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 4 of 30 (3. LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT (LMCD) 2015 BUDGET, Continued) Nybeck stated to his knowledge some debriefing has occurred with the yacht club. McMillan stated had the water been colder, the boaters might not have been so lucky. McMillan stated in those types of situations, the different groups should get together and learn from them. Nybeck stated he could bring it up at the next LMCD board meeting. Levang asked what some of the safety concerns the public should be aware of are with the high water levels and what the LMCD is doing to address public safety that is different due to the high water. Nybeck stated there was an article in the paper recently regarding items floating in the lake that typically are not floating in the lake, such as docks and decking. Nybeck noted there was a situation in Wayzata at the old Irwin Jacobs property where part of the dock was destroyed as a result of the straight line winds. Nybeck stated to his knowledge the majority of the problems are with the permanent docks and that he is not sure what else the LMCD could do to educate the public outside of encouraging people to slow their boats down on the lake. Printup asked what condition the milfoil harvesting equipment is in and if the LMCD has experienced any maintenance issues. Nybeck stated overall the equipment is in good shape but that they do experience some normal wear and tear. Gabriel Jabbour noted an 82-year-old gentleman was taken to the hospital with hypothermia as a result of his sailboat capsizing and that Rich Anderson and his son pulled him out of the lake. Jabbour stated in his view the LMCD needs to be aware of what is happening on the lake. Jabbour stated the chemical company is extremely concerned about applying the herbicides since the water levels are over people’s lawns and that the LMCD should be aware of that so they can help keep the public informed. Jabbour stated he would put the information out on Facebook and the LMCD website. Rich Anderson, Orono, stated the Orono Police Department also helped pulled the sailors from the water as did the Water Patrol. Anderson noted Gabriel Jabbour also helped rescue someone and that they all did a wonderful job in handling the situation. Printup asked what the City of Orono can do to have their representative approach the LMCD about realigning some priorities. Printup stated it seems like there is a lack of discussion or information getting out. McMillan stated the City Council could perhaps compile a list of priorities and send it to the LMCD. Levang stated in her view that is a good idea and that public safety needs to be a top priority. Levang stated she has a real concern about public safety, especially given the items floating in the lake, and that additional water patrol officers might be needed. Levang stated the LMCD should be acting on the Cities’ behalf and that it was fortunate that there were some bystanders to help out with the capsized boats. Levang stated she would like to see the LMCD carry a bigger load.