05-14-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, May 14, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (LMCD REPORT, Continued) McDermott stated the 2013 budget includes a floater that can either be used for boat inspections, milfoil treatment, or any other issue that may arise during the year. The money was originally slated for inspections but the LMCD is questioning whether the incoming boats need to be inspected as much as they have been in the past. McDermott reported that the LMCD has received a proposal from two individuals regarding setting up a small convenience store on Lake Minnetonka near Big Island. The store is proposed to be a floating platform, similar to a dock, that would be located approximately 60 -70' from the shore of Big Island. The store would be on the lake all day and they would sell items from the platform. The individuals have indicated they would like to donate money to the Save the Lake Fund. They would be selling ice cream, ice, prepackaged deli and express sandwiches. McDermott commented the proposal has not been well thought out at this stage but that they are in the process of finalizing their plans. The LMCD directed the individuals to speak to the Save the Lake committee and took no formal action on the proposal at this point. McDermott stated the individuals were also directed to speak with Orono staff about their proposal. McDermott indicated there were questions regarding electricity, staff, and how the food items would be kept cool, but that the two individuals have not looked at those issues at this point. McDermott indicated it is unlikely the floating store will be in operation this year. .7 Gabriel Jabbour, 985 Tonkawa Road, indicated he owns property on Big Island and that he is Orono's • custodian of Big Island. Jabbour stated for over 50 years people have wanted to operate a similar business. Last year a young lady wanted to sell food. Jabbour indicated the LMCD Ordinance Committee, of which he is a member, refused to allow it. In addition, the county assessor indicated he would need to collect taxes on that enterprise. Jabbour stated he has an issue with this proposal being sent to the Save the Lake Committee, which is a fundraising committee, and not to the ordinance committee. Orono currently has the right to have 854 boats on Big Island. In 1985 -1986, Big Island was rezoned to five acres, which prevented additional homes from being built in certain areas of the Island. The historical goal of the City has been io be a conservative residential community and that the LMCD and the City have taken steps to preserve the land for generations to come. Jabbour stated there have been a number of attempts over the years to commercialize Big Island, which have failed. McMillan expressed concern over the attempts to commercialize certain areas of Lake Minnetonka and noted that there are some new members on the LMCD that may not understand the extent of the impact an operation such as this would have on the lake. McMillan commented if one operation is allowed, other similar operations would likely have to be allowed. Jabbour stated the City's first responsibility is public safety and that the sheriff is also opposed to the retail operation on the lake given the number of boats that would be converging in one area. Rahn asked what the goal of the LMCD was to send the proposal to the Save the Lake Committee. McDermott indicated it was to help the .individuals put together a proposal and to address some of the issues that were raised. The LMCD could not formally vote on the proposal in its present form. Franchot asked if the City Council is being asked to do anything at this point about the proposal. • Page 4 of 16