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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No.1CMINUTES ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT = AGENCY MEETING CITY OF LAKE BLSINORE 130 800TH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA FRIDAY, JUNE 18,',1993 aasarraarraaa�ar+ ararararrara*♦ rarraa +rrarrrarraasarrrararerraeeara CALL TO ORDER The Adjourned Regular -Joint City Council /Redevelopment Agency Meeting was called to order by Mayor Washburn at 9:02 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Washburn. ROLL CALL PRESENT:., COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, DOMINGUEZ, WINKLER, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHERVENY Also present were: City Manager Molendyk, Assistant City Manager. Rogers, Administrative Services Director Boone, .-Community Development Manager Shear, Community Services Director Sapp, Public Services "Director, Tecca, Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh, City Treasurer Pape and City Clerk Kasad. BUSINESS /DISCUSSION ITEM , 1. The Lake. City Manager Molendyk noted the meeting held on Tuesday, June 15, 1993, and its adjournment to this date to further review the options.for,_dealing with the ;algae in the,Lake. He also noted that this date there would be an additional spot treatment along the shoreline. He reminded Council that there are basically two alternatives for cleaning up the Lake being copper sulfate or Bac- Terra. He advised Council that Dr. Donald- Sutton was in attendance today to comment on the use of micro- organisms..in treatment of the algae: Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh commented on his contacts with -Dr. Sutton and detailed his .experience with micro- organisms. He noted that data had•been received from eleven companies offering solutions to the existing.problem. He explained that.the algae present is blue-green-and he had discussed the long and short.term solutions with Dr. Sutton. He further explained that this treatment would. solve the problem without, some of the. serious" side effects of copper sulfate. City Manager Molendyk summarized the options and noted that the cost for copper-sulfate would be approximately $300,000 with no guarantees and Bac -Terra .would :be approximately $ 400,000 with annual,.treatments for maintenance. Dr. Donald Sutton indicated that he is a professor at Cal State Fullerton and President of Environ Associates.:. He commended City Manager Molendyk and Manager of- Special AGENDA ITEM NO t C PAGE _ OF , — PAGE TWO - JOINT MEETING MINUTES - JUNE 18# 1993 Projects Watenpaugh on the research which has been completed to date into the possible solutions, indicating that the City has a good grasp of the options. He explained that copper sulfate is widely used, but not in cases like Lake Elsinore, because it is a unique body of water which can be compared to a sink. He further explained that the cost of copper sulfate is very high and it has a tendency to accumulate and prevent the growth of fish and other small organisms. 'He also explained that micro - organisms have not been used in a body of water this size yet, however they are self limiting and do not create a cumulative problem like copper sulfate. He noted that this treatment'is used on reservoirs and decorative ponds and wastewater treatment facilities. He further 'noted the comparison between the characteristics of the Lake and the wastewater facilities. He suggested that if 'started early enough the organisms could get ahead of the algae growth. He explained the formation and characteristics of algae. City Manager Molendyk inquired whether the wastewater plants were similar to the lake in that they have no circulation. Dr. Sutton confirmed, indicating that the wastewater plants are good models. He stressed that based on that analogy he is confident that the problem can be solved and indicated that he had provided a proposal to consult as a micro - biologist to assist the City in selecting the property types of bacteria for this treatment. City Manager Molendyk noted that algae; blooms are not generally expected this early in the year and stressed the efforts to eliminate the problem before July 4th, as well as the transfer of responsibility on July let. He expressed concern with the variety of solutions and products being proposed to solve the problem, and the ability to make the most effective choice. He supported the use of a biologist to supplement staff and assure the treatment will be successful. Mayor Washburn questioned the management of the eco- system and what the long term maintenance problems would be and what type of ongoing maintenance would be required. Dr. Sutton noted that the first step was the Lake Management-Plan and now it is important to' move into- addressing the _biology and they naturally occurring qualities of the Lake. He explained that the long term goal is to create a balanced eco- system that is both attractive and productive. