2009-10-22_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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GRASS LAKE WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION -OCTOBER 22, 2009 4 Chair Eckman reported that GLWMO held a special meeting in September to discuss the Lake Owasso Study recommendations with residents. Sixty people attended. A number of concerns were raised at the meeting about water quantity, milfoil being a bigger problem than curly leaf pond weed; and floating bogs that need to be pushed aside and contained, as recommended by the DNR. Chair Eckman noted Barr's recommendation for four years of treatment for curly leaf pondweed and followed by alum if necessary to bind phosphorous to the sediment. The external southern watershed is a source of phosphorous. The cost over afive-year period would be over $1 million. Concerns were raised as to whether the DNR would grant a permit to treat curly leaf pondweed on the whole lake. Milfoil also needs to be treated. The Board will look into eligibility for grant funds. Ferrington stated that a discussion is needed about how to generate revenue on a broad scale. Public support is needed for GLWMO to move forward with a plan. Mr. Roberts observed that the recommendation from Barr only tries to address curly leaf pondweed, but there is a broader issue of pollution coming from the Central Park area. A holistic approach is needed. There are a number of weeds, which has been a challenging issue for a number of years. The general public can use the lake thanks to the control of weeds by the lake association. It is unfortunate that the DNR did not attend the meeting and their input is critical. Ferrington agreed and suggested a public meeting with the DNR to discuss Barr's recommendations. Mr. Terry stated that the DNR prefers to control spraying of the lake for weed control. Mr. O'Connell added that generally 15% maximum total area spraying is allowed without a variance, but 24% to 25% is grandfathered in from 1976. The 15% limit can be exceeded with approval by the DNR. Ferrington stated that he would like to know all options available with strong support by residents and discussion with the DNR on a program adopted by GLWMO to address these issues. At this time, he favors Option No. 14, including a portion of the budget allocated to increase infiltration on the south side of the lake. This option may not be as broad as some would like, but it allocates a significant amount of money to address issues. It would be easier to work from a document that has been provided and seek competitive bids for the work that needs to be done. Applications must be submitted for grants to address vegetation. Those grants are competitive. Mr. Terry stated that residents tried to implement a plan for Lake Owasso, but the problems on the lake are never corrected. If a plan is presented to the DNR, it must include corrective measures to address the problems that are occurring, such as direct discharges and street changes. He believes that $1 million for a program to spray the