Welcome to the Mount City Council meeting. It's Tuesday, February 10th. Can we rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. just dropping stuff. >> All right, we got our agenda. Do we have any amendments? >> I believe our LMCD rep, Ben Brandt, is going to present as part of our presenters, but okay, let's put him on uh as 5C and then if he doesn't show up, we'll >> What's that? Uh he is our LC uh Ben Brandt. >> So we're going to throw him uh third on the presentation. >> Uh he did email and saying that he would he should be here. I think he's running tight after a kid event or something. Uh okay. So we got that. We're going to add in um can I get a motion to adopt the agenda? >> Motion to adopt the agenda. >> All right. Can I get a second? >> Second. Second. >> All right, you got a second. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed. >> All right, that passes. Uh, we got public comments if anybody wants to come up. Um, Ben just walked in the room. We're going to get you in a minute. >> Um, but if anybody else wants to come up and say anything. >> All right, hearing none, we're going to go to the next thing. Uh, number five, we have Orno Police. and with the Waro Police Department with the January 2026 activity report. >> Welcome. >> Good evening, Mayor Council. >> Uh going through uh activity reports this this month. We've had um just a little uptick. Uh how we've had 127 calls from service. Last month there was nine 99 calls for service. Uh nothing out of the ordinary though. just more calls for service that we handle this month. Um, other than that, we haven't had much going on. The weather's been cold. We've been trying to stay warm ourselves, but mostly people have been staying indoors and, you know, out minimally. Uh, just one things that was mentioned to me, the polar plunge was last week or two weeks ago. Um, was pretty successful. Um, a lot of money raised and it was a good event in the area. And lastly, uh we now have our new officer started. Um he started last week with us uh instructors and uh FTO's and we got him going. His first shift on patrol in it with an FTO will be on Sunday uh February 15th. And then our one of our another new officers, Colton Beck, he is officially now on his own. We've now got him on solo patrol, which is good. We got another body in the seats of a squad car working. So everything's looking good there. We got a few more coming in the months to start with us. I think at least one more full-timer and one more part-timer. >> Great. >> So we'll be busy with training coming up. So >> any questions for me have any questions? >> No, I know. >> Just thank you for all you do. >> Appreciate it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right. Uh 5B, we got introduction of our finance director, Lindseay Erdman. >> Yeah, Leila. >> Yeah. Well, mayor, members of the council, um first I'll say happy birthday, member Mcini. >> Um I'm very excited tonight to allow uh our new finance director, Lindseay Erman, to present herself to you and and do any questions that you have or want to get to know her. Tonight is a good night for that since we have a light meeting agenda. Um, but we're thrilled that Lindsay joined us. We did have a vacancy in the finance department that started at the end of November. Um, and so we have been playing a lot of catchup without a finance director. So, we're really thrilled to have her. We had some really excellent candidates. Um, but Lindsay really rose to the top um, with her experience and her vision for what she could do in this role. So, um, without anything further, I'll let Lindsay introduce herself and again, please feel free to ask any questions or get to know her. Thank you so much. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Welcome, Lindsay. >> Welcome. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Lindsay Erdman and I'm the new finance director. Uh my background is like pretty broad. I've served in the military in the Marine Corps for four years on active duty. I have my bachelor's degree in social work and served as a social worker in Minneapolis for about four years doing direct service and program management from housing and mental health to proono legal services. I then went on to get my uh master's degree in public policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Um and from there started my career at the city of Minneapolis as an intern and rose um the through the ladder uh most recently as the associate director of finance for the neighborhood safety department which does all the unarmed public safety safety services for the city. Um and I was in that role probably for about like 15 months. um really focusing a lot on like invoice management, instilling financial controls and oversight since the department was under um a settlement agreement from a lawsuit. Um and I really loved working at the city because I live there as well. Um but I was ready to take my career to the next level. And so I'm excited to be here and help um develop some new processes um and continue to provide that good oversight because something I'm really am passionate about is financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars and want to see it used in the most efficient way possible in the ways that you know meet um the city's code of ordinances and also like the goal set out by the council. So happy to stand for any questions you might have. >> Well, thank you for your service to our country. >> Um appreciate that. >> Yeah, appreciate it. Does the council have any questions for her? >> I have one quick one. Um, >> how long have you been here? First of all, >> uh, two days. >> Two days. So, you probably haven't had time to see if there's any improvements you could that we can benefit from your expertise yet. >> I am still learning. I did read through the code of ordinances today uh, regarding the finance department and tomorrow my top priority is starting to review those financial policy. So, I think the more time I have in the role, I'll be able to to see that. >> Well, welcome. