04-22-2013 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 8, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 21 (5. LAKE MINNETONKA ASSOCIATION (LMA) FUNDING REQUEST, Continued) McMillan commented the Council spent an hour discussing that letter and that they obtained the input from Gabriel Jabbour, who is on the state AIS task force, and Andrew McDermott, who is the City’s representative to the LMCD. McMillan noted she personally has spent six years on the LMCD, eight plus years on Save the Lake, and supported the pilot program. McMillan commented she does not want to sit here and brag about that, but noted there has been a lot of effort and time spent by a number of people. A number of Orono citizens have put in a lot of effort toward preserving the lake and that she gets a little upset when that is diminished and has the view that the Council is making a fly-by-night decision. The Council and Orono residents have spent a lot of time helping out the lake community in many different ways. Lowe stated they are asking for the City’s help right now. Lowe stated his tone tonight was based on the letter sent by the City of Orono and some of what the LMA felt were inaccurate statements. Lowe indicated he is sorry if his tone offended the Council but that it was in response to the City’s letter. McMillan stated in all fairness, Mr. Osgood should have made a disclaimer in the letter that he has a financial interest in how many chemicals are used in the lake since he receives a percentage from that. McMillan stated it may not legally be required to be disclosed, but as a matter of integrity, something like that should have been put in that letter. Bremer commented she does live on the lake and that she used to live not too far from Carman’s Bay back in 2008. Bremer indicated she did look at a house on Carman’s Bay but did not purchase it due to the quality of the water. Bremer stated being a nonscientist, she can appreciate the fact that there is conflicting data, and that the Council has received some conflicting data from people who feel the complete opposite of what Mr. Lowe feels. Bremer stated with all due respect, if AIS was as easy as herbicidal treatment, everyone would be doing it and all the experts would be saying it is a wonderful thing to do. Bremer noted the Council has heard different reports regarding the chemical treatments and how one year it is doing well and the next year it is not. The Council and everyone should be mindful of the conflicting data. Bremer stated as a lay person driving a boat, Carman’s Bay does look better and cleaner and you are now able to see the native plants. What the Council attempts to do is to take everything that the LMA is saying and everything that others are saying and then base their decisions on all the information available. Bremer stated Mr. Lowe has to realize the Council cannot just take one opinion. Lowe asked what group that was. Bremer indicated it is various individuals. For people who do not live on Carman’s Bay, they may question why it is fair to support just Carman’s Bay because they may live on a different bay. Bremer noted she just learned recently that her bay is one of those bays that does not have milfoil but the water quality is not clear. Bremer commented there are lots of reasons why the residents of other bays could organize and then approach the City requesting money. Bremer indicated she is not saying that is what is happening, but that it is part of what the Council has to guard against. Bremer stated the Council is very determined and watches how the City spends every dollar, just as they do with the LMCD. Bremer stated the City does not just give the LMCD money every time they ask. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 04/22/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 04/08/2013 [Page 8 of 21]