02-23-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 23, 1998 (LMCD Report - Continued) • McMillan said discussions regarding the grant application have resulted in an understanding that city governments are to be consulted and involved in the review and approval process of any proposed public access site. The DNR is in agreement. McMillan noted that the Maxwell Bay public access is being used as a model for future access points. The grant money outcome will be determined this summer. The DNR is presently reviewing potential access sites. A Memorandum of Understanding between the DNR and LMCD was created with the assistance of Mayor Jabbour. McMillan said the mayors of the lake cities were informed of this matter at their recent Mayors Breakfast Meeting. Kelley was informed by McMillan that the chances of getting the grant will be decided in part by whether an access site has been determined. Jabbour said there is $30 million in grant money available and $500 million in requests made for the grant money. Goetten questioned why the change in leadership regarding the grant money requested by the LMCD. McMilIan said the LMCD is working with the DNR. It is her hope that the DNR oversees the grant. Goetten was informed that the LMCD took the lead in applying for the grant money. McMillan said the LMCD is only to check on the site from a surface water point of view. She feels city involvement will be helpful. Jabbour indicated that the grant submission was approved at the LMCD meeting without notification of the cities. He understood two sites were being considered and asked that the LMCD involve the particular cities, which did not occur. Jabbour said he informed the cities of what was happening. Jabbour said the DNR then withdrew their application. The cities felt public input was important for the process but decided to move forward with the application with guidelines developed. Jabbour said the DNR Trails and Waterways have accepted the position taken by the cities. Jabbour said the grant money would be distributed in 1999. Unanimous approval was given for submission of the grant application. It will be reviewed at the May meeting of the LMCD. Jabbour said he attempted to include the LMOA, who felt it is easier to control the influx of exotic plants by limiting the number of access points. McMillan said the process was to be followed that was developed by the Lake Access Task Force. McMillan said she would keep the Council updated. The goal is to provide a quality access point. CJ