04-12-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 12, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. Funding Request for Milfoil Project, Continued) Osgood stated Grays Bay is very shallow and was actually down two feet last year, but without the milfoil, they were able to have wake boarders and water skiers on the bay, which has never occurred before. Osgood stated that while there are concerns over the efficacy of the chemicals, he would feel comfortable recommending it. Franchot asked if there is any indication that there will be an ending point for the treatment. Osgood stated it is his expectation that there will be some need for ongoing management but that the level of treatment will decrease going forward as the milfoil becomes eradicated. The treatment from last year on Gray's Bay is down 70 percent due to the good level of control, and that the hope is to reach some type of maintenance level. Drazan stated she has found that the state of Washington has a great web site with a number of studies on the impact to native plants. They found that after one to two years, there is a significant increase in native plants. As it relates to retreatment, it is important to review the bays every year and there may be some minor treatment that is required. Drazan commented that milfoil will grow if it is dropped in the lake and that some minor ongoing treatment will have to be done. Drazan pointed out that the milfoil harvesting is actually increasing the milfoil. The harvesting is an ongoing venture by the LMCD, is very expensive, does not decrease the milfoil, and that the residents of Carman's Bay are looking at reduced amounts of chemicals that will be necessary in the coming years. Murphy asked what position the LMCD has taken on this. McDermott stated LMCD supports the five year program for the three bays and the Save the Lake Fund will be contributing some monies towards that project. Murphy asked how much the LMCD is contributing. McDermott indicated the LMCD is contributing $10,000 per bay and that that amount will be reduced once they reach the point where only spot treatments are necessary. Murphy asked where the DNR is on this treatment process. Osgood stated the program is part of a Lake Vegetation Plan, which has been signed off by the DNR. The DNR has also contributed $25,000 this year, which is to be split among the three bays. Murphy asked if the Minnetonka Watershed District has taken a position on this. Osgood indicated he is not aware that they have taken a position. Osgood noted this project is mainly under the purview of the LMCD. Murphy commented the City has had a significant amount of interaction with the Watershed District regarding tributary issues and phosphorous in the past and that he was curious why they have remained silent on this issue. • is Osgood indicated he cannot speak for them but that he is not aware of any concerns that they have regarding the • project. White stated generally the aquatic chemicals are fairly low toxicity but that they do not just kill milfoil. Page 6 of 15