11-08-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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{ MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 8, 2010 i 7:00 o'clock p.m. • LMCD REPORT — ANDREW MCDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE McDermott reported that the LMCD has prepared their 2009 annual report, which was compiled at the end of August. The LMCD began approximately a decade ago with the goal to clean up and regulate the use of Lake Minnetonka as well as to develop a comprehensive program to eliminate pollution. The organization has evolved throughout the years and it is now involved with BWIs, boat density regulations, prevention of the introduction of new AISs. In addition, since the early 2000s, regulations have been adopted for licensing and permitting of a number of activities. There are approximately 105,000 people around Lake Minnetonka, which consists of 125 miles, 14,000 acres of surface water, 42 bays, and 10 public access ramps. Boat inspections are being concentrated on nine of the public access ramps at the present time. The vision of the LMCD is to protect and preserve Lake Minnetonka. The Mission Statement of the organization is to provide leadership in protecting, improving and managing Lake Minnetonka. This is accomplished through administrative oversight and regulations, promotion of cooperation and partnerships; through innovation and education; and effective stewardship of public and private funds. The LMCD has a number of standing committees, consisting of the AIS Task Force, Ordinance Review Committee, Save the Lake Committee, Public Safety Committee, and Environmental Committee. One of the 2009 programs and activities include the harvesting program. In 2009, 227 loads were harvested on approximately 309 total acres. The milfoil budget was approximately $100,000 in 2009, which was • reduced somewhat in 2010. In addition, in 2010 the LMCD helped coordinate the herbicide treatment program and a report should be received from the Army Corps of Engineers by the end of the year on how the program is going. The LMCD has also implemented watercraft inspections to prevent the introduction of new AIS into the bays. The LMCD has contracted with the MN DNR since 2002, with the goal being to reduce the amount of new AISs in Lake Minnetonka. Approximately $35,000 was spent on this project, with some money coming from the DNR, LMCD, and LMA. I McDermott noted the LMCD did have a video monitoring program on some of the docks, which was dropped this year since it did not prove to be effective and the LMCD had no authority to prosecute people. The LMCD also helps to ensure that its ordinances and policies are relevant and enforceable. The LMCD is actively trying to enforce regulations regarding watercraft storage. There have been a number of complaints regarding multiple docks in 2010. The LMCD will typically send a maximum of three letters to the property owner asking them to comply with the regulations. If no action is taken by the property owner, the LMCD will file an action in court, with court and prosecution fees being' requested to cover expenses. It is the goal of the LMCD to maintain a strong financial foundation. The main funding arm for the LMCD after municipal funding is the Save the Lake Fund and grants. The LMCD will be pursuing more grants in 2011. McDermott stated safety is a primary focus on the LMCD and they work closely with the water patrol. • Patrol hours on Lake Minnetonka were up from 3280 to 4000. Boating while intoxicated arrests were up substantially in 2009, along with careless boating arrests and personal floatation violations. Page 2 of 13