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> No questions yet. Welcome. >> All right. >> Well, we uh we worked a lot with our the last finance director, so looking forward to working with you a lot and hopefully you can move us down the right way. >> Yes. Likewise. And absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> All right. 5C, we got LMC uh Ben Brandt. Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, council. Um, I'm here tonight because I had reached out to Mayor Hol and Jesse a few days ago um to see if they wanted to talk about wakes on Lake Mananka. So, they uh graciously invited me here to uh have it in front of all of you as well. So, um reason for being here again is the the wakes on the lake. It's becoming an issue that's getting a little bit more attention um becoming somewhat divisive. Um and some of the neighboring cities have taken a official position on where they stand on on Wakes on the Lake. So um wanted to give M that chance to at least have the discussion and and make a position if they want to or stay neutral if they want to or whatever I can do to to represent the city at at the LM city board during these these future discussions as they as they come up. So little bit of background on it. Um it was about over a year ago uh University of Minnesota St. Anony's Falls had released phase two of their uh multiple year study on the uh effects of wakes on a lake. And the very brief summary of the of the the study um phase two of the study showed that um wakes produced by wake sport boats um can reach a depth of 20 ft um below the water surface and um take at least 500 feet to dissipate um to like a normal level um before it like would disrupt shore cause er erosion that kind of stuff. So therefore the study had had recommended that um boats operating at that that slow like wake producing wake surfing speed um should do so in water depths greater than 20 ft um and at least 500 ft away from shore. So, um, the LMC thus far has not taken a formal position on that, although the last couple years we have done work to help push wake produ production, wake producing speeds um, further away from shore. Um, best example is at the beginning of this last boating season. Um, we had instituted a 300 foot setback from shore for for operating and it had previously been 150 ft. So, um, we already doubled the state required setback from 150 to 350. Um, and then a big part of that has been just education and enforcement. And I'm, in my opinion, I think it's working. Um, to my knowledge, the Henipin County uh, Sheriff's Water Patrol did not issue a citation this past year for anyone operating at wake producing speeds within 300 ft. I know they had at least a few warnings or just stops and verbal um reminders, but um no actual official citations. And then the other thing we're working on for this upcoming year is to potentially um we have to go through the channels at at Henipin County um as they're in charge of the buoy placements, but to get channel buoy markers pushed out um further so that it would be closer to that um 300 feet or or 500 feet or 20 feet of depth or greater. um just from a navigation standpoint. So, um the other couple things that we're we're trying to come up with and and help with from county and and other officials, other organizations is just a better map for the public to use and and reference while they're boating. Um, I know a lot of those those wake sport boats have really high-tech um computer mapping programs right on their council that would show depth, but um something that could be on an app on a phone would be helpful too for boers to be able to reference and and proactively boat responsibly with th that distance and um depth in mind. So, um ultimately at the end of the day, we all want safety and and um the health of the lake to be top of mind and and our priority. Um but we also want people to be able to enjoy it equally. So, um, open it up for questions from you guys or >> thoughts, opinions. >> If I remember right, you we voted on this a couple years ago, right? To go from 150 to 300 or whatever. >> Yeah. >> And then remind me, you did you vote no on that. >> Let's see. >> I think you were the one one of the only ones. >> I did. I did at the time. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um, and at the time I was like pr proud of you. So, just so you know, >> yeah, >> whether I know much about wakeboarding or not, but um I I'll be honest, like when I'm out in the lake, you know, on a on a boat and I have the wake boats come by me, I hate them. Hate them, right? At the same point, >> you know, we all got to live in the same pond, right? Yep. >> Live the same life together. So, >> I think it's a little hard for for me personally to like just have my own opinions, right, on behalf of a whole city, my own personal, right? That's one thing without a lot of research or like and I know you sent us the uh the the white paper or whatever on that and maybe we need to send it to the rest of us before we give you an official opinion but um I mean you feel like it's working now currently with what we're