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<br />stated that they have 20 years of data from up stream that the regulation is working and he sees <br />no reason to believe that it wouldn't also work in this area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey asked how they were advertising the upcoming public meetings. <br /> <br />Mr. Altena stated that the information is listed on the DNR website, advertised in the paper, <br />advertised on fishing sites on-line as well as getting the word out to cities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked Tom Hammer an area resident who has sat in on many of the <br />meetings with DNR to share his thoughts. <br /> <br />Mr. Hammer stated that he has lived on the river in Anoka for 13 years. He stated that he has <br />nothing but good things to say about the representatives from the DNR, but he feels if "it ain't <br />broke, don't fix it". He stated that he feels fishing in the area has gotten better partly because of <br />the rip rap erosion fabric. He shared some information about the Fins for Skins tournament on <br />the river every year and the money they are able to donate the proceeds to various causes in the <br />areas. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he thinks most people believe in catch and release, however you can't <br />count on everyone doing it. <br /> <br />Mr. Hammer stated that in this situation, he feels anglers can "have their cake and eat it too". He <br />stated that this situation is unique because there is some deep water also. He stated that what is <br />going on right now seems to be working for people up the river as well as people locally, so <br />doesn't feel it should be changed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that it is frustrating that some Conservation Officers are so <br />aggressive and appreciates Councilmember Look's concerns. He stated that he doesn't see a real <br />problem with fishing and letting them go, but he is passionate about the tournament and knows <br />what a good money maker it is for things like the Boy Scouts and asked why there couldn't be a <br />compromise. <br /> <br />Mr. Altena stated that basically this is asking for an exemption for the tournament and as a <br />regulatory agency, how can they say this tournament is exempt, but the other tournaments are <br />not. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that the City faces the same situations and thinks that Findings of <br />Fact can be used. <br /> <br />Mr. Altena stated that this is difficult situation and would set a precedent for the State. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked if a City can determine the credibility of requests for these <br />exemptions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that then the question would be how many exemptions do you <br />allow because at some point it would negate the regulations. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session ISeptember 2,2008 <br />Page 4 of8 <br />