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r LRRWMO Meeting Minutes August 17, 1988 Page 2 Elaine Bartolain, 3544 Rum River Dr., addressed the commission with her concerns for the Rum River bank erosion. Their home is reportedly located adjacent to a bluff which is progressively being eroded away. Mrs. Bartolain reportd their frustration with some of the present river traffic, noting that large horse powered motors use the water, at times pulling skiiers. The increased river traffic includes everything from canoes and inner tubes to runabouts and bass boats. She pointed out that when the flash boards are off the dam the water level alters somewhat which could contribute to some of the erosion. Mrs. Bartolain did state, however, that they have noticed that the type of keel on the boats in a large part determine the amount of wake created. Bass boats traveling the river were found to create little water displacement and very little wake. She was in favor of a proposed "NO WAKE" ordinance. A diagram of their river area was presented, showing that they don't have the larger trees on the bank to hold the soil. Schrantz queried whether the boards on the dam are unnaturally caus- ing a problem on the river. Weaver stated that the purpose of the flash boards is to create the pool and thereby extend the navigability of the river up stream. Mrs. Bartolain stated that lowering the boards would be helpful to them personally. Much discussion followed. Mrs. Bartolain went on to state that most of the boat traffic, especialy that which is creating the excessive wakes, is local adolescent neighboring boaters. Their turns reportedly come very close to the shore. Mrs. Bartolain stated that they would like to see the water skiing stopped as well as a no -wake limitation and a limitation on the size of boat motors. She stated that they can accept the natural erosion of the river but feels what is currently happening is excessive. County authorities have been contacted on occasion. Schrantz pointed out that a "NO WAKE" ordinance would be nearly im- possible to enforce. Weaver concurred, but felt that at least through the process a public awareness would be created. Raatikka reported that the City of Ramsey has had erosion concerns reported to them and is in favor of some river controls. Weaver felt there are some real erosion concerns within the comunities and felt that support could be received from member cities in the form of a resolution and then take it on to the county for ordinance consideration. Schrantz stated that his Andover City Council is unaware of a great deal of concern and requests that further facts be presented. Mr. Bradley was unable to address the issue until sometime in September. Mrs. Bartolain stated that their plat map survey shows a lot more land on the back of their property on the bluff's edge than there is there now. A neighbor has reportedly lost 6 ft. of property through erosion of the river's bank. Schrantz felt that some of that is natural erosion.