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MINUTES Page 14 City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Economic Development Agency, San Leandro Parking Authority, San Leandro Public Financing Authority, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-June 19, 2006 9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker per item, subject to adjustment by the Mayor. 8.1. Matter of Spartina Treatment and Eradication Activities at the San Leandro Shoreline [provides for the coordination of San Francisco Bay estuary-wide control of non-native invasive Spartina (cordgrass) species treatment at the San Leandro Shoreline]. Public Works Services Director Mike Bakaldin reported on the Invasive Spartina Project, a cooperative effort by the State Coastal Conservancy and various agencies and property owners to eradicate non-native invasive spartina which threatens the native vegetation and wildlife along the coastline. Mr. Bakaldin stressed the importance of public notification and education about this effort. Councilmember Starosciak commented that she attended a meeting in May conducted by the Invasive Spartina Project team. She shared a map with the Council showing the extent of the spread of invasive spartina. Councilmember Starosciak stated she is working with Public Works staff to educate residents living near the marshlands about the aerial spraying that will be conducted as part of the eradication effort. Vice Mayor Grant expressed appreciation for the information provided by Mr. Bakaldin and Councilmember Starosciak. She expressed concern regarding the health and safety concerns related to the aerial spraying and possible effects of the herbicide runoff in the water. Mr. Bakaldin stated the herbicide that will be used contains an additive which limits its drift. Aerial spraying is less expensive and less disruptive to the wetlands environment than is hand-spraying. Mr. Bakaldin indicated that the herbicide itself is non-toxic and very plant-specific. He noted that there is a narrow window of time to perform the aerial spraying as conditions must be ideal, i.e., low tide and very low wind conditions. Councilmember Santos commented that he also attended the meeting in May, and he does not believe there is any reason for concern based on the information presented at the meeting. Councilmember Starosciak commented that she expressed the same concerns at the meeting that Vice Mayor Grant expressed. She stated it surprised her how many environmentalists at the meeting supported the use of herbicides in the marshland. Councilmember Starosciak noted that the herbicide completely degrades after two weeks and has been studied and determined to have no long-term negative effects. It is reported to be so safe to humans that it can be applied without protection. Vice Mayor Grant requested that staff provide a report after the initial spraying. Mr. Bakaldin stated that staff will provide updates to the Council after the aerial application in July and the ground-based treatment in August or September.