HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-17-2001 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
July 17, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council and the Environmental Quality Committee was
called to order by Councilmember Black at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City
Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on July 17, 2001.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Councilmembers Black, Johnson, Hewitt, Stein, Harstad, and Slavik
arrived at 8:07 p.m.).
COUNCIL ABSENT: Mayor Tierney.
COMMISSION PRESENT: Chair Osborne, Commission Members Larson, Chesebrough,
Goodfellow -Heyer, Walstead, and Graham.
COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Jaffoni.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Financial Analyst Kohn, Public Works Director
Faulkner, City Engineer Quanbeck, Water Resources Engineer Missaghi, Recycling Coordinator
Vigoren, and City Clerk Paulson.
Presentation from the Medicine Lake Watershed Subcommittee (Commissioner
Chesebrough)
Commissioner Chesebrough stated as instructed by the Council at their June 6, 2000 meeting, the
Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) formed a citizen advisory subcommittee to develop an
implementation plan for the Medicine Lake watershed. Members of the subcommittee included
Commissioner Goodfellow -Heyer, education representative Dan Hanka, business owners Jerry
Theis and Steve Hedberg, watershed resident John Mullan, lakeshore owners Terrie Christian
and Tom Gallagher, and herself. She stated Steven McComas from Blue Water Science,
Hennepin Parks, the Department of Natural Resources, and City staff also assisted this
subcommittee.
The subcommittee reviewed the Surface Water Management Plan, the Barr Report, case study of
a Wisconsin lake where alum treatments were utilized, and 10 Surface Water Management Plan
goals that addressed recreational uses and plant, fish and wildlife management. She explained
within the Surface Water Management Plan, a major priority is to increase the water clarity for
the purpose of making Medicine Lake suitable to support full-body contact recreation. Another
priority is to improve water quality by managing Medicine Lake to support a healthy and diverse
fish and plant population and to increase awareness and participation of citizens' impact on the
lake.
In order to obtain these goals, the subcommittee defined objectives and sought input from
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resource individuals, and evaluated the pros and cons of each type of solution in terms of
efficiency and cost. Only those solutions that were determined to be viable are contained in the
Implementation Plan.
She noted that many of the problems with Medicine Lake have been attributed to runoff entering
the lake and an accumulation of nutrients and pollutants that have built up in the lake over the
years.
She stated three areas were identified where recommendations are proposed to improve Medicine
Lake. These areas are external factors (reducing the nutrients and pollutants entering the lake),
internal factors (to overcome the pollutants and internal problems in the lake), and watershed
management activities (education on shoreline erosion and lakescaping, nuisance plant and
aquatic management, swimmers itch, geese management, lake crowding, and competing lake
uses).
She stated regarding the external factors, it is important for citizens to change their behaviors to
improve and reduce runoff into the lake. This would include lakescaping, fertilization practices,
and leaf management. It was noted that there is a large amount of runoff entering the east side of
Medicine Lake which is virtually untreated. Regarding in -stream or wet detention pond (alum
treatment), the subcommittee viewed this option as a "last resort" because the method is most
costly, it addresses phosphorus removal only, and the treatment only lasts for a limited amount of
time.
Regarding the internal factors, the committee is recommending to review the management of
plant life and rough fish within the lake. This could be sufficient, and it would offer immediate
relief and be cost effective. In addition, this step would prolong the effectiveness of alum
treatments if that would be determined to be necessary. She stated that selected dredging could
be utilized in order to remove accumulated sediment in order to restore fish habitat. She
reiterated that with in -lake alum treatments, the subcommittee recommends to defer this method
due to cost and limited duration of effectiveness. She mentioned a new project that Hennepin
Parks is managing whereby residents would be able to access current data from the internet
aakeaccess.org) to review the phosphorus levels in Medicine Lake. This would be available
sometime in the fall.
She stated in order to improve watershed management, education needs to be provided to
residents on shoreline erosion and lakescaping, nuisance plant and aquatic management,
swimmer's itch, geese management, lake crowding, and competing lake uses. Education and
evaluation rated the highest priority initiatives in this area.
She indicated that prevention is vastly less expensive than treatments to the lake. In order to
increase citizen awareness, the subcommittee is recommending to begin a marketing style of
campaign for prevention through citizen education, by focusing on water quality in the summer,
repeating and reinforcing the message, and immediately disseminating implementation
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recommendations to Plymouth businesses and residents. She stated there is a potential for
collaboration, and ongoing evaluation is necessary to make wise decisions.
She stated the subcommittee is strongly endorsing the formation of an Aquatic Vegetation
Management Group (AVMG) to evaluate and implement specific strategies to control exotic and
invasive aquatic plant species and to promote the growth of native species.
In conclusion, she requested on behalf of the subcommittee and the EQC, that the Council
support the Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation and Management Plan.
