05-22-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 22, 1989 ZONING FILE #1396- MINNETONKA BOAT WORKS CONTINUED • area and would not make a proposal that would increase congestion or safety risks. Jacobs noted that there were more people in that area at one time today, than there are boaters to his marina on any given day. He said that he paid the Orono Police Department over $300.00 to have police patrol of that area during the weekend. Ms. Whittaker confirmed that in addition to the security personnel 5 days a week, Minnetonka Boat Works has had Orono Police on hand for weekends. She said that people had to be removed from the parking lot and no parking areas. Councilmember Nettles did not disagree that the situation was bad at this time, his concerns stem from adding to the existing congestion. Mr. Jacobs asked Nettles why he believed the development would add to the congestion? Nettles cited the factor of 1/3 of the new slips, or 14 boats, would add to the number of boats and boaters already using the facility. Jacobs argued that with the addition of 14 boats there would still be less congestion due to the elimination of illegal parking and pedestrians in that area. Furthermore, Jacobs advised Nettles that he was providing a loading dock that would limit the amount of crossings of Highway 15. Jacobs cited the Boat Works Marina in Wayzata as an example saying that there is far more traffic in and out of that area, but there have been no incidents of any kind in 2 1/2 years. Jacobs said that he would be spending more to develop this marina than he would get back. The development was not for the purpose of being a money- making venture, but • rather to improve an eyesore. He said he wants to see the project done right and hoped to set the standards for neighboring marinas. Mayor Grabek interjected that Mr. Jacobs was trying to clean up more than half of that area and did not understand how the area would not be improved once Mr. Jacobs' proposals were implemented. Councilmember Goetten said that she had always had concerns regarding docks and the City's jurisdiction. She appreciated the work an research that Councilmember Nettles had put forth, but was not in favor of moratoriums, especially since the Council was in the midst of this application and had given conceptual approval. However, she felt that the City could still be looking at the issue of marinas and docks. Goetten said that the City has been supportive of the LMCD for quite some time and she did not want to have one set of standards for the LMCD and another for the City. She preferred to see the two entities work together. She said the last thing the City would want would be for the DNR or Met Council to take control over the lake. She felt that this matter could be worked through and that approval could be given to Mr. Jacobs without further delay. Mr. Robert Paige wondered whether the Council was aware that the major part of the congestion came from the area farther down • County Road 15 where parking was allowed. Mayor Grabek replied that it was indeed a source for Mr. Jacobs' problems and that the City had been working on that problem for 5 years. Grabek 4