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Waterville discusses lake treatment options after floods; council approves delineation for bids
Summary
City staff reported no grant funding this year and that floodwaters affected Sakata Bay; council approved obtaining a delineation so the city can solicit bids for treatment, and administrators reported an approximate $244,000 flood cost with $42,000 reimbursed so far.
Waterville officials discussed options for treating aquatic vegetation in Sakata Bay after last year’s flood and directed staff to pursue a delineation so the city can solicit treatment bids.
Administrator Teresa Hill told the council that "there was no grant funding received this year" for lake treatment and noted the flood last year affected the full bay. Council members discussed treatment options ranging from chemical application to mechanical harvesting, with concerns raised about the logistical challenge of harvesting within the bay and the difficulty of locating disposal sites for removed plant material. Park Board member Valerie Vail noted that the mild winter may have allowed curly-leaf pondweed to persist and that milfoil is present in Tetonka; DNR testing windows tied to water temperature affect scheduling and treatment eligibility. Hill observed the state previously allowed treatment of 19 of 36 acres last year.
On a motion by Councilmember Tim Smith, seconded by Dave Wollin, the council authorized Administrator Hill to arrange for a delineation of Sakata Bay to go out for bids. The motion carried 5-0.
Budget note: Hill also updated the council on flood-related costs, estimating roughly $244,000 in total flood expense with approximately $42,000 approved for reimbursement to date.
Why it matters: Treatment decisions and available funding will determine the extent and timing of work in Sakata Bay, affect lake health and recreation, and carry cost implications for the city budget.
Next steps: Administration will solicit bids based on a delineation of Sakata Bay and report results back to the council.
