02-09-2010 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

Big Island Regulations Apri122,2009 Page 3 One of the conclusions reached by the Committee is that use of the Park for 2009 is still in an "interim" mode - we are still learning and adapting to what we learn. This is definitely a work in progress. I have revised the draft ordinance to include some of the details suggested by the Committee. Council is requested to review this and determine if additional revisions are needed. Other Immediate Issue for Consideration 1. The Museum of Lake Minnetonka has requested a permit to allow the Minnehaha steamboat to conduct guided Nature and Environmental tours each weekend from May 23 thru October 17. Absent an ordinance in place that would require a permit for this use, it would seem appropriate that the Museum make a formal Special Event permit application similar to that submitted by Orono Community Ed for their summer school. One item of concern is that the Museum's proposal is to drop passengers off at 10:45 a.m., then leave and return to pick them up 3-1/2 hours later at 2:15 p.m. This seems to be an extremely long period to have a potentially large group (perhaps as many as 70-80 persons) on the island without immediate transportation if needed, even with a tour guide, given that we won't have toilets or other facilities available. 2. Regarding the part time CSO position, the hiring process is underway and we have two excellent candidates from a group of six interviewees. Council is being asked to approve the purchase of a boat/motor/trailer for use of the CSO and potentially for other purposes (inspections, maintenance, etc.). Gabriel has offered to provide a slip for the boat at Tonka Bay Marina. The CSO will be provided a key to the Power Squadron restroom. Staff has discussed with the City Attorney the issues of City liability regarding the boat and how it should and should not be used. It is not intended to transport members of the general public for any purpose, and is not going to be the transportation solu�ion for group stragglers who missed their boat or the Park patron who desperately "needs to go now". 3. Staff is scheduling a meeting with the members of the Lake Minnetonka Charter Boat Association for the purpose of determining their interest in making Big Island Park a port-of-call. At this meeting we will discuss the physical dock structure requirements to make that possible, advise them of the very limited facilities and amenities that they should expec� to find available, and go over the goals and intent of Big Island Park.