Presentation on Watershed and Lake Management Techniques (Steven McComas)
Mr. McComas discussed different techniques, goals, and management practices in order to make
Medicine Lake clearer. He stressed that the goal is to remove sediments before they enter the
lake. He discussed the implementation items contained in Appendix A4 of the Implementation
Plan that would address the external factors, internal factors, and watershed management. The
implementation items included structural best management practices (BMP) options, source
reduction and lakescaping, reduction of nutrient, fertilizer, leaves, and stenciling, alum dosing
stations, aquatic plant harvesting, aquatic plant management, rough fish removal, select
dredging, in -lake alum treatment, and education and evaluation methods for watershed
management.
Discussion
Councilmember Johnson asked how geese droppings could be controlled. Mr. McComas replied
that buffer strips greatly assist in intercepting a portion of the droppings as well as controlling the
geese population itself. By increasing the buffer strip, it prevents geese from coming from the
lake onto the land.
Councilmember Harstad asked if one could hydraulically dredge a wet detention pond. Mr.
McComas replied yes, and especially if it was a constructed water pond.
Councilmember Harstad asked if an alum treatment could be used in conjunction with suction
dredging. Mr. McComas replied yes.
Councilmember Harstad stated at a previous Council meeting, the suggestion was made by a
resident to utilize barley straw as an algae treatment for Medicine Lake. Mr. McComas stated
one would need approximately 200 to 300 pounds of barley per acre to affect the algae treatment.
Therefore, due to the size of Medicine Lake, it wouldn't be feasible. The best use of barley
straw is for water bodies of 15 acres or less.
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Councilmember Harstad proposed that alum treatments aren't saved as a "last resort" but rather
if the water clarity and phosphorus standards are exceeded, the City would immediately do an
alum treatment.
Councilmember Stein noted that the alum treatment is only effective for approximately seven
years. Mr. McComas explained how alum treatments work, and how at times they cannot be
effective. He also explained methods on how to decrease the carp population and what causes
swimmer's itch.
Steve Gardner, 10717 10a' Avenue, requested that if retention ponds are constructed around
Medicine Lake, that trees do not have to be removed in order to construct them. He noted that
currently developers scrape off all the black dirt before construction is started which could
contribute to runoff into the lake. As an example, he mentioned the runoff of clay in the Reserve
Development.
Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Drive, thanked the EQC and Council for allowing her to
serve as a member of the subcommittee. She stated she is concerned that the committee did not
participate with the budget portion of the recommendations, and she did convey this at the June
13 meeting regarding some of the choices made for the external factors. Therefore, she is
concerned that the plan doesn't address the goals and objectives of the subcommittee. She stated
in reviewing the Barr Report presented in June 2000, one item they reviewed was the drainage
districts for Medicine Lake. She stated the Plymouth Creek drainage district was recommended
for alum treatments as more than 30% (60% of the total) of the phosphorous emptied into
Medicine Lake is from the Plymouth Creek drainage district. However, everything contained in
the budget is for the east side of the lake which attributes only 8% of the annual and 16% of the
total phosphorus. There is nothing in the Implementation Plan that addresses the runoff from
Plymouth Creek drainage district. Lastly, she stressed that an in -lake alum treatment could only
occur once; therefore, it has to be undertaken at the correct time.
Water Resources Engineer Missaghi stated staff recommendations were based on options
identified in the Barr Report. Staff would be evaluating the watersheds that empty into Plymouth
Creek to determine the sources of phosphorus. He noted that it could cost approximately $6.8
million to construct one water pond for that area. Staff recommends evaluating the source of the
phosphorus before construction of a water pond.
Tom Jes, 5055 Evergreen Lane North, addressed the following questions and concerns:
1. How often would the wet basins be cleaned and at what rate?
2. Does staff have methods to control the fish from the different waterbodies? Fathead minnows
can affect the quality of the habitat.
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3. There are curb and gutters that are filled with dirt; therefore, the City should enforce its
erosion ordinance.
4. Who would control the plant harvesting and make sure the native plants aren't all wiped out?
5. Could reverse aeration be utilized?
6. Has staff determined how many abandoned septic systems there are around Medicine Lake?
7. Are children in diapers swimming in the lake?
8. What type of measures would be undertaken to control the geese population?
9. Has the City sought funding from the Legislative Commission of Minnesota Resources?
10. How would alum treatments change the pH level of the lake, and does the City know what
the prospects are for plant and animal growth after the treatment?
Councilmember Black addressed some of Mr. Jes's concerns by stating the Council continually
reviews the City's erosion ordinance, the AVMG would review the native animal species, and
staff would determine how many abandoned septic systems are on Medicine Lake. Mr.
McComas agreed that fathead minnows do have an impact on water quality in small wetland
areas. He stated reverse aeration is more for shallow wetlands, and it is an effective method to
remove unwanted fish from the wetland. John Barten, from Hennepin Parks, explained the alum
treatment process and noted that change in pH due to the process is generally not a problem in
Minnesota.
