02.a Blake Roberts1
Kyle Morell
From:Blake Roberts <Blake.Roberts@ci.forest-lake.mn.us>
Sent:Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:01 AM
To:Kyle Morell; s.kronmiller
Cc:Jolleen B. Chaika; Fran Miron
Subject:Request for letter of recommendation
Attachments:Resolution 07-13-26-02 CLFLWD Nominations.pdf
Mayor Kronmiller and City Administrator Morell,
I am following up on the conversation we had last week regarding the upcoming
appointment to the Lake Comfort–Forest Lake Watershed District Board of Managers.
Last evening, the Forest Lake City Council approved, by a 4-0 vote (with me abstaining),
a slate of three candidates to be forwarded to the Washington County Board of
Commissioners for consideration. I am honored to be one of the three candidates included
on that slate. Attached is the resolution approved by the City Council memorializing that
action.
My interest in serving on the Watershed District Board is rooted in the discussion we had
during our meeting last week. I believe there is an important opportunity to strengthen
communication, collaboration, and accountability among the Watershed District, its
member communities, and the residents we collectively serve.
Part of my interest also stems from several policy discussions that have taken place over
the past number years, including concerns regarding the almost 24% levy increase,
projects going considerably over budget, regulatory requirements that appear to exceed
those of neighboring watershed organizations, such as the Rice Creek Watershed District,
and discussions about acquiring a prime piece of tax-producing property on Forest Lake
to be converted into offices and classroom space, thereby removing it from the local tax
rolls. While I fully support protecting our lakes and natural resources, I also believe those
decisions should be carefully balanced with their financial impact on taxpayers and local
governments.
For that reason, I believe there is value in having an elected official serve on a board with
independent taxing authority. An elected official brings direct accountability to the
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public, experience balancing community priorities with fiscal responsibility, and a
perspective that reflects the interests of the residents who ultimately fund the district’s
work. My goal would be to help foster strong environmental stewardship while ensuring
transparency, collaboration, and responsible governance.
From my understanding, now that the Forest Lake City Council has submitted its slate,
these are the only three candidates the County Board may consider for this appointment.
With that in mind, I respectfully request the opportunity to attend the Scandia City
Council meeting on July 21 to briefly introduce myself and ask the Council to consider
providing a letter of recommendation to the Washington County Board in support of my
appointment.
Thank you again for your time, consideration, and the opportunity to meet with you last
week. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful approach to this appointment process and
look forward to the potential of speaking with the Council on July 21.
Respectfully,
Blake Roberts
Mayor, City of Forest Lake