09-27-1999 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 (Park Commission Comments, Continued) Mayor Jabbour stated he has spoken with a representative with the DNR Trails and Waterways, noting that they are willing to support the Dakota Rail to Trail project. LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT - Lili McMillan, Representative Lili McMillan addressed the City Council concerning the activity that has occurred on Big Island, specifically the party that happened on August 21 of this year. McMillan stated the party was broken up with the help of the police chief and the water patrol, noting that this event was held without the responsible parties obtaining the necessary special permits. McMillan stated that any party interested in holding an event on Big Island needs to go through a permit process and register with the LMCD, as well as notifying the Water Patrol to obtain the necessary approval. McMillan remarked that some of these events have been getting out of hand lately and the police have been called in to help break up these parties, noting that some of the participants were being disrespectful to the lake and surrounding area, which has caused some negative feelings in the community. McMillan commented that some safety issues were raised as well • involving these events that need to be addressed further. Mayor Jabbour stated that special event permits are needed for such things as fishing tournaments and any other organized events, with City ordinances requiring permits for events with over 300 participants. Jabbour commented that in his view the residents on Big Island do not fully understand the situation that occurred on Big Island. Jabbour stated that the band was previously requested by the Sheriffs Department not to play at this event, but the band elected to go ahead and perform at this event, so the Sheriffs Department was required to step in and maintain proper control of the situation. Jabbour noted that hundreds of people were loading at that particular site. Sansevere inquired what agency would be involved in limiting the number of boats in this area. Mayor Jabbour stated that it falls within the jurisdiction of the LMCD, with the LMCD being requested to adopt a new rafting ordinance by Hennepin County. Sansevere remarked that rafting should be restricted, not eliminated, and that there needs to be sufficient spacing between the boats to address some of the safety concerns. McMillan stated that the ordinance changing the number of boats per feet of shoreline was defeated, noting that she was not in favor of the new ordinance. McMillan stated the shoreline count for boat storage was essentially the same as last year. McMillan presented the City Council with photographs depicting the shoreline in Orono and Long • Lake, noting that efforts are being taken to plant native vegetation along the shoreline in an attempt to preserve the lakeshore.