Harrison's Bay association seeks Lake Improvement District with annual assessments to fund invasive‑species control and water‑quality work

Harrison's Bay Association representatives asked the Mound City Council on June 10 to schedule a public hearing on a proposal to form a Lake Improvement District that would assess about 233 properties in the bay to fund invasive‑species treatment, carp management, shoreline restoration, education and monitoring.

The association’s presenter said the initial budget request is about $31,007.50 and proposed annual assessments of $150 for lakeshore properties, $100 for deeded‑access properties, $50 for non‑lake‑abutting associations and $500 for the marina. The presenter said the proposal includes a cap that would limit increases in the lakeshore assessment to no more than 100% of the initial level unless more than half of affected property owners later approve an increase.

Why it matters: Harrison’s Bay is listed as impaired by state regulators and association leaders said existing volunteer efforts and limited grant funding have not reduced invasive plants, carp or algal problems. Association speakers argued a locally controlled, predictable funding source would allow multi‑year strategies — including grant applications and partnerships with state and watershed agencies — that volunteers and one‑off fundraising have not sustained.

At the meeting, a representative for the association said the group has already funded carp and plant surveys, sold 324 rain barrels, and run education programs; the association delivered signatures it described as representing roughly 60% support and about 140 resident signatures to city staff to start the formal LID petition process. "We've had a really active dialogue and conversation over the last 60 days," the presenter said. Chair Sherry Wallace told the council, "We want this to be about water quality and the general health of the Bay. We want this to continue for generations."

Council members pressed for specifics and oversight. Council member McEnany said she was "uncomfortable" with the city becoming the administrative clearinghouse and asked who would appoint or elect the LID board; presenters described a process in which the city appoints an initial 5–7‑member board and subsequent board members are elected by property owners within the LID at annual meetings. The association said those bylaws would be written by the board in alignment with DNR rules and that annual projects and budgets would require approval by a majority of participating property owners.

On process and permit questions, presenters and staff emphasized that all treatments and activities would require DNR, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) or watershed district permits as applicable and would be executed by licensed contractors. As the association’s presenter put it, "We will hire licensed contractors that carry their own liability insurance and follow all guidelines laid out by the EPA and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture." City staff said the city’s role is to collect assessments through property tax billing and to pass the funds along to the LID as the local government unit (LGU).

Details and examples: presenters cited Carbon Bay, which formed a LID in 2017 and has since recorded improved water‑quality surveys, as an example. The association said Harrison’s Bay currently has about four times the expected carp population (more than 10,000 fish, according to electrofishing surveys) and has invasive plants including curly‑leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil. The association said those surveys and treatment plans are required by DNR permitting and that GPS‑tracked, site‑specific treatments — when used — are applied only where surveys identify targeted invasive species.

Concerns raised by residents and at least one council member included chemical use, potential conflicts of interest (supplier relationships), the geographic scope of assessments (properties in other municipalities such as Spring Park) and long‑term cost control. The association said the proposal includes a 100% cap on annual assessment increases over the life of the district and that any increase above the cap would require property‑owner approval.

Next steps: presenters asked the council to set a date for a public hearing. City staff said the DNR will review the LID petition and provide comments; the council will need to verify petition signatures and schedule the required public notice at least 21 days before the hearing. Presenters said they expect the council hearing is likely in August but that final scheduling depends on verification and DNR review.