INFORMATION#2 05-13-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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.