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LMCD representative reports budget savings, new buoy bracket and policy changes
Summary
Richie Anderson, the LMCD representative, told Orono council that the LMCD eliminated a $75,000 AIS levy, reduced reserves toward a 35% target, cited $67,521 in savings since his tenure, described new wake rules and buoy responsibilities, and showed a new buoy bracket prototype designed to speed deployments.
Orono — Richie Anderson, the city’s Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) representative, updated the council July 8 on LMCD finances, regulatory changes and operational innovations, including a prototype buoy bracket intended to speed buoy deployment.
Anderson said he had worked with committees since 2019 and that LMCD actions included eliminating an AIS (aquatic invasive species) municipal levy and using reserves to smooth costs. He reported "Total savings since I've been around is $67,521," and said LMCD reserves had been reduced toward a 35% target from a prior high point.
On operations, Anderson described new rules and practices including a 300‑foot wake regulation, revised high‑water protocol to place operational control with water managers instead of LMCD alone, and buoy management arrangements with Hennepin County Water Patrol. Anderson demonstrated a prototype bracket for the top of buoys he said cut deployment times ("20 seconds," he said, compared with much longer manual methods) and described plans to field roughly 100 buoys with the new bracket.
Council members asked clarifying questions about neighborhood 'lids' (localized AIS treatment groups) and rental permits for watercraft; Anderson said LMCD had tightened rules for watercraft‑for‑hire and rental permits and was exploring licensing and port‑of‑call requirements.
Anderson also described a "Save the Lake" water‑patrol funding arrangement, noting donors and fund structure aimed at keeping a dedicated deputy on lake duty. He said a 2025 Save the Lake budget could be about $100,000 with about $95,000 in a reserve fund, and that discussions on long‑term funding would continue.
Next steps: Anderson said the LMCD would continue committee work, refine buoy plans and coordinate with local municipalities on AIS policy and funding arrangements.
