07-24-2017 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 24, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Judd Alkerson, 1790 Martha Lane, Long Lake, stated he moved to this area approximately one year ago, primarily for the Orono School District, and that he and his family are excited to live here. Alkerson stated a few weeks ago he was out jet skiing on Long Lake with a friend and that the sheriff motioned them over and told them that there is a 6 p.m. curfew on the lake. Alkerson indicated he has grown up on lakes and that he is familiar with the one hour before sunset rule for watercraft. Alkerson stated the different rule for Long Lake came as a surprise to him. During the conversation, the sheriff indicated he was not aware of any other recreational lakes in Hennepin County that had a similar ordinance. Alkerson indicated he did some research on this ordinance and that Long Lake is the only recreational lake in Minnesota that has this restriction. The sheriff also indicated they need to be out here a lot trying to enforce the rule. Alkerson stated he works full time and that he has very little time to spend on the lake. Alkerson noted the DNR already has specific regulations in place for personal watercrafts that are restrictive and that this additional local ordinance is excessive and could be construed as bias. Alkerson stated the Cities of Long Lake and Orono made them feel extremely welcome to the community and that the ordinance is not consistent with this goal. Alkerson requested the City Council revisit the ordinance and allow the lake to be subject to the same DNR rules for personal watercraft. Alkerson indicated he did speak with one of the Long Lake council members and they are receptive to holding a public hearing on this matter. Alkerson distributed printouts of the DNR rules and the Long Lake/Orono ordinance. The City Council took no formal action on this item. PRESENTATION 13. SWEARING IN OF OFFICERS — ORONO POLICE DEPARTMENT The Oath of Office was administered by Mayor Walsh to Kyle Kirschner, William Carstens and Brian Beniek. 14. TOUR DE TONKA PRESENTATION Tim Litfin addressed the City Council regarding the upcoming 12" Tour de Tonka. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, August 5. Approximately 3,500 people are expected to participate in the tour this year encompassing all age groups and with 41 states being represented. Litfn played a video providing some highlights from last year's Tour de Tonka. Page 2