at. I mean pushing out 200 more feet does that really help? >> Yes. >> I mean all the different bays and channel I mean it does that really restrict I don't know looking at map how much >> where can they actually wake now? Well, it's going to push people from other people's bays. And I have three boys. I've had many wakeboard boats. >> They're very respectful. Usually, they get up in the morning and at the end of the day. >> Um, and I've heard of a lot of the things you're trying to implement, like, you know, dinging their phones. You know, these kids have been doing it their whole life. Y >> most people don't bring a wakeboarding boat onto Lake Mitanka. So, I'm on Priest Bay and it's not a busy bay at all. Cooks is not a busy bay. I know when you get into the busier bays, it becomes a little bit of a problem, especially for fishermen who don't like it. But, you know, I've been on the lake for 37 years and every sing has been an issue with cruisers, uh, jet skis. It's just the new flavor of the day. And I have read all of everything you that the LMCD has come out with and the U of M and I'm not seeing anything that I would that would encourage me to go yeah decrease it another 200 feet. That's just going to become a big problem for the whole lake because it's going to push people from Crystal Bay. You know, if nobody wants another bay, how are you going to regulate that? I think there's enough. There's so many regulations on a lake as it is. >> You know, it's getting kind of insane. >> So, you just said you've issued no tickets. There have been no problems. The the bottom of the lake, you know, we've been low the last couple summers. >> That has a lot to do with it where we're at water-wise and they go to no wake or slow wake when we do have a water height issue. >> Y. So, I would say just leave it at this and let's get another summer of feedback for how we're doing. I'm impressed that you there no tickets were issued. >> Yeah, that's that was what I had heard from the water patrol. So, >> so I mean that's great news. So, in in one sense it must be working. >> Yeah. And there there's been a couple different educational like social norms campaigns that have happened because of it. Um, one was called Own Your Wake that I think was sponsored by the wake board boat manufacturers. Um, as well as uh Hannipan County and other local organizations and then most recently there's another one um called Watch Your Wake. Y >> um so I think a big >> doing that and also um you know Malibu the Malibu dealership. So >> they obviously have a huge stake in the decision making here. Yep. >> And everybody wants people to be out there safe and everybody wants to still be able to fish. And you know, I don't like those big bump boats that make all the noise, but it's like, you know what, we all live in the lake and we all have to be respectful of our neighbors and fishermen and everybody else that's on the lake. So, >> and we get rid of jet skis, >> huh? And jet skis. >> There were five years that those were those were just targeted. Yeah. >> And and that was absolutely a similar situation probably 20 years ago on lakes across the country. >> So you name it and and every boat has been targeted at some point >> and and our code actually has a current ordinance in it against jet skiis that they can't operate in the same area for longer than 30 minutes because of 20 years ago when they were so loud and noisy and you could just hear that, you know, like they wanted to keep people moving. So, um, you bring up a lot of the the great points, um, as to why what we currently have is where it should stay, at least for now. Um, and and, uh, to add on to your point, I think if we were to move it to 500 ft, it would push people out of a lot of the areas of the lake and put it really in a higher concentration in some of the the main bodies of water like Cooks Bay, um, or some of even like the the the primary like navigational channels. to go on Priest Bay because it's not wide enough to do you'd have one strip down the middle of the lake. >> Yep. So then you'd be having one boat that could just own the center of that bay back and forth and they you know two people wouldn't be able to do it at the same time. Um >> but the 300 ft I think has worked. you know, that gives everybody enough room that protects I mean, everybody should have rip wrap on their shorts to protect them anyway, but that has really helped >> a lot of the people who don't have updated rip wrap from erosion. And >> yep, >> that's helped a lot. >> And and the 300 feet in our mind was a even number and uh you could look at and say it's a football field length and and a familiar like visual of of how far that might be. 500 gets a little more hard to prove and hard to enforce. And I think that's one of our bigger concerns too right now is is how is the water patrol going to enforce 500 ft um if there isn't issues um widespread at 300 feet. So >> it'd be better if it was the depth not >> I have a question >> farthest out. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> I have a question. First of all, you voted no against >> increasing that was pushing it from one. >> Let him let him answer for me. back in here. You voted no. And why? >> I I voted no. Um partly because this this study hadn't come out yet. This was two or three years ago. Um and at the time I I didn't want to put any additional restrictions on specifically targeting one type of watercraft. Um and that was my logic at that time. And I think um since then the study has came out saying that the wake uh production does go deeper and takes longer to dissipate as it travels towards shoreline. Um and I think 300 was a fair and reasonable um extension of the state's current 150 foot. >> So this so you would vote yes now on the new one if it was at 200 >> to go to 500 ft. >> Well, yeah, you said two and five. So I don't know. Is there >> uh 20 feet depth? 