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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR MAY 24,1999 <br />PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - BUI Stoddard. Representative <br />Stoddard stated he will be present at tonight's nweting to answer any possible questions that may <br />arise concerning any of the applications before the City Council. <br />Stoddard commented that the Planning Commission would like some direction from the City <br />Council regarding the possibility of preparing an ordinance regulating the amount of phosphorous <br />that runs off into Lake Minnetonka. <br />Mayor Jabbour stated this issue has been discussed previously, and that it was determined that <br />the Department of Agriculture is the agency that would relate that. <br />Gafi&cm remarked that this issue has been discussed as part of the City's stormwater plan and <br />that this issue will again be discussed in the near future. Gaffron stat^ that other communities <br />have adopted ordinances regulating the use of phosphorous. <br />Stoddard suggested that perhaps the local nurseries be notified of this issue and suggest that <br />phosphorous-free products be made available at their businesses. <br />Mayor Jabbour stated he was in agreement with contacting the nurseries regarding this issue, <br />and that the City should address this issue further. Jabbour stated there is a concern regarding <br />chemical runoff into Lake Minnetonka and the effects on the community'. <br />Stoddard commented he would like the City to continue to pursue this issue. <br />Mayor Jabbour suggested that public education regarding the use of chemicals and chemical <br />runoff into the local lakes would probably be the best step in addressing this situation, but that <br />in his opinion the Department of Agriculture has the ultimate authority in limiting the use of <br />phosphorous. <br />McMillan commented that Medina and Plymouth have ordinances regulating the use of <br />phosphorous, which perhaps the City of Orono should review considering the number of wetlands <br />and lakes in the area. <br />Jerry Kemp, 2800 Farview Lane, stated he has concerns regarding the quality of the lakes, but <br />that any decisions regarding issuance of licenses does restrict the freedom of one or more <br />individuals. Kemp commented that there arc good reasons for the City to consider restricting <br />the use of chemicals around the lake. <br />Stoddard inquired whether the City Council would be willing to look at pervious fabric once <br />again, noting that people arc reverting to spray chemicals to kill the weeds that grow in their <br />rock gardens after the plastic underlayment is removed. <br />Mayor Jabbour stated that this issue should perhaps be looked at again and that an alternative <br />product should perhaps be an option.