Minutes - Council - 06/09/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

COUNCIL BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING Case #1: Consideration of No Wake Ordinance on Rum River It was noted that various residents along the Rum River in Andover have requested that the Andover City Council establish no wake zones to curb the erosion that is occurring. Establishment of no wake zones on the river requires the cooperation of all communities on either side of the River for the area to be so posted. In 1997, various Andover and Ramsey staff took a boat trip down the river and identified four sensitive areas along the Rum River that merit consideration for no wake zones. To that end, Andover has requested that the City of Ramsey enter into a joint powers agreement to establish some no wake zones on the Rum River. Mayor Gamec 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 hearing. 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 who live along it but by all of the residents of the State of Minnesota. She stated that after listening to the testimony given at the public hearing, it appears the City is dealing with more than 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 River. 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 population 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 Councilmembers. She noted this issue can be revisited, should the need arise. Councilmember Haas Steffen 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. City Council/June 9, 1998 Page 6 of 27