05-27-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, May 27, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 23 (7. LONG LAKE SLOW NO WAKE REGULATIONS (PUBLIC HEARING) – ORDINANCE – TABLED, Continued) Diavik indicated he also looked at Lotus Lake in Chanhassen and their high water line is six inches above the ordinary high water level, which means that they are only hitting the most extreme peaks. Diavik indicated he wrote a letter to Long Lake today again recommending that it be set at 945.5’, which was one of the numbers discussed as a possible level. Diavik stated he understands the need to protect the shoreline but that he does not want to sacrifice all the recreational use of the lake. McMillan asked if it is above 945’ currently. Diavik indicated it was approximately two to three inches above 945’ prior to the rains, but that they should look at the average water level. Diavik stated in his view the lake is not in that critical state but yet technically it was a no-wake zone condition. Bremer noted Lake Minnetonka has a number of no-wake zones and that there are certain days when the whole lake is considered a no-wake zone. Anderson stated the days when it is deemed to be a no-wake situation is posted at the landing 650 feet from the shore. Diavik stated the information from the DNR shows the minimums and maximums of the lake levels. Diavik pointed out the 945’ elevation. Diavik stated he would propose 945.5 since it would hit those high times but not the average. Loftus noted this was brought up to the Orono City Council last summer during its joint session with Long Lake and that it is her belief the City of Long Lake was receiving complaints and concerns at that time. Loftus stated it is her understanding the 945’ mark is what Long Lake is attempting to address by its ordinance. Loftus asked whether Mr. Diavik has addressed the Long Lake City Council with his concerns. Diavik indicated he spoke to them last year but that he did not know at that time what guidelines would be used. Diavik noted the water level has dropped since April. McMillan noted they originally set it at 944.15, which was too low. Joseph Sturney, 1405 Sixth Avenue North, asked if the sign that is posted at the launch currently reflects the most recent update. Gaffron stated he has not seen the sign and the photos he has are a few months old. Sturney stated he appreciates receiving notice from the City regarding this. Sturney stated he has enjoyed Long Lake for a number of years and that he has used the launch periodically over that period of time. Sturney indicated he enjoyed the lake so much that he purchased his current property which comprises the vast majority of the north point that sticks out into Long Lake.