03/25/2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • STAFF ORIGINATOR: COUNCIL MEETING DATE: TOPIC: VOTE REQUIRED: BACKGROUND AGENDA ITEM 7A Marty Asleson, Environmental Specialist March 11, 2002 Public Hearing /Second Reading of Ordinance No. 03- 02, Adopting Surface Water Zoning Requirements for Peltier Lake. Joint Powers Agreement with City of Centerville 3/5 Vote Required This is the continuation of the Public Hearing, and second Reading of Ordinance NO. 03 -02, Adopting Surface Water Zoning Requirements For Peltier Lake. Peltier Island is a 30 -acre island on the north end of Peltier Lake and lies within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Peltier Island and the surrounding lake contain a very unique and environmentally sensitive ecosystem. This area is sensitive because of the shallow water depths, unique aquatic vegetation, and a muddy bottom that is rich in nutrients. The area is also sensitive because of the unique colony of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets that nest on the island. In fact, Peltier Lake Island is classified as the second largest heron colony in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Records of the herons nesting habits in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve have been maintained since 1945. Historically, there were three nesting sites in the Lino Lakes area. The birds appeared to have migrated to a single nesting area located on Peltier Island. In June of 2000, the herons and egrets began deserting the island, leaving behind nests, eggs, and offspring. In 2001, the colony was abandoned once again. On January 23, 2002, a task force of stakeholders met to discuss the problem. The group identified a number of possible reasons that may have led to the disappearance of the birds. Several strategies were formulated to protect both the bird colonies on Peltier Island, as well as the unique vegetative and aquatic features on the North side of the island. The creation of a no -wake zone area around the north side of the island was suggested and unanimously supported by the task force. On March 11, the Lino Lakes City Council held a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance No. 02 -03. A motion was passed to approve the FIRST reading of Ordinance 03 -02, Regulating the surface use of motorized watercraft on Peltier Lake in the Peltier Lake Island area, to include the no -wake zone Alternative No. 2 as