Agenda - Council - 06/23/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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dUN,-lb'98(TUE) 16:30 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, TEL:612 421 9511 P, 004 Establishment of no wake zones on the fiver requkes the cooperation of all communities on e{ther side of the River for the area to be so posted, I~ 1997, various Andover and Ramsey staff'took a boat trip down the fiver and identified four sensitive areas along the Prom River that merit consideration for no wake zones. To that end, Andover has requested that the Ci~ o£ Ramsey enter into a joint powers agreement to establish some no wake zones on the Rum River. Mayor Garnet advised that Ramsey also met jointly with the City of Andover and learned that changes can be made to reduce the area but not increase it (then another public hearing would be needed). He stated he received letters from both Ramsey and Andover residents and discussed this issue from them as well. Councilmember Haas Steffen asked if the City cannot make any changes to the proposed ordinance without holding another public heating, City Attorney Goodrich explained that the Council could reduce the area of the no wake zones but could not increase the area of the no wake zones. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated that she believes the Rum River is not owned necessarily by those that live along it but by all of the residents of the State of Minnesota. She stated that at~er listening to the testimony given at the public hearing, it appears the City is dealing with more thart one complaint: protection of natural resources, erosion caused by nature, erosion caused by high speed boat activity, and high levels of noise. She stated that if staff is correct, it appears the Legislature passed legislation to make use of jet skis illegal on the Rum P, iver. She asked if it would be appropriate to look at extending the no wake zone from the City limits of Anoka up to the 5.2 mile marker, or 153rd Avenue. She suggested that the City of Andover be contacted about that option, Councilmember Haas Steffen noted that this would eliminate the area where the. ability exists for the largest and highest speed motors and the highest poptflation area. She stated that she does not consider herself an expert but knows there is a lot of shallow areas that would make water skiing and high speed activity almost impossible beyond that point. She stated that she would not oppose sending that type of message to Andover to gain their input if it is supported by the other Council.members. She noted this issue can be revisited, should the need arise. Councilmember Haas Sterffen stated that in looking at the areas designated by Andover, two of the areas do not have enough depth to speed. Mayor Gamec asked Councilmember Haas Steffen if she is suggesting that Areas 1, 2, and 3 be eliminated on the Andover side and the no wake zone just go to 153rd Avenue. Councilmember Haas Ste. ffen stated this is correct since it will address the majority of the complaint~ and make it easier for the Sheriff's Department to patrol and cite ordinance violations. Councilmember Beahen stated that she would like to see the no wake zone extended to include Area 3 due to the fact that there is residential housing along that area md it would include the Boy Scout Camp as well. She stated that she is not as concerned with Areas 1 and 2. Councilmember Beyer stated her support and noted there is a lot of canoe activity at the Boy Scout Camp area. City Council/June 9, 1998 Page 6 of 27