06-23-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, June 23, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 30 PRESENTATIONS 3. LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT (LMCD) 2015 BUDGET Greg Nybeck, LMCD Executive Director, stated by state statute the LMCD is required to have a budget to all 14 cities by July 1. Conditional approval by the LMCD was given to the budget on June 11, with the final portion of the budget being approved on June 25. Nybeck indicated he has drafted a cover letter to go out to all 14 cities later this week along with the budget. Nybeck noted marinas are a big part of Lake Minnetonka and last September the LMCD held a meeting at the Tonka Bay Marina regarding some updates the marina owners would like to see to some of the language contained in the LMCD regulations. The revised language was reviewed by the LMCD in February, followed by a number of work sessions and regular meetings. Nybeck stated the first change is to allow dock use areas for commercial marinas to extend out to 200 feet. Nybeck noted a number of the marinas are already at 100 to 200 feet so that change will have little impact. In addition, the marina owners requested to be exempt to providing public amenities, such as public telephones and other items which have become outdated. Nybeck indicated the LMCD has basically eliminated those required public amenities under the revised ordinance. Nybeck stated the final change relates to having staff approve minor changes rather than having to appear before the Board. Nybeck stated coming up the LMCD will be looking at some changes for yacht clubs and municipalities. Nybeck reported the LMCD’s boater safety program has been very successful. The LMCD has been partnering with the Water Patrol and another class is planned for this fall, with attendees ranging from 12 to 17 years of age. By attending the class, the participants obtain their youth operator’s permit, a better knowledge of boating laws and safety best practices as well as an awareness of Lake Minnetonka and its unique boating experience. Nybeck noted the program has been fully funded by the Save the Lake Fund. Nybeck noted Lake Minnetonka has been experiencing high water levels for the past few months. Currently the code reads that when the water level is above 930.00’, the executive director may, after five days, or must after eight consecutive days, declare high water. The 930.25 mark was reached on May 13 and a high water emergency was issued. Nybeck indicated the code has a 600-foot buffer around the entire lake, with some bays having the entire bay be a minimum wake. Nybeck stated one of the problems the LMCD has experienced is communicating that to the general public as well as the lakeshore property owners. Nybeck noted that minimum wake zone was recently changed due to the unusual high water levels. On May 4, the LMCD Board did approve a one-time emergency ordinance, which went into effect on June 4. Nybeck stated that emergency ordinance made the entire lake a minimum wake zone. Nybeck reported the water levels have continued to rise and are currently at 931.11’. Nybeck stated the LMCD issued a press release in an attempt to notify the public of the minimum wake. Nybeck stated as it relates to the AIS peace officer training, the LMCD is looking to approach the various city councils and police chiefs to make sure that all officers are trained on AIS enforcement. Nybeck indicated untrained officers cannot write citations and that this program is designed to help train those officers. Nybeck stated a couple of cities have already expressed interest in the program.