Agenda - Council - 04/26/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

establish a no-wake zone to curb the erosion that is occurring. In 1999 Ramsey and Andover in a joint powers agreement established a slow-no-wake zone on the Rum River north of the proposed area fi'om thc Mississippi River to the Ramsey and Anoka city limits. The proposed slow-no- wtikc zone would connect these two areas in making a consistent slow-no-wake zone from the Ramsey/Anoka limits to the 5.2 mile marker. The City of Ramsey and Anoka will have to enter into a joint powers agreement to establish the slow no wake zone. Assist~mt Community Development Director/Executive HRA Director Frolik explained as authorized by Minnesota Statutes 86B.201, 86B.205, and 459.20, and Minnesota Rules 6110.3000-6110.3800 the city may adopt an ordinance for the intent and purpose to regulate the operation and speed of a watercraft on the Rum River within the city limits of Ramsey, which will prevent and limit the erosion of the banks along the river. Before the adoption of the ordinance, a water surface worksheet, site location map, statement explaining the necessity for the t)rdinance, a copy of the proposed ordinance, and an account of the public hearing needs to be submitted to the DNR for their review and approval. Citizen Input (1ary Anderson, 14771 Waco Street NW, stated he lives where the river takes a big bend. He has lived in lhe City of Ramsey for 18 years and has seen tremendous growth. The river is an important treasure to the City, and it too has seen increased usage from boaters during the summer. Itc encourages the Council to pass the proposed ordinance. He has witnessed numerous incidents to boats of all sizes running up and down the river at full throttle creating wakes as high as two feet. Some of the largest boats are clearly causing damage with the wakes that are really creating damage to their treasure. He has lost three trees with a one-foot diameter on his property in the past two years that have had their root structure taken out by these wakes. Canoers and kayakers also use the river, and these powerboats are creating a safety hazard. 'l'hcre should be a no wake restriction to protect their beautiful environment. Police Chief Way explained residents should contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Department for enforcement of the no-wake zone. l,inda Roof, resident on Waco Street, stated she also lives on the Rum River and has lived there for about 20 years. They have lost at least two feet of shoreline and she would like to see a no- wake zone. It is just a small area that does not have this no-wake zone. Right now is the time of year where all the fishermen are testing their boats to be sure everything is working properly. Mayor Gamcc explained the Anoka County Deputy informed him that one of the big problems in cnl'orcing the no-wake zone is that Ramsey does not have the no-wake zone on their side of the river. If the controls are there it will be much easier for them to enforce. Ms;. Root' stressed the need for signage at the fair location with a map of the no-wake zone. City Council/April 12, 2005 Page 11 of 35