(Spirit Lake)– Development of the Iowa Great Lakes Town Center between 41st Street and Stakeout Road in Spirit Lake should not adversely impact Drainage District 22. That’s the conclusion of Rick Hopper of Jacobsen-Westergard, the district’s engineer. Hopper presented his report at a special meeting Monday of the Spirit Lake city council, which has jurisdiction over the district.
Hopper said there is concern though over the potential for erosion during construction. He said it’s something that will have to be constantly monitored. Hopper said a storm water pollution prevention plan will be prepared for the site to make sure erosion doesn’t become an issue. He expects the DNR to play a role in that.
Hopper added that when each lot is developed, the developer will be required regardless of what size the lot is, runoff will need to be no greater than in post-development conditions. Hopper said that will have to be closely monitored as well.
Hopper’s report was based on a preliminary plat of the proposed commercial development that received tentative approval at last week’s city council meeting.
In other business, the council was brought up to date on the district’s finances. City Administrator Mark Stevens said a check with the County Auditor shows there’s some 440-thousand dollars currently available in the account.
The council also received a written report from a consulting engineer hired to review the district’s facilities and to make recommendations on possible improvements. Because they had just received it and wanted more time to review it, a special meeting was scheduled for Noon Friday, November 30th. They’re hoping the engineer that wrote the report, Don Etler, will be on hand to address questions.
The report was ordered due to ongoing concerns of silt from Drainage District 22 going into East Lake Okoboji.
