09-23-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 23, 2002 7:00 o'clock p.m. (LMCD REPORT, Continued) Sansevere stated that he was surprised that Maxwell Bay wasn't a minimum wake Bay and asked if the LMCD would consider leaving markers in the water which designate where 600' out is. McMillan pointed out that this would be an exorbitant task to leave markers throughout the lake. She reminded everyone that this has been an extraordinary summer, which has left the entire watershed full and overflowing. There is concern that next spring could bring additional flooding to the area if the water level doesn't recede this fall. Citizens are concerned and rightly so. Although a big call, the LMCD could designate the whole lake minimum wake next year if conditions warrant. As mentioned in the Joint Park, Planning, and City Council meeting of September 12, since 40% of the Lakeshore falls within Orono, the basic goal of the Comprehensive Plan is to save the lake. With this philosophy in mind, Murphy believed it would behoove Orono to take a leadership role in managing the high water issues in cooperation with the LMCD. White agreed, stating that due to the excessive percentages of hardcover in our surrounding communities, including Plymouth, and the runoff directed to the watershed district we live in, Orono needs to be aggressive in its stormwater management plans. Although costly, the stormwater management plan needs to be adhered to and hardcover numbers limited. The lake is the first to reflect the runoff problems. McMillan stated that it will be interesting to see the water quality testing results after the rain, runoff, and high water of this summer. Since the LMCD began testing 14 bays across the lake every year, they have been able to acquire fairly accurate trend analysis of the water and how rain and runoff affect it. McMillan reported that the LMCD had also spent a great deal of time this past year working on Tributary Ordinances, and dealing with lawyers who want to remove them. A subcommittee of the LMCD took on the task of studying marginal lake access from Long Lake Creek, Painters Creek, and Six -Mile Creek after a developer wanted to place 14 boat slips on the tributary. She found it interesting how far people will go to acquire lake access, and while she voted against it, the board voted to allow small boats with electric motors on the tributaries. McMillan felt this ruling did not go far enough by merely regulating surface water only, however, there are issues with jurisdiction and the environment that need further investigation. At this time, there are four owners at the end of Six -Mile Creek who are fighting the ordinance so that they can gain access to the lake with larger boats. The original ordinance failed 7 -5, however it passed 8 -5 after one member changed their vote, the LMCD continues to revisit the ordinance and spend a great deal of time on the matter. McMillan noted that much can be done on the landside Page 4 is