Sewer district growth, taxes juggled
Annexation, taxes -- which should come first
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 11/30/00 -- Representatives from Spicer, New London and the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission are struggling with a chicken-and-egg type of problem.

During a special joint meeting Wednesday of the New London and Spicer city councils, the issue of what should come first, annexation or utility extensions, was discussed at length. No resolution was reached.

If certain steps are taken, said Spicer Mayor Bill Taylor, "it could kill the towns."

If other steps are taken, said Gary Danielson, Kandiyohi County Public Works Director, large tracts of land and potential GLSSWD customers could be lost forever.

When plans for the GLSSWD's new water and sewer system were created, the facilities were oversized to accommodate future growth in a designated area around Green Lake and the two towns.

It had been understood that the water and sewer services wouldn't be offered to township residents outside the district unless the land became annexed or the owners signed an agreement to eventually become annexed.

That plan guaranteed orderly growth of the GLSSWD and gave New London and Spicer a carrot to lure property owners into the city limits, thus increasing the municipal tax base.

But there's concern that plan could backfire and reduce potential revenue for the GLSSWD.

Danielson said there are at least two developers who intend to create new residential housing developments in the "future growth" area outside the current district boundaries.

While initially willing to hook up to the GLSSWD, the developers changed their minds when informed they would bear the hefty cost of installing utility lines. They also refused to sign an agreement for future annexation, in part because city taxes are considerably higher than township property taxes.

Danielson said the developers now intend to install their own wells and sewer lines.

Losing those potential customers "alarmed us," said Danielson. A GLSSWD committee has created a proposal to ask the county for financial assistance to install trunk lines. Property owners who hook into the new system would be assessed a trunk area fee.

Council members from both towns liked the idea of the fee but balked at offering the service without any hope of ever annexing the properties.

"This is a grave concern," said Larry Juhl, New London mayor. "This could harm us."

Without requiring properties to be annexed before receiving the utilities, he said the towns have no opportunities for growth. At the same time, cities foot bills for services that many township residents use but don't pay for.

But Danielson said without new customers, the cost of operating the GLSSWD system will increase. "That's the dilemma and I don't know what the solution is to that dilemma."

Taylor said offering services without annexation may provide more operating revenue for GLSSWD in the short term, "but in the long term, it will kill the cities."

Juhl questioned the wisdom of rushing to assist land developers with a utility plan that could cause "harm to both cities."

Kandiyohi County Commissioner Dennis Peterson said land development will occur in the area whether or not utility extensions or annexation happens.

Despite zoning laws, Danielson said the county isn't willing to be "heavy handed" when it comes to dictating growth.

John Mack, mayor-elect for New London, said prohibiting GLSSWD extensions until annexation occurs "might slow down growth a little bit, but it might be worth it."

Gene Wenzel, Spicer councilman, said annexation is important, but he does not want to risk losing potential customers, a situation that could negatively affect the overall operation of the GLSSWD.

At the end of the meeting, no resolution was reached.

"I don't know where to go from here," said Peterson.

"We have to come up with an answer, or we're out of luck," said Wenzel.

The two cities agreed to form a joint committee to find a solution to the problem. The GLSSWD Commission is expected to act on the trunk fee proposal at its meeting Dec. 11.

Formation of Highway 23 environmental task force announced
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 10/27/00 -- Citizens' persistent questions about potential environmental harm to area lakes if Highway 23 is expanded to four lanes will be addressed by a new interagency water quality advisory committee.

Leaders from three state agencies announced Thursday they intend to appoint a task force to respond to concerns pertaining to the proposed four-lane project in an effort to reduce any negative impact the plan could have on water quality.

"We have heard from the citizens here," said Douglas Weiszhaar, deputy commissioner from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, during a morning news conference at the Spicer City Hall. "One of the main concerns that we've heard is that there's concern about water quality of Green Lake and the other lakes in the area."

The 10- to 12-member task force, comprised of representatives from MnDOT, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources, also will include representatives from Spicer, Kandiyohi County and area lake associations. The task force is expected to meet for the first time in mid-December and continue until construction is completed.

Weiszhaar said the task force will help MnDOT meet a goal that lake water quality is "at least maintained, or possibly improved" after the highway construction is completed.

Rod Massey, director of the MPCA, said his department wants to make sure the Green Lake area is protected during highway construction and in the future. Having all three agencies, and local residents, involved in a joint process will help facilitate that, he said.

Steve Morse, deputy commissioner of MnDOT, said the task force will provide a "process" for addressing environmental issues. Operating on a consensus basis, the committee will have "review authority" of the highway design.

The task force will not, said Weiszhaar, be a forum for debating whether Highway 23 should, or should not, be expanded to a four-lane through Spicer.

That's the issue a number of people wanted to talk about at the press conference. Residents who've consistently opposed the project, or have advocated a modified plan or alternate bypass route, pressed Weiszhaar to address the overall plan.

"This is the best alternative," said Weiszhaar, who attempted to keep the discussion off highway design and just on water quality issues.

Several people questioned the timing of the announcement.

Ron Schneider, a four-lane opponent who's running for mayor in Spicer, said announcing the formation of the task force two weeks prior to the election gives the appearance the agencies are "meddling" in the local election.

"It's tantamount to buying an election," he said, "and you should be ashamed."

Ed Petersen, a City Council candidate, asked why MnDOT made a "middle of the night decision" to form the committee and to hold a press conference that wasn't announced to the public.

MnDOT officials dismissed claims that the task force was motivated by politics. They said formation of the task force was in response to growing concerns expressed by citizens.

Sen. Dean Johnson and Rep. Al Juhnke, both DFLers from Willmar, issued a statement saying they asked the three agencies to work together to formulate an environmentally safe Highway 23 plan to respond to citizens' concerns. They said they haven't taken a position on the four-lane but they "believe that this project should not proceed without a thorough examination and discussion of its potential environmental impacts."

In a later interview, Juhnke said a local group that opposes the four-lane project asked the legislators to "get some answers" to environmental questions nearly two months ago. Bringing high-level leaders from the three agencies together to make the announcement about the task force, he said, was in response to those residents' concerns.

Johnson said formation of a technical committee to review scientific studies on water quality is an important part of the highway proposal, which he said is "one of the most contentious issues" he's dealt with during his years in office.

Several individuals expressed their distrust of MnDOT's performance, despite the formation of the task force.

Tom Bonde, a Spicer resident who's been involved with a 13-year study of the water quality of the Middle Fork Little Crow Watershed, questioned the reliability of MnDOT's claims that the integrity of the lakes would be maintained. He cited recent work on Highway 169 near Hill City and Grand Rapids that caused serious damage to several trout streams.

"We don't believe MnDOT when they say they're going to do all these good things," said Bonde.

Weiszhaar acknowledged errors were made in implementing MnDOT's plan on Highway 169 and that environmental failures had occurred there. He said every effort will be made to make sure that same mistake doesn't happen on Highway 23.

"It causes suspicion," said Becky West, concerned Green Lake area resident. "We don't want to be an example of what shouldn't happen."

"You should hold us accountable," said Weiszhaar. "And we will be accountable."

The Highway 23 four-lane project has not yet received final approval from state or federal officials. Dave Trooien, MnDOT District 8 engineer, said MnDOT's proposal included "broad" environmental information regarding the four-lane, which is being reviewed on state and federal levels.

Trooien said the new task force will deal with more specific design details.

MnDOT is expecting a "finding of no significant impact" or FONSI report from the federal Transportation Department in November, which would give the project the green light.

Johnson, meanwhile, said the Highway 23 project "is not a done deal." He said there are still too many unanswered questions about the project, which he said is just "in the second inning."

He said, "We need to move very thoughtfully and carefully on this project because it will, for a century, change this part of Kandiyohi County. So, we need to do it right."

County awards bids for Green Lake service lines
By Linda Vanderwerf
Staff Writer

WILLMAR 10/4/00 -- Quam Construction of Willmar will install individual water and sewer services along the north shore of Green Lake.

The Kandiyohi County Board awarded a $1.4 million contract for the north shore Tuesday. Two weeks ago, Quam also received the contract to install individual services along the east shore of the lake.

The latest contract raised some questions from a few north shore residents. In fact, the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water Commission sent it to the County Board without a recommendation.

When the sewer commission met Monday evening, a proposal was made to reject all the bids and have another company do the north shore work, because Quam is busy on the east shore service lines.

Ollie Hagen, a sewer district commissioner and Green Lake property owner, said he thought Quam did good work. His concern was that Quam's crews would be busy on the east shore and wouldn't get to the north shore as quickly as the residents there might like.

"We want to get people hooked up faster," he said.

Hooking up the individual service lines signals near-completion of the $33 million project that brings municipal water and sewer to Green Lake property and improves water and sewer service for New London and Spicer.

After a first round of bids was much higher than the engineer's estimate, the county decided to bid the project again.

Before advertising, contractors were invited to install services on small sections of the project. They were paid for their time and materials.

County Public Works Director Gary Danielson said the idea was to give contractors a better idea of what it would cost to handle the larger project. The hope was that the second bids on the larger project would be lower.

The second bids were lower, Danielson said, and he recommended awarding the contract to Quam, even though the price was still $160,000 more than the engineer's estimate.

Quam was the low bidder on two of the three sections in the bid. Quam offered to deduct $25,000 from the total cost if awarded a contract for the entire project. With the deduction, Quam was the overall low bidder. Other bidders had the option of making a similar offer but didn't do it.

Hagen and Green Lake resident Daryl Ingalsbe objected to awarding the contract.

Hagen proposed hiring Duininck Bros. of Prinsburg to do the north shore individual services for the cost of time and materials, so the work could get done faster. Duininck has done most of the road work and water and sewer main installation around the lake, but the company was the high bidder on the north shore services bid.

Danielson said the county and sewer district would need to follow state bidding law because of the size of the project. "In order to spend public money, you need to follow the public rules," he said.

