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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240131 Envionmental Board MinutesEnvironmental Board January 31, 2024 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Sullivan called the Environmental meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Buchmeier made a motion to approve the December 27, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Ms. Cavegn. Motion carried 7 – 0. Chair Sullivan addressed the question Ms. Buchmeier had regarding if residents receive ads in the water bills sent electronically; the answer is no. 5. OPEN MIKE Chair Sullivan declared open mike at 6:32 p.m. There was no one present for open mike therefore it was closed at 6:32 p.m. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Centerville Lake Alum Treatment DATE: January 31, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 7:37 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Cassie Cavegn, Shawn Holmes, Julia Nelson, Alex Schwartz Lindsay Buchmeier, Jonathan Parsons MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Andrew Nelson, Dana Rozan Environmental Board January 31, 2024 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report and introduced Matt Kocian, Lake and Stream Manager with Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). Mr. Kocian presented his report regarding the Centerville Water Quality Updates. The main cause of high phosphorus loading in Centerville Lake is due to internal sediment recycling, which fuels algae blooms. The most commonly used tool to mitigate internal phosphorus loading is called Aluminum Sulfate (“Alum”). Alum permanently binds phosphorus in the sediments. In an effort to address algae bloom issues in Centerville Lake, RCWD requested a financial contribution of approximately 3% of the total project budget from each local partner to match the Clean Water Fund grant that will be funding the aluminum sulfate treatments. Ms. Nelson asked what are the conditions in order to start treatment in the Spring of 2024. Mr. Kocian replied that they would have to complete grant paper work and getting approval, as well as lining up contractors to do the work, which typically takes time. Ms. Holmes asked if they can start in the Summer of 2024. Mr. Kocian replied no because alum is best to apply in the spring when the water is the clearest and has less algae and nutrients in order for the alum to reach the bottom of the lake as quickly as possible. Mr. Kocian added that alum would only be applied to areas of the lake that are 10 feet or deeper where there is less oxygen. Additionally, as alum settles to the bottom of the lake, it is not a barrier and does not inhibit plant growth. Mr. Schwartz asked if there are more permanent solutions available, as opposed to expensive alum treatments every 15-20 years. Mr. Kocian responded that there are other seemingly permanent solutions to sediment phosphorus such as dredging or pumping high phosphorus water out of the bottom of the lake, but the cost of those tools are many times more expensive then alum in the long run. Chair Sullivan accepted to take public comments from those who came after open mic. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine St, expressed concerns regarding exotic plants that may arise when phosphates are removed and allow for plant growth, such as Eurasian Watermilfoil. He also expressed concerns regarding taxpayers potentially contributing to several of the partner contributions, paying to RCWD and the City they live in. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine St, expressed concerns about the statement that a majority of the funding would pay for the alum treatment, noting that this would leave 49% of the Environmental Board January 31, 2024 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES grant funding to RCWD’s discretion as to how it would be spent. She was also opposed to residents paying increased taxes for the project. Ms. Holmes clarified that outreach programs are a key mechanism for residents to understand the importance of the treatment and have accurate information. She also asked if the grant required a match for the project. Mr. Kocian replied yes, 10% matching funds are required from RCWD and/or partners. Mr. Schwartz asked what percentage of the total project cost will be allocated towards the treatment project, contractors, and materials. Mr. Kocian replied the vast majority of the cost would go towards the alum application. Ms. Nelson asked how badly of a problem Eurasian Watermilfoil is and if it does show up after the alum treatment. Mr. Kocian said Eurasian Watermilfoil has not been as much a problem in recent years, but pondweed, which is an invasive species, has been a problem in lakes. Mr. Kocian clarified that the Lake Association collaborated with RCWD for the past 3-4 years to map and treat pondweed and other invasive species. Ms. Nelson clarified since RCWD and the Lake Association monitored Eurasian Watermilfoil, then the main concern for residents would be the costs because there are already steps being taken to try to control invasive exotic water plants. Mr. Stowe replied that as a resident he would be paying the 3% through the contribution of Lino Lakes, Anoka County and RCWD. He also expressed that the Lake Association should be the only partner for the project. Mr. Schwartz clarified that whether or not the Board makes a motion to approve the project the project would still progress. He noted that the Environmental Board is not the best forum for discussing the financial and tax implications of the project. Ms. Cavegn agreed with Mr. Schwartz. She continued to say that the role of the Environmental Board is to proceed with what is most environmentally responsible. She also suggested bringing financial concerns up to City Council as the Environmental Board does not have input on financial aspects. Motion was made by Chair Sullivan and seconded by Ms. Nelson. Motion carried 7 – 0. B. 2024 Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. Environmental Board January 31, 2024 Page 4 APPROVED MINUTES Chair Sullivan stated that the annual work plan and ongoing tasks list was under the purview of the Environmental Board and that the topic would not be opened to additional public comment at this time. The Board discussed the topics on the Annual Work Plan for 2024. Ms. Holmes recommended adding a statement specific to benefiting wildlife. Mr. Schwartz agreed. Greenway systems, wildlife protection, biodiversity and other elements regarding that should be highlighted as its own category/statement. Mr. Nelson responded that he could make a sixth category that highlights wildlife protection. He will present a new list for the next Environmental Board meeting. No motion was made on the Annual Work Plan 2024. The Board discussed the topics on the Ongoing Tasks List for 2024. Chair Sullivan and Ms. Holmes would like to see more public held events on the list for clarification, such as Blue Heron Days and other events the Board participates in. Mr. Schwartz suggested to broaden the statement regarding the Natural Resources category number 2 to include “and other natural areas”. It was agreed that a motion would be made at the next Environmental Board meeting when a second draft will be reviewed. 7. GENERAL UPDATES None. 8. ADJOURN Mr. Schwartz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Motion was seconded by Ms. Holmes. Motion carried 7 – 0. Respectfully submitted, Dana Rozan – Office Specialist