03-12-2007 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 26, 2007 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS – DICK KROEGER Kroeger stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. LMCD UPDATE – ANDREW MCDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE McDermott addressed the Council regarding the fundraising efforts currently being undertaken for Save the Lake. McDermott noted the funds raised to date are below last year’s. McDermott stated the LMCD used some of the funds raised last year for an automatic camera at a public boat launch to take pictures of unclean boats and then report that fact to the boat owners. That project is going to be expanded to four public access points this year, with an anticipated budget of thirty to forty thousand dollars. McDermott stated once the sign was erected adjacent to the camera reminding the boat owners to check their boats, a large number of them did. A warning letter was sent by the DNR to boat owners who failed to check their boats prior to launching them. McDermott noted at the present time the DNR is not able to assess a fine to any boat owner for carrying a foreign object into the lake. The LMCD has applied for a grant to help offset the costs of this program. White inquired about the chemicals used last year to eradicate milfoil. White stated it was his understanding the granular chemicals worked better than the liquid chemicals. McDermott stated the LMCD currently utilizes three different chemical combinations on the lakes and that the LMCD is only allowed by the DNR to use the liquid chemicals. Overall the milfoil was down last year, which may in part be attributable to the use of the chemicals. McDermott stated this year’s budget does not have the money to do additional treatments. McDermott stated the LMCD will be receiving the final study on the milfoil this spring and that they would be looking at their options for continuing to clean the lake. McDermott stated the good vegetation in the lakes has been able to re-establish itself following the treatment. McDermott reported the LMCD has decided not to participate in this year’s Future of the Lake event in Excelsior Park due, in part, to a lack of funds. The LMCD is also in the process of reviewing their codes for multiple dock sites and will be looking at incorporating codes that are more environmentally sensitive and deal with items such as water quality, sediment, clarity, nutrients in the water, and slow zones. Murphy asked what other options the LMCD is looking at besides amending their codes. McDermott stated the LMCD is also considering a moratorium for multiple dock licenses. Murphy noted the Minnetonka Watershed District is in the process of expanding their focus to encompass more of the environmental issues as well. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03-12-07 Approval of Council Minutes 02-26-07 [Page 2 of 11]