Public Utilities to accept Great Lakes Commission grant to test methods against invasive phragmites

The Department of Public Utilities told council it is seeking authorization to accept $26,000 from the Great Lakes Commission for an active adaptive management program to control invasive phragmites and to enter an agreement, not to exceed $25,000, with New Roots Environmental as a co‑awardee and co‑applicant.

DPU Director Doug Stevens said the grant will fund experiments testing new methods to control phragmites, a tall invasive reed that has proliferated in standing‑water areas across the region. The department said the work will be reported to the Great Lakes Commission and that there is no local cost share requirement for the grant.

Councilmembers expressed broad support and local concern about the plant’s growth in parks, wetlands and roadside ditches; several members asked DPU to report findings back to council and to coordinate with parks and other departments. Council thanked staff for securing the grant and requested periodic reports on outcomes.

On the record, council recommended advancing the appropriation; the transcript records an enthusiastic reception and requests for future reporting but does not show a formal recorded vote during the session.