11-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. CARMAN BAY LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (LID) (continued) ,Mark Kieper, 2499 Kelly Avenue, stated one of the likely reasons for the elimination of the grants is that more focus is now being placed on zebra mussels. Tucker stated the milfoil does tend to form a dense mat and also decreases property values. Tucker commented they have noticed a difference with the number of boats using the bay as well when the milfoil is being treated. Walsh asked whether high water or low water levels affect the milfoil treatments. Patrick Selter, PLM Lake and Land Management Corporation, Brainerd, stated the water level will impact it and that the chemicals are adjusted depending on the depth of the water. Selter stated they typically do not treat in deep water levels or in areas where there is grass growing. McMillan asked whether the treatment would impact lawn irrigation. Tucker stated to her understanding the residents must wait 24 hours. Selter stated irrigation on straight grass does not have any restrictions but treated water used on any vegetables or food crops can be up to 120 days. Printup asked what some of the negative feedback has been on bays that have been treated. Selter stated the biggest problem is native plant return. Selter stated natives are easier to deal with than the milfoil and that 80 percent of the milfoil vegetation is at the surface. Selter stated they are very careful in how the treatments are done and that they monitor the trends in the lake so they can see if there are any adverse impacts to the native plants. Selter stated they are now seeing on Lake Minnetonka that the plant diversity is increasing and the milfoil is decreasing. Scher stated a lot of people like the treatments but that it takes a couple of years to balance out the natives following the treatment. The areas that do not have consistent treatment can experience spikes in the milfoil. Walsh asked what the feedback has been on Lake Albans Bay. Roy stated the feedback has been very positive and that they have been able to go to treatments every other year. Roy indicated the biggest complaint they receive is the amount of native plants. Walsh stated he would be supportive of getting rid of the invasive species and the City contributing some money. Poehler noted the Council will need to hold a public hearing within 30 days once it is determined the petition is valid. Tucker stated they would like to start the petition now to get a head start for the spring. If approval is received from the Council tonight, they can start working on the petition. Tucker stated they can also then work with the City Administrator on electronic signatures. Page 5 of 28