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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL <br />MEETING HELD ON JULY 14,197 <br />PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS is <br />Commissioner Stoddard had no additional comments at this time. <br />PUBLIC COMMENTS <br />Keith Vanden Branden, 1480 Long Lake Boulevard, asked to address the Council <br />regarding the major problem that has erupted with milfoil in Long Lake. He asked for <br />Council direction regarding what action property owners can take and with whom the <br />matter should be discussed. Vanden Branden felt the problem arose from use of the <br />public access by boats and there should be a public contribution to rectify the problem <br />through an agency such as the DNR- <br />Jabbour informed Vanden Branden that each boat license issued creates a $2 -$3 <br />contribution toward milfoil control. Orono does not receive any of these funds. He told <br />Vanden Branden that the increased clarity in the lake has caused the milfoirs growth. <br />Jabbour said he has spoken with the DNR. <br />Moorse indicated that he has spoken with a person from the DNR who said the clarity of <br />the lake has allowed the growth of milfoil to occur. He said there were two options for <br />treatment that could be used, chemical or harvesting, neither of which would solve or <br />eliminate the problem. <br />Jabbour cautioned Vanden Branden regarding the use of chemicals and their toxicity, 0 <br />which he personally feels is a problem. He noted that aquatic birds also create infestation <br />of the milfoil. He suggested Vanden Branden speak with the DNR on the matter. <br />Jabbour said if chemicals are used, the property owners should receive proper notification <br />of its use. He suggested Vanden Branden review the chemicals used and make his own <br />conclusion. <br />Kelley asked who pays for milfoil harvesting on Lake Minnetonka. Jabbour said the <br />LMCD has three harvesters and another which was donated by Hennepin Parks and <br />receives funding from the DNR. It was noted that the MCWD is not involved. <br />Kelley asked whether the DNR could be petitioned regarding treatment of milfoil. <br />Jabbour said they could. <br />Moorse noted that there is DNR grant money available for such use. <br />• <br />2 <br />