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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 27, 2012 Page 8 Mr. Aichinger reviewed the District's budget history of approximately $6 mil- lion to $7 million annually; and an average levy of$4 million throughout the member cities; however, he anticipated a higher levy next year due to the in- creased geographical boundaries, with the capital needs portion of the budget versus the general fund representing the majority of those potential increased. Mr. Aichinger noted that, as with most business entities, personnel costs repre- sented the largest area of spending of the organization. Mr. Aichinger reviewed sources of funds, including Special Taxing Districts shown on property tax statements in the "Special Taxing District" area, along with other special taxing areas; and anticipated with the addition of the GLWMO area, the upcoming levy would was estimated at 3.3% of a typical property tax bill. Mr. Aichinger noted that other funding sources included grant applications and cost-share opportunities with member cities and other agencies. Mr. Aichinger reviewed the R-WMWD's management approach; current major projects and programs; Goals; major issues and concerns; district activities/program areas responding to those issues and concerns (e.g. Kohlman Lake TMDL Implementation, includ- ing the Maplewood Mall retrofit project to reduce runoff; watershed-based TMDL study and WMP Update; Carp control research and management; Best Management Practice incentive cost-share programs; Maplewood "Living Streets"project; and Keller Lake lakeshore restoration). Mr. Aichinger reviewed the merger implementation process in absorbing the GLWMO area, with the Board of Water and Soil Review approving the merger on June 27, 2012, at which time it was certified by the Secretary of State; and current legal description process to Ramsey County to incorporate those GLWMO parcels in the R-WMWD for the 2013 levy; with the District's rules not applicable until after a R-WMWD plan amendment in 2013. Councilmember Johnson welcomed Mr. Aichinger; and addressed the recent U of MN Carp Project by Dr. Sorenson as he observed on public television, specif- ically on Travis Lake on the Spoon Lake chain. Councilmember Johnson opined that it showed astounding results; and questioned if that study had di- rected R-WMWD to remediate issues with carp; and if so, what that action had been. Mr. Aichinger responded affirmatively, advising that the District was moving toward the implementation phase to control migration and reproduction of carp; and noted that it was typical for carp to reproduce in shallow wetlands rather than a lake in order to avoid predator fish (Blue Gills). Mr. Aichinger advised that strategies for lakes included winter seining, removal of adult females, and trap netting in upstream reservoirs. Mr. Aichinger advised that the first year of