25th depth, right? >> 500 ft. >> 500 ft would >> distance on the surface. I would vote against that right now. >> You'd vote against it, but you know, I >> That's also why he's here. >> Well, I know. That's why I'm trying to get to my point. I I I don't own a boat. I don't own Lakes Shore. >> I don't either. >> I do. I do live down the street from Harrison Bay. >> And last summer, I had an interesting experience. I met some friends who were fishing at the the p fishing pier, which I didn't know we had that name before for it um off of Harrison. And um as they were fishing across the bay from us, there was a wakeboat going nonstop in circles. Um and Harrison Bay, my understanding, is at most 15 feet deep in its deepest parts. And so there I you know and you say the water patrol hasn't had anyone but maybe they're just missing this guy. I don't know. Um but I am concerned that Harrison Bay in particular maybe not so much priest but because I'm not as familiar with that bay. Um is it it's a shallow bay. It has invasive species. It's environmentally challenged as well as really all of our bays on on the mound side are rated D, right? In that grade we get. >> Oh, we're not >> water quality grading. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Yep. And so, um, while I think that I think it's wonderful that people who use the lake think it's wonderful and and they they want a boat in it, but I think that they also ought to be good stewards of the lake. And so, I'd have problems with us not supporting maybe 500 feet or at least in specific bays that impact our community because people are violating that in our community. And um you know we we if we don't take care of it uh if we don't take care of this resource that we have which we're so proud of having the longest lakes shore line of any lake city then um you know we're we're not doing our jobs >> as stewards of community resources. And so I I guess I'm wondering how do you how would you deal with that when you look at the bays and mound which have poor environmental quality grades and we're shallower bays and do you think that that's really applicable to not vote for 500? >> Sure. You you make some great points uh council member Pew. the response I would say if if if the LMC as a whole doesn't move that um wake restriction of 500 ft across the lake and there are concerns in in localized or you know mound uh area bays there are different things in the LMCD code that we can do to protect those bays whether it's from a depth issue or navigation issue or just the narrowness of of the bay um through bay specific quiet water declarations and we have um a couple of throughout the the lake. Um there's one off Cedar Point. There's a couple near Weisetta that just declare the whole area just based on square footage of the surface water as a quiet water and that there's no wake um there they're basically automatically no wake restrict or wake restricted no wake zones of the lake. Um, and there is a map on our on our website and publicly available that shows where all these quiet water zones are throughout the lake already um for boers to use, whether they're fishing, whether they're wake surfing, whether they're jet ski driving. Um, so that would be a tool that we could use for a Harrison's Bay type example. >> Would you champion that on behalf of Mount >> Residents? If that's what the the council directs me to, I would be happy to um represent the city in that. >> I certainly would be interested in seeing that. I mean, we've had an active citizen group who's been trying to do take care of some of the environmental issues on our bays or lake on our lake shore. Um, but I think that we have to support their efforts with LMCDA as well. >> Yep. >> My my whole opinion with this whole thing is I don't know enough to tell you what to do to be honest. I don't follow it that often. But at the same point, if some of these studies are saying 20 ft is not, you know, is the number that is causing damage to to the lake. I mean, if it's one study, that's one thing, but if there's multiple studies to back that up and that's like a a fact of life, then, you know, maybe we'd look at doing the 20 thing. I don't know if you have to do a specific 500 ft. >> Yeah. >> You know, that I think that's a madeup number. Um, but you know, more the depth I think and that's the videos that I've seen the video of like up north where they're showing a wake boat and how it, you know, stirs up the bottom. But that's, you know, I am a a boater, recreational boater. I'm a fisherman. I used to water ski. Um, I love jet skiis. I think they're awesome, but I hate them because I hate when they're around me when I'm fishing. >> I hate wakeboats. I don't own one, but I want to go surf. That sounds awesome. So, I think, you know, having us say, "Well, you you know, we shouldn't have any wake boats on the whole lake just because I don't like them or you, you know, I don't think that's the right thing to do." But I think there's got to be and you know, maybe, you know, the vote was wrong a couple years ago and maybe that was a, you know, a good number to have. uh you know a couple hundred feet out but um you know when I go out there and I see the buoys and especially in Cooks Bay over here where you