Marsha Videen, 1151 Kingsview Lane North, spoke of the need to also include Parkers Lake in
the Implementation Plan. She reminded everyone that the study of Parkers Lake began in 1993,
and their study identified many of the same problems and types of solutions as Medicine Lake.
She noted that Parkers Lake is still entirely in the City and so is the watershed, and County Road
6 drains into the lake. The City owns approximately 75% of the shoreline. Construction of
retention ponds is a problem due to a lack of favorable locations, and developments have
affected where ponds could've been constructed. She stressed that there is no reason to delay
improvements to Parkers Lake.
Public Works Director Faulkner stated staff is currently designing a storm water pond in the
southwest corner of Parkers Lake, and there would be construction of wetland basins upstream.
Staff desires to begin construction later this year.
Jon Eklin, 10320 27`h Avenue North, President of AMLAC, stated their association is excited on
all the improvements made to Parkers Lake. He stated in the recent Barr Report, Parkers Lake
met their goals in 2000. He noted that Parkers Lake is one-tenth the size of Medicine Lake. He
stated regarding Medicine Lake, there is a concern about the sedimentation that is entering the
lake that promotes algae growth. He stated there are 44 inlets coming into Medicine Lake, and
this Implementation Plan only addresses four of those inlets. Even with alum treatments, there
would be polluted water entering the lake. Their association believes the most effective method
to improve the lake are the wet detention ponds and to address the in -lake problems. They agree
that alum treatments should be used as a "last resort." He asked if the rough fish removal could
begin earlier than in the year 2004. He stated they are working with City staff in addressing
abandoned wells. Their organization supports a system for enforcement of compliance with
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areas that are emptying into the lake. Regarding Appendix A3 of the Implementation Plan, they
don't feel some areas such as swimmers itch, the rough fish and geese population were
adequately addressed. It appears that those areas would only be funded if there were funds
remaining. He spoke of a local company that currently pumps oxygen (reverse aeration) into
Sweeny Lake that kills the weeds.
Mr. McComas explained reverse aeration. This method doesn't always work, and it's not always
cost effective due to the cost and other uncertainties.
Councilmember Black stated the subcommittee could consider moving the removal of the rough
fish up on the schedule as well as erosion control.
Jack Akins, 3205 Wellington Lane, discussed reverse aeration, and he provided information on
this to the Council. Councilmember Black stated staff would review the information; however,
this method may not be appropriate, as this method is more for smaller water bodies.
Bill Goins, 4635 Hemlock Lane, stated he resides on Schmidt Lake. He noted that this lake has
changed over the years as there are developments surrounding the lake. Therefore, there is no
room for natural sediment ponds around the lake due to the developments. He stated he is very
concerned about runoff into the lake and the six inlets that drain into the lake. He has noticed a
tremendous change within the lake with water clarity. He requested that the Council designate
Schmidt Lake as the third lake to improve.
Jim Howard, 1535 Juneau Lane, requested clarification on how Medicine Lake fit in with the
overall picture of the watershed itself, and how the City would address the priorities.
Councilmember Black explained the City prepared a Surface Water Management Plan and has
been proceeding with the plan. This plan established priorities for the different lakes (second
generation). Currently, the City is reviewing the water quality issues versus the flooding issues
that were previously studied. Improving the lakes that are at the beginning of the watershed
would occur first.
Don Smith, 10000 South Shore Drive, asked Mr. McComas what he would recommend to
improve Medicine Lake. Mr. McComas stated he would follow the Implementation Plan as
recommended by the subcommittee.
Commissioner Goodfellow -Heyer asked if the City should be concerned about the amount of
water that is drained from residents' sump pumps into the storm sewer system. Public Works
Director Faulkner replied no, as that is essentially clear water, and it would enhance the clarity of
the lake water.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson to
accept the Implementation Plan as presented. City staff and the subcommittee are to identify
those areas/concerns where suggestions and modifications have been requested this evening and
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present a report/recommendation to a future EQC meeting for their consideration. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
The Council conducted a recess from 9:55 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Future Study Session Topics
The Council scheduled a Study Session, prior to their Regular Council Meeting on August 28 at
5:00 p.m., to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and the parking around LifeTime
Fitness.
The Council requested staff to send a letter to the City of Maple Grove suggesting the dates of
September 10 or September 24 for a joint meeting.
City Manager Johnson suggested the Council review their October meeting schedule at the
August 21 Study Session to determine a joint meeting date with School District 284.
Councilmember Johnson requested that representatives of the City's Youth Advisory Council be
invited to attend the joint meeting.
Councilmember Black stated Osseo School District residents have conveyed to her that they
have found it difficult to obtain information on the City's park and recreation programs.
Councilmembers Slavik, Black, and Harstad requested to add to the pending Study Session list
the City's future water treatment needs and the taste of the City's water.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk