HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 03-20-20241
Approved Minutes March 20, 2024
Approved Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
March 20, 2024
Chair Boo called a Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on March 20, 2024.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Michael Boo, Marc Anderson, Julie Olson, Jennifer Jerulle,
Bill Wixon, and Josh Fowler
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Neha Markanda
STAFF PRESENT: Planning and Development Manager Chloe McGuire, Engineering Services
Manager Chris McKenzie, Senior Planner Lori Sommers, Water Resources Manager Ben
Scharenbroich, and City Council Liaison Julie Pointner
Chair Boo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Call to Order
Public Forum
Approval of Agenda
Chair Boo noted that it is proposed to swap the order of items 5.2 and 5.3 on the agenda.
Motion was made by Commissioner Olson and seconded by Commissioner Wixon to approve the
agenda as amended. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
(4.1) Planning Commission minutes from meeting held on February 21, 2024.
(4.2) Variance to allow a detached garage in the front yard located at 12001 County Road
10 (Cheney – 2024005)
Motion was made by Commissioner Olson and seconded by Commissioner Jerulle to approve the
consent agenda. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried.
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(5.1) Review potential ordinance amendment to allow rooftop beekeeping in the
industrial districts (Luce Line Brewery – 2024008)
Planning and Development Manager McGuire presented the staff report.
Commissioner Olson asked if the signage would be there as a release of liability in the case
someone were to be stung.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire replied that there is a requirement for signage
when bees are kept on the ground in order to alert children and people that may be allergic to
their presence.
Commissioner Olson agreed that the signage would be a good idea. She asked if there would be
liability for the city if someone were to fall off a roof.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire replied that she did not think so as it would be
similar to someone doing work on rooftop equipment but stated that she would verify that with
the City Attorney and if needed, additional language could be added to the permit application to
remove that liability.
Commissioner Wixon asked what would trigger a swarm and what the removal plan would
entail.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire replied that from the staff perspective, the bee
management plan lists the contacts that could be used to remove the swarm. She stated that the
bee experts present could provide details on what could trigger a swarm.
Chair Boo commented that this would seem to allow up to 16 hives, where some cities have a
maximum of eight and asked of the reasoning.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire replied that eight would be the standard for a five-
acre lot. She stated that four hives would be the starting point, then it would double the next year
and then again double in the third year therefore the allowance for 16 would cover those three
years without coming back to the commission to request those changes. She noted that Luce
Line does not plan to do that, but this would provide that allowance.
Chair Boo asked if there would be a nuisance issue if every industrial building chose to have 16
hives on their rooftop.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire replied that she did not anticipate that would
become an issue as the bees are quite mild when they fly around. She stated that staff can
continue to provide updates, noting that only two beekeeping applications have been received
thus far as it is difficult to keep bees in Minnesota.
Chair Boo asked if there would be any concerns with crowding out the existing bee population
by introducing the honeybees.
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Chair Boo introduced the applicant, Tim Naumann, who stated that he has been a Plymouth
resident for 22 years. He stated that he agrees with the information presented by staff. He stated
that their roof, and he would think every roof, would have a three- or four-foot barrier wall
around the perimeter. He stated that he has been on the roof with technicians, and they have not
had any issues. He stated that the signage is meant to be an advisory or heads up for those
walking near the beehive location. He stated that bees are very passive, with the exception of
their hive being knocked over. He noted that if you place signage on the ground stating that bees
are on the roof, people might be intrigued to try to check it out, and that was his reasoning for
perhaps not having that type of signage.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the applicant favors the allowance for 16 or whether eight
hives would be adequate.
Mr. Nowman replied that they plan to start with four hives and then would double that the next
year. He provided additional details on how a swarm occurs, explaining that it is not necessarily
a bad thing as the bees are splitting to find a new home. He stated that having space for those
bees to relocated into a new hive solves that issue. He noted that bee mortality is typically
around 50 percent annually as well, therefore that slows the number of additional hives that
would be formed each year. He stated that he would intent to build the hives naturally rather
than bringing in new bees each year. He stated that they plan to use the honey in their beer and
therefore the demand may eventually build to 16.
Commissioner Anderson asked how the hives would be brought to the roof.
Mr. Nowman commented that there is an interior staircase to the roof that would be used to haul
the equipment and supplies to the roof.
Commissioner Anderson asked for details on roof maintenance with the hives.
Mr. Nowman commented that they have a rubber roof with a lifespan of 20 years and therefore
they are not blacktopping each year. He stated that there are mechanisms to close off the
beehives if maintenance were needed on the roof.
Commissioner Anderson asked if honey is currently used in any of the beverages.
Mr. Nowman replied that they do use honey in one of the beverages currently.
Chair Boo introduced Gary Rueter, University of Minnesota Bee Lab, who stated that if every
building in the industrial area had six hives that would be too many but doubted that would
happen. He stated that if that were a major concern, language could be added that limits the
number of permits that could be approved within a certain area. He stated that commercial
beekeepers keep 36 to 40 hives in one location, recognizing that is done in a rural area. He
stated that there have been a number of studies done and there is no definitive proof that
honeybees cause issues or use up the resources for native bees.
Commissioner Wixon asked for more details on a swarm.
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Mr. Rueter stated that a swarm is part of the reproduction for honeybees and explained that when
the colony grows to the extent more space is needed, the queens and half the bees leave the hive
for a new home. He stated that the swarm is on a mission and is not looking to bother anyone as
they are looking to find a new home. He stated that a beekeeper can collect the swarm and locate
them in a new hive.
Commissioner Olson stated that if approved, this could allow each industrial building to have up
to 16 hives and asked if that would throw off the bee balance.
Mr. Rueter replied that if a large number of buildings chose to do that, it could be a problem, but
16 colonies one mile apart would not be an issue.
Chair Boo asked if there is any suggestion on the spacing that would be appropriate.
Mr. Rueter replied that in an urban area, 16 colonies should be at least one mile apart.
Commissioner Wixon asked the number of hours in the day the bees are outside the hive.
Mr. Rueter replied that 60 percent of the bees are in the hive at all times while the other 40
percent collect nectar, water, pollen, etc. from around sunrise to sunset. He stated that if the
hives needed to be closed up for some reason, all the bees are in the hive at night and therefore
the screen could be put over the hive at that time. He stated that a fly barrier is not needed when
a hive is placed on a roof.
Chair Boo opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Chair Boo closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Jerulle commented that she likes the idea of keeping the sign but posting it on the
rooftop for those that may be working on the roof. She asked if a limitation should be placed on
the number of hives within an area, such as no more than 16 hives within a one-mile radius.
Motion was made by Olson, and seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to recommend
approval of the ordinance with the additional limitation that no more than 16 hives can be
located within a one-mile radius. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion
carried.
(5.3) Conditional use permit to allow indoor commercial recreation use in the I-2 (general
industrial) zoning district located at 14355 23rd Street (ETS Enterprises LLC –
2024010)
Senior Planner Sommers presented the staff report.
Commissioner Anderson asked the percentage of the building that would be occupied by this use.
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Senior Planner Sommers replied that this use would occupy just over 7,000 square feet of the
23,000 square foot building.
Commissioner Anderson asked if this use would create a parking problem for the other uses in
the building.
Senior Planner Sommers stated that most of the users in the building are done by 5 p.m.
Chair Boo asked if the traffic flow has been reviewed.
Senior Planner Sommers stated that review has been done and no issues were identified.
Engineering Services Manager McKenzie stated that there are no traffic concerns.
Chair Boo introduced the applicant, Chad Stiernagle, who stated that ETS has 35 locations, and
they are expanding all over the midwest. He was excited about finding this location in
Plymouth.
Commissioner Anderson asked the type of athletes that would use this facility.
Mr. Stiernagle replied that they do not do technical training for any sport and instead work to
make the athlete better. He stated that 60 percent of the athletes are male, 40 percent female, 80
percent are under 16 and 20 percent are over 16. He stated that they help the athletes to achieve
their identified goals.
Chair Boo asked if there are any concerns with traffic flow for the proposed location.
Mr. Stiernagle replied that they have not had issues with traffic flow at the other locations. He
stated that they aim to have at least 12 parking stalls as most parents drop off and then come
back to pick up. He stated that the parking at this site would be far beyond their needs.
Chair Boo opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Chair Boo closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Olson, and seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to recommend
approval of a conditional use permit to allow an indoor commercial recreational use in the
I-2 district for the property located at 14355 23rd Street, subject to the conditions within the
draft resolution. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried.
(5.2) Review proposed Medicine Lake no-wake zone ordinance amendments
Planning and Development Manager McGuire explained that the planning commission was
chosen as the body to hold the public hearing for this item and the commission can provide a
recommendation to the council but does not have to.
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Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented the staff report.
Commissioner Jerulle commented that it seems staff looked at this through the lens of
environmental protection and asked for more information on the mentioned incident. She asked
if there was discussion about the city goals for inclusion and diverse use of the lake.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that they did focus on safety and the
environmental side more than equity and inclusion, but recognized that there is a large spectrum
of different users on the lake. He stated that staff was approached by the City of Medicine Lake
to join this group. He stated that there was not one incident but a growing number of concerns
that have led to this direction.
Commissioner Jerulle asked the hours of the large beach.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that he did not know the hours but typically
park use occurs from sunup to sundown.
Chair Boo asked who would have access to the docking facility adjacent to the beach.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that is a University of Minnesota dock used by
its crew team, although they do not always have a boat docked there. He stated that temporary
docking also occurs from those that visit the park from the lake.
Commissioner Olson commented that there appears to be a channel and asked if that would be
common to have a no wake zone within a channel.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich confirmed that there are many metro lakes with similar
situations that have no wake zones in place for traffic in the channel.
Commissioner Olson asked if the impaired water quality could impact swimmers.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that would depend upon what is impairing the
water. He stated that for this lake it is phosphorus and chlorophyll-a, which cause issues with
clarity but would not generally be an issue for swimmers.
Chair Boo asked for more information on those that have been involved in this process to date
and how the other groups were contacted that provided input.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich provided details on the stakeholders that were involved
in this process. He stated that Plymouth staff sent a letter to every resident on the lake, even if
they were not Plymouth residents.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire clarified that the letters were addressed to the
residents of the property rather than the property owner, in the case that renters may be living at a
property.
Chair Boo asked if there has been an environmental issue due to the traffic in the channel.
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Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that there is some traffic regularly, but the
issues are arising from weekends when there is passing boat traffic in the channel.
Commissioner Jerulle asked if there are loons on the lake. It was confirmed that there are.
Chair Boo opened the public hearing.
Chair Boo noted a letter received from the Mayor of Medicine Lake and summarized the content.
Chair Boo introduced Dax Kuhfuss, 2120 Lancaster Lane N, who stated that he is opposed to the
proposed action as is. He stated that he likes to waterski on the lake in the southwest corner,
which is sometimes calmer when other areas are rougher. He stated that the proposed no wake
zone would eliminate the ability for him to ski in that corner. He appreciated that the time limits
were added but still did not find this to be an acceptable solution.
Chair Boo introduced Mary Lauer, 1469 West Medicine Lake Drive, who stated that she also
enjoys waterskiing on the lake and was unsure why people on her side of the lake could not
enjoy the whole lake. She stated that they like their bay because it is clean, calm and safe. She
stated that this location allows them to teach young skiers in a safe way. She commented that
this seems to be an extreme measure without solid evidence of something being wrong. She
stated that they use the lake every day, even in the winter. She stated that there are not many
people on the lake during the weekdays and this seems to be too restrictive without supportive
reasoning. She did not support the proposed action.
Chair Boo introduced Julie Aldrich, 1400 West Medicine Lake Drive, commented that she also
lives in the southwest bay and this action would impact the way the residents enjoy their bay.
She commented that she would disagree that this is a channel because it is deep, wide and
contains an entire swimming area as well. She stated that she has not noticed unsafe behavior
and for the most part the lake is quiet with the exception of a couple holidays during the year.
She stated that if there are concerns for traffic during those periods, there should instead be extra
enforcement. She stated that she has three small children, and they go through the bay, around
the bigger part of the lake and come back. She did not believe that this action would make a
difference in terms of the environment. She stated that the lake levels have been the lowest they
have been the last two years. She commented that there are loons that come in the bay where she
lives because it is quieter. She stated that she did not even know this was being considered
before she received the notice for this meeting. She believed that there were other options that
could be considered without penalizing all the residents that live on the lake.
Chair Boo introduced Kent Christianson, 1461 W. Medicine Lake Rd, who asked if this proposal
only addresses a small portion of the lake for limited times, which makes a difference rather than
broadly applying the restriction. He commented that the loons stay in the middle and would not
go to shore or spend time in that narrow area. He stated that there could be a sign placed on the
beach telling swimmers not to swim across. He stated that the channel activity is structured and
organized. He stated that the middle of the lake is rough and is not where you would take
children to waterski. He agreed that if there were a problem in the channel, there could be
enforcement available to address that. He agreed with the previous speakers that most of the
time the activity in the channel is very structured and organized and if the restriction had to be
placed, it could simply be done during those busy times.
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Chair Boo introduced Greg Wagner, 2534 West Medicine Lake Drive, who stated that one of the
biggest things that could be done is education. He stated that there have been some bad actors on
the lake, one of which has moved away. He stated that majority of the people that do not act
right are coming from the park. He stated that people can buy a boat without any education or
awareness for the rules. He stated that there are over 1,200 lakes in Hennepin County and the
county has one boat for all the lakes outside of Minnetonka. He asked how this would be
enforced. He suggested that the park educate its users of the lake. He stated that when they are
out waterskiing at 7 a.m. it is structured, they take turns, and it works.
Chair Boo introduced Damien Wolf, 10610 S Shore Drive, who stated that he generally does not
think this is needed. He stated that if it is there and condensed in hours it could make sense. He
asked how people would know about this and if it would be marked with buoys. He stated that if
there are not buoys, people would not know, but if there are buoys that would impact the activity
of others using the space outside of the restricted time. He stated that if the buoys are not lit,
people will not see them and people will hit them. He stated that people that live on the lake
should have access to the lake and have their rights, but also acknowledged that users of the lake
in the park should also have access. He stated that the lake is not busy all the time. He stated
that the loons are on the lake, and they have thrived over the past 18 years he has been on the
lake.
Chair Boo introduced Zena Stenvik, 3010 Larch Lane, stated that she supports the very small no
wake zone as it is limited to holidays and weekends. She appreciated hearing from the water-
skiers who are present, noting that they ski in the mornings and evenings, and it is not those
boats that are causing the issues. She stated that it is the wake boats that are capsizing the
kayaks. She was also concerned with the shoreline as the wake boat wakes do erode the
shoreline.
Chair Boo introduced Tom L auer, 1469 West Medicine Lake Drive, who agrees with the
comments made by his wife and noted that he also detailed his opposition through a letter
submitted to staff. He commented that this appears to be a solution in search of a problem. He
commented that they moved to this lake because Minnetonka was too busy to enjoy it. He did
not understand the environmental concern and did not see that information within the packet. He
stated that the mentioned channel is really a wide area and when you are teaching a skier, you
start near his home, go through the “channel” and then circle back because it is safe.
Chair Boo introduced Dawn Errede, 3005 Larch Lane N, who stated that she is mostly in favor
of the no wake proposal as it seems limited to busy times and would allow for recreation by the
skiers. She was concerned with environmental issues and urged the group to also consider a no
wake zone in the narrow channel near French Park. She provided more information on her
environmental concerns. She stated that she is not on the south end very much and therefore
cannot speak on that but encouraged the group to also consider a no wake zone on the north.
Chair Boo introduced Theresa Polum, 155 Peninsula Road, who stated that she is opposed to the
proposed regulation. She stated that this topic directly affects her as she has grown up on
Medicine Lake and this proposal feels like an assault to her and her ability to share her love of
watersports with her grandchildren. She stated that her daughter served as a lifeguard for five
years and there was never an issue with safety during that time caused by wake. She stated that
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if there are incidents that have led to this, she would like to see the reports. She commented that
a no wake zone would not improve the safety of the lake or the patrons of the beach. She stated
that the waves push weeds and other things to the surface and to the beach to be cleaned up. She
stated that there used to be posted rules stating that swimming can only occur within the
designated swimming area and that inflatables were not allowed, noting that those rules have
been removed. She stated that activity has expanded further, and mitigation could occur by
limiting the beach activity. She stated that this is a sloppy solution that is not backed up by data.
Chair Boo introduced Les Young, 145 Peninsula Road, who stated that he has lived at his home
for 47 years and has also been a volunteer member of the Medicine Lake Fire Department for 35
years as well. He stated that he has always been active in city government and is the insurance
consultant for Medicine Lake. He stated that there has never been a serious accident in the
proposed no wake zone. He stated that there are two members of the Medicine Lake city
council, along with one private resident that have been pushing this. He stated that this was only
recently brought to the attention of the residents and the other members of the city and since that
time there has been strong opposition. He commented that Plymouth should not be considered
this until the time Medicine Lake has approved it, which he did not believe would happen. He
noted the letter from the Mayor, which had a neutral position.
