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