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez questioned the impact of plant life on the existing problem. Dr. Sutton indicated that he was not sure of the volume of growth in the Lake. Mr. Dominguez clarified his question and asked what the impact of grasses and trees -which are now submerged and whether they were causing the algae. Dr. Sutton indicated that the decomposition of those plants is probably contributing to the problem. Mayor Pro Ten Dominguez inquired whether the bacteria will clear the water and get rid of that plant life. Dr. Sutton indicated that the plant life along the shoreline which is inundated should be removed to prevent further decay, although the bacteria will also work at that process. He explained that as in wastewater treatment will include use- a•large amount of bacteria initially with follow -up smaller amounts until the problem is under control. He further explained that AGENDA ITEM NO. PAGE OFD PAGE THREE - JOINT MEETING MINUTES -"JUHS 18p 1993 after that, relatively small amounts will be. needed to stay ahead of the growth. Councilman Winkler inquired whether it was possible to test and determine whether the right `solution has been used and when more is needed.; Dr. Sutton commented that it is an empirical process and if the desired.results are not reached additional treatment would be used. City Manager Molendyk clarified that. potentially the additional increments would be less; and with a.balanced system the even less might be needed. He stressed that right now it is like caring for a large aquarium. Mayor Washburn inquired whether copper sulfate and its. derivatives -used now would later kill the bacteria. Dr. Sutton indicated. that the algae is more sensitive toy copper sulfate than the bacteria. Mayor Washburn questioned the time frame for the clean up. Dr. Sutton indicated that 3 to I'14 weeks will determine the result, as the results are not guaranteed. - He noted that from experience with wastewater treatment it is good to use a 90 day program. He stressed that the results could,be worse in the short term. City Manager Molendyk inquired whether based on Dr. Sutton's experience with copper sulfate,'" the Bac -Terra would be a better investment. Dr. Sutton indicated that as a biologist he believes so,- and expressed ; concern with the long range. impact of copper sulfate. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh noted that a possible approach would be the massive dose of micro - organisms and spot treatment of the shoreline and problem areas with copper sulfate. He stressed that a key problem is that the lake has not been managed previously. City Manager Molendyk commented on the need to do something to address the algae for the benefit of the Community and asked in recognition of this concern what Dr. .Sutton's beat recommendation would.be. Dr. Sutton expressed understanding of this concern. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez inquired whether the weekly spraying could continue in conjunction with the micro - organisms. City Manager Molendyk indicated that until the organisms take effect, the weekly applications could continue _in the meantime. "Dr. Sutton concurred that this could be done. Councilman Winkler questioned the public impact of micro- organisms on people and whether they could continue to use the lake during treatment. Dr. Sutton indicated that he could not say that all bacteria is harmless, but those he is aware of are harmless. He further indicated that he had only reviewed two of the proposals presented to date. Councilman Alongi questioned the floodplain and the %inflow channel and the timing of treatment for a lake with continuous feed. He further questioned the associated costs and when the algae starts to bloom. Dr. Sutton indicated that', algae requires sunlight and will start °to develop as soon as AGENDA ITEM NO.� PAGE OF '7 _- PAGE FOUR - JOINT NESTING KINOTE8 - JUNE 18s, 1993 the temperatures begin to rise and nitrogen and phosphorous are present. He suggested that March would.be a good time to treat to get ahead of the growth. Councilman Alongi questioned the cost to treat the lake for this year for approximately 3 more months. Dr. Sutton indicated that he has seen proposals in the range of $300,000 to $400,000. Councilman Alongi inquired if the treatment was started next March, would smaller doses be required, at less expense. Dr. Sutton indicated that there would be some effect yet this year with a large dosage and follow -up treatments. City Manager Molendyk indicated that he didn't hear. Dr. Sutton saying that the City would be throwing money down the drain by proceeding now. He stressed that it would provide some control and questioned what could be anticipated if treatment does not begin until March. Dr. Sutton indicated that there are many examples of bacteria controlling odor.. Mr. Molendyk inquired if treatment were held off until March, would another form of treatment be necessary to control odor. Mayor -Pro Tim Dominguez commented that.