping a pole. This study will address
whether and how sediment should be removed from those ponds. He will include
consideration of Karth Lake in that study. Using a similar method to measure
sediment grown in Karth Lake might be possible, but more difficult.
5.7. Tour for new attendees: Steve Scott
5.7.1 Background: At his request, the new City Council Liaison, Steve Scott,
was given a tour of Karth Lake. We welcome his observations and follow-up
questions to the board.
Discussion: Steve thanked the board for the tour and found it to be both enjoyable
and helpful in understanding the issues addressed by the board. He suggested that
a group walk around the lake would be a valuable and fun annual event. Many in
attendance agreed.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1. Planning process for replacing retaining wall on Karth Lake. David Swearingen
6.1.1 Background: The City of Arden Hills’ budget for next year includes
funding to replace the Karth Lake retaining wall at the pump site. Kyle Axtell told
board members in May 2022 that there would be many options to the design of
such a retaining wall. The KLID board would like to understand the city’s plans
for the design process and assure that the KLIDB and the public has input within
that process.
Discussion: As discussed in item 5.1 above, David Swearingen said the budget
for the retaining wall replacement has been moved to 2026 and will be addressed
as a part of the 2026 Pavement Management Program project for the streets
around Karth Lake.
6.2. Boston Scientific Lexington Parking Expansion. David Swearingen, Steve Scott
6.2.1 Background: In August 2022, Boston Scientific removed trees along its
Lexington boundary and is expanding its parking lots into areas where there were
previously trees. Some of the affected area is within the Karth Lake watershed.
David Swearingen responded to an inquiry about this work to say that Boston
Scientific received approval for that work in 2019 and that it addressed impacts
upon the affected watersheds. The KLID board would like a description of this
project and likely impacts from the City of Arden Hills.
Discussion: David Swearingen brought copies of the Boston Scientific Arden
Hills Campus Parking Expansion plans approved in 2019. There was a general
discussion of the extensive water management structure being built underneath
the south end of the expanded parking lot. Drainage from the affected land into
Karth Lake appears to be unchanged or reduced compared to the previous land
use. Regarding concerns about the number of trees that were removed, Steve Scott
and David Swearingen discussed Boston Scientific’s requirement to plant or fund
planting of trees on its land or other land in Arden Hills. Steve pointed out that a
recent Arden Hills ordinance amendment allows replanting credit after tree
removal to include the planting of landscaping elements other than trees. This
issue is resolved.
6.3. Possibility of initiating a new study to identify status and refresh list of BMPs
for future management of Karth Lake. KLIDB and David Swearingen
6.3.1 Background: The most recent Karth Lake study and BMP identification
was performed in 2009. It would be helpful to get an update reflecting the current
state of the lake.
Discussion: David Swearingen said future Karth Lake BMP development might
be included in a couple of other efforts. For example, Rice Creek Watershed
District recently obtained a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to
study storm water resilience and might address Karth Lake’s role in the District’s
resilience. That study addresses flood susceptible areas after large rain events.
Kyle Axtell will be managing the study and David hopes to contribute to Karth
Lake involvement, possibly even to address the BMP#1 Phase II project.
7. Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 10, 2022 at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
8. Adjourn
Respectfully Submitted,
Renée Marino
Minutes of Karth Lake Improvement District Board
Regular Meeting 6:30 PM, Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Approved October 11, 2022
Call to Order/Roll Call
The meeting convened at: 6:30 PM.
Present:
Board Members: Tony Peleska, Chair; Gary Gerding, Secretary; Aisha Elmquist;
Kathy Johnson; Renée Marino, Linda Hansohn (via conference call); Susan
Johnson (via conference call);
Staff Liaisons: David Swearingen, Public Works Director; Lucas Miller,
Assistant Public Works Director.
City Council Liaison: Steve Scott, City Council Member
Resident: Jim Elliott
1. Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as written.
2. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting on October 26, 2021
were approved as written
3. Board Member Elections: No new candidates for board membership had responded
to the KLID Board’s letter to Karth Lake Neighbors sent via regular mail by the City of
Arden Hills on March 29, 2022. Both board members with expiring terms agreed to serve
for another term. The results were as follows. All votes were unanimous:
Gary Gerding: Term Expiration April 2025
Susan Johnson: Term Expiration April 2025
4. Election of Chair and Secretary: Aisha Elmquist was unanimously elected as Chair,
Renee Marino was unanimously elected as Secretary. Terms are through April 2023.
5. Public Inquiries: None
6. Old Business
6.1 Remediation of BMP #1 Site, Plan Next Steps: David Swearingen and Board
6.1.1. Background: In 2021 the city completed installation of a drain that brings
the runoff from the parking lots and roads south of Karth Lake down to the
waking path in Cummings Park. This eliminates the erosion that took place as the
runoff flowed down the hill and, ultimately, into the lake. It does not filter the
water, nor address the flow of water from the walking path to the lake. A possible
next step is to divert water to empty into a ponding area to filter out the nutrients,
oils, organic compounds, and soils in the runoff.
Further background from prior board meeting minutes and plans: The 2009
Southwest Urban Lakes Study’s Karth Lake Management Action Plan’s (posted
on the City of Arden Hills KLID website) BMP #1 identified the low wooded area
further along the path beyond the park bench on the Cummings Park trail from
Lexington as an area that could be used to treat (via ponding and infiltration) the
water to remove pollutants from the water run-off from the impervious surfaces in
the adjacent businesses. Karth Lake BMP #5 addressed pavement retrofits to
storm water runoff from those same surfaces.
In December 11, 2019, in response to requests from KLIDB to address the BMP
#1 site, Todd Blomstrom, Public Works Director, said the city planned to apply
for a cost sharing grant on a new BMP #1-focused project from the Rice Creek
Watershed District (RCWD).
On January 15, 2020, Todd Blomstrom said the city had submitted a grant
application to the RCWD.
At the next meeting, January 12, 2021, (which didn’t happened until a year later
because of COVID), Todd Blomstrom presented a nearly completed project plan
for BMP #1 remediation, but there was no time at that meeting for the board to
ask questions.
At the February 9, 2021 meeting, David Swearingen, newly appointed as the
Interim Public Works Direct, answered board questions regarding the project
plan. To the question of whether there would be a mechanism to capture solids
such as a grit chamber, he said that the plan would be amended to add a grit
chamber. To the question of whether there would be a mechanism to filter out oil
products and other polluting run-off from the pavement, he said no, but that he
planned to apply for another grant in the future that would divert water into a
holding pond so it is filtered before it empties into the lake.
Accordingly, the Remediation of BMP #1 Site Plan completed in 2021 addressed
BMP #5 from the 2009 Management Plan (street/sewer improvements to the run-
off from business impervious surfaces) but not BMP #1, treatment of the water to
remove pollutants.
According to David, the 2021 project carries a greater volume of water into the
lake than the previous system since the water is no longer absorbed by the hillside
between the parking lot and the walking path. However, it avoids collecting silt
from erosion of that hillside and also removes grit from the parking lot run-off in
its grit chamber.
Discussion: Regarding next steps to filter pollutants from the run-off, David
Swearingen said that Arden Hills’ five year plan excludes any further work on
BMP #1. Next steps, if any, would have to be addressed in subsequent planning
periods.
Kathy Johnson and Susan Johnson noted that there appears to be significant
erosion between the path and the lake (“Downstream BMP #1”). Susan asked if
fund raising could be done to address the Downstream BMP #1 area. David said
any funding would first have be used to hire a consultant to develop a solution.
Kathy asked if adding native plants could help address the Downstream BMP #1
area. She offered to reach out to RCWD and Blue Thumb for assistance.
Action: Sue Johnson agreed to capture video of the water flow in Downstream
BMP #1. Kathy Johnson agreed to set up a meeting at the BMP #1 site with Kyle
Axtell from RCWD and any board members that could attend for his thoughts on
Downstream BMP #1 mitigation.
