Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/21/2014

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Kuzma and Riley. Abstain: Chairperson Backous. Voting No: None. 5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 5.01: Review Storm water Pond Maintenance and Aquatic Vegetation Conditions Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and pointed out several storm water ponds in the City with aquatic vegetation and algae. He noted that algae and vegetation is quite common, and showed an image of pond conditions at Emerald Pond Park that a resident asked the Committee to see. The City's existing policy does not include vegetation management. He explained storm water vegetation management is difficult given nutrient loading from land uses, and there can be significant cost implications. Chairperson Backous asked whether the City provides any maintenance as far as aesthetics. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied the City presently does not, and vegetation maintenance could be cost prohibitive. Mayor Strommen stated this is a misalignment of expectations. She suggested because the pond in question is in a park, there may be an expectation that the City would handle these issues. Councilmember Kuzma questioned whether the City could even perform vegetation removal, if this is prohibited due to wetland policy or regulations that the City does not have the jurisdiction over. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained that sedimentation ponds created by the City can be maintained by the City. However, there can be a long list of permitting authorities, the Wetland Conservation Act, and city rules and regulations that relate to this issue. Due to the imposing staff time and expense, it becomes expensive. He further noted the individual bringing up this issue asked whether the City could add herbicides that are designated for water. He said if the Committee thought this should be investigated, this question should be brought up to the Environmental Policy Board and the DNR. The DNR only permits herbicides regulated by the EPA for use in water bodies in vegetation. It is never permitted for aesthetics. There are many considerations in using this type of herbicide such as applying it in the proper window of growing conditions, and timing the application so that the wind, or rain does not wash the treatment away, and the costs are higher than just the chemical, as a Certified Pesticide Applicator may have to apply the treatment. Councilmember Kuzma suggested an article be written for the Ramsey Resident in terms of education on these issues to reach those homeowners that may want to take this procedure on themselves. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood acknowledged that information on vegetation maintenance should be shared with the public in as many ways as possible. Public Works Committee / September 16, 2014 Page 2 of 9