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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-1993 City Council Work SessionMINUTES CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE WORK SESSION 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET CONFERENCE ROOM "A & B" LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1993 *+************************+************************************** CALL TO ORDER The Work Session of City Council was called to order by Mayor Washburn at 3:07 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Washburn. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, DOMINGUEZ, ~4INKLER, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHERVENY Also present were: Lake Advisory Committee Members: Dan Bender, Robert Schiffner, Peter Dawson, Nick Nash, City Manager Molendyk, Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh, Administrative Services Director Boone, Community Development Manager Shear, Community Services Manager Best, City Planner Chip Leslie, Public Services Director Tecca, City Treasurer Pape and Deputy City Clerk Bryning. DISCUSSION 1. Update On Lake Treatment (F:92.1) City Manager Molendyk explained that in the last week the necessary maintenance adjustments were made for the launch facilities to adjust for the evaporation of the Lake and the decision was made by Council to use the micro organisms to clean up the lake and this treatment is in progress. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained that today is the final treatment of the lake and that the remainder of the culture will be held for spot treatment within the next eight days. A type of copper sulfite was used around the lake edge to address that area for immediate use which is a temporary treatment. Mr. Watenpaugh then introduced Dr. Sutton who has been doing the analysis of the Lake. Dr. Sutton explained that it was his recommendation that the City use the micro organisms to treat the blue green algae. He further explained that he has seen a marked improvement in several areas of the Lake and the treatment will take approximately 60 days to clear the Lake. Dr. Sutton explained that there will be several different processes that will occur as the organism work. City Manager Molendyk questioned the white foam on the La]ce edge. Dr. Sutton explained that that is the result of the break down of the blue green algae. The other change noted by Dr. Sutton is the lack of smell due to the treatments. Dr. Sutton explained that the spot treatments which will be administered will be the beginninq of the ongoiing maintenance program for the Lake. Peter Dawson, Lake Advisory Committee member expressed concern regarding the use of copper sulfite in the lake and its effect on boats. City Manager Molendyk explained that the copper sulfite will be phased out as the micro organisms take over. The Copper sulfite was a temnorary treatment only. PAGE TWO - WORK SESSION MINUTES - JULY 15, 1993 Dr. Sutton explained that the wind and boat action will affect the areas where there is a heavy concentration of blue qreen algae will appear heavy in spots and then clear up. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained that the solution of copper sulfite used is very light and that as the micro-organisms take over, the copper sulfite solution will be discontinued. He further explained that the copper sulfite only lasts a short period of time whereas the micro-organisms are the long term solution to the problem. Mayor Washburn asked how the Aqua Treat will affect the bottom of the Lake as far as the algae growth, as he has seen large patches surfacing recently. Dr. Sutton explained that the treatment is working and is breakinq loose and the heat will also affect the growth and could cause another small bloom, but will be addressed by the micro organisms. Dr. Sutton pointed out that some forms of algae are necessary for the health of the Lake and for fish and plant life. Nick Nash, Lake Advisory Committee Member questioned the level of the Lake and the amount of algae which will grow; and asked if the depth of the lake being stabilized will aid in the retardation of the growth of the algae. Dr. Sutton explained the depth of water in the lake in which algae grows and indicated that Lake Stabilization will assist in preventing further growth of the alqae. Mayor Washburn pointed out that this treatment is not the sole answer for the Lake in the lonq term, it will also need to be addressed through the fish population and control of the lake level as well as treatment by the micro-organisms. Dr. Sutton explained that the Lake is unique due to the depth and heat and the alkaline and this will require further study for the type of fish which will aid in the health of the Lake. Dan Bender asked if the micro organisms aid in the production of oxygen in the Lake which would promote the growth of fish in the Lake. Dr. Sutton explained that the micro-organisms eat the algae which chokes off the oxygen and will improve the environment for the fish. Mayor Washburn explained that the City must look at not only the water in the Lake currently, but also the water imported into the Lake and drainage as well as water received from up- stream due to heavy rains. Information on the surrounding area is necessary to maintain the balance of the Lake. Mr. Washburn asked how the City insures that it is not accepting problems from up-stream sources. Dr. Sutton explained that it is not easy, but not impossible. It should include a hot line from each sewage treatment plant which would alert the City of an impending problem. Peter Dawson stated that the primary source of water that the Lake will be receiving will be the output from the water treatment plant and is high in phosphate and asked what effect this will have on the Lake. Dr. Sutton explained that it will not affect the micro-organisms, but it does aid the growth of blue green algae; but the treatment plant will be addressing the amount of phosphate that will be released. 2. Lake Elsinore Master Plan/Economic Feasibility Study (F:92.1) City Manager Molendyk explained that this is a budgeted item which will answer the economic questions in regard to the management of the Lake and the study will include boat capacity, future launch facilities, and speed on the Lake for different type of boats. He further explained that what the study will ascertain is what is best for the economics of PAGE THREE - WORK SESSION MINUTES - JULY 15, 1993 the Lake. Mr. Molendyk explained that part of the study will address water access for all activities, the rules and regulations, the type of concessions/campgrounds, special events. This study will also include new facilities, developmental costs, operational costs and revenue generation that will be feasible for the economy of the Lake. He explained that there will be future workshops to address the items that will have to be addressed as the future needs are recognized. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained that a Master Plan for the Lake is no different than a master plan for a park or any other facility in terms of how it will be developed and utilized. Mr. Watenpaugh explained the exhibits and what the Master Plan of the Lake will entail. City Manager Molendyk explained that the Master Plan will be an additional tool in applying for 5tate Waterway Grants and other recreational grants. Ron Nobel, Nobel Consultants, Marine Engineer, explained that his company is a civil engineering firm which deals only in water front projects and gave a list of the type of projects he has been involved in the past and explained that he would be glad to answer any questions. Dan Bender asked what the time line for this Master Plan would be. Mr. Nobel explained that it would depend on the requirements of the City regarding workshops and other necessary meetinqs. City Manaqer Molendyk explained that there are on goinq projects such as the Lake Edge Specific Plan and others that also affect the study. This will include development by the City and also development by the private sector. City Treasurer Pape asked if the Master Plan would go into what the City would expect to collect on revenue. Mr. Nobel - explained that there has not been discussion in regard to how much detail would be expected, but this will be addressed in the Master Plan. City Manager Molendyk explained that part of the results of the Master Plan would be to address the ability to generate revenue from the Lake year round. Mayor Washburn asked how we approach the revenue market. Mr. Nobel explained the object is to attract the market and develop a plan which will implement support for the different elements available through the Lake activities. Mayor Washburn asked how the Lake Edge Specific Plan would affect the Master Plan of the Lake. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained the incorporation of the Lake Edge Specific Plan in the Master Plan of the Lake and explained that it would be incorporated in the use and revenue of the Lake. City Treasurer Pape asked how closely the State Park would be examined. Mr. Nobel stated that it would be examined and will be incorporated in the study. Peter Dawson stated that access of private residences to the Lake will have to generate some type of revenue for the Lake and questioned how much will it cost the private residences for season passes versus day use and how it will be handled this year. Community Services Manager Best stated that all passes that have been issued will be honored and the City will PAGE FOUR - WORK SESSION MINUTE5 - JULY 15, 1993 be issuing passes at the same rate as the State until December 31, 1993. The amount will be reviewed for 1994. Mr. Nash questioned the commercial value and private versus public and how this will be addressed by the City. Mr. Molendyk stated that this will be incorporated in the Master Plan and it will be determined how involved in the revenue of these enterprises. City Treasurer Pape asked about the swimming areas. Mr. Nobel stated that the sites will be addressed by the Master Plan and addressed on a case by case basis. Councilman Alongi asked where on the Lake a marina wouldbe proposed. Mr. Nobel stated that there are several potential sites and Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained that the State had identified a site next to the Out Flow Channel as a potential site plus a Marina at the State Recreational Area as well as the existing marina and a potential marina in the East Lake area. Dan Bender stated that it might be a good thinq to_ let the people know what the City will expect on the Lake, such as speed limits and rules and regulations and what facilities will be available. Mr. Molendyk explained that the City will strive for one development line all around the lake to give the City jurisdiction over the development of the Lake. Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh explained that until the water is clean it was decided that it would not be wise to promote the use of the Lake for special events which would reguire closure of the Lake. It was felt that it would be preferable to keep the lake open for general use until late fall or early spring. Peter Dawson stated that short term, limited events could be held to utilize the Lake and promote events on a small scale. Councilman Alongi agreed that small events promoted on the Lake would be good and help the local economy. But, the clean up of the Lake is the most important. City Manager Molendyk explained that until we know how the clean up of the water is going, we should not promote events, but in thirty days we will be more able to do the type of events suggested. He further explained that as soon as the water is clean, there is a promotional tape to be shown on OCN in Orange County. Nick Nash asked if the City could issue an update which could be placed in the local businesses so that the citizens of the community can know what is happening with the lake. Such as the micro-organisms are not dangerous to humans and what is available and what will be available. Councilman Alongi stated that Lake information can be printed in the local newspapers. Pete Dawson asked if the City had considered rules and regulations for the Lake, with one set for weekends and one for during the week or lesser occupied times. Mr. Nobel stated that this is the first day of discussions and this will be developed at a later time. Mr. Dawson stated that water safety needs to be addressed to protect the people and the City. Dan Bender stated that the Lake Advisory Committee will work with the consultants and many of the ideas and plans will be worked through with the City and the Committee. City Manager PAGE FIVE - WORK SESSION MINUTES - JULY 15, 1993 Molendyk concurred and explained that this would be addressed in a possible Town Hall Meeting to give the public a chance to give their input. Mr. Nobel stressed the importance of proper input and having an idea of what the entire community would want. Jack Fry, Lake Elsinore Recreation Area stated that he works for the concessionaire at the old State Park and would like to be involved in the planning process. THE WORK SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:49/1P.M. . WASHBURN, MA Respectfully submitted, ~ i - / a L. Bryni g, Deput ity C1 k ATTEST: ~r A..~ VICKI KASAD, CITY CLERK