Assistant County Attorney John Kallestad said rejecting the bids and then hiring one of the bidders to do the same work would violate the letter and the spirit of the law.

Ingalsbe said he wanted to choose his own contractor, since he would paying for the work through assessments. He was looking for "a little freedom of choice," he said.

County Board Chairman Dennis Peterson said the decision on how to handle the individual service lines had been made years ago, and it would be difficult to change it now.

The promise of installing service lines was part of what sold the project to lake residents, Peterson said.

Ingalsbe called that a "blackmail tactic" to get people to approve the project.

Commissioner Harlan Madsen said he recalled people at public hearings saying they didn't want to have to deal with hiring contractors.

When Peterson told Ingalsbe his idea should have been discussed four or five years ago, he said he hadn't owned his property then, "and I'm beginning to wonder why I do now."

GREEN LAKE SEWER PROJECT GOING WELL
10/02/2000
The main line work and paving on the east shore of Green Lake should be completed this fall. Kandiyohi County Public Works Director Gary Danielson says the dry weather has been ideal for construction and crews are completing the project. Next spring, residents along County Road 10 on the south shore will have their water and sewer installed. Danielson says if all goes well, the bike path along the east shore should be completed soon. Danielson says the plan for the north shore path should be approved sometime this week, but it looks like crews won't get to the construction until early next spring.

Contractor chosen for east shore water, sewer services
By Linda Vanderwerf
Staff Writer

WILLMAR 9/20/00 - Quam Construction Co. of Willmar will install individual water and sewer services to homes on the east shore of Green Lake.

The County Board voted Tuesday to award the $1.66 million contract.

Duininck Bros. of Prinsburg is working on the road, water and sewer project on the east shore.

The work is part of a $33 million, multiple-year project to bring municipal water and sewer service to residents around Green Lake and improve water and wastewater treatment for the cities of New London and Spicer.

New water towers have been built, and the new water and wastewater treatment plants are on line. Water and sewer lines have been installed and a new road built along the north shore.

The cost of the project will be paid through state and federal grants, fees paid by utility users, and assessments on property owners, particularly around Green Lake.

Hooking up individual homes to the new utilities is one of the final phases of the project.

On the east shore work, contractors bid on the work in 11 sections and had the opportunity to offer to deduct from the contract if they were awarded the work on the entire project. The idea was to award the contract for each section to the lowest bidder if it would save money on the project.

Quam was the low bidder on 10 sections and offered a $10,000 discount. With that discount, Quam's total bid was $40 less than awarding contracts on individual segments.

In other business, the board denied two requests for conditional use permits.

The objection of neighbors was the deciding factor in both situations.

A request for a permit to locate a construction company office and warehouse on 15th Street Southwest south of Willmar was denied. The site is the former location of a Pioneer Seed business.

Qwest Wireless had requested a permit to build a 250-foot tower near County Road 40 in New London Township. A neighbor objected because the tower would be across the road from his home, and he felt it would affect his property values.

The board voted to appoint County Assessor Dave Oelslager to another four-year term in office, effective Jan. 1, 2001.

Green Lake anglers urge limited bass harvest
Could bring back balance as bass numbers grow
By Tom Cherveny
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/25/00 - A return to a limited harvest of smallmouth bass on Green Lake might help provide more balance between the rapidly growing bass population and the lake's most sought-after prize, walleye.

Anglers made that point Wednesday night in Spicer while telling Department of Natural Resources fisheries personnel that they are concerned about the lake's walleye population.

Some voiced support for reducing the walleye harvest from six to four.

While fishermen are enjoying some of the best walleye fishing ever on the lake, they are not catching the numbers of smaller, younger walleye as they have in previous years.

"If you're not catching small ones, what's going to happen in two to three years?'' asked one fisherman.

About two dozen anglers expressed their concerns at the meeting. It was held to discuss the status of special regulations enacted on the lake in 1997. They require catch-and-release fishing only for bass and set a 24-inch maximum size for northern pike.

The regulations are scheduled to stay in place until 2008 but can be modified, according to Bruce Gilbertson, fisheries supervisor in Spicer.

Along with their concern about the lake's walleye, many anglers also made it clear they want to make sure the lake's smallmouth bass fishery remains protected. They noted that Green Lake is one of a very few lakes in this part of the state capable of sustaining a smallmouth population, and the feisty fighters are popular sport for many.

It's not known if the growing smallmouth bass population is harming the walleye population, according to Dave Coahran, assistant supervisor in the DNR fisheries office in Spicer. The data gathered during creel census, netting and electro-fishing operations in recent years cannot answer that question, he explained.

The data does confirm what many anglers said they already know from the frequent taps on their fishing poles: The lake's smallmouth bass population is on the grow. The bass are showing up in locations where some of the lake's veteran fishermen have never seen them, they said.

Due to natural factors, the smallmouth bass population started to rebound before the catch and release restriction went into effect.

"The population would have increased anyway, with or without the regulations, but it wouldn't have gotten this high,'' said Gilbertson.

Walleye haven't enjoyed special protection on the lake, but their numbers have been good, too. Green Lake historically supports a better than average walleye fishery for lakes of its type, according to DNR data.

Things got even better in middle part of the decade, when the lake saw record high walleye production. Those fish are now the lunkers that are bending poles and putting smiles on the faces of those who hold them.

But the smiles might be harder to come by in the future. The walleye classes from the last three years showed notable declines, quite likely due to natural factors, the fisheries personnel said.

The reductions are not alarming, according to Coahran, but are cause for concern. He is anxious to see what electro-fishing survey work reveals about this year's class.

Coahran also is keeping an eye on a declining yellow perch population. The reduction in forage fish puts more pressure on the walleye.

Despite these changes, the current fish survey numbers are not enough to trigger a change in the experimental regulations, according to Coahran. "From where I'm sitting now, it's not an easy sell,'' he said.

This fall's electro-fishing data could change the picture, however. The biological information is needed to help fit the pieces of the puzzle together, said Gilbertson, and determine whether or not to allow the harvesting of some smallmouth bass.

If some sort of harvest is allowed, it would be limited so as to assure the development of larger-sized smallmouth in the lake, he said. Some of those present at the meeting urged that the harvest be limited to trophy-size fish, perhaps 19 inches or larger.

Northern pike

Big northern pike remains the goal of the special regulation limiting the harvest of the toothy predators to those 24 inches and under.

The first three years of survey work suggest the regulation is having its intended effect, even quicker than expected. Coahran reported data that indicates the numbers of northern pike 28 inches and greater is increasing.

The fish appear to be growing in size, but not necessarily in number, he added.

Gilbertson said the results are encouraging. It meets the goal of providing anglers with bigger northern pike and preventing the proliferation of small hammerhandles.

He does not expect the drop in yellow perch numbers to harm the development of large northern pike. Green Lake still offers them an ample supply of tullibees and suckers.

Sewage system on line
Raw sewage from Spicer flowing to plant
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/21/00 - Ron Hagemeier's brand new office is spacious and sunny, with much of his important paperwork sitting on a second-hand desk and a card table he brought from home.

Outside, a brand new sewage system is starting to operate, thanks to borrowed bacteria from the Willmar wastewater treatment plant.

Ron Hagemeier stands by the aeration tanks at the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer an Water District wastewater treatment plant. Tribune photo by Carolyn Lange

It's week one at the new $6 million sewage plant in the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District. Even though the office furniture hasn't arrived and not all the homes in the large district are on line, the plant is working well.

"It's been exciting," said Hagemeier, who came on board two months ago as the superintendent of the GLSSWD. "It's fun to be involved with a brand new facility."

Years in the planning process, the GLSSWD's new water and wastewater system is almost completed.

The new, $2.5 million water plant began pumping municipal water to New London and Spicer this spring. Eventually residents around Green Lake will receive the water.

This week, the new sewage plant became operational. So far, just waste water from Spicer is going to the plant. After several weeks of tweaking the system, making sure the equipment all works and that the good bacteria is growing adequately, the lines from New London will be connected.

Once the main lines and individual service lines around Green Lake are completed, the entire system will be operational.

"It's great to get to these milestones," said Gary Danielson, Kandiyohi County Public Works director, of the phase-in construction and operational process.

Danielson said this is the type of wastewater system many people in the Green Lake area wanted 25 years ago. The dual system, with a total infrastructure cost of $28 million, will replace the cluster, pond, irrigation system that has failed in recent years.

The new system and new plants should be worth the wait.

"It's a good system," said Hagemeier, praising the engineers and GLSSWD commission members who chose which system to use and designed the plant. "It's a very good facility."

The GLSSWD system is an activated sludge facility, similar to hundreds of others in the state and thousands in the nation.

The system involves a multi-phase process of removing the sludge and coliform bacteria. In the end, the water is clean enough to be pumped into the Middle Fork of the Crow River, about three-quarters of a mile from the treatment facility.

The process begins as sewage is pumped to the treatment facility, located on the east side of Green Lake, where it first enters the pre-treatment building. From there, the water is aerated as it moves through cement channels. This is where the good bacteria does its work, said Hagemeier.

Evidence of floc - basically particles of bacteria clumping together - and a lack of white foam in the tanks tells Hagemeier the process is working, even though the system has just "young" bacteria.

As raw sewage from Spicer began flowing to the plant this week, a 5,000-gallon tanker of "seed" bacteria from the Willmar wastewater treatment facility was added to the lines. The transplanted, "established" bacteria is growing in the GLSSWD system.

"We're growing bugs out here," said Hagemeier, obviously pleased with how the new system is handling the biological process. "We can grow the right type of bacteria."

He had expected about two feet of white foam floating on top of the water - a sign that the bacteria balance wasn't quite in synch. Instead, there's just a few swirls of foam.

What he described as an "earthy smell" and not a strong odor around the open air tanks is also a good sign.

As the solids begin to settle in the tanks, the "mixed liquor" as it's called, is piped to the clarifiers. The deep tanks with geodesic roofs, is "where the real clean-up takes place," said Hagemeier.

"I'm pretty proud of how this effluent looks after one week of operation," said Hagemeier, peering at the clear water that's trickling over the saw-toothed edges of the clarifiers.

The water then goes to a filter bridge system that Hagemeier said is "my guarantee that the effluent will be good quality."

He said the kind of equipment installed at the GLSSWD system is "good to have upstream."

The final step in the process is another outdoor tank where chlorine is added for disinfection and reduction of fecal coliform bacteria.

As the effluent leaves the plant, all the chlorine is removed and the phosphorous level will be "way less" than one part per million. That level of cleanliness, he said, will be good for the river where the treated water will be discharged.

"We have no chlorine leaving this plant," he said.

So far, there hasn't been enough effluent produced to be released into the Middle Fork of the Crow River, which is also known as county ditch 20.

"It'll be a high quality effluent that won't cause any degradation of the ditch system we're putting it into," said Danielson.

At this point in the trial period, much of the good bacteria that's removed from the water is re-routed back to the aeration tanks so it can be put back to use.

Once there's an excess amount, the remaining sludge will be compressed and used for fertilizer for agricultural purposes, and even lawns. By using a heat process, the pathogens will be reduced to an acceptable level to make it a safe fertilizer.

Danielson said the wastewater treatment plant wasn't completed when expected. There's still some mechanical work that needs to be done, and landscaping. On the plus side, the delay gave the commission extra time to get a full staff on board. The GLSSWD has five full-time employees and one part-time.

"Things have come together real well personnel-wise," said Danielson.

The Kandiyohi County commissioners are expected to tour the facility today. A public open house is planned for next spring.

Public's help needed to eradicate milfoil
By Tom Cherveny
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/19/00 - With the public's cooperation, there's a good chance that the Eurasian watermilfoil which has infested Green Lake could be eradicated, according to Bruce Gilbertson, fisheries supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources in Spicer.

Gilbertson is asking boaters on the lake to stay away from an area near Little Melvin's on the lake's south Shore. Bright, yellow buoys there mark an approximate 2-acre area where the exotic plant has established itself.

The buoys advise boaters and personal water craft operators to avoid the area for a reason: Watercraft activity can dislodge fragments of the plant and spread it.

The DNR is applying chemicals to eradicate the exotic plant where it has been found, said Gilbertson.

Statewide, the success rate for eradicating Eurasian waterfmilfoil from infested lakes is very low, according to the fisheries supervisor.

His optimism for eradicating the non-native plant from Green Lake is based on two factors. A survey by the state's Eurasian Watermilfoil program team indicates that the infestation is not widespread, meaning that chemical control efforts stand a good chance of being successful.

Also, Green Lake's bottom of rock, rubble and sand is not very conducive to growth of the plant.

Even if the plant cannot be eradicated from the lake, it should not pose a major problem. The lake offers only limited habitat for the plant to take hold.

Nonetheless, Gilbertson and others would like very much to eradicate the plant. It crowds out native plant species and can be a nuisance in those areas where it takes hold.

The plant's presence in Green Lake also increases the risk that it can be transferred by boaters to other, neighboring lakes. The weed could quickly take hold and prove a major nuisance in many of the area's shallow lakes, Gilbertson noted.

To prevent that, the DNR has posted signs at access points to Green Lake and is working with the lake's property association. The DNR is asking boaters to be especially vigilant about inspecting their boats and live wells to make sure they are not carrying fragments of the plant to and from the lake.

Gilbertson suspects that the Eurasian watermilfoil infestation in Green Lake started last year. It was discovered this year thanks to a property owner on the east side. He found fragments of the plant in the water and compared them to an identification card he kept.

The property owner brought the fragments to the DNR's Spicer office, where the discovery was confirmed. It set in motion the process now underway aimed at eradicating and controlling the plant's spread.

Input sought on experimental fish regulations
By Tom Cherveny
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/19/00 - It may be too soon to know how experimental fishing regulations are working on Green Lake, but it's the right time to voice your thoughts on them.

The Department of Natural Resources is inviting anglers to a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Dethlefs Center in Spicer. It's an opportunity for anglers to voice their opinions on the experimental regulations in place on Green Lake and Long Lake near Hawick, said Bruce Gilbertson, DNR area fisheries supervisor.

This is the fourth season that the regulations have been in place. On Green Lake, they require catch and release fishing only for smallmouth and largemouth bass and set a 24-inch maximum size for northern pike.

On Long Lake near Hawick, all largemouth bass 12 inches and larger must be immediately returned to the water.

The regulations aim to help rebuild the bass fishery in Green Lake and improve the size of northern pike.

In many respects, it's still too early to know how the regulations are working, according to Gilbertson. DNR fisheries personnel will be surveying the lake's fishery this fall to gain more information on its condition.

Previous surveys and reports from anglers indicate that the smallmouth bass population has grown "quicker that we anticipated," said Gilbertson.

The number and size of northern pike have improved at a moderate pace, as was originally expected, he said.

Gilbertson said the DNR is interested in hearing angler's comments on the regulations, and getting information to them about the lake's fishery. He said the office gets some calls from anglers on the regulations.

The calls come from across the board, he said. There are walleye anglers concerned that the bass population s growing at the expense of the walleye. There are bass anglers who have called to praise the improved bass fishing opportunities they've enjoyed.

Surveys of the walleye population in Green Lake last year showed that the numbers and average size of the fish were above what would be expected in the lake. This year, the numbers and size of the walleye appear to remain slightly above the median level expected for the lake, Gilbertson said.

No decisions on the regulations will be made at the meeting, but anglers opinions about them are important, said Gilbertson.

Spicer OKs Highway 23 project
Opponents say legal action likely
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/10/00 - After years of planning, endless hours of meetings, pages of petitions and numerous words of opposition and support, a decision to approve a four-lane through Spicer was made in less than 10 minutes.

In a packed room Wednesday, the Spicer City Council voted 3-1, with one abstention, to approve the Minnesota Department of Transportation's plan to widen Highway 23 into a four-lane through town as part of an 11-mile project.

Pending a final document from the federal Highway Administration, construction is expected to begin in 2003.

Meanwhile, individuals who oppose the highway may explore legal action in response to the council's vote.

The meeting, which included passage of a resolution approving the plan and two memorandums of understanding with MnDOT, was conducted with a firm eye on a limited agenda. The resolution of approval was read and voted on without taking comments from the audience.

There was a smattering of applause from a few supporters present at the meeting and stunned silence from the rest of the crowd as the result was announced.

"Unbelievable," muttered one man.

The City Council had tabled the issue last week to obtain information on the legality of a referendum and find out whether a councilman had a conflict of interest.

Residents verbally requested a referendum last week and formally submitted a petition Wednesday night calling for a public vote on the project. About 125 signatures were gathered in four hours of quick door-to-door soliciting Wednesday afternoon by members of the Lake Region Preservation Society.

Based on available information, City Attorney Barry Darval wrote that it "appears" the issue "may not be submitted to the voters for a binding decision." More information from the League of Minnesota Cities could clarify that stand, he wrote in his opinion to the council.

Darval also said that Councilman Gene Wenzel's ownership of land abutting the highway, where the recreation trail may possibly be relocated, wasn't "significant" enough to require him to abstain.

Wenzel, a longtime supporter of a four-lane, said he didn't want to jeopardize the project with any appearance of a conflict and chose to abstain from voting.

In the roll call vote, council members stated the reasons for their individual decisions.

Councilman Terry Holmquist said he's kept an open mind about the four-lane and alternative bypass suggestions and has determined the current plan is a "workable compromise between MnDOT's first proposal and the needs of our city."

Holmquist said his priority concerns for safety and the environment have been addressed in MnDOT's plan. He acknowledged he would "disappoint a great number of people" no matter how he voted.

Councilman Jerry Reierson said he's been involved with studying the Highway 23 expansion issue for 10 years. After looking at issues of public safety, the environment, the preservation of "our small town atmosphere" and individual concerns of residents and business people, he voted in favor of the proposal.

Reierson praised MnDOT for their professional manner. "At no time have I ever felt that this project was jammed down our throats by MnDOT."

Councilwoman Robin deCathelineau, who has never supported the four-lane but hasn't been extremely verbal about her opposition at council meetings, was the lone no vote.

In a voice that broke with emotion, deCathelineau said a four-lane will "completely divide our town."

Spicer, she said, will no longer be that small town that residents and visitors love.

deCathelineau said she was "elected to represent the citizens" and voted against the four-lane. Her action was greeted by extended applause, cheers and whistles from a majority of the audience.

Mayor Bill Taylor concluded the round of votes by saying that "no one has spent as much time as I have working on this." He said the proposal has been a challenge and "it's been a very difficult decision."

Taylor said compromises have been made that will make the road through town safer and better for the environment, which was why he supported the proposal.

Following the votes on the resolution and two memorandums, the meeting was adjourned just 17 minutes after it began.

Members of the audience did get in a few comments. Deb Hoekstra asked if the council was "afraid" to let the public vote on the issue because it may be voted down. "How can you guys vote yes on this?" she asked. "This is a four lane highway, for crying out loud. It's a major issue."

Lowell Flaten, MnDOT project engineer, told the crowd that the preliminary design map, which was hanging on the wall of the council room, is "essentially what the highway will look like when it's done."

While detailed design work is yet to be done, he said the City Council would have to approve any major changes to the plan.

"It's too bad you guys ruined our city," Hoekstra said as the crowd filed out.

The issue hasn't been easy on the council members, who looked tense during the brief meeting.

Holmquist said although he's attempted to be "civil" while discussing the issue in recent months, he has been "vilified, threatened and misrepresented." He said he no longer goes to his local church because he is "tired of being harassed about this issue while trying to enjoy a cup of coffee in Christian fellowship."

In comments after the meeting, Deb Ficek, a member of the Lake Region Preservation Society, said the group may consider other action. "I imagine there'll be some legal action taken," she said. "It's time to regroup, not give up."

