07-09-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 9, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. TOUR DE TONKA, TIMLITFIN, Continued) Approximately 387 volunteers have offered to help with this year's event and rest stops are planned at various locations through the different communities. Litfin noted that a rest stop is located at St. George Church in Long Lake, who has helped with this event for a number of years. Litfin noted that safety is a top priority and that a number of motorcyclists will be leading the bikers as well as bringing up the rear. Printup asked whether the construction work being undertaken on Orono Orchard Road will impact the bike ride. Litfin indicated it will have a small impact but that the bikers will only be on Orono Orchard Road for a brief period of time. Printup noted the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 4th BIG ISLAND PARK REPORT - GABRIEL JABBOUR, CUSTODIAN Gabriel Jabbour addressed the City Council regarding Big Island. Jabbour noted that Big Island is probably in the best condition it has ever been in but that the milfoil around Big Island was prolific. The LMCD was notified of the problem and the LMCD agreed to alter their milfoil harvesting schedule which allowed the docks to be installed at Big Island. Jabbour requested the City Council thank the LMCD for their cooperation on that item. Jabbour reported he and Mayor McMillan, as well as a representative from the Watershed District, went before the LMCD regarding the possibility of having concession stands on Big Island and Lake Minnetonka. Jabbour stated it is not in the vision of the City to have such commercial operations on Big Island. The LMCD was presented with a Power Point presentation on Big Island. Jabbour noted the foremost guiding principle and goal of Orono's planning is to protect and preserve Lake Minnetonka, its water quality, and its recreational assets. This goal continues a commitment established half a century ago. In 1991, the LMCD adopted a management plan, with one of the major objectives of that plan to designate certain areas for different activities. They created a quiet refuge for children to learn, a place to watch birds and other wildlife, a place to have a picnic, and walking trails. Jabbour noted that Big Island is not a place to camp overnight or a place to operate motorized vehicles. Jabbour displayed pictures showing the bluff before and after the improvement work. Jabbour noted they may need to hire someone to clean the zebra mussels in a couple of years but at the present time the water is pretty clear. Printup thanked Gabriel Jabbour for his presentation and the periodic updates he has provided to the Council. Jabbour stated the City Council and Staff have an open invitation to visit Big Island with him anytime. Jabbour noted the LMCD, the Watershed District and Three Rivers Park have passed a cooperative agreement to rehabitat the bluffs on the other side of the island. Page 2 of 9