01-08-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 11, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. 9A. LMCD UPDATE — Continued Kroll stated the bad news is that aquatic invasive species are tough to get a handle on and that he receives a number of phone calls from residents inquiring about milfoil and zebra mussels. Kroll stated it seems that no matter how much money is spent on it, it does not go away. Kroll stated as it relates to the governance of the LMCD, it is very top heavy in that there are 14 representatives from the jurisdictional cities on the LMCD, which makes it hard to get things done. In addition, the LMCD does not have publicly articulated goals and objectives. At this point the LMCD is in the process of trying to rewrite some of the LMCD ordinances to better define where the jurisdiction of the LMCD starts on the lake. Currently the laws govern anything whenever someone or something is a foot over the water but that is not always defined consistently throughout the ordinances, and in some cases, it is not specified. LMCD's lawyer proposed the rules be set at one-tenth of a foot, but after a half hour discussion, the Board could not get a vote to approve the one-tenth of a foot. Kroll commented he is not sure whether there is a solution to the situation since the LMCD structure is set up by the State of Minnesota. Walsh noted the City Council approved a LID earlier this year for Long Lake, which should hopefully help address the milfoil problem on that body of water. Walsh stated the City periodically gets calls asking when the City will start putting some money towards getting rid of the milfoil and that currently Orono contributes $58,000 a year to the LMCD. Walsh stated the last time Vickie appeared before the Orono City Council she was very new to the job and was not able to answer all of the Council's questions regarding the LMCD's budget. Walsh asked what the LMCD's budget is set at for 2018. Vickie Schleuning indicated the budget is approximately $500,000 for all of the different funds, which is pretty similar to what it has been since approximately 2008. Schleuning noted the LMCD has lost a number of grants during that time. Schleuning stated at the present time the LMCD is conducting an AIS survey that people can take, which the LMCD will be taking a look at in the coming months. Currently milfoil is one of the most common concerns raised. Walsh asked what the LMCD's reserves are currently at. Schleuning indicated they are attempting to keep 30 to 50 percent of the general fund amount in reserve and that she has looked at all the areas the LMCD handles as well as the individual funds to get a better handle on what money is going where. Schleuning stated the LMCD is currently at around $400,000 but that also includes donations that have to be used in a certain way. Walsh asked how much the LMCD spent on legal this year. Kroll noted the LMCD receives a percent of all fines received. Schleuning stated legal fees were approximately $45,000, which is separate from the prosecution fees received. Schleuning stated legal prosecution was approximately $26,000. Page 6 of 15