"It's sad," said Lynn Sprayberry, another member of the Lake Region Preservation Society. "You're angry, but you're also sad because this is our community."

Taylor said he believes the council had listened to all sides of the issue long enough and it was time to vote on the proposal. He said he's had "derogatory" comments left on his answering machine in regard to the issue, but during the last week, 50 to 60 people have contacted him in support of the four-lane.

Flaten said he was "satisfied" with the council's vote.

Holmquist, who said he was glad the vote was over, concluded his formal comments during the meeting by saying that if his vote for the four-lane is "truly against the wishes of the majority of Spicer's residents, I suspect that I shall find out in November, when the people of the city voice their opinion in the election."

Work on that was already in the works.

Outside the city office, opponents of the four-lane were discussing the three positions up for election on the Spicer City Council and were busy recruiting people to file for those posts.

Filing for elections begins Aug. 29 and extends through Sept. 12.

Eurasian watermilfoil found in Green Lake
By the Tribune Staff

SPICER 8/10/00 - Green Lake, located about 15 miles northeast of Willmar, has been found to be infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

Because of its size ‹ 5,406 acres ‹ and water quality, Green Lake is one of the most popular and heavily used lakes in the area.

The Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered in the lake by a lakeshore resident who identified fragments floating along the beach and brought it to the DNR's attention.

"The good news is we found only a few plants, and there is not a lot of plant habitat in Green Lake," said Wendy Crowell, DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Program coordinator. "We plan to take quick action to remove all the plants we can find."

According to Crowell, signs have been posted already at the water accesses to inform boaters of the infestation.

"While we don't expect the milfoil will be a huge problem in the lake, there are a number of other lakes in the area that have a lot of plant habitat conductive to milfoil growth," Crowell said. "It's critical that everyone check and clean their boats of any plant material when leaving the lake."

Coincidentally, this is the second Green Lake in Minnesota to be infested with Eurasian watermifoil in as many months. Last month Green Lake in Isanti County was added to the list, which now includes 113 Minnesota lakes and rivers.

Spicer tables Highway 23 decision
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 8/3/00 - The Spicer City Council tabled taking a vote Wednesday on the proposed Highway 23 four-lane expansion project.

The 4-1 vote was taken after a number of residents repeatedly called for a referendum on the issue.

The council will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, to address the Minnesota Department of Transportation's four-lane proposal. This is the second time in the last two weeks the council has tabled the issue.

Councilman Terry Holmquist was the only one to vote against tabling the vote.

MnDOT's proposal includes turning an 11-mile stretch of Highway 23 into a four-lane from north of Willmar to just north of New London. The Spicer council must sign off on the plan that includes two miles of highway in the city limits.

Many of the 40 people at the meeting said they thought city residents should be able to vote on whether or not the four-lane goes through their town.

"This is going to affect our town forever, and we're not going to have a say in that? We need a vote," said Joe Garding.

Robert White said residents are "run down and worn out" dealing with the Highway 23 proposal and the belief that the council has already decided to approve the proposal despite residents' concerns.

White asked if there is any way for the citizens of Spicer to challenge the City Council. "What can we do to put it to a vote?"

"There's so many unanswered questions yet to be answered," said Kent Boyd. "I can't understand how it can be voted on without a referendum."

"I imagine it could be voted on," responded Mayor Bill Taylor. "But there'd be the threat of losing the federal money."

In a later interview, Barry Darval, Spicer city attorney, said a citizens' vote is not a required part of the process for approving a highway plan, but he intended to research options for the city.

Besides the demand for a referendum, residents made other challenges to the council.

Ron Schneider, who is an attorney from Spicer, said any council member that has a personal interest in a property transaction associated with the Highway 23 project and votes on the proposal could face gross misdemeanor charges, punishable by a year in prison.

Taylor said it's possible one council member could have a conflict, depending on where the Glacial Lakes Trail is relocated.

The issue of how many stoplights will be located in town also was questioned Wednesday.

The city and MnDOT have drafted a memorandum of understanding stating that a second light will be located at South Street, even though MnDOT doesn't believe one is necessary there. The agreement says the light will stay there unless a potential new intersection south of South Street eventually becomes a more logical location for a light, or unless there is a bridge over Highway 23.

Boyd asked Taylor about his previous stand that the council wouldn't approve the plan without a third stoplight. Taylor said since he made that comment, MnDOT has made numerous changes to the proposal and he's "comfortable with the information I have now."

Marlys Larsen said she'd become resolved to the fact that the "train is on the track" and there's no way to stop the project. But she said a third stoplight in downtown Spicer by the library "could slow the train down." She said the light is crucial for pedestrian traffic.

Becky West said the city is involved with "designing a ridiculous machine" and that it's "time to pull the plug on this machine" and look at alternatives.

The issue of water quality and the amount of phosphorous that could go into area lakes from storm runoff also was questioned.

Lowell Flaten, project engineer with MnDOT, said he received word Monday from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that, in their opinion, an environmental impact statement, or EIS, is not necessary for the project to proceed.

A letter from the MPCA says they "appreciate MnDOT's enthusiastic support for no net increase in phosphorus loading to Green, Nest and Elkhorn Lakes and other water bodies."

Flaten also outlined the estimated cost for the city's share of the project - projected at $128,000 - and addressed questions about a service road along Lake Avenue North and a frontage road from Woodcock Drive to Second Street.

As a parting shot, Ed Petersen asked the council members if they had "thought where you're going to take political asylum when this boondoggle is done?"

In response, a councilman reminded the crowd that there are three positions on the council up for election this fall and invited those in the audience to file for the job.

Spicer could vote Aug. 2
City, MnDOT have basic agreement on Highway 23
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 7/20/00 - The Spicer City Council could cast a vote as soon as Aug. 1 on the proposed plan to expand Highway 23 into a four-lane.

Meanwhile, the council heard that the city share of the project cost could go as high as $128,000.

Officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation had planned to ask the council to vote on the preliminary design during the meeting Wednesday but decided to wait until wording is fine-tuned on a memorandum of understanding regarding an additional stoplight.

The council agreed to table the issue for two weeks.

"A lot of people are asking when we're going to vote," said Councilman Gene Wenzel.

The city and MnDOT have come to terms on a number of issues regarding the layout of Highway 23, but the council had maintained they wouldn't approve the plan without two additional stoplights.

MnDOT agreed to include one stoplight in the two-mile stretch of Highway 23 that lies within the Spicer city limits but has resisted requests for stoplights at two other intersections, including South Street, near the ball diamonds. MnDOT's traffic data indicated the lights weren't warranted.

But in a draft memorandum of understanding presented Wednesday, a resolution states that MnDOT will agree to include a traffic signal at South Street "in order to obtain city approval of the proposed Highway 23 project."

The proposed agreement says the South Street light could be removed if the citywide transportation study indicates an alternative location would be better.

In a later interview, Mayor Bill Taylor said efforts to obtain the third stoplight will continue but said he doubts the council will delay the vote until that light is in the plans.

Considering that MnDOT initially wasn't going to install any traffic lights in Spicer, Taylor said he was pleased the city will get "two out of the three."

The council also discussed writing a new memorandum of understanding regarding construction of a frontage road that would extend from Woodcock to Manitoba Street. MnDOT and the city could use cooperative funding and planning for that project.

Lowell Flaten, project engineer with MnDOT, gave the council the worst-case estimate for Spicer's share of the Highway 23 project. He said early estimates indicate Spicer could be responsible for about $128,000. However, he said that is a rough estimate and that a change in the state's cost-sharing policy will likely reduce that amount significantly.

Council members are not sure how the city will pay that bill.

The council can only sell bonds up to a certain amount without taking the issue to the voters. Taylor said there would be the risk voters could, in essence, derail the project if they voted down the referendum.

Flaten said MnDOT would need the city's money up front by the fall of 2002 in order for the project to proceed, and the amount could not be included in a MnDOT bond and paid over a number of years.

"We need the money on hand," he said.

Flaten, who outlined some of the recent preliminary design changes in the city's portion of the 11-mile highway plan, said he expects a final answer within two months from the state and federal agencies on whether the plan can move ahead.

He said water quality is one of the primary issues that will be examined before the plan is approved. Flaten said he expects the plan will receive a "negative declaration," which means additional environmental studies will not be required and the project can proceed.

He said MnDOT has made a commitment to have "no net increase" in pollutants into area lakes and could achieve substantial reductions in contaminants like phosphorous.

In other action, following a closed session to discuss personnel issues, the council accepted the resignations of the town's two longtime public works employees.

Robert Sogge and Mike Johnson, who have worked for the city for 18 and 13 years, respectively, resigned from their posts to accept jobs with the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District.

The resignations are effective Aug. 1.

The council agreed to place an advertisement for one public works employee and a part-time utility billing clerk.

In other action the council:

• Agreed to increase the pay of council members by $10. Council members will receive $65 per meeting and the mayor will receive $85. The last time the council pay was increased was in 1988.
• Was informed that the city's new 250,000-gallon water tower has been filled. The process took three days. Several water samples will be taken this week before the tower is put into operation.
• Agreed to support the Kandiyohi Area Transit system, which intends to take over senior transportation services in Spicer and New London. The current Whistle Stop Transportation program, which contracts with Peterson Bus Service, is paid for with grants and municipal contributions. Spicer will continue its $2,400 contribution.

Legislative efforts fail to get extra funding for GLSSWD
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 7/19/00 - The latest effort by local legislators and a lobbyist to obtain additional funding for the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District has been rejected.

A recent response from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency indicated the behemoth $33 million project will not be eligible for an additional $2.5 million in grants from the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund.

"We played by the rules, but they changed the rules in the middle of the game," said Sen. Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar.

Johnson said this week he is disappointed and frustrated with the recent denial but said he is "never going to give up" on trying to acquire the additional funds.

Johnson and Rep. Al Juhnke, DFL-Willmar, have made numerous appeals to the MPCA and Department of Trade and Economic Development on behalf of the GLSSWD.

