05-14-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 14, 1990 APPROVAL OF MINUTES CONTINUED Nays -0, Motion passed. LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT REPORT: PUBLIC REVIEW DISCUSSION JoEllen Hurr was present to answer questions and discuss comments she had received regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Hurr said that access is a major concern. She indicated that the Plan will not change policies to where there is widespread increased lake usage. Hurr said, "I believe that local control is better. There is a real threat of other agencies taking control over Lake Minnetonka." Hurr referred to information she had just received from the Met Council regarding the Systems Committee. The information included a recommendation that Met Council explore the possibility of preparing a Regional lake surface use plan in cooperation with the DNR. Hurr stated that local municipalities would lose control of Lake Minnetonka should the Metro Council step in. Councilmember Callahan commended JoEllen for her dedication to public service. Callahan acknowledged that a great deal of effort has be expended in the drafting of the Comprehensive Plan. He said, "I feel that the Plan as a whole is a good plan. However, the LMCD begins with the premise that Lake Minnetonka is a public park. The Plan has been drafted to assure that will be the case. The LMCD is providing for increased access of the lake and increased controls for those that do use it. The views expressed by the LMCD Plan, are those that have been taken by the Met Council, Hennepin Parks and DNR for quite some time. If in fact those views are to be implemented, I feel that the LMCD is a redundant entity and should not exist. I cannot see why we need another agency to assist the other existing agencies. Especially since the LMCD wishes to have broad taxing powers and increase its regulatory power and staff to accomplish that. I believe that the LMCD is mistaken about its function. My view of the LMCD has been that it serves as an intervening force between the lakeshore communities and the other existing agencies. I believed that the LMCD was established because of the difficulty that municipalities had in coordinating their efforts. If the LMCD is not going to oppose the views of the other agencies, then it is up to the local municipalities to get together. The LMCD should either focus on the preservation of the lake or it should act as a mediator for the local citizens. City Administrator Bernhardson has suggested that Council form a committee. I would propose that we do that so we can prepare a formal response for the upcoming Public Hearings." Hurr replied, "Lake Minnetonka is a Regional Resource. This Plan is attempting to preserve the integrity of Lake Minnetonka. Unlike many other communities, Orono already has many of the proposed regulations in place. We are hoping to bring the other - 2 - ,, 1.. • n U •