04-16-2013 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 16, 2013 Page 7 of 12 Mayor Pearson explained his understanding of why the issue has been raised. Council Member Smith noted that over time Councils change. As frustrating as things can be, things are going to come up. When councils change, previous promises are not required to be followed. Discussion of Council transparency. Ms. Smith said Mr. Zuleger is the most transparent Administrator she has seen. Brock Carlson in favor of changes. high school junior Saint Thomas Academy. He asked council to remove all restrictions and just follow state laws. This would allow the next generations to benefit. This is what the future wants. Elizabeth Niehouse opposes changes. She thanked Mr. Zuleger for his presentation and work. Noted city has opportunity to add additional restriction to lake use. Sizes and shapes of lakes are unique. Concerned about enforcement with non-uniformity. She is concerned with safety and wants to maintain balance. Linda Ott opposes changes. She believes uniformity can be beneficial and detrimental. Asked council to create times for all users to use. In favor of leaving rules as is. Jim Blackford opposes changes. He does not live on lake. Councils he has worked with were in “race to the top”, not race to bottom. He is proud of working with past councils and mayors to make Lake Elmo better and keep it different. Past actions were careful compromises considering all needs. He believes that this issue and process has been mishandled. He is embarrassed that Jesuits had to speak up asking to be respected. Claims council member owes apology to all citizens of Lake Elmo for putting them though this. Mr. Blackford threatened this [ordinance change] will not happen. He claimed that [council] will not win this battle. Threatened war is coming if council acts. Change is not will of the people. Gary Kimlinger opposes changes. He does not think ordinances should be changed. Times and boats have changed since ordinances originally enacted. He is concerned about buoy placement. Some users are not as respectful of others. Enforcement should be stepped up. Joe McGrath opposes changes. He has friends on both sides of issue. Has lived there for almost 25 years. Believes best compromise is current ordinances. Time restrictions do make sense. Advocates council not vote tonight on issue. Recommends Council get more data and input before acting. Paula McGrath opposes changes. Lives adjacent to Jesuits. Love the silence. Loves neighbors. Wants ordinance kept as is. Jerry Junker opposes changes. Lived at residence for 24 years. He wants counter-clockwise restriction to remain. Concerned about safety and wake issues. More hours of skiing results in more erosion. Nancy McDunough opposes changes. Also wants Lake Jane back to Noon. Alleges questionable math used in previous Lake Jane survey. Claims counter-clockwise removal is dangerous. Questions statistical data on Lake Jane use. Alleges issue looks sounds and feels like a personal agenda. Accused council of being non-transparent.