The wastewater portion of the water, sewer and road project, estimated at $17 million, has already received $4 million in grants from the WIF. Because of a legislative change that was supposed to reward multiple entities for working together on infrastructure projects, GLSSWD was in line to receive additional funding this year.

But DTED and the legislative bonding committee changed the priority list of projects eligible for funding this year. That, combined with a lower level of funding than expected, effectively eliminated the GLSSWD project from the funding lineup.

"I don't know if there were political shenanigans or what," said Juhnke.

He said instead of rewarding the multi-jurisdictional project, the state penalized the GLSSWD's cooperative efforts.

Johnson and Juhnke met with state officials several times, including June 29, to reverse the decision.

They made the case that the GLSSWD project shouldn't have been outranked by projects that weren't under way and may not be ready to begin construction in 2000 or 2001. They said because the GLSSWD was already under construction, it should've retained its position on the priority list and qualified for a portion of the $18 million that the Legislature approved.

In a letter, the division director of the Policy and Planning Division of the MPCA, Timothy Scherkenbach, wrote that there are "no provisions in the WIF statute for continuation grants." He said that because of the "highly competitive nature of the grants, the WIF program cannot guarantee that projects will receive WIF funding in any particular year or IUP (Intended Use Plan) cycle."

Ed Cain, a lobbyist who's been working to obtain funds for the GLSSWD project, said he thinks it may be appropriate to appeal the decision once again.

He said he needs to talk to local legislators and individuals from the county and GLSSWD to determine if an appeal should be made. "It'd be wise to follow up."

Cain said although there's no legislative mandate to provide continued funding for projects that are under construction, it has been the practice of the Public Facilities Authority to do so.

Scherkenbach said there is a "remote possibility" that a portion of the 2000 WIF appropriation could become available for the GLSSWD. If the projects currently in the fundable range are unable to meet the Dec. 1, 2001, deadline for submitting plans and specifications, their funding would be made available for those next on the list.

Currently the GLSSWD project is the "second WIF-eligible project below the estimated fundable range," he wrote.

Cain said that provision puts the project "in a bind." He said if work on the GLSSWD project is completed before then, the district will not be reimbursed with grant money.

An option, he said, is to take out a temporary bond, which would be eligible for payment if the WIF grant does come through. Cain said, however, the district could run the risk of paying higher interest rates for a short period of time without any guarantee the grant would be forthcoming.

Juhnke said he believes a legislative appeal or a review of the rules may be in order to address the GLSSWD funding. He said, however, the project may be "nearing the end of the rope" for any additional funding on state level.

"There's still some hope," said Juhnke, "but I think it's dimming quickly."

Public Forum
Thursday, July 6

Highway 23 issue
To The Editor:
     I am writing in response to George Hulstrand Jr.'s letter to the editor requesting public officials and those running for public office to weigh in on the Highway 23 issue.
     After attending a New London Township meeting on Jan. 29 regarding the proposed changes to Highway 23, reading various letters to the editor regarding the changes and talking with a great number of people in the community, it is clear to me that there is not a lot of support for this project in its current form.
     Issues such as safety, loss of property and the environmental impact a four-lane highway would have on our picturesque community have all been discussed.
     It is clear that the majority of citizens who will be affected by the four-lane highway are opposed to the proposal in its current form. Many of these citizens want to see Highway 23 made safer than it currently is by revisiting the bypass option or making Highway 23 into a "Super 2" highway instead of the proposed four-lane.
     I, too, am not convinced that the current four-lane plan is the best solution to our problems. I am concerned about the actual need of the project. Is it necessary? Would it help or hurt our local businesses? Would it pollute our lakes and the surrounding environment? Would it be an improvement that makes our area a better place to live?
     Would it relieve the congestion of traffic even without the stoplights in Spicer? After asking these questions and seeking out the answers if found, it is quite possible that a four-lane would be a total waste of taxpayer dollars.
     However, something does need to be done to improve the flow of traffic on Highway 23. A "Super 2" solution to the current congestion problem with the bypass option being revisited in the future (if necessary) could be the answer. This is the best option that would prevent tearing up the beautiful lakes corridor which could lead to bigger safety and more costly environmental problems down the road.
     One other related issue that is troublesome to me is the fact that New London Township, whose citizens also are highly affected by the current plan, have no say in this matter whatsoever.
     I would propose legislation giving townships the authority to veto or approve any road projects that come through their area. Currently only the city of Spicer has any say as to whether or not this project can proceed. New London Township, whose population is larger than Spicer's, literally has no voice. This is wrong and I will propose legislation to correct what is currently, for the residents of New London Township, "taxation without representation."
Kevin Dittbenner
State Representative Candidate-15A
New London

GREEN LAKE MONEY SOUGHT
07/05/2000
Local lawmakers hope to find out this week if last week's meeting with a state official will result in more money for the Green Lake sewer and water project. Additional funding for the project was dropped when 50 other communities were added to the funding list this spring. Representative Al Juhnke and Seantor Dean Johnson met with the funding program's director last week to reveiw how those communities were chosen, and Johnson feels Green Lake was treated fairly. He still hopes to get more money, maybe 1 million dollars, because work is about halfway through on Green Lake while work on the most of the other projects that were added to the list are nowhere ready to begin.

Brinkam, Geobel touch tape first
Albany runner improves on 24th-place finish last year; defending champs missing
By Riley Worth
Staff Writer

SPICER 7/3/00 - In horse racing the favorite only wins one of every three times. Such odds probably don't translate over to road racing, but they did Sunday at the Green Lake Road Race.

The women's champion, Kelly Brinkman, 19, of Hutchinson, didn't decide to run until the night before when some friends who were pre-registered talked her into it. The men's winner was Chris Goebel, 21, of Albany isn't running in any other races this summer.

Although neither were likely pre-race favorites, placing any bets on a win, place or show would have been tough as neither of last year's champions, Joel Fenske and Michele Perkins, entered: definitely no clear-cut favorites.

Let's not pull on the long shot card too hard, though. Both Brinkman and Goebel are college runners, Brinkman on scholarship at Iowa State and Goebel at Concordia College in Moorhead.

Goebel crossed the tape in 1:08.39 on a course that started in the park connected to Saulsbury Beach and went north and east around the lake. But for he second straight year the course was altered due to road construction, so the runners ran just past County Park 5 and turned around. The course was pegged at 12.2 miles. Brinkman finished in 1:17.20, ninth overall.

Runners-up were Rick Skorczewski, 22, of Brookings, S.D., and Jenny Hess, 17, of Paynesville, respectively.

Goebel will be a senior this fall, and he qualified for nationals last season. He is living in the Twin Cities this summer and running a lot of miles during the week, so he said this is the only race he's going to run.

"I've been coming her since I was a sophomore year in high school. I just love coming back," he said. "Everyone is so friendly. There are people on their driveways cheering you on."

He said this is his first road race win, after numerous seconds and thirds.

"It's a great 12-mile run to see how your training is going, to see where you're at midway through the summer."

Making Goebel's win stand out even more was his 24th-place finish here last summer. He started the 1999 race running with Fenske for the first three miles, then completely petered out.

That was not the case this year. He ran with Skorczewski and Tom Jacobs (third place) of Kansas City, Mo. for the first three miles, but by the halfway point Goebel had surged to a 400-meter lead.

"I really tried to use the downhill to my advantage," Goebel said. "I concentrated on lengthening my strides."

Lengthened strides weren't an option for the 5-foot-2 (at most) Brinkman, who graduated in 1999 from Hutchinson, where she was also a standout guard on good basketball teams. Her college scholarship is for track and field (800 meters, plus 1500 meters outdoor, 1000 meters indoor), and she also ran cross country.

Despite her credentials, she admitted any summer running she does is just for fun.

"I'm not a weekend warrior," she said of the people who schedule their summers around race dates.

True to her laid-back personality, she said she had no strategy or goals set for the race.

"I'm used to running long distances when I train, but a half marathon sounds so intimidating. I had no idea of the pacing or what to do."

Brinkman and Hess were close for much of the race, but Brinkman pulled away by more than a minute in the last couple miles. She wasn't familiar with Hess before this race, but is now, as she said a lot of people came up to her after the race and said "Congratulations, Jenny."

That, despite about a six-inch heighth difference.

A very light drizzle cooled conditions off from 8:05 (five minutes after the start) until 8:20.

Race coordinator Phil Scheevel said numbers were down to around 175 from about 200 in 1999. In his closing remarks, he said hopefully next year the course will be able to return to its natural route, encompassing the lake, but, of course, couldn't promise anything.

Legislators Meet With PCA on Green Lake Project
06/29/2000
Two local legislators are meeting with officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, hoping to learn why state funding for the Green Lake water and sewer project was pulled. Senator Dean Johnson of Willmar says a year ago, the project was eligible for $2.6-million in state funding. But during the last legislative session, he says 50 more projects were added to the funding request list and the Green Lake project was edged out of contention. Johnson says he and Representative Al Juhnke are meeting with the PCA today in St. Paul to learn why.

Ultimate goal is to reach Highway 23 understanding
Other Opinion
By Rep. Al Juhnke
District 15 A

I welcome the chance to respond to George Hulstrand Jr.'s letter to the editor of June 26. Mr. Hulstrand seems frustrated that there is a lack of response to his public writings regarding the Highway 23 project. While I cannot speak for all of those listed in his letter, I can share my thoughts.

Sen. Dean Johnson and myself have among other things: conducted a survey, organized and attended numerous public meetings, toured the proposed project area, fielded and responded to hundreds of calls, letters and inquiries, met with various state agencies, organized groups and individuals.

We have worked hard to bring people together on this undertaking.

There are many good folks on both sides of this issue. The ultimate goal is to find a solution that is a win-win for everyone involved.