Chair Boo introduced Randy Mikolai, 224 Peninsula Road, who stated that he represents his
neighborhood group. He stated that he has lived on the lake for 12 years, raising his family, and
has enjoyed the lake since he was a child as he lived down the road. He stated that he often skied
100 days per year on the lake. He stated that this whole process has been disheartening as
residents were not involved until late in the process. He noted that his email comments were
provided before he had seen the proposal. He stated that the proposal does not clearly define a
specific problem but hints at safety and environmental issues. He stated that the proposal is one-
sided and biased, supporting a personal agenda rather than the vast majority of the residents. He
noted that the impaired water designation is decades old and cited the improvements to the water
quality of the lake that have made since that designation. He stated that the channel is 25 feet
deep, and boats are not stirring up the bottom of that area.
Chair Boo introduced Chad Hansen, 167 Peninsula Road, echoed the comments of his neighbors.
He commented that people have been working on water quality over the past ten years and that
should be commended. He stated that this proposal is different than what was presented one
week ago at the EQC meeting. He stated that this proposal is not clear, is not based in facts or
data, and the information is changing. He stated that even the slides and facts are different than
reported one week ago. He urged the commission to separate itself from this issue that has been
pushed by a few people and does not represent what the residents of Plymouth or Medicine Lake
would want. He stated that if there are incidents that have occurred, that information should be
shared.
Chair Boo introduced Brian Doyle, 172 Peninsula Road, who stated that he agrees with the
comments of his neighbors and is against any ordinance that would enact a no wake zone. He
commented that this would be confusing for boaters and would be hard to enforce. He stated that
area is 612 feet across, which is two football fields, even though it looks small on the map. He
commented that the water quality is the best that is has been. He referenced the statement that
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the City of Plymouth is completing an environmental study which would not be completed until
later in the year, noting that enacting this regulation would seem premature.
Chair Boo introduced J.C. Weigelt, 3040 Larch Lane, who stated that he lives on the north end
and his view of the lake is important and he takes it seriously. He stated that the lake is where
his family has fun, and he is opposed to what has been presented today because of the lack of
data as to why this is needed. He referenced the incidents that they are not aware of and that
have not been shared. He stated that he deals in facts and those facts are lacking. He noted that
activity in 2020 and 2021 should be thrown out because those were different times and
circumstances where park activity was severely increased as was boat use. He stated that he
boats on Lake Minnetonka and an extremely large buoy would be needed to identify the times,
dates, and no wake message which would create an issue. He stated that curly leaf pond weed
limits where people should be swimming and stated that his recommendation would be to rope
around the buoys at West Medicine Lake Park to keep swimmers in the swimming area. He
stated that he has rescued people that have gotten stuck in the curly leaf pond weed.
Chair Boo introduced Mr. Randy Mikolai once again who stated that the proposal only
references one study which looked more broadly at boat waves/wakes but not to what is done to
the shoreline. He provided additional details from that study complete by the Saint Anthony
Falls Laboratory. He stated that there are plenty of studies that show wind waves do more
damage than boat waves.
Chair Boo closed the public hearing.
Chair Boo asked for the documentation that exists related to the boat traffic on this lake relative
to this action.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich referenced the study which was referenced by the
resident and noted that the rest of the information is anecdotal. He stated that they looked
specifically at the park property and not private property. He stated that there were projects
around the lake in recent years to address shoreline erosion but noted that there is no information
on what the cause of that was. He stated that last Friday there was a conversation with Hennepin
County Water Patrol on how enforcement would occur. He noted that buoys are typically a
common side with a sign that states the duration and timing of the no wake zone. He stated that
DNR and Water Patrol would enforce the action when they are on the lake. He noted that the
restricted hours would be posted at the launch as well as on the buoy, along with educational
measures. He stated that there are three police department reports in this area and the Parks and
Rec Director also supports this action, although he did not have data from the lifeguards at the
park.
Commissioner Jerulle asked for details on the timeline of this process.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich was unsure when the city was approached but believed
that it was perhaps about one year ago that the group began discussing Medicine Lake issues. He
stated that the proposal began its review through different groups in January.
