04-24-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 24, 1989 LMCD REPORT CONTINUED conveyed onto trucks that will used as compost for farm fields. to 500 of the 3000 acres to be permit to cut beyond 500 acres. haul them away to be dried and The DNR has limited the cutting cut. The LMCD will apply for a Mayor Grabek indicated to Ms. Hurr that he had received comments from Orono Citizens concerned about the cutting actually increasing the weed growth since it reproduces by cutting. Ms. Hurr said that cutting was the only method of controlling the weed available at this time. They are working with the Freshwater Foundation for a biological means to contol the weed. The DNR will not allow the weed to be pulled out of the Lake bottom by the root. She said that the allowed chemicals are very limited and require a DNR permit to use. Grays Bay may be chemically treated due to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's concern that the weed may spread into the Creek. She said if cutting were not done, the Lake could not be used for recreational activities. Mayor Grabek suggested apprising the public of why the cutting is necessary. Ms. Hurr further reported that Mark Westland resigned and a new member has been selected and will be sworn in. There is a controversy over the Special Density Permit and new dock license for St. Alban's Bay Marina. The concern involves the LMCD's granting of an additional 84 slips. The City of Greenwood is questioning the right of the City of Excelsior to lease the land to the Marina. Ms. Hurr indicated she felt it was an issue between Greenwood and Excelsior. The LMCD will approve a Special Density Permit for the Minnetonka Boat Works, approving an increase of boat storage unit from 41 to 47 on Brown's Bay and from 25 to 67 on Tanager Lake. This matter had already been reviewed by the Planning Commission and was scheduled for the May 8, 1989 Council Meeting. Ms. Hurr stated that Minnetonka Boat Works was less dense than any other Marina on Lake Minnetonka. Mayor Grabek expressed his concern over the low lake level. Ms Hurr stated that currently the Lake is 3' below normal. She said that she had an opportunity to view a map showing the Lake levels as far back as 1820. In the 1940's the Lake was lower than it is now. Mr. Dick Gray had informed Ms. Hurr of his prediction that the Lake will be 1' lower by the end of this season. She said the LMCD had received suggestions to divert the Crow River to bring Lake Minnetonka's water level up. However, Mr. Gray recollected that such a suggestion was made 50 years ago and the Lake level rose significantly on it own by the time permits to divert water were secured. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS Planning Commission Representative, Charles Kelley was present, as was Edward Cohen. Kelley reported that the Planning 2 0 • •