Minutes - Council - 02/14/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Cich noted that the photos at Ramsey's December 13, 1988 public hearing indicated sandy beaches, which are affected by natural river action. Inquired as to the definition of 'minimum wake' and how enforceable the ordinance is. Councilmember DeLuca noted that 'minimum wake' areas is common on rivers and it is enforced very heavily. Mr. Raatikka stated that the proposed ordinance would not prohibit boats from using the amount of throttle necessary to travel upstream. Rick Olson - Stated that the 'minimum wake' restrictions are necessary on larger fivers and lakes to control shoreline erosion because of the larger boat and motor sizes and heavy amount of traffic. There are no large boats nor a heavy amount of boat traffic on the Rum River because the average depth is only 4'. Mr. Olson also noted that shoreline erosion on a fiver is natural because of the rapid current, especially when the depth is shallow and the shoreline is sandy. Sandra Vold - 5355 165th Lane - Stated that she is in favor of the proposed ordinance if there is any possibility it will reduce shoreline erosion. Mark Lueck - 4861 142nd Lane - Stated that his property is on the river and he sees numerous water skiiers and jet skis; this type of activity is not good from an erosion and a safety standpoint. Mr. Lueck stated that he is in favor of a no wake zone, which is defined as a controllable speed; he is not in favor of water skiing and jet skiing on the Rum. Tom Barthold - 14433 Waco - Stated that he is in favor of some means to control erosion. He has the highest lot in his subdivision and many times he has had to add sand to reinforce his shoreline which is being eroded by high speed boats travelling upstream. Don Daly - 5011 177th Avenue - Stated he is a lifelong resident of Ramsey and enjoys fishing the Rum River; he believes flooding, not 14 foot fishing boats, are causing the erosion. Gary Fredrickson - 14337 Waco - Stated that he agrees with Dan Daly; a lot of ice melt and heavy rains in the spring will cause more erosion than anyone could ever imagine. Personally, he is opposed to water skiiers on the Rum River but he doesn't feel he has the fight to create an ordinance that restricts people's free use of the river; such a law would be immoral and unethical. Mr. Fredrickson stated that he doesn't feel the ordinance will accomplish anything except to satisfy a few individulals that are upset with people travelling the river at too fast a speed. Tom Roof - 14369 Waco - Stated that he is opposed to any type of ordinance that would restrict boat motor sizes; it will take forever to travel upstream at a 'no wake' speed. Mr. Roof stated that he has not seen boat motors on the Rum larger than 25 hp. and if they are, they do not open the throttle all the way. Mr. Rood also noted that a boat travelling at a slower speed can create a larger wake than a boat travelling at a faster speed. Mr. Roof stated that there is more erosion to his shoreline on a windy day than from boat traffic. Mr. Roof stated that most users of the river are friendly and courteous. Mr. Roof stated that the controlled fiver depth resulting from the damn in Anoka does more to prevent erosion than anything else. City Council Public Hearing/February 14, 1989 Page 2 of 3