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Let’s Go Fishing presents program, funding needs to Forest Lake commission; commission agrees to hear proposal
Summary
Representatives from Let’s Go Fishing told the Forest Lake commission they have about $8,000 committed and seek additional support for startup equipment and logistics; the commission amended the agenda to hear the presentation and discussed possible city partnership on a boat slip and next steps for policy review.
At a Forest Lake City meeting, the agenda was amended to include a presentation by Let’s Go Fishing, a local nonprofit that runs community angling programs. The amendment to add the presentation was moved and seconded (the mover was named as Karen and the second as Tim in the meeting) and approved by voice vote.
Keith Coonley, with Let’s Go Fishing, told commissioners the organization has operated for roughly 20 years and is seeking funds and in-kind support to cover startup expenses. "We have ... $15,000 worth of equipment and materials for our first year's expenses," Coonley said, and added that about "$8,000" has already been committed. He said two insurance companies recently offered donations and that community education partners are helping with outreach and publicity.
Commission participants asked practical questions about program access and logistics. One unidentified speaker asked whether veterans or seniors would be required to pay; Coonley said the group accepts donations but does not mandate fees. Another participant asked whether the city could partner to pay for a boat slip; a staff or organizer speaker responded that they are working with the boat club and coordinating with the parks and recreation committee and a steering committee to represent community interests.
Discussion also touched on park amenities and placement. A member noted that new basketball courts at Belts Park had been installed recently and recommended keeping another location as green space rather than adding a court, citing drainage concerns and the need to consult nearby residents. Commissioners emphasized the importance of public engagement with residents most affected by park changes.
On policy, speakers described the document presented as an overview rather than a finalized handbook. One participant suggested the commission recommend that the council approve the event and related policy; staff said they could circulate the handbook and policy for review. The meeting closed with a request that commissioners receive a packet with the handbook and policy overview to use as a reference.
Next steps: the commission approved adding the presentation to the agenda, heard the program overview and budget details from Let’s Go Fishing, and directed staff to circulate the policy/handbook for review and to continue outreach with the boat club, parks and recreation committee and nearby residents. No formal city funding decision on a boat slip or direct budget allocation was taken during the meeting.