know where I'm at usually or priest um it's I'm more worried about the jet skiis you know tearing it up and almost running into people constantly >> from a rental you know >> than I am a wakeboat I mean wake boats are >> they're always just doing the same thing just going that way and then they're going back and they go back you know yes they make me go like this on my boat and want to throw up But again, do we outlaw the whole thing and just say no, you can't be on this lake? You know, do you have to go to Malax on a big lake? You know, I I don't know. I don't think that's right. But I guess at at the same point, if enough of us don't like them, then maybe that's where it's going to go eventually. I don't know. >> So, I know you came here and you said, you know, you emailed us and said, "Hey, do you want to make official opinion?" I said, "I don't, but the five of us might." Yeah. >> So, >> I don't know what to tell you to do to be honest. I think you know more more about this you know with your work too than than we do but I mean I think you kind of heard three of us I don't know if the other two want to talk but >> I could talk about it for like two hours but I won't but >> about do my I'll do my three minute you know >> so like I try I'm only giving my opinion like everyone else said and it's you know not speaking for anyone else but you want to do you want the lake to be able to be used by the most amount of people like to enjoy what they're doing as possible and it's Like so I'm on Harrison's Bay too and it's you know anywhere from 7t deep to 12 feet deep and then one little pocket's 20 ft deep and so they come into Harrison Bay and it's like by nature just like skiing. I mean it's like you just go back and forth. So I mean if you're out there like if we're out there sitting on our boat you just they have to leave. >> I don't know. It's like the one activity where like everyone else needs to stop what they're doing. If you're in a pontoon or like those fishing boats are like whoa. I mean, oh yeah, >> I had a boat. It was like if you're 18 foot to >> 23 foot, like a open bow, like a small boat, you know, >> and like water just comes over the bow. I mean, you get swamped. >> Yeah. >> And it's no fault like, >> you know, some of the wake boat, they're respectful or listen to the rules and then by no fault of their own. I mean, some of them kids, it's like their first summer on a boat and they don't really necessarily know what not to do and they don't know what the rules are or they weren't told, you know, but you have to stop what you're doing. I mean, you have to go somewhere else. It's kind of like what Council Member Mciny said, it's the flavor of the day. I mean, other things, but like they do make the biggest waves on the lake. I mean, that's the only argument really. And there's like there's two ways to look at it. You can be upset about the environmental impact or the waves. You know, for me, it's like you just it's what you're seeing and hearing everyone complain about and it's just I don't know. I mean, it can be hard to navigate around. It's like you have to if we're anchored and just trying to like sit and enjoy or jump off and go swim. It's like you need to cuz they just rock your boat like nobody's business. >> Well, the cruisers make much bigger waves. >> Yeah. If they're going >> That's where all the jet skiers >> if they're going like that. Yeah. But I remember it was like I went to the meeting where the the Malibu rep was at in Weisetta a long time ago and it was um again talking about their interest in it too. You know, it can be a conflict. But he was in this argument saying these boats are the best. They make the biggest waves out of all the wake boats on the lake. If you're going to get one, get ours. Waves big enough to surf on. But no, we're not impacting or bothering anybody either, you know? And it's like, okay. So, I don't know. I I can go both. And the 500 ft thing if if I would be personally not opposed to that or the the five the 500 feet from shore, the 20 ft deep thing, but at that point you would be giving someone a map of where you can go because there'd be so many parts of a lake that you can't. >> Nope. >> And I understand that's not great either. >> Well, then you're punishing people that are on the big bays. >> I know. >> You're not punishing them. You just >> but they'd all be there. You know, it's like what Mayor Holt said, you might not if you don't like them on a small bay, you're punishing people on the big bay. >> Yeah. You don't want them all going to one spot either to that spot. >> Like Mayor Holt said, I mean, I don't know. You know, don't go so far as like maybe it's not a good activity for a saturated lake like Minnotonka. But >> I mean, it's like if you're out there fishing, I don't think there's a lot of people in canoes and kayaks. I'm not talking about that. But it's like every other activity has to plan around this boat that has entered the bay. >> Yep. >> And no one else's activities do that. >> I guess I think about when I was in high school, this lake was dying. It was dying and that was in 1969 and they came in with the FBI and they did all this work to get the lake healthy again. So when I moved back to my hometown in the 90s, late 90s, um you know, the lake is healthy, but the FBI is gone. And now there are new things that are destroying the lake. And so, you know, I mean, I value, even though I don't use it, I value that water source. I value what it brings to our community. And sometimes you have to you have to do the right thing to to preserve the natural