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Minutes, Lake Elmo City Council July 3, 1979 page two (City Audit continued) serve situation. He discussed briefly some of his recommendations 1 from pages ]S and 19 of the comments section. Iie recommended the City put all -its books on the modified accrual system to avoid some auditor costs in the future. Ile explained how the City would account for costs of a Preliminary Fund, in the event of a petition to the Watershed District. And, he commented that a program budget would also have to be accounted for in standard "line item" budgets so that funds could be audited as required by State law. He said this might result in some ad— ditional costs to the City; but, would be an improvement in accounta— bility. DONALD DURAND, SPECIAL USE PERMIT for Pierre's Pier: Pott read the recommen— dations of the Planning Commission. Johnson asked why Mr. Durand had not applied for a permit before paving the access. Durand said he wasn't aware of the requirement; had been launching boats there for years; and that he proposed to continue to launch fishing boats on, perhaps, a somewhat larger scale than in the immediate past. Todd Williamsi-3025 Lake Elmo Ave. No., expressed the following concerns: (1) This permit would allow intensified use of the access; and expand a non —conforming use; (2) It would unreasonable to allow a permit after the work had been done; and that Mr. Durand was well aware of the codes, as a contractor; (3) It would set a bad precedent; and others would go ahead without permits; (4) It will increase traffic of large boats on Lake Elmo; and that would conflict with the City's goals to keep that lake quiet; (5) It would in— crease traffic on Lake Elmo Avenue; (6) It would become a safety hazard on the east shore; when the western shore could be developed more safely; and, (7) There is no hardship which justifies the permit. Pott questioned if this was really an intensification of the use. It merely paves an existing access — an improvement that might be better than the current gravel access. Durand said this area has been an access for over 30 years; and that, at one time, his father had as many as 54 boats for rent on the site. He currently has fewer than. 15 altogL�ther;and launches about 9 or 10 for others daily. Tom Kellar objected to the expansion of a quiet business into a more intense use. He said it will degrade the frontage values of others on the lake. He suggested the Council agree on the over—all use of the Lake; and set limits for all users that would be con— sistent with current use. Pott explained that the Water Surface Ute and Zoning Committee was established for that purpose; and is developing regulations on boat sike, motor size, and speed limits onall lakes in the City. Mottaz said he still had concerns about traffic on the County Road; and would like the opinion of the County Engineer on the boat launch. He said he would also like the City Attorney's opinion on the status of the non —conforming use. He also wants DNR advised of the improve— ment.