It saddens me to see this discussion deteriorate into name calling ("gutless wonders") and partisan politics. This is not a means to a peaceful end on this subject. While I do not make it a habit to publish all the letters generated by my office, I am happy to reprint below the letter I sent on May 22 to the MnDOT District 8 Engineer Dave Trooien.

I hope that this will satisfy Mr. Hulstrand's request.

Dear Mr. Trooien:
Re: Highway 23 project.

The purpose of this letter is twofold. I am writing to you as MnDOT District 8 engineer. I am also asking that this be placed in the official record for the ongoing Environmental Assessment (EA).

Like many of the area's residents, I have watched the development of the Highway 23 project over the past few years. From a cavalcade of hundreds of cars in 1996 to the outpouring of input at numerous public meetings this year, this road project has been thoroughly discussed.

I commend the Department of Transportation for their willingness to work with the citizens of the area regarding this vitally needed project. The proposed highway will affect our county and our state for many years to come. The need to proceed has never been as evident as it is today.

I have two areas of concern.

First, environmental factors must be carefully weighed as this road project progresses. As you enter our county, the signs read, "Kandiyohi County ‹ Where the Lakes begin."

Here in our area, as well as throughout the rest of the state, our outdoor environment is a large part of who we are and what we are about. The money, time, and energy that we as a state invest in preserving our outdoor environment is a part of what makes Minnesota so unique. As a hunter, fisherman, and outdoors enthusiast myself, I would hate to see any environmental degradation of our area lakes as a result of this project. If there is any uncertainty regarding undo environmental harm that may result due to the current proposed location of the Highway 23 project, then I would encourage the department to pursue an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We should take the time and spend the money to do this. Where our environment is concerned, we cannot be too cautious.

The second concern I have is the ability of the proposed project to efficiently move people and goods through the area on a timely basis.

While I commend your undying efforts to work with various interests regarding this road project, I am wondering if the resulting project is what was envisioned at its inception? With numerous lights and lower speed limits likely, does this highway address the needs of the shippers, haulers and traveling public?

Would we be better off in the long run to limit access through town to local traffic and seek alternatives for the ever increasing interregional use of this road? I believe a deliberative approach to these questions at this time would provide the best solutions. I am asking that you and the PAC revisit some of these areas of concern and plan accordingly.

In conclusion, I want to again thank you and your staff for your efforts to date. I believe that as we work together on this project, we will come to a solution that will suit the area well for the next 100 years.

Rep. Al Juhnke
District 15 A

No date set for Spicer vote on Highway 23 proposal
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 6/19/00 - The Spicer city council is the only local entity that gets to vote on the preliminary Highway 23 four-lane plan, but when that vote may happen is unknown.

"Nothing's been set yet," said Laura Fredrick, Spicer's Economic Development Director. "It's not going to be in June, I'm pretty confident on that. It's possible we could see it in July."

The council had originally been asked to sign off on the plan prior to the May 2 public hearing. Unresolved issues with the city has continually pushed back the timeline.

"We haven't picked a date yet," said Todd Broadwell, assistant district engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's District 8 office in Willmar.

Broadwell said until MnDOT has reviewed all the comments from state agencies and the public that were made on the proposal, it's "hard to make a prediction" on when the city will be asked to approve the municipal layout and location plan.

He said he anticipates MnDOT will ask for the city's approval prior to the state and federal transportation's decision on whether more information - possibly an Environmental Impact Statement - is needed. That decision is expected to be made in August.

Before then, however, the city and MnDOT have some work to do.

The council met with MnDOT in May to review, once again, a list of safety and water quality issues that the two entities have yet to resolve.

Mayor Bill Taylor has said in the past that the council will not sign off on the plan until MnDOT meets certain city requests.

One of the key areas is how many stoplights there'll be in town. The council wants three. So far, MnDOT has given a firm commitment to one and is considering a second.

Fredrick said while MnDOT has agreed to a lower design speed of the four-lane through town, there's no "solid commitment that the speed will stay at whatever we want." The council also requested more information regarding plans to improve the water quality of Green Lake.

Advances and compromises have been made on a number of design issues put forth by the city. For example, Fredrick said MnDOT has agreed to a city request for a frontage road in the Woodcock area.

Broadwell said he expects MnDOT will be sitting down with the city of Spicer the end of June or the beginning of July to review the public comments and issues about the plan. He said MnDOT will "put together a proposal that addresses all those issues."

In the meantime, MnDOT is still reviewing comments from state agencies and is responding to the written and oral comments submitted during the 40 day comment period.

Once the preliminary design issues are rectified "to make sure we're going in the right direction," MnDOT will advance to the final design process of establishing the project corridor "with the alternative chosen."

Broadwell said after MnDOT submits a "findings of fact and conclusions," the state and federal highway administration will review the final document.

"If they agree that we've addressed all the issues, that our proposals are adequate in addressing those issues, they'd issue a statement for us to proceed or go back and address the issues that need further clarification," said Broadwell.

The issue of "further information" could entail simply some fine-tuning or a full-scale EIS, a lengthy process that could delay the project for several years.

A number of local government entities, including the New London Township board of directors, and at least one lake association, have made a formal petition requesting an EIS. A number of individuals and organizations have told MnDOT they want a by-pass or a super-two design rather than a divided four-lane.

Broadwell said he believes MnDOT is addressing all the issues adequately but wouldn't predict whether an EIS will be required or not.

Green Lake water quality must be maintained
Other Opinion
By George E. Hulstrand Sr.
Willmar

JUNE 9 - I have followed with interest and some concern the projected improvement for Minnesota Highway 23, which will see a major arterial highway cutting through the heart of Spicer.

My interest and concern was heightened when I read the letter of my son, George Jr., protesting the taking of the property of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church.

Another church, Faith Lutheran, of Spicer, is even now uncomfortably close to the highway as it now exists.

Since a church is more than a building, really a center of activity for the people of its area, the disruption for the location of a busy highway within its area is a factor of no mean proportions which should be considered on any project of the substance and lasting effect it will have on the lives of the people who now live and will live in an attractive community.

My concern was really enhanced when there came into my hands from former County Attorney Ronald E. Schneider, at a session with him at KWLM's Open Mike, a copy of a letter from Skip Wright, area hydrologist, and Bruce Gilbertson, area fisheries supervisor, of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, addressed to Ron Mortenson, the TH 23 Project water quality coordinator of MnDOT District Headquarters.

This letter, pointing out that 18 acres of wetlands that act as storm water holding areas adjacent to the existing roadway will be filled as a result of the four-lane expansion and that Green Lake cannot now sustain the current amount of pollution/nutrients being delivered to it, should be of concern to every citizen of this county.

When I first came to this area some 40 or 50 years ago, it was boasted that Green Lake was the second purest lake in the world, being exceeded in the purity of its water only by a lake in Switzerland. When it was learned that the Swiss lake lost its top position due to earth sliding into it from the Swiss mountains, we felt that now Green Lake would be first. However, with the increased development of commercial and residential and road-building activity around our lake it, too, had lost its ranking.

I would think that the citizens of Spicer, and its city council, would view with a lot of concern the effect of the construction of a four-lane highway carrying substantial traffic to and from points beyond its borders would have on the quality of life of its people. If this development occurs could they proclaim with the confidence they now assert that "Spicer is Nicer?"

It is, in my view, an erroneous perception of reality to think of a major arterial highway running through a community as a business generator. My vicarious experience bears out this truth. I grew up in Goodhue County, about 12 miles from Cannon Falls, and an equal distance from Zumbrota. When U.S. Highway 52 was paved in 1928, Cannon Falls wanted the highway to go through town. Zumbrota opted to have it go around. Zumbrota businesses, more interested in good local roads serving the city, never regretted that choice.

It now appears that both the county of Kandiyohi and the city of Spicer are beginning to look again at long-range planning. This is commendable. Any thought of the construction of a permanent arterial highway must of necessity be a part of such a long-range plan, and the time to work out that plan is now, before the project gets set in concrete. It is time now to consider what the Spicer area will look like 25 to 50 years from now.

I suggest to the government officials of the city of Spicer, who I understand now have it in their power to approve or disapprove of the project, that they lay the proposal on the table, and engage with the county board to develop a system of roads that will serve the needs of the people of the area and divert the traffic that has no interest in the area to locations that it will not be a source of frustration to our people.

Would it not now be the time for them to think seriously about the implications of this project, so that in the not too distant future the people will call them blessed instead of down.

DNR prepares to extend Green Lake boat access
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

SPICER 5/26/00 - The Department of Natural Resources is preparing to purchase a second residential lot on Green Lake's north shore with intentions of extending the public boat access near County Park No. 5.

The public has until June 1 to submit comments on the proposed purchase.

Last November the DNR purchased a 50-foot lot and house just east of the current access for about $200,000. The second 50-foot lot is adjacent to the first. A signed purchase agreement is in hand for the second piece of property, but comments from the public are necessary before the sale can be completed.

While area sports groups support the project, some Green Lake residents object to an expansion that they believe will increase boat traffic on the lake and nuisance activity at accesses. Issues of reduced property taxes and increased chances of milfoil are also on the list of objections.

Greg Soupir, DNR Trails and Waterways Area Supervisor, said all concerns will be considered prior to final action.

If the property is obtained, the DNR can begin the lengthy process of designing the access and obtaining funds for construction. The project won't be completed for several years, according to Soupir.

He said there is a great need to expand the north shore public access. Its current location is between the county park's campsite and beach, which causes a dangerous traffic and pedestrian situation. With the additional property, a separate entrance can be created, which will enhance the access for boaters and the park for campers.

The two lots, which have a depth of 700 feet, would be large enough to create a usable access, stabilize the shoreline, provide a buffer between neighbors and improve the park. "The more property you own, the more space you have to do a nicer job," he said. The additional 50 feet will "allow us to do a little nice development."

Ron Dobbs, a member of the Green Lake Property Owners Association and designated DNR representative for the group, said the association has concerns about the project.

