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Lake Minnetonka Conservation District <br /> February 12, 2014 <br /> Page 2 <br /> This request is also reflective of the conditions that have changed since the original <br /> adoption of the LMCD Code in the late 1960s. Since the LMCD's existence, four (4) <br /> commercial marinas on Lake Minnetonka have gone out of business. (Gales, Gray's Bay, <br /> Stubb's Bay, and a portion of Cochran's Marina.) Furthermore, the likelihood of new marinas <br /> being constructed or developed on Lake Minnetonka is minimal based upon land values, current <br /> municipal zoning, and comprehensive land use plans. Back in the 60s and 70s, most of the <br /> commercial marinas were owned by handymen and mechanic owners. Today they are operated <br /> by a group of professional managers with trained employees. And indeed these marinas are in <br /> fact an extension of the major boating industry that has made Minnesota famous. <br /> The boat industry also changed over the years. When the LMCD Code was enacted, an <br /> 8-foot-wide boat was the norm, based on highway restrictions. Now the standard width of boats <br /> is 8-1/2 to 9-feet wide. This impacts the size, dimensions and the need for reconfiguration <br /> without changing the number of boat storage units at any given marina. <br /> We are respectfully asking that the LMCD Code be amended to reflect the state of <br /> current affairs. We have endeavored to craft code changes specifically reflecting the unique <br /> status and function that commercial marinas and yacht clubs have on Lake Minnetonka that <br /> respond to the realistic needs of these marina operators. <br /> Going forward, we would like to have this matter considered at all times in public and are <br /> coming here today in good faith to discuss these requests. <br /> The specific code amendments relate to: <br /> 1) Authorized dock use area, § 2.01; <br /> 2) Special density license, § 2.05; <br /> 3) Relating to marina amenity requirements, § 2.05; <br /> 4) Executive director's discretion in reconfiguration of authorized dock use area <br /> within the envelope concept, § 2.015 and licenses, § 2.03. <br /> We do have copies of the proposed changes of the specific code sections with the <br /> changes in redline for reference. <br /> Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to resolving these matters in an <br /> expeditious manner. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> JAMES II. GILBERT LAW GROUP, PLLC <br /> loll <br /> Jams Gilbert <br />