South metro briefs: Invasive species found in Dakota County lakes

Curly leaf pondweed was found in eight lakes at Lebanon Hills, Whitetail Woods and Thompson parks, and Eurasian water milfoil was found in six lakes at Lebanon Hills. Additional surveying later this summer may find more.

Both plants are not native to the United States. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggests herbicides and harvesting as control methods, and offers grants to support local efforts.

The consultant conducting the Dakota County lake and pond surveys will release a final report with possible treatment and management options.

Emma Nelson

The Prior Lake City Council voted to work together with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community on building a joint water treatment plant.

The new plant would cost about $19.4 million to build and is expected to start operating by 2019. Under the agreement, the tribe would pay $10.8 million and the city would pay $8.6 million. By operating a joint facility, the city would save $6 million while the tribe would save $3.5 million, according to the city's Public Works and Natural Resources Department.

The council's approval Monday allows city staff to incorporate Prior Lake's needs into the design for a new plant.

Under the agreement, the city will still own wells and pay the tribe for water treatment. The tribe will also own its own water sources and treatment plants.

"Even if this partnership were to not work out, the city could still supply water," said Council Member Rich Keeney. "We would not be in a position where we're kind of giving up our ability to be in control of our own destiny."

Natalie Daher

The West St. Paul City Council is moving forward with plans to remodel its City Hall and Police Department.

On Monday, the City Council accepted a bid from Parkos Construction Co. for the project estimated to cost $130,700.

The city will spend $122,600 on adding two conference rooms to the main lobby as well as remodeling the locker rooms in the Police Department's main level. It will also allow the Police Department to purchase additional lockers for women.

The city obtained a separate quote in May for a possible emergency exit in the City Council chambers but ultimately decided not to include the door in its remodel plans.

Beatrice Dupuy

A Northfield resident who wants permission to keep a fourth dog has had her permit request denied by the City Council for the third time in six months.

City ordinance allows residents to have three pets or obtain a permit for additional animals. Helen Edell has requested a permit with help from her lawyer, council member David Ludescher, who has recused himself from voting on the permit requests.

Edell was then charged with having too many pets. In May, a judge said Edell should be issued a permit because there was no basis for the council's denial, Ludescher said.

The City Council is taking steps to repeal the current pet ordinance and write a new one. Council members have said they won't take action against Edell before a new ordinance is passed, but Ludescher is still trying to obtain a permit.

"It's an absurd example of the government trampling the little guy," Ludescher said.

Erin Adler

Three Waconia wineries are collaborating to hold the first Waconia Wine Festival Weekend from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 30 and 31 at Sovereign Estate (9950 N. Shore Road), Parley Lake Winery (8280 Parley Lake Road) and Schram Vineyard (8785 Airport Road), all in Waconia. Tickets are $25 and good for both days. Each location will feature local arts and crafts vendors and food trucks. For information on becoming a vendor or to purchase tickets, visit waconiawinecountry.com.