12/03/2012 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • WS — Item 2 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 2 Date: December 3, 2012 To: City Council From: Marty Asleson Re: Vegetation Obstructions Surrounding the Surfside Seaplane Base Background The Surfside Seaplane Base is a private airport located on the west side of Rice Lake. Mr. Bruce Hanson, owner, appeared at open mike at the November 12, 2012 City Council Meeting to request assistance regarding the possible impact of lake plants on his business. Staff has previously met with Mr. Hanson to discuss the aquatic vegetation on Rice Lake. In the past several years, the lake has been inundated with Curley Leaf Pondweed. The Curley Leaf Pondweed has shifted over to Coontail within the past few years. Although Coontail is native vegetation and much more preferable in an environmental sense to the invasive Curley Leaf Pondweed, Mr. Hanson has stated that any kind of dense plant growth is detrimental to seaplane use. Surfside is training pilots from around the world and the aquatic plants interfere with rudder function of planes during take -off. Since Rice Lake is classified as a shallow natural resources lake, there will always be aquatic plants growing to the surface. Mr. Hanson was informed by staff that the DNR can issue permits to harvest or treat lake plants. In October, the city received a call from Mr. Rick Braunig of MnDOT's office of Aeronautics. Mr. Braunig stated that aquatic plants are a hindrance in taxi and initial take -off operations. Another issue discussed was that the runway is of shorter length while still acceptable, but that ends of the runway were starting to be obstructed with tree growth. Mr. Hanson has removed obstructive trees on the north end of the runway and will remove trees on his property on the south side of the runway. Mr. Hanson is discussing vegetation management with his neighbors that have trees further to the south. There are no airport easements on these properties. Requested Council Direction Mr. Hanson has requested city assistance. The city does not have any funding available for plant harvesting or remediation in the lake. Since Rice Lake is an impaired water under the Clean Water Act, there may be grant opportunities through the RCWD if