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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 10, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 13 LMCD REPORT - ANDREW McDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE Andrew McDermott reported the LMCD had a discussion with the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, the Lake Minnetonka Association, and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Eric Evenson will be addressing the City Council at its next council meeting. McDermott indicated another big discussion at the last meeting was regarding the capsized harvester. At this point the LMCD can take $30,000 if the harvester is not replaced or $60,000 if they would like to purchase a new harvester. The LMCD would need to contribute another $60,000 towards that to buy a new harvester. There is some disagreement among the board members on whether the harvesting should continue. McDermott indicated he is recommending that the LMCD look at all the options, including harvesting, to see what else can be done. The LMCD has 180 days to make a decision. Rahn asked how large the fleet of harvesters is currently. McDermott indicated the LMCD now has three harvesters and that the oldest harvester capsized. McDermott commented that chemical treatment is good to a point but it would cost $1.2 million to treat everything that they currently harvest. The harvesting program costs about $100,000. McDermott noted the LMCD is not a taxing authority and its funds are limited. McMillan noted the donation garden received a truckload full of LMCD harvested milfoil this year and that there are other gardeners who are interested in obtaining milfoil. Bremer asked what the current water level is of the lake. McDermott indicated the lake is down a foot and a half from the spring and is still dropping due to the lack of rain. The dam is currently shut. McMillan asked whether they are expecting zebra mussels to be found on people’s docks this year. McDermott indicated they have had some reports of people finding some on their docks but they do not yet have a definitive idea on how fast they will spread. McDermott stated it is anticipated it will take three to four years before they take serious hold of the lake. McMillan asked whether the exotics task force will be discussing the watershed proposal at the next LMCD meeting. McDermott indicated he is not aware if that will be discussed at the next LMCD meeting. McDermott stated the task force has indicated that the next big push will be Christmas Lake but their plans reflect Lake Minnetonka at this point. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - LIZZ LEVANG, REPRESENTATIVE Lizz Levang stated at the next meeting the Planning Commission will be looking at three different applications. Levang indicated she will be available for questions tonight. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 10/24/2011 Approval of Council Minutes 10/10/2011 [Page 5 of 13]