-the large dosage will be needed, but suggested it was important to address the appropriate timing. Dr. Sutton indicated that June would be better than July or August. Councilman Alongi inquired if-the treatment were postponed to March, whether a "smaller dose would be adequate because it is ahead of the growth. Dr. Sutton indicated that a fairly large dose would still be necessary in March. Councilman Alongi questioned the chance of solving the current problem by September. Dr. Sutton indicated it was a "pretty good" chance. Councilman Alongi questioned the results of applying the treatment in March. Dr. Sutton indicated this was also a "pretty good" chance of controlling the algae. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh asked if the lake is not treated now, how many more blooms of the blue -green algae could be'expected this summer. Dr. Sutton indicated that.it would bloom continuously. Mr. Watenpaugh inquired how many more blooms could occur before a major fish kill would occur. Dr. Sutton indicated that a fish kill would occur. by. approximately Labor Day. City Treasurer Pape questioned the life span of the micro- organisms. Dr. Sutton indicated that many will still be present in the spring. Mr. Pape inquired whether reproduction would occur. Dr. Sutton indicated that it would occur and help to establish a base. He noted that in his .opinion, anything done this year will give a head start on next years treatment." Public Services Director•Tecca questioned the potential for fish kill and the comparative impacts of copper sulfate versus bacteria. Dr. Sutton indicated that there was a chance of fish kill with either method, however some bacteria will create oxygen in the process of breaking down the algae and basically help maintain the fish. AGENDA ITEM No. I 'C' PAC-__q_ OP_� PAGE FIVE - JOINT MEETING MINUTES --JUNG 18, 1993 - City Manager :Molendyk indicated that he would still be.. interested in retaining Dr. Sutton as counsel to get through the process and look at annual maintenance needs. He questioned the soonest date - application could begin. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh advised that they would need to review the proposals to assure that they are appropriate and depending on those findings, at least one company does have enough product available to proceed immediately. He indicated that he could have a direction';, by Monday and develop a contract as soon as Monday or Tuesday and application,could potentially begin within two weeks from today. MOVED BY WASHBURN, SECONDED BY DOMINGUEZ AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH DR. SUTTON FOR BIOLOGICAL CONSULTATION. Councilman Winkler inquired what additional action should be taken with regard to contracting with a company to provide the treatment. He suggested that, it' would not be necessary to come back to Council on Tuesday, if staff is ready to proceed on Monday. He indicated that staff should be authorized to negotiate and execute a contract. MOVED BY WINKLER, SECONDED BY WASHBURN TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN APPROPRIATE CONTRACT FOR TREATMENT. City Manager Molendyk requested clarification that staff is to look at the products and the prices. He noted that as professional services, it is not necessary to go to bid like a public works contract. He.commented on the funding which would be from the Redevelopment Agency and noted contact with Ken Jones at the State to check the potential for using part of the $1.5 for reimbursement of this expense. Mr. Jones was to investigate and respond. Councilman Winkler noted that adequate funds are in the reserves if necessary. Councilman Alongi noted his concern with where the money will come from. He indicated that it was not Redevelopment Agency . funds, it was general fund money and -if there is no guarantee he would not be in favor of this expenditure. He further indicated that there are other_ar`eas where $400,000 could,be used. He stressed the-need to find a solution based on facts and data. He indicated that :he would not appreciate a solution for which reimbursement could not be expected and noted that the entire community does not benefit from the Lake. Mayor Washburn disagreed, stating that the entire community does enjoy the Lake, if only for its aesthetics.. Councilman Alongi concurred. Mayor Washburn indicated that he ,felt the opinion of the Dr. Sutton_ was that the treatment iwill work, with the only variable being the size of the Lake. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh indicated that many people have proposed an additional $1 per launch'.to help fund this expense. Councilman Alongi expressed concern that this decision to proceed would be based on nothing written. He, stressed the tight budget, which has no money for housing. 