06-23-2027 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DUNE 239 2025 She commented that it is great to see the kids out on the lake, and it is only two hours per day, and not during the peak usage times. John Cavanaugh, a Maplewood resident, commented that the US Rowing Association has licensed him as a referee for the past 30 years and as a coach since 1986. He stated that he checks the wind predictions each day before they go out and then selects the side of the lake that will be safest to row. He stated that there can be 16 people on the lake in only three boats. Hightower provided photographs of the team, which has both girls and boys. He also showed a photograph of the boat storage rack on his property, which is adjacent to a similar boat rack on his neighbor's property. He commented that they could ensure the oars are stored more orderly and that they could make the area look more orderly overall. He suggested that once the rain gardens are installed, they could reorganize the racks and placement to have a better appearance. He asked if they could revisit the requirement for a fence after the rain gardens are installed, as that may satisfy the intent. Kwapick asked the number of racks, boats, and oars. Hightower stated that there are two racks, with the shortest boats closer to the water and the larger boats further back. He stated that there are 14 bouts between the two racks, and they could move the oars closer to their home. He stated that the oars could lie flat closer to the boats or could be moved to a rack closer to the home. Miller asked how the boats are moved. Hightower commented that they back a trailer into the driveway and load the boats for events. Jason Reisner, 2580 Edgerton, stated that he lives three homes to the south, and many of his comments were provided by Ms. Rivard. He stated that if there was a permit, the city would be legally bound to the club, and believed the city would be liable if someone were injured. Andrea Buzzel, a Mendota Heights resident, commented that she is the parent of a rower who has rowed with some of the members of the club for four years. She stated that there were some situations at Lake Phalen that did not feel safe to drop her child off when she was 11 and 12. She was thankful that they had this temporary situation where she felt safe dropping her child off for rowing. She commented that the club was not aware of some of the concerns of the neighbors and appreciated the input. She commented that these are responsible and respectful children who understand the privilege they are being afforded to have a safe space to row. She stated that her daughter became a lifeguard because of her experience rowing. She commented that the parents are active and involved and will ensure the neighbors continue to have a peaceful experience on the lake while their kids also enjoy training on the lake. There were no further comments from the public. Upon motion by Miller, seconded by Kwapick, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (4). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Mayor Fischer commented that getting youth and adults involved in athletic activities is imperative in the community, and he understands the value and importance of that. He stated that the issue is ensuring that if they grant this permission that there is a clear understanding of the hours, spacing, and being good neighbors and users of the resource. 7