10-28-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LMCD Board of Directors September 25, 1991 Douglas Quimet. Lord Fletcher’s Apartments: Responded to Martinson's comments by saying their apartments pay $100,000 a year in taxes and the additional $5 per slip is just another added cost. Jon Kietzer, Seanote Cruises: The fee increase proposed for his charter boat reflects a 700% increase from 1989. when it was $50. In the meantime the fees he as a charter boat operator charges has remained the same for the past six to eight years. He says he has a good relationship with the City of Excelsior. He would like to work with the LMCD instead of having fees set arbitrarily. Paul Pedersen, Gray’s Bay Marina: Pedersen mentioned the difficulty in competing with the residential lakeshore owner as well as suffering through three dry years. He suggested a partial payment of the license fee at the time of application and the balance when the license is issued. They do not collect their fees until well into the year, usually February through May. Babcock noted that the dates for payment have not changed. Jim Rivers, Windward Marine: Rivers does not feel he can recoup the additional fee. He also mentioned renting of spaces hy the homeowners on the Lake. In his case he received a reduction in property taxes, insurance and garbage fees as a result of demonstrating a decline in business. Added comments: Mark Breneman: Suggested a user fee for all boats, as added financial assistance from the DNR. Grathwol moved, Pillsbury seconded, to refer the fee schedule back to the Water Structure Committee, carried. Hurr voting nay. Bob Schmitt, Schmitt’s Marina suggested charging a fee for boats brought to the Lake from outside. He commented that many marinas have been paying for empty slips. Cochran expressed agreement with Schmitt’s and Breneman's remarks about a user fee. Cochran said it is a prime objective in the Management Plan to get more funding of the LMCD from the boat users. He added that the Legislature and DNR control user fees. LMCD does not have jurisdiction to implement a user fee. LMCD needs more support from the Legislature. Debbie Breneman offered the help of the licensees in getting the necessary legislation but at the same time she said the LMCD must help them. She feels there should be a greater return of Hennepin County taxes to the LMCD. Don Germanson, LMLOA, offered their organization’s help. Rascop said it will be necessary to contact local legislators and convince the outstate legislators of the need. Strommen mentioned the application for funds which has been made to Hennepin County for the milfoil control program. He also said Hennepin County funds the Water Patrol at a cost of $450,000 a year with 00% of their services on Lake Minnetonka. Hennepin County also allocates $100,000 a year for the lake improvement program for buoy placement and channel maintenance. Babcock thanked the participants and asked that they put their thoughts and comments in writing for the next Water Structures Committee meeting on 10/12/91. as well proposed Motion