02-22-2016 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 22, 2016 renaming. Mr. Roberts suggested that if the naive does change, the history of the lake and the Savage Lake name should still be part of city records. Keis stated that the Council is agreeable to the name change, but he wants to be sensitive to the residents that live on the lake. The City Administrator questioned the 40 -year rule as stated in Minnesota State Statute. Ms. Worthington stated that the DNR can rename bodies of water, but the county can't do it on their own. She stated that Mr. Rocky Waite had collected signatures about two years ago from the people who live around the lake supporting the name change. Montour asked if the people who signed the petition get to name the lake. Mr. Roberts stated that the proposal needs to go to the DNR with a few possible names. He suggested using this opportunity to honor something or have the name be community oriented, and get the community involved in the naming process. He noted that this could be a great learning opportunity for kids. Fischer said he would like to use the opportunity to involve the community,, and asked again about the 40 year language in the state statute. Ms. Worthington stated they understand the statute as the county and city are in an advisory role to rename a body of water, and the DNR commissioner has the final authority to approve. Mayor stated all residents on the lake should know what is going on, and a process needs to be determined. Ms. Worthington offered the county's assistance if the city prefers.: McGraw asked what the process is to do this. The City Administrator stated the city's role is to come up with a name suggestion. McGraw stated he is open to changing the name, but wants a process for the entire city to be involved. The City Administrator suggested the Council pass a formal resolution stating the Council's support of changing the lake name. Mr. Roberts suggested involving the Little Canada Historical Society also. Fischer asked if there was already a written step by step process for changing lake names. Ms. Worthington offered help from the county's communications and Mr. Roberts if the city wants assistance. She stated the city can do whatever they want for the community engagement process to choose a name. The City Administrator asked the Council if they want to tag team with the county or do this on our own. He stated he thinks there is more credibility to the process if it's a joint effort. He noted the city needs to be clear on how the new name is chosen. Ms. Worthington noted that there is no timeline for this process. Mr. Roberts stated he could have some educators available to go to the two Little Canada schools to help with the history and possible voting process. The City Administrator stated the lake residents should be notified soon, before it gets out to the public. The 2