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Residents press council to act on American Lake; city attorney says treatment must follow public APAM permit and AMLD process
Summary
Residents urged action on American Lake water quality at the May 4 Lakewood council meeting, citing visible pollution and elevated contaminant readings. City Attorney Heidi Walker said American Lake is public water, the city's APAM permit covers treatment, and any treatment must be procured or authorized by the city (or added to the American Lake Management District work plan). Council asked staff to place the matter on the AMLD agenda for June 4.
Multiple residents addressed the Lakewood City Council on May 4 asking the city to take action to address pollution and algae in American Lake.
Speakers including Jean Conser (Eagle Point HOA) and Joel Vana described declining water clarity and shared photos they said show worsening conditions. Vana told the council he had observed "64 parts per billion" in areas near his property and said the state threshold for action is "over 20 parts per billion," framing the condition as urgent and requesting immediate treatment and a coordinated short-, mid- and long-term plan.
City legal framework: City Attorney Heidi Walker explained the legal and permitting constraints that shape what the city can do. Walker's memorandum, reviewed at the meeting, states that American Lake is a state-owned water body with no private bedlands; the city's aquatic pesticide application permit (APAM) is held by the city. As a legal consequence, Walker said, "an APAM cannot be privately acquired on American Lake" and "any treatment under that permit must be performed by or procured through the city." Private parties cannot independently treat the lake under the city's APAM and any work must comply with public procurement rules.
What residents were asked to do: Walker recommended the American Lake Management District (AMLD), the advisory body appointed by the city, consider adding lake treatment options to its annual work plan and, if the AMLD recommends action, the item would come to council with a procurement and budget plan. Council directed staff to put the residents' request on the AMLD agenda for the June 4 meeting so the board can take a formal position and, if appropriate, request funding or an assessment adjustment. Staff also emphasized AMLD funding limits: the district's current assessment is roughly 66 cents per foot of shoreline and does not automatically cover large-scale treatment projects.
Resident concerns and funding realities: Residents pressed for faster action, pointing to visible algae, beach closures, and perceived health concerns. Staff and the attorney repeatedly noted two constraints: the legal requirement that treatment under the APAM be carried out under the city permit and the need to identify funding (AMLD assessments, grants, or city appropriations) for any treatment. The council asked staff to return after the AMLD meeting with options and cost estimates.
Next steps: The AMLD will be asked to place the matter on its June 4 agenda and provide a recommendation to city council. Council members asked staff to identify potential funding sources, grant opportunities, and procurement pathways that comply with the APAM and state law.
