By Kris Goracke

Reporter

The Starbuck City Council presented a plaque commemorating the 40th anniversary of The World’s Largest Lefse to the Starbuck Depot Society at the June regular city council meeting. Accepting the plaque were Blaine and Karla Pederson and Harvey and Diane Pederson, all from Starbuck. The plaque reads: “In recognition of The World’s Largest Lefse, the City of Starbuck commemorates the Starbuck Depot Society and the 1983 Starbuck Lions Lefse Team for this record-breaking achievement.”

Blaine thanked the city for the recognition and commented, “The depot represents the spirit of our community. We want to thank the city for working with us and all those who had the foresight to work so hard on refurbishing the depot to make it what is now, a vital part of our community,” said Blaine.

“We thank the Depot Society for all the dedication and work they have put into this,” said Starbuck Mayor Gary Swenson.

Minnewaska Lake Association representative Steve Nelson and Ralph Hanson from Pope County Land and Resource Management addressed the council concerning the Starry Stonewort in Lake Minnewaska. “We are here to have an open communication with the City of Starbuck regarding the plan to combat the Starry Stonewort in the Starbuck Marina. 

We have an amazing resource in Lake Minnewaska; we all enjoy and benefit from the lake. We would like to see a shared plan with the MLA, Pope County and Starbuck regarding the issue of Starry Stonewort.  

“According to a Department of Natural Resources handout, harvesting the Starry Stonewort mechanically is not recommended. Hand harvesting is viewed as being similar to mechanical harvesting in that not all bulbs and seeds are harvested. This leads to further spreading as the boats agitate the water traveling in and out of the marina,” said Nelson.

The city moved to hand harvesting Starry Stonewort after 2019, when some pontoons in the marina were left with corrosion, possibly from the chemicals used. “We understand the city’s hesitancy in using chemicals; however, the most scientific data shows that an aggressive approach needs to be taken on Starry Stonewort as it can take over a lake. With open communication, the MLA, county, and city can be on the same path in treating this invasive plant,” said Nelson.

Ralph Hanson spoke next to the council, echoing Nelson in that the county is very concerned about Starry Stonewort. Hanson told the council that grants are available to help the city combat the Starry Stonewort in the marina and urged the city to apply. Hanson also encouraged the city to consider chemical treatment. “We understand your hesitancy due to the pontoon corrosion issue a few years ago, but the product used today is considered much better,” said Hanson.

“What if we sealed off the marina and dredged it?” asked council member Chris Taffe. “Is there a plan to dredge the marina?” asked Hanson. “No, said Swenson, “there is no current plan to dredge the marina.” Hanson said there is not enough scientific research to suggest that dredging can remove Starry Stonewort. “We just don’t know if dredging can remove the entire plant,” said Hanson.

Representing Widseth Engineering, Tracey Van Bargen updated the council on the 2020 Road Project and the Lighthouse Project. “We hope to have everything ready for an assessment hearing in late September or early October for the 2020 project.,” said Van Bargen. “Regarding the Lighthouse Project, we have an estimate for the lighthouse’s foundation, at $50,000. That is not the lighthouse, but just the foundation. We are not comfortable going with Schroeder Bridge Company out of Glenwood. We prefer to use another, more innovative company,” said Van Bargen.

In the mayor’s report, Swenson commented on the blight issue within the city. “One of the biggest complaints I get is blight,” said Swenson. Swenson discussed looking into Alexandria’s Rental Limit Registration as a model to see if the city could have more leverage in the blight issue with rental properties. “Most homeowners keep up with their property, and most landlords do as well, but we have a few who do not care,” said Swenson.

In new business, the council:

•Approved Resolution #2023-13 accepting a $200 donation from Mark and Karen Thompson to the Lighthouse Fund.

•Approved Resolution #2023-14 Mn Dept of Transportation Airport Maintenance and Operations Grant Contract for 2023/2024.

•Approved Resolution #2023-15 Resolution to contract with a council member. This contact is with council member Mary Baukol for shirts and sweatshirts to be sold at Hobo Park.

•Approved Quit Claim Deed to Sub-Divide City-owned parcel #27-0619-000 into two parcels, each owned by the City of Starbuck. This is to allow Minnewaska Marine to purchase a parcel.

• Approved Eagle Bank’s request for a Kid’s Bounce House behind the Starbuck Community Center for their July 19 Customer Appreciation Day.

•Approved the memorandum of agreement for the Juneteenth Holiday.

•Approved Resolution #2023-16 accepting donations from the Brang Foundation.

•Approved a $500 donation to the Minnewaska Lake Association for 2023.

The council closed the meeting for a personnel issue. Upon returning and opening the council meeting, the mayor stated the purpose was to inform the council of a city employee’s background and that no action was taken.

Due to a few council members being gone on the regularly scheduled July meeting date, the July city council meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m.