INFORMATION#2 05-13-2002 NFORMATIO
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator
DATE: May 13, 2002
SUBJECT: Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force (Open Mike)
Since before the Lake Orono dredging project, staff has been working with the Lake Orono
Improvement Association (LOIA), facilitating regularly held meetings at City Hall. "LOIA
appointed a task force, the Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force (LOWQTF), to look at
ongoing water quality issues and expanded the focus beyond Lake Orono.
The LOWQTF is involved in numerous beneficial volunteer programs related to water
quality in the city. Staff anticipates a representative of this group appearing before the
Council at open mike at your May 13~t~ meeting to request funding for three of these
programs (see attached sheet):
Annual goose trapping- l~or the past two years the city has retained the services of a
Dr. Cooper to reduce the number of Canadian Geese in the city's parks and Lake
Orono. The goose problem was not as acute last year as it was the year before.
However, if goose removal is halted, in time their numbers will rise and again
become problematic. Additionally, Dr. Cooper is not taking on any more clients. If
we do not continue with his service, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get back
on his list.
For these reasons, staff is recommending that the city continue with the goose
trapping program. Staff anticipates the cost to be a maximum of $2,000.
Fish stocking - Last year the LOIA stocked fish in addition to what the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources placed in the lake. The city shared fifty percent of
the cost of this additional fish stocking. LOIA is requesting similar funding this year
$1,000). Being able to fish in Lake Orono is a recreational resource for more than
just the lake owners. Staff supports this funding request also.
Water quality monitoring - The last request is for funding to do more in depth water
quality monitoring. The city's Waste Water Treatment Department currently tests
for fecal coliform biweek~!y at the swimming beach during the swimming season.
The city also has been checking the lake's depth, since the dredging project (still
looking good). The LOWQTF is requesting an additional $960 to test other
parameters that track the health of the Lake Orono. Staff supports this request.
This testing will develop a baseline from which future changes to the lake can be
ascertained. The more in depth testing is also required for the LOWQTF to receive
grant money so they can work on even more water quality issues within the city.
Summary
The city is fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers that are willing to
supplement staff's time by working on some very important environmental issues. Their
total funding request is for $3,960. Staff recommends the Council show their support
for this group's efforts by granting their request.
This money was not identified in the 2002 budget. If granted, it will need to come from
the Council Contingency Fund. Staff will identify this funding in the 2003 budget.
LAKE ORONO IMPROVEMENT ASSN
Annual Goose Trapping-
On going problem ~ City parks
U of M does the trapping
Adults to food shelves, young for restocking
Annual Fish Stoc.king~
2001 = 2500 sunnles and 450 cr
LOIA commits to cost share 50/50 with ER
$2000
$1000
Water Quality Monitoring
City = fecal coliform bacteria
LOIA- monitor for pollutant sou ~s including;
total phosphorus, total suspended solids, volatile
suspended solids, chlorophyll-a, secchi disc
Total Funding Request
$960
$3960
· Request It Be Included In Ongoing Budgeting!