Goodrich-The village council voted 5-0 on Monday night for the continuation and renewal of a Michigan Department of Natural Resources permit to spray the mill pond with chemicals for excessive weed growth; however, they did not order the application.
The cost of the permit is $400.
Rick Horton, council president, said it’s been three years since the village has contracted the spraying of the mill pond.
‘The mill pond really looks better after they spray for weeds,? said Horton.
Derek Brookshire, owner of Aquatic Weed Control of Swartz Creek who had been contracted to spray the mill pond, said, ‘Due to the length of time since the last application (of the mill pond) there should be an evaluation of the condition in May. However, the three years that went by since the last treatment should not make a big difference in how weedy the pond is now. It could make a difference in water, but weather and how close residents along the mill pond fertilize their lawn makes a bigger difference.?
Brookshire said the south end of the mill pond is more difficult to treat due to the depth.
‘It was in good shape when we stopped spraying,? he said. ‘Some of the plants in the pond may have returned.?
The council will discuss spraying the mill pond at the Feb. 6 meeting, in addition to the type of application necessary. In the past, Aquatic Nuisance Control of Swartz Creek had sprayed the pond; however, the council will request bids for the application. In 2009 the cost to the village was about $4,000 for two applications.