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Planning and Development Manager McGuire commented that this is a standard process, where
staff works on cases before bringing forward for public consumption. She stated that an open
house or public hearing is typically used to gather public input.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich commented that he was unsure that some residents
understood the timeline of the proposed no wake and asked that be shared with the residents
present.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire reviewed the original proposal and how that was
amended after the review of the EQC, and public comments provided at that meeting.
Chair Boo reviewed the process that has been followed since the city was contacted by Medicine
Lake to this point where recommendations are being discussed. He recognized how this could
seem like a quick thing by the public, when there has been work occurring for the past year.
Commissioner Anderson asked if a no wake zone could be defined. He stated that a wake is a
wave, and a swimmer makes a wave.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich stated that the version shown on the presentation is a
summary, whereas the full ordinance would have more detail and reviewed the no wake zone
specification which would be 5 mph or less.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there is a minimizing wake position, where a wake boat could
have to slow down but perhaps waterski boats would not have to slow down.
Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich replied that has not been considered.
Commissioner Fowler commented that he often kayaks on Medicine Lake from that park and has
experienced boats passing by him quickly that could have capsized him, or would have capsized
a child or someone that did not have experience. He stated that he could support this or support
not providing a recommendation as this seems to be beyond the purview of the planning
commission.
Commissioner Olson stated that she understands that a no wake zone is normal, but the way this
is presented is not firm on the supporting reasoning. She stated that this would not solve the
problem on the lake of the big boats not being careful and a lack of enforcement. She stated that
if this is really an issue of safety, she did not believe a no wake zone would solve that problem.
Commissioner Jerulle stated that the purpose is not well defined. She stated that the scope
should be widened to look at the whole lake and perhaps then all users are considered. She
recommended that this go back for additional discussion to look at the purpose and would not
want to provide a yes or no on this proposal. She stated that perhaps a permit is issued for
waterskiing, which would limit that to a certain number of users. She commented that the
limited time frame and buoy could cause more issues.
Commissioner Wixon commented that he does a lot of boating on Medicine Lake and agreed
with Commissioner Fowler related to the risk to kayaks as he has seen that occur as well. He
stated that people have to pay attention when moving through that zone, as there can be a lot of
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traffic on weekends. He stated that when it is clear that a wake boat is causing a danger to
others, people should talk to those users as they may not know what they are doing. He stated
that he cannot support the no wake zone with the logic of erosion and other issues. He stated that
people using the lake have to assume some risk. He appreciated the public input tonight.
Commissioner Fowler commented that he understands the assumption of risk, but kayakers also
have very little ability to move out of the way. He stated that his kayak is big and yellow, and he
is wearing a life preserver, so he is doing his part to be visible.
Chair Boo stated that on the surface the recommendation would seem to make sense, although he
would want to see more data in support. He stated that this seems to be moving quickly to a
solution that could address one small piece of the puzzle, that is how to deal with an urban lake.
He stated that this solution would seem to limit the use of those that live on the lake. He did not
believe enough public input has been received on this topic and would be inclined to say that this
is too early to make a recommendation on this. He noted that he would also be interested in
hearing the input of Medicine Lake. He recommended that more input be sought before a
recommendation is provided.
Commissioner Anderson agreed that there is not enough information.
Motion was made by Anderson, and seconded by Commissioner Olson, to not make a
recommendation on this matter and request that more information and public input be
sought.
Further discussion: Planning and Development Manager McGuire clarified that the intent
would then be to bring this forward to the City Council, but with the recommendation that
more public input be sought and wait until an opinion is also provided from the City of
Medicine Lake. It was noted that as proposed, this would not return to the Planning
Commission before moving to the City Council.
With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried.
Chair Boo commented that he is not comfortable moving this out of the purview of the planning
commission. He attempted to make a motion to recommend that this not move forward to the
city council until public input has been obtained and the matter is once again reviewed by this
body with any further recommendations of staff.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire commented that the previous motion was adopted
and therefore that motion could not be made. She stated that a request could be made requesting
that an open house be held before the next meeting of the planning commission.
Commissioner Jerulle believed that the previous motion could be redacted.
Planning and Development Manager McGuire commented that an approved motion cannot be
redacted. She commented that this issue is outside of the scope of the planning commission and
additional information will be provided through the decision that is made by Medicine Lake.
She stated that staff has taken notes on the desires of the residents and commission related to the
need for additional information and clarified purpose.
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New Business
Adjournment
Chair Boo adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m.