6.2 Progress Report on No-Trespassing sign: David Swearingen
6.2.1. Background: The Board requested replacement of the No-Trespassing
Sign to warn the public not to cross the land bridge from Cummings Park to the
residential area to the north. Renee M. noted that the sign was agreed to and
authorized in the July 14, 2009, KLIDB Meeting. Action from 10/26/22
Meeting: David S. and Mayor Grant will review this history and decide what to
do.
Discussion: David reported that a new sign has been installed that says “City
Property Ends Here.”
Action: None. Resolved.
6.3. Add Grit Chambers to storm drains that empty into Karth Lake and do not
have Grit Chambers now. Next Steps: Show map of existing storm drains and
grit chambers that empty into Karth Lake. David Swearingen.
6.3.1 Background: There is only one storm drain inlet to Karth Lake that does
not have a grit chamber: the one on Karth Lake Circle. This will be corrected
when that road is repaved in about 2026.
Discussion: David said street sweeping will be soon to remove grit in the streets
around Karth Lake. The city has already cleaned out the new BMP #1 grit
chamber. The final grit chamber will be added during the repaving project in
2026.
Linda says there is also a man hole on Amble Drive that has sunk several inches.
David said that will be addressed in the repaving project in 2026.
Action: David Swearingen agreed to show map of existing storm drains and grit
chambers that empty into Karth Lake.
6.4. Karth Lake water level modeling and management process progress report.
Renee Marino
6.4.1 Background: Renee Marino’s Hypothesis: a revision to the pump
management policy can reduce water level bounce (i.e., range of high and low levels),
which can improve lake quality and its environment while appropriately mitigating
risk of damage to shoreline properties. For more background on this topic please read
pdf attached to tis email and the following link in advance of the meeting:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/waterlevels/lakes/volunteering.html
Discussion: Renee reported that the DNR had applied for a new gauge to be funded,
installed and calibrated in Karth Lake. If approved, it would likely be installed within
a couple of weeks. Volunteers would be needed to record and upload lake levels
weekly when there is open water. She and Jim Elliott have volunteered to take
readings in 2022 and others said they could fill-in, if needed.
Renee also reported that Matt Kocian of RCWD will provide funding for its
hydrologist consultant, Chris Otterness, to develop a model of Karth Lake lake levels
and develop an improved pumping strategy to reduce lake level bounce. They have
offered an option of deliverables: (1) a spreadsheet tool for our use or (2) a pumping
strategy designed to meet a set of written goals / criteria.
Tony asked if we could have both: a pumping strategy and a tool that we could use
after the analysis is completed. The board agreed and, as a whole, expressed a desire
to receive the full benefit of Chris’ know-how through delivering a pumping strategy.
With regards to the task of developing a written set of goals and criteria, Renee
suggested it would be helpful to have a meeting up front with Matt and Chris, with
people at the city that will be responsible for implementing a revised strategy, and
with board representatives, myself and Gary Gerding. Specifically, implementation
constraints and alternative could impact the strategy recommendation. All in
attendance agreed. David and Lucas said they would be happy to participate in such a
meeting.
Action: Renee will set up a meeting with Matt, Chris, David, Lucas, Gary and myself
to launch the modeling effort. Renee will follow up on gauge status and begin lake
level measurements once available.
7. New Business
7.1 Plan for 2022 removal of excess lake weeds and debris and control of invasive
purple loosestrife.
Discussion: Susan agreed to manage this effort again in 2022. The board
requested that the city’s KLID web page include information about purple
loosestrife. David said there is a new communications director.
Action: Susan will send a flyer about weed removal and include a note and
photos about purple loosestrife.
David will send the new communications director’s contact information to Renee.
Renee will provide content to the city to add information to the website.
7.2 Report results of 2021 water quality monitoring for Karth Lake – Gary
Gerding
Discussion: Gary shared charts provided by Matt Kocian of RCWD (shown below)
and the following observations:
• Over the past 10 years, water quality has been generally stable. I.e., there have
been no statistically significant trends in total phosphorus nor chl-a averages.
Total phosphorus and chl-a levels in 2021 were 7% and 17% higher than their 10-
year averages, respectively, but the magnitudes of these changes are consistent
with past variability and are not by themselves indicative of negative trends in
water quality.
