03/25/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 25, 2002 Rod Kukonen, Chairperson of the City's Environmental Board, stated everyone agrees that the sensitive ecosystem of the north end of Peltier Lake needs protection. He noted all images and photographs presented of the lake show that the lake is essentially split in two. Mr. Kukonen stated he favors the original recommendation passed by the Environmental Board for a no -wake zone south of the island running straight across the lake. He noted over time as the island changes the herons may nest farther south on the island and the no -wake zone line proposed by the Board fits with the buffering requirements. He indicated the recommendation passed by the Board had actually been a compromise since the Board would have preferred no trespassing on the north end of the lake. Mr. Kukonen noted Amy Donlin, a member of the Environmental Board, was unable to attend this evening's meeting but had expressed her disapproval of the proposed sunset clause. He indicated the Board would prefer this issue be kept as simple as possible. Shelly Farmerie, 7425 Peltier Lake Drive, stated she has attempt , to ` er some specific factual information regarding the heron rookery at Peltier Lake Islaii ed in February 1996 the rookery had 690 birds, in February 1997 this number drop a; o 6 7 and in February 1998 there were no records. In February 1999 there were 555 birds, in F , 10 there were 625 and in June of 2000 there were 696, at which time the birds left the i -zl She indicated the individuals monitoring the island in June through July of 2001 noticed a laza, dif e ence in the birds. At that time they found five adults flying above the nests. She indicated ' Fe .' ary 2001 there were no records on the birds. She noted some key years of record keeping w �s ?g. Ms. Farmerie indicated Art Hawkins had through July. Additionally, Joan Galli attend this evening's meeting. a daily study of the heron rookery from April ecords of the herons, however, she was unable to Ms. Farmerie felt it would be very a .1 for the City Council to consider the recommendation brought forth by the Peltier a ;< _ oc' . & which suggested that the no -wake zone begin at the bog poles and extend to the north • the ake. She indicated the majority of the Association concurred that this was their fir choice for the location of the no -wake zone line. Ms. Farmerie stated prior to slalom skiing being introduced to the north end of the lake there had been no issues with, or complaints about the herons or the aquatic life of the lake. She noted the bog poles are already in place and would provide an easily maintained, economically sound method to post the no -wake zone since boats already must slow down to pass through them. She did not support the use of unsightly buoys to mark the no -wake zone. Ms. Farmerie stated she does not want the heron rookery to fail, however, she felt more research needed to be done to determine the reason for their disturbance. She also felt if the ordinance did not include a sunset clause a continuing investigation of the issue would not be a priority. Connie Grundhofer, 235 Linda, stated during the public hearing on March 11, 2002 she had mentioned the list of Minnesota endangered, threatened and special concern animals, birds and plants. ID