03/11/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 11, 2002 Councilmember Reinert noted at the Council work session the question had been raised of how long may it take for the birds to return if the boating near the island is indeed the problem and the answer was two to three years. He noted the proposed end -date of the ordinance would allow the ordinance to be in place for three summers. Councilmember Dahl questioned whether the City Council has ever applied a time limit to an ordinance in the past. Community Development Director Grochala stated end -dates are applied to moratorium ordinances. City Attorney Hawkins was not aware of other ordinances being passed in Lino Lakes that included time limits, however, this is done in other communities. Councilmember Dahl felt the proposed end -date would result in adopting a semi -ordinance. She felt without an end -date the ordinance would have more teeth and be more enforceable. She noted there are other species of birds in addition to the herons that need to be protected. She noted in the past 11 years she has seen other species of birds that have lost their ha itats. Although she was not certain why this has occurred, she believed it was due to developmen did not want the City or the State. of Minnesota to lose more of its natural resources. Councilmember Dahl expressed appreciation for the time put into their comments. She felt they were important c cooperation among the group in trying to devise wor Councilmember Dahl felt it was important to ado and she was in favor of the motion as originallst limit. Councilmember Reinert clarified that th simply make a symbolic gesture to sa that the ordinance does not have the expires City staff has more d 4 and enough information to either rt those present for this item had ns and she appreciated the spirit of le olutions. rdinance in order to prevent future problems d was not in favor of the proposed time for a time limit was to ensure the City does not t blue herons in Lino Lakes when it may be found of eft. He wished to ensure that when the ordinance determine the real reason the birds are leaving and has ove the ordinance. Councilmember Carlson noted th ity Council would have the option to bring the ordinance up for review without an expiration date. She suggested the Council could request an annual report on the situation. Mayor Bergeson stated he would prefer an ordinance with a reasonable time limit rather than no ordinance at all. He acknowledged the reason for the herons leaving is unknown, although a number of theories have been presented. He felt it prudent to take some sort of action and he supported reviewing the ordinance and keeping it on the radar in order to determine its effectiveness. Mayor Bergeson called for a vote on the proposed amendment to the motion to set an expiration date for the ordinance of September 1, 2004 in order to ensure the rookery situation is monitored and the reason for the abandonment of the island by the great blue herons is determined. The motion passed 3-2, Councilmembers Carlson and Dahl opposed. 24 •