• There were some moderate algae blooms in late 2021, but not much worse than
blooms in 2017, and much better than blooms in 2008-2010
• Karth Lake continues to meet State Water Quality standards for all parameters
(phosphorus, chl-a, and clarity). For a suburban shallow lake, water quality in
Karth Lake is good. Based on Met Council’s grading system, Karth Lake gets a
“B-”
Action: Gary will continue to be the lead for water quality monitoring in 2022. The
sampling in 2022 will be the same as in 2021: Andrew Elmquist will cover first and
last thirds of the sampling season and Renee Marino and Jim Elliott will do the
middle third.
7.3 Open Meeting Policy – New Topic
Background: The City of Arden Hills set up this board meeting as in-person
only. Although they allowed board members Linda Hansohn and Susan Johnson
to attend remotely via a conference call, the city did not count them as
contributing to the quorum required to hold the meeting. Although a quorum was
obtained in this meeting, it is a problem for future meetings. Specifically, COVID
continues to be a potentially life-threatening risk for those with auto-immune
deficiencies.
Discussion: Susan Johnson, an attorney, expressed a concern that requiring in-
person attendance violates current open meeting laws in Minnesota.
Action: Susan offered to prepare a brief written summary of open meeting laws
and their relevance to KLID board meetings. She will provide that write-up to
Steve Scott before the next board meeting.
7.4 Sediment Growth – New Topic
Background: Gary expressed concern that the level of sediment at a street sewer
by his house is approximately three feet higher than it was when he moved in.
Discussion: Kathy said she has observed a similar rise in an outlet by per
property. Tony said he has observed an “alluvial fan” of sediment extending from
the street sewer outlet on the south end of the lake by his property. David
suggested that the rate of new sediment entering the lake should be greatly
diminished going forward for those that have been retrofitted with grit chambers.
Street sweeping soon after snow melt can remove grit left over from snow
removal efforts before they enter the street sewers. He also said that storm sewers
draining from Shoreview properties and Lexington Avenue are managed by
Ramsey County, not Arden Hills. Gary suggested that sediment removal should
be reconsidered once the last grit chamber is installed.
Action: David agreed to bring the Ramsey County and Lexington drainage maps
to the next meeting so we can assess next steps, if any, to address those sources.
7.5 Tour for new attendees – New Topic
Background: New attendees to KLID meetings requested a tour of Karth Lake.
Specifically, City Council Member Steve Scott has been newly appointed by
Mayor Grant as the City Council Liaison to the KLIDB; Lucas Miller has been
recently hired as Assistant Public Works Director.
Discussion: Steve Scott requested a tour of Karth Lake and Lucas Miller said he
would try to join the tour if his schedule permitted. Renée Marino and Kathy
Johnson agreed to conduct the tour.
Action: Renée Marino agreed to schedule the tour.
8. Next Meeting: Informal meeting tentatively planned for August 10, 2022 at Kathy
Johnson’s house. Next official meeting planned for October 11, 2022 at City Hall.
9. Adjourn
Respectfully Submitted,
Renée Marino
Raw data, total phosphorus and chl-a
Average total phosphorus and chl-a
Summer (June-Sept) Averages
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 10-yr mean
TP 51.4 58.14286 42 59 46.875 36.44444 41.88889 23.75 32.11111 25.11111 35.77778 32.11111 29.5 32.125 40.5 35 32.7875
Chl-a 24.28571 28.5 36.675 39.57143 10.38889 8.655556 6.092308 17.25556 9.7625 13.76667 14.7 9.6875 9.866667 13.3875 13.6222222 11.67965
Secchi -0.97143 -1.225 -0.775 -1.33125 -2.46667 -1.94444 -2.71538 -1.35556 -1.91111 -1.75 -2.4125 -2.12 -2.48889 -1.975 -2.5111111 -2.1184
-2.0% 23.5% 6.7%TP change
TSI - most recent year -15.5% 14.6% 16.6%Chl-a chan
TP 55.41812
Chla 56.2208
Secchi 46.73235