2011-11-17_Minutes_PH - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

102 water facilities in their community; and at a minimum, residents should be permitted the opportunity at 103 any time for such interactive community in a public forum. 104 105 Specific to the Plan itself, Mr. Norton stated that there were a number of specific items he'd like to raise, 106 even while understanding that it was late in the process at this point, but if there was anything citizens 107 could do to affect individual items in the Plan, he would like some formal communication from the Board 108 to advise what form of communication residents needed to take to express those concerns; whether 109 through written letter or by soliciting assistance from elected officials to intervene and impact the Plan 110 currently being pursued. Mainly, Mr. Norton advised that he had more questions rather than comments 111 on the Plan; however, expressed his frustration having reached this late date and having had no previous 112 opportunity to have any input. Mr. Norton opined that he was sure he was speaking for more than just 113 himself. 114 115 Robert Bell, 807 Heinel Drive (neighbor of Mr. Norton) 116 Mr. Bell expressed confusion regarding the jurisdiction of the GLWMO and that of the State of MN. One 117 concern with Lake Owasso shared by Mr. Bell was that the very successful work over the last forty (40) 118 years by the Lake Owasso Homeowners Association in controlling lake vegetation would not be 119 recognized. Mr. Bell questioned if the GLWMO had anything to do with that; and addressed specific 120 "floating islands" coming from the south end of the lake moving into other places and his desire to see 121 them removed, and who would have the jurisdiction to do so. Mr. Bell noted the talk about a Plan, but 122 stated that he hadn't seen any Plan, and didn't know what the Plan was, and the jurisdictions of the DNR, 123 the GLWMO, and individual cities. 124 125 Nito Quitevis, 450 Horseshoe Drive 126 Mr.Quitevis addressed the long -time history of this watershed dating before 1925 and the changes and 127 improvements made to Lake Owasso during that time, having made great strides and making the lake in 128 pretty good shape right now. Mr. Quitevis stated that he had not seen a Plan and didn't know what the 129 Plan was; and expressed his concern about who was going to fund such a Plan; whether 130 Ramsey/Washington Metro WD or staying as is with GLWMO; opining that it was more effective to 131 remain an independent WMO with the two (2) member cities handling the work. If the responsibility 132 went to another taxing authority, Mr. Quitevis opined that there would be more money placed on property 133 owner taxes; and the GLWMO would get lost in the pool and have no say in how the work was 134 prioritized. Mr. Quitevis specifically addressed the "mud holes" (e.g. Lake Judy) that would ultimately 135 be taken care of at the expense of Lake Owasso, as a recreational lake. 136 137 Mr.Quitevis referenced previous studies proposed and/or completed since 1998 that he had researched, 138 and expressed his significant frustration with the negligence and malfeasance; with no accountability; and 139 reiterated his support for remaining an independent organization as currently governed, with the addition 140 of an oversight committee consisting of no one from either member city that would monitor what this 141 organization was supposed to do. Mr.Quitevis stated that he had been told that some problems don't 142 exist; however, disputed that when he had evidence of storm drains existing, while clearing showing in 143 GLWMO records; and opined that the problem with Lake Owasso as a recreational lake was that Lake 144 Bennett continued to pump uncontrolled things into Lake Owasso; and questioned how situations such as 145 that would receive attention if the GLWMO were to merge. Mr.Quitevis advised that he had previously 146 made a recommendation to the Mayor of Shoreview and had received an unsatisfactory response. Mr. 147 Quitevis opined that member cities were supposed to do the work, but had not done so, and he claimed 148 that he had documentation to prove his statement, including maintenance reports and history and report 149 cards that don't exist; and reiterated that the work would not be accomplished without oversight. 150 151 Mr. Quitevis expressed his opinion of unbelievable statements made by the current GLWMO Chair to the 152 media that had proven to be inaccurate. Mr.Quitevis opined that the people with the knowledge to handle