Dobbs received a notice from the DNR about the potential land purchase last week and hadn't yet met with other association board members to formulate an official comment. But he said concerns the organization expressed about last year's purchase will be similar to those they will present this year.

"We're not really in favor of it because we're concerned about controlling the access," said Dobbs. Litter, noise and other nuisance issues at accesses are constant concerns from property owners.

Removing another piece of valuable property off the tax rolls, especially with an expensive water and sewer project under way, is also a factor.

Soupir said the DNR will make a payment in lieu of taxes for the property.

Dobbs said lake residents are asked to financially support projects to protect the lake's water quality, "but they keep opening up the lake to the public more and more."

Soupir said the DNR will analyze the reasons for opposition to the project. "Just not wanting boaters on the lake is not a legitimate reason," he said. "It is a public water."

Dobbs said opening up the lake to more public use should send a message to the county to provide more boat patrol on the lake and supervision at the accesses.

A number of residents complain that there are "loud, obnoxious" boaters who anchor their crafts on sand bars in front of lake homes. Soupir said, however, it's difficult to know if those boaters launched from the access or are Green Lake residents themselves.

Soupir said with 650 residential properties on Green Lake, with an average of two water vehicles per home, a majority of the general boat traffic likely comes from lake dwellers.

With less than 60 parking spots available at boat accesses on Green Lake, Soupir said there's a shortage of opportunities for the public to use the lake.

Other than the access in downtown Spicer that was upgraded several years ago, Soupir said the Green Lake accesses are in poor shape and too small for large boats and trucks to maneuver.

During the 20 years that the DNR public access program began, very little has been done to improve Green Lake accesses. Other lakes in the county have already had accesses improved.

Soupir said the DNR doesn't intend to increase the number of landings on Green Lake but wants to improve the ones that are there. "It's been a long time coming on Green Lake."

Dobbs acknowledges the DNR plan might improve traffic and safety issues at the park, and that the property owners association wants to have a good working relationship with the DNR. "We like to work with them and not against them."

Soupir said public lake accesses are "constantly being threatened by neighbors" who want them closed down or tightly regulated. He said sport groups have "struggled" to keep landings open to the public. He said increasing residential development on lakes is reducing the public's opportunity to use public waters, which is why accesses are especially crucial.

Soupir said because it's difficult to purchase a lot on Green Lake, the DNR needed to act quickly this spring when the landowner indicated he was a willing seller. He said extra time will be given to allow seasonal residents, who may not return to the lake before the June 1 deadline, to comment on the project.

Comments on the proposed land purchase can be sent to the DNR at P.O. Box 457, Spicer, Minn. 56288.

No go for extra GLSSWD funding
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

MAY 25 - A Wednesday afternoon meeting with local and state officials to obtain $2.6 million in extra funding for the Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District project was apparently unsuccessful.

"It was not good news," said Sen. Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar. "I wouldn't say we're holding out a lot of hope."

While the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund grant wasn't factored into rate and assessment figures, the lack of funding will mean district residents will not receive a $15/month reduction in monthly water and sewer rates, according to Gary Danielson, Kandiyohi County Public Works director.

"We've never counted on those dollars with the figures we've given anybody," he said.

The city councils of New London and Spicer, and Green Lake residents, had been hoping the new WIF money would come through to reduce the monthly fees and assessments.

"But they never had the money," said Johnson, adding that he's happy the project at least received the $4 million in WIF money last year.

The GLSSWD project was in line to get another $2.6 million from WIF this year, but when the legislative session ended earlier this month, the $18 million allocated wasn't enough to reach the GLSSWD ranking on the list.

Johnson said he and Rep. Al Juhnke, DFL-Willmar, wanted to find some justification for the lack of funding and persuade the Public Facilities Authority to put the GLSSWD project back into the funding ranks.

Johnson said because the Legislature combined the 2001 projects with the 2000 year projects, another 50 projects were added to the list of those requesting funds.

Most of those projects included small "un-sewered" communities, according to Johnson.

Those additional projects, that were all competing for the same $18 million in WIF money, pushed the GLSSWD out of the running for the funds.

"There just wasn't enough money allocated," said Juhnke. "And projects like Green Lake took a hit."

Johnson said the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ranked the projects and the Public Facilities Authority is required to follow the list. Johnson said he and Juhnke intend to meet with the MPCA next week in a final attempt to get the list reprioritized again.

"We still have some questions of the MPCA," said Johnson. "We want to make sure their scoring system is fair and they've taken all the information into account."

Juhnke said they want to "look at the ranking process to make sure this project got scored properly. We want to make sure we're both comfortable with the way the project was graded."

Johnson said he accepts the need to provide funding to the many small communities on the list who currently don't have a sanitary sewer system, but is disappointed the GLSSWD project didn't receive additional funds. He said the issue will be pursued further.

"We make no promises, but we're not done investigating," he said. "We'll continue to work with the agencies."

Juhnke said there's just a "slim thread of hope of getting more money out here" but said if efforts totally fail this year, a request will be made again next year. There's also an "outside chance" the projects ranked ahead of the GLSSWD project, will drop out.

Johnson said the bigger message of this process is that $18 million isn't enough for this type of infrastructure bonding. The state should allocate $40 to 50 million "just to keep pace" with environmental needs of communities because the MPCA considers un-sewered communities "a serious, serious pollution issue."

Numerous Highway 23 issues still on the books
Comment periods ends June 2
By Carolyn Lange
Staff Writer

MAY 23 - As written comments are pouring into the Minnesota Department of Transportation about the proposed Highway 23 four-lane plan, negotiations and design details for the project are continuing.

The public has until June 2 to submit written comments about the 18-month long Environmental Assessment study MnDOT conducted about the project.

Once that timeline has passed, MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration will review the public statements and determine whether further study, an Environmental Impact Statement, is needed. That decision is expected in August.

If it's determined the project will not create any "significant" environmental impacts, the project will continue up the paperwork ladder and construction will begin in 2003.

If an EIS is required, the lengthy study could set the project back by at least two years. An EIS would likely consider bypass routes around Spicer.

So far, about 113 comments have been submitted to MnDOT during the 40-day public comment period. Those comments, according to Sandy East, MnDOT communications director, have fallen into three categories:

Support of a bypass;

• Request for design changes, or
• Support for the four-lane project.

  Comments made during previous MnDOT open houses were incorporated into the EA, with some of those requests resulting in design changes.

  Continued concerns submitted during open houses, but not addressed with design changes, should be re-submitted to MnDOT between now and June 2 to be considered as official comments on the EA, according to East.

  The EA document can be viewed at the libraries in Spicer, New London, Willmar and the MnDOT District 8 office.

  In the meantime, work is continuing on many fronts to resolve design issues.

  Water quality

  The Green Lake Property Owners Board of Directors took action earlier this month requesting an EIS be conducted because of concerns for the quality of Green Lake.

  In an unanimous decision, the board voted to oppose the Highway 23 project until an EIS is completed. In a letter sent to MnDOT, the board said a decision should be delayed until "it is clearly evident that the water quality of Green Lake and other environmental qualities (i.e.: noise, parks, traffic ...) relating to areas surrounding the lakes are not negatively impacted."

  The letter went on to say the "current Highway 23 project presents threats to Green Lake that have not been addressed."

  In an unanimous vote Saturday, the Nest Lake Improvement Association voted to support the GLPO's concerns about water quality on lakes and to request further study by MnDOT.

  Lowell Flaten, MnDOT project engineer, said the Highway 23 project includes plans to treat storm water before it's discharged into Green Lake. Currently, he said, that water goes untreated.

  Besides additional runoff generated by the four-lane, Flaten said the plan also includes treatment of residential runoff in Spicer not directly associated with the highway.

  "We think we've come up with a good plan," he said.

  The New London Township board also is requesting an EIS. The township, which has opposed the four-lane from the onset, has hired an attorney to help draft a document to submit to MnDOT. A draft of that letter is expected this week, which will be addressed during the board meeting Thursday.

  Our Lady of The Lakes Catholic Church

  Members of Our Lady of The Lakes Catholic Church had a special congregational meeting last Saturday to hear details about MnDOT's latest proposals. An offer to totally buy out the church property, located north of Spicer along Highway 23, has recently emerged as MnDOT's preferred option, although other alternatives are being considered.

  Father Fred Fink said the main purpose of the meeting was to "bring everyone up to date" on the proposals and listen to ideas members "had to offer about our future."

  He said members were invited to write down their comments, which a special church highway committee is reviewing. A vote by the members was not taken.

  "There's still a lot of work that needs to be done," said Fink, adding that there aren't enough details yet for the church to make a decision.

  "I don't see anything real dramatic happening at any one point," he said. "It's a slow, deliberate process."

  Fink said more congregational meetings are planned to keep the parish up to date. He said he expects the church council will listen to the wishes of the congregation and then make a decision.

  Flaten said he doesn't believe the cost of purchasing the church property would "jeopardize" the project.

  "If that's what's put forth, I believe the money will be there," said Flaten.

  East said the Legislature's allocation of additional funds for MnDOT this year was not a factor in the offer to buy-out the church.

  City of Spicer

  Representatives from Spicer met last week with MnDOT to address the laundry list of issues the city council wants addressed in the plan.

  The city has been meeting with MnDOT throughout the planning process to negotiate changes in the original plan. A number of those requests have been granted.

  The issue of how many stoplights should be placed in the city limits may be taking a new twist.

  MnDOT is suggesting that a decision on whether or not to put a stoplight at South Street be delayed until a major traffic study of the area is completed.

  Keith Voss, MnDOT programming and project development engineer, said the traffic study will help identify how frontage roads and cross-street traffic will connect with Highway 23.

  He said there's speculation that an intersection with Highway 23 and County Road 8 could become a highly used route that would warrant a stoplight, instead of South Street. The nine-month -long traffic study, which will be completed next year, could help answer that question.

  More than a few people have suggested delaying the entire Highway 23 project until that traffic study is completed.

  Voss said, however, he doubts the study would "dramatically affect the Highway 23 project" but would be helpful regarding this intersection and stoplight issue.