'He further AGENDA ITEM NO. C PACE-- .,.._' OF� PAGE SIX - JOINT NESTING MINUTES - JUNE 18* 1993 stressed that this application would not address the channel or the floodplain and noted that the lake is not a controlled body of water. Mayor Washburn questioned the potential of water from the floodplain reimpacting the lake after it has been treated and why there would be more algae in the floodplain area. Dr. Sutton indicated that there is most likely a higher content of nitrogen and phosphorous in that area, but noted the success of this treatment in sewage ponds where those items are also found in high concentrations. City Manager Molendyk noted a pipe under the levee which could be closed. He indicated that the intent would be treat the channel, the lake and some of the larger storm drains. He clarified that Redevelopment Agency would loan the funds to the City. He directed staff to contact the Mosquito Abatement District and coordinate spraying to get rid of the flies and gnats being drawn by the algae. He advised the'Council that he would be coordinating an information update with Ring 3 to inform the community of this action. Mayor Pro Tom Dominguez indicated that Mr. Watenpaugh should be directed to proceed with the weekly applications in the meantime. Councilman-Winkler indicated that he was looking to allow staff to act as soon as possible, with a broad enough motion. THE FOREGOING MOTION CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 3 TO 1 WITH'ALONGI CASTING THE DISSENTING VOTE AND CHERVENY ABSENT. Mayor Washburn inquired whether authorization for transfer of funds was needed. Administrative Services Director Boone indicated that he would suggest $25,000 for the balance of the fiscal year. He indicated that the $1.5 million would be addressed in the next budget year. Mayor Washburn suggested that funds might be needed to start the application before the end of the fiscal year. Councilman Alongi inquired with this treatment beginning, whether the weekend sprayings will "still be necessary. Mr.' Watenpaugh suggested that they continue at least along the shoreline. Councilman Alongi expressed concern with spending $5,000 per weekend for 90 days,, for results that are uncertain. He stressed that this would be a tremendous amount of money for something the experts can. not 'guarantee will work. He also stressed-the need for funds to do housing. City Manager Molendyk clarified that the City will be taking over the Lake and the related responsibilities, because they have not been properly managed in the past. He stressed the potential solutions and the long and short term potential impact. Mayor Washburn commented that the Lake will only be successful with a certain amount of water quality. He stressed that the boats are here on the -weekends now and he would look to continuing that. He stressed the long term approach must be a full balancing of the eco- system. Councilman Alongi . concurred with this philosophy, but suggested that it be started in March rather than now. He opposed this action to proceed. AGENDA ITEl,l NO. L PAGE -- k-O"r PAGE SEVEN - JOINT MEETING MINUTES - JUNE 16, 1993 Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez indicated that the Lake is the Community and this action would need to be taken sooner or later anyway. He stressed that the Community needs action now. Councilman Alongi further suggested that this work start in March. He stressed his disagreement that the Lake is not the total Community. He indicated that if the program is not working in March, there will be time to adjust it or abandon it. He stressed the need to make business deals. He indicated that he agrees this project is needed, but disagrees with the process. He recommended continued spraying with the treatment to begin next year. Mayor Washburn indicated that while there are no guarantees, that is the empirical nature of scientists, based on the potential for theories to change. He stressed that he was hearing that this treatment would most likely be successful. MOVED BY WASHBURN, SECONDED BY DOMINGUEZ AND CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 3 TO 1 WITH ALONGI CASTING THE DISSENTING VOTE AND CHERVENY ABSENT TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER FUNDS AS A LOAN TO THE LAKE ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT UP TO ,$400,000., Mayor Washburn questioned the revenue and fee issues related to the Lake. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez suggested that this be discussed after the transfer has occurred. Mayor Washburn requested that staff look at costs and charges at other lakes. Councilman Winkler suggested that this information be provided in the upcoming, weeks through updates to Council. Mayor Washburn noted that Mr. Watenpaugh is working on a Master Plan of the Lake needs, uses and potential revenue sources. City Manager Molendyk noted that efforts are underway to hire boat launch staff and make other necessary arrangements for the transfer. MOVED BY DOMINGUEZ, SECONDED BY ALONGI AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT TO ADJOURN THE ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT MEETING AT 10:25 P.M. GARY M. WASHBURN, MAYOR CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE ATTEST: JIM WINKLER, CHAIRMAN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK /CLERK OF THE BOARD CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEM NOM I C PAGE OF 7