07-14-2003 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 3 July 14, 2003 ............................. Councilmember Motin and Mayor Klinzing concurred. Mayor Klinzing stated that at this point, the city should put this item on hold and wait to see if any comments are received or to see if neighboring cities pursue the 2:00 a.m. closing. 5.3. Discussion on Mosquito Control Building and Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohlf provided a brief overview of the methods used for mosquito control. Mr. Rohlf explained that the mosquito control issue was discussed by the City Council in 2001 but it has been requested that it come back before the Council for consideration again. Mr. Rohlf reviewed his memo on this topic. Al Shrupp, 13964 Ogden Street - Mr. Shrupp stated that the mosquitoes are so bad that he and his wife cannot even go outside. He questioned the cost of mosquito control. Mr. Shrupp requested that the city continue to pursue the mosquito control options. Mr. Rohlf stated that the price information he received from a private firm in 2001 was $200,000 per application for approximately 4,000 acres of wetland and in order to be effective, two applications are needed per year. Mr. Rohlf explained that the high cost is mainly due to the use of a helicopter. Mr. Rohlf stated that contracting with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District versus using a private firm would reduce the cost, but Sherbume County would have to petition to join the district and it would take special legislation. Staff approached Sherbume County regarding this issue and the county declined to pursue this issue due to the cost. Mr. Rohlf indicated that the BTI product is apparently the safest product on the market, being very specific to mosquitoes, gnats, and black flies but not other wildlife. This product kills mosquitoes in their larval stage, which is the most effective way of mosquito control. Mr. Rohlf stated that citizens can purchase this product on their own. Mr. Rohlf stated that the other method of control, spraying for adult mosquitoes, comes with more health and environmental concerns. Cindy Johnson, 10723 203~d Ave - Stated that she moved to Elk River because it was not part of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Ms. Johnson stated that last year she was sprayed by a truck spraying for mosquitoes. She explained that she and her husband experienced symptoms such as burning eyes and numbness in their hands for many months which required many doctor visits. Ms. Johnson stated that it is not worth the health risks of spraying just to provide mosquito relief for a couple days. Mayor I4Jinzing stated that she believes the best form of mosquito control is to educate citizens on mosquito control so they can take an active role in controlling their own environment. It was the consensus of the Council that spraying for mosquitoes is not an effective option and that the BTI is not feasible due to the cost. Mr. Rohlf stated that it is too late in the season for citizens to effectively kill mosquitoes in the larval stage using the BTI method as this should be done in May or June. 5.4. HRA Update - Councilmember Motin Councilmember Motin provided an update on the HRA meeting held June 30, 2003.