  MnDOT has made a commitment to installing one stoplight in Spicer, at the Ruth Street intersection. The City Council wants three lights. Voss said it's possible a temporary light could be installed at South Street until the traffic study is completed.

  MnDOT and the city also are discussing reducing the amount of land needed to mitigate park property that'll be used for a street. Voss said it's possible two homes slated for mitigation can be saved.

  School stop light

  An eight-hour study and a 48-hour traffic study of the intersection of Highway 23 and Highway 9 near the New London-Spicer High School indicates a stoplight is not warranted.

  The school board had approved a resolution requesting a stoplight at the intersection. A number of parents, including Dr. Tim Pieh, also had been pursuing the issue.

  Pieh questioned MnDOT's eight-hour study and reasons for discounting the stoplight. He has said MnDOT's decision not to place a stoplight there is based on a "judgment call" and not actual need.

Counties wrestle with disparities in lake tax formulas

Robert Franklin
Star Tribune
Sunday, May 21, 2000

Green Lake work continues
By Linda Vanderwerf
Staff Writer

WILLMAR 5/3/00 - Work is about to begin on the next segment of utility and road work around Green Lake.

On Tuesday, the Kandiyohi County Board awarded contracts for water, sewer and road work along the east shore and for individual water services to homes along the west shore.

Duininck Bros. of Prinsburg was awarded the east shore contract for $5,180,222.26. That's more than $575,000 less than the engineer's estimate for that portion of the project.

The east shore water service work will be done by Mid Central Contracting of Spicer. That contract totals $131,837.70, more than $47,000 less than the engineer's estimate.

The east shore construction schedule has been changed recently, so the county and the contractor have planned a public meeting this weekend to go over the changes with the residents. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Dethlefs Center in Spicer.

Part of the work along the east shore is along an Irving Township Road. Construction costs for the township will be $468,661.19.

County Public Works Director Gary Danielson said construction will begin at the northern end of the project on May 8. Most of the project work will proceed from north to south this summer. However, work will begin on May 15 on a one-half mile section at the south end of the project.

Brad DeWolf, the project manager from Bolton & Menk, the county's engineering firm, said Duininck had been efficient and on time with its completion of the north shore project last year. The contractor will have the same team managing the east shore project, DeWolf said.

Individual water services on the west shore will be installed by the contractor to the homeowners' wells or to within 10 feet of their homes, "whichever works best," Danielson said. The contractor will work with each homeowners individually, he said.

DeWolf said homeowners will need to hire plumbers to complete the connections and install meters inside their homes.

The contracts for sanitary sewer and water services to homes along the north shore will be awarded in 12 segments, DeWolf said, to allow smaller, local companies to bid. Those bids will be opened at the June 6 County Board meeting.

A bike trail along the north shore will be graveled this spring, DeWolf said, but it can't be paved until the sanitary sewer and water services are finished to the homes.

The entire project has a price tag of about $33 million for work done in New London, Spicer and around Green Lake. The project includes water and wastewater treatment plants, new water towers, a new well field, new utility lines for Green Lake residents and road repair after utility work.

Several representatives of the Department of Natural Resources spoke to the board about the Minnesota County Biological Survey. Field work on the survey will begin in Kandiyohi County this summer.

"We will locate and study rare natural features," said Fred Harris, a botanist with the DNR.

Harris showed the board slides to illustrate the types of things surveyors would be seeking. They'll look for plots of native prairie and undisturbed forest and count the populations of rare plants and animals, he said.

Plots on private land won't be surveyed without the owner's permission, Harris said. It's usually not a problem, he said, and owners are often quite interested in helping with the survey.

The survey will be conducted this year and in 2001, he said. The information will be entered in a computer database in winter months, Harris said, and it will be used to develop maps of rare habitat and native habitat in each county.

The survey has been completed in a number of counties. Kandiyohi is one of a number of central Minnesota counties where the survey will begin this year.

The DNR can use the information to make recommendations about managing native lands and can provide information to landowners about programs available to help them.

In other business, the board approved a five-year contract extension for West Central Industries to sort and market the materials. WCI receives a lump sum payment of $185,000 in the contract plus 29 percent of the income beyond that lump sum payment.

The board also agreed to participate with the Little Crow Trail Association in applying for a state grant for snowmobile trail grooming.

County considers flat assessment fee
Administrative costs are same regardless of amount owed
By Linda Vanderwerf
Staff Writer

WILLMAR 3/28/00 - An administrative fee on assessments in Kandiyohi County will likely be less than originally proposed.

Rather than a fee based on a percentage of the amount owed, county property owners will likely pay a fee per parcel. The County Board discussed the fee at a special meeting on Monday.

The board hasn't set the fee yet. Board members discussed a first-time charge of about $10 to cover the county cost of entering information in the computer, and an annual fee of about $5 to cover the ongoing cost of collecting the cost.

The board will set the amounts later, after more study. That will probably happen this spring or summer, so the rates can be in place for Green Lake assessment hearings later this year.

County Auditor Sam Modderman said he estimated his office spends about $40,000 of staff time and computer time working with special assessments. The fee won't apply to solid waste assessments or pre-paid one-year ditch liens, he said.

Modderman said he'd tried to survey other counties about their fees, but those that have a fee set it in a wide variety of ways.

The area that might have been hardest hit by the original proposal would have been Green Lake, where residents face assessments as high as $20,000 for the installation of municipal water and sewer lines around the lake.

Lake resident Ollie Hagen said he understood the reason for the charge, but he wanted lake residents treated fairly.

"As long as we're treated equally, I've got no problem," he said.

Board Chairman Dennis Peterson, whose district includes Green Lake, said the original percentage proposal would have raised more money than needed.

"We're only going to charge what the costs are," he said.

After news of the percentage fee last winter, Peterson said, he got a half dozen calls from constituents who said they didn't think it would be fair.

"They said they were willing to pay their share of the cost, but they didn't want to be charged excessively," he said.

The paperwork is the same, regardless of the amount owed on an assessment, he said, so the same charge for every parcel seemed more fair to county officials.

DNR chief hears concerns
Residents ask about shortage of conservation officers, closing of state campgrounds
By Tom Cherveny
Staff Writer

WILLMAR 11/17/99 - The commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources came to town to talk about green ways for wildlife.

Allen Garber soon found himself talking about greenbacks - and the lack of them for the DNR - to an audience of about 60 citizens and elected officials in Willmar on Tuesday.

Funding woes mean a lack of manpower for the DNR, and it's being felt right at home.

Boyd Beccue, Kandiyohi County attorney, told the commissioner that local Conservation Officer Mike O'Brien is covering the same turf he formerly handled with the support of a partner. The DNR has yet to fill the vacancy created by Conservation Officer Gary Westby's tragic death in October 1997.

"I wonder when he sleeps,'' said Beccue of the long hours O'Brien must work.

Beccue told Garber that conservation officers are being stretched too thin. The lack of personnel is affecting the ability to enforce game and fish regulations, the county attorney warned.

It may remain that way, according to Garber. "I'll tell you the outlook is bleak,'' said the DNR commissioner. Unless there is a change in funding for the DNR, Garber said vacant positions will remain that way.

Garber said there are 16 conservation officers who will become eligible for retirement this coming year. "Chances are we may not be able to replace any of them,'' he said.

The funding problems are showing up in other ways in this region, too. Richard Morelan, Willmar, told Garber that "somewhere, something is wrong'' in the decision to close camping this fall at 20 of the smaller state parks. The decision is especially hard in rural Minnesota, where there is a concerted drive to promote tourism, he noted.

Garber said it was a tough management decision to make, and it will be a harder one to make next year due to the outcry from park users. "It's going to take a lot more thought this time because of what I've heard from people,'' he said.

Garber said the department will be pushing anew for a $1 increase in hunting and fishing license fees this coming legislative session. He believes last year's request for a funding increase failed due to a lack of support from average citizens. While hunting and fishing groups supported an increase, legislators did not hear from other constituents, he said.

The Legislature may be more willing to consider a license fee increase this time around. The proposal comes with the governor's backing, said Garber.

Each dollar raised through license fees would be matched by $2 in general fund monies, he said. Overall, he believes the increase would raise an additional $4.8 million.

A sizeable increase, but Garber cautioned that a license fee hike represents only a short-term fix. He said a more permanent solution - possibly dedicated funding for the department tied to the state's economy - should be considered.

Sen. Dean Johnson (R-Willmar), who hosted Garber's visit here, said legislators were "caught in a crossfire'' last session that pitted demands for tax cuts and rebates over the need for investment in state resources. The Legislature will find itself with a similar choice this coming session, he noted, due to predictions for another budget surplus.

There was a surplus of other issues for Garber to address, too. Green Lake property owners expressed their concerns about DNR plans to add two public accesses to the lake, and the experimental fishing regulations now in effect.

Property owners along the lake feel their concerns about these issues were not given a fair shake, according to Chuck Burmeister, Spicer, representing the Green Lake Property Association. The hearing on fishing regulations was held in the fall, when many cabin owners are not present. Also, comments about DNR projects eventually are directed to the administrator who originally proposed the project. There should be more review, possibly by someone without a vested interest, he explained.

Bruce Gilbertson, area fisheries manager, Spicer, said the department did all it could to gather public comments, and got them. Legal requirements essentially forced the fall date for the public hearing, he explained.

Gilbertson said the experimental fishing regulations themselves appear to be working well. Three years after imposing a requirement that all northern pike 24 inches and longer caught on Green Lake be released, the average size of the game fish has increased 18 percent, he said.

Results of the "catch and release only" fishing regulation for smallmouth bass have been "phenomenal,'' he said. The numbers of smallmouth bass being caught are up significantly, and so is the quality of the fish. He's heard reports of smallmouth bass larger than 6 pounds being caught.

He credits the regulations and favorable environmental conditions with the improvements seen in these and other fish species in the lake.

since 9/24/01