beauty of the community. Um, you know, do we want do we want Harrison become another lost lake? You know, >> because is that weights are causing each bottom has a lot of >> of the lake. They erode the bed and they erode the the lake shore. >> But they've been doing that for years. >> No. Well, not >> there's been wakeboards wakeboards for a long time. >> I guess my point is like when you're >> But now there's you you know the damage it's doing. So, you're going to keep on doing that damage? >> I I don't know. I don't >> You know, it's like it's like when you buy a new car, you buy a new car because you're looking for better improvements, right, >> than the last car you had. >> But you can't do that with the lake once you destroy it. >> So, do you think it's actually destroying the lake by not going all farther? >> I think simply based off of the St. Anthony Falls phase 2 um study results that there's damage to the bottom of the lake if if it is in depths of 20 feet or less of water. Um and that would just be stirring up the sediment. It would be releasing the phosphorus that's um contained in in the sediment back into the water column. And then the distance from shore impact would be, you know, an erosion factor or um if you have a dock and a boat tied up to it, you know, it's rocking harder on the poles or something like that. But um you know, stuff at least from that that standpoint, there's control mechanisms for um along shore. But on the lake bottom, matter how long it takes that that those nutrients to settle back down. And I don't >> So you're not convinced either way that it's making that much damage, but you're also you're you're kind of in the middle on that. >> I don't know how to quantify it um scientifically. And I think that's part of what we're waiting for is more scientific data to to verify this and and prove it. Um and I think that this isn't just a Lake Matonka issue. And my my personal opinion I I value all of your opinions, too. and thanks for sharing them. And you all bring up very good points on like I use a lake or I don't use or here this is how I use a lake or this is how this use is disruptive to me. Um my my personal opinion is it's it's a bigger issue and it's getting a lot of attention all over the country. Um not just Minnesota. Um and it is clearly divisive in that sense of how people want to recreate and use the lake. My my personal opinion is that um I would like to see us wait until the state DNR makes a recommendation or a rule that would apply statewide rather than just specific to Lake Manka. >> Yeah. >> Well, the last meeting I was at, you know, I asked, you know, to to I want to see some metrics on what these gigantic cruisers do, too, because again, 15 years ago, 20 years ago, they were under, you know, on the target. Mhm. >> So I want to see what I want to see what all these boats specifically are doing. Not only the wakeboarding boat obviously when you fill the bag that's what you know it's not a prop problem but on the cruisers they do just as much damage. So I want to see and I asked for this too but I haven't seen any numbers on this. I want to see what all these boats do so we actually can look at something and make an informed decision on rather than just hearing all this science targeted only at uh wake bo boarding boats. I want to see they've got to be doing the math on all of them. >> Yep. >> So once we see that I think everybody can make a more informed decision. >> Yep. >> You have anything to add? >> I think I agree with Kathy. um mechanium in the sense that um I don't know enough about it and I have seen some of the stuff on the news. Um I've heard about it in Lake in Arkansas even. Um, so I am aware that there are issues, but to your point, you know, do we really have all the facts? And if this 150 moving it out to 300 ft has really helped, um, and we haven't really had as many issues, then I don't know that I would be prepared to say yay or nay at this point because I don't have enough information either. >> That's my opinion. You know, we actually own a fishing boat, but it doesn't go on to Minnetonka. So, >> and I think what once you do get more information in and we start getting more serious about pushing the boundary to 500, I think we need to go to the big bays and find out how they feel about this because that's where all the boats are going to end up. And those are the bays right now that are the most busy. You know, Lafayette and Big Island and that's where that's where the massive amount of boats are anyway. And we're really talking mostly weekends on these issues as it is. So maybe the weekends there's some different rules than on on a weekday. >> And those big bays would hold the wakeport boats from a depth and distance from shore, but they're also like a main >> aerody. If you put 20 boats in Lafayette Bay, it's going to be hard for anyone to >> right >> get through to the other side. So >> yeah. And and I guess the other the part just to reemphasize from LMC standpoint, we're we're we're having these conversations and and looking at options, we're just not taking a formal position yet. So, we're not close-minded to it. We're not like saying this isn't a uh something that's ever going to happen or we're going to make it happen this year. It's just um I think we've had three or four cities um make just encourage us to make a statement or make a position um and the rest haven't or remain neutral, I guess, on it. So, whatever M wants to do, I'm happy to represent you and um continue the conversation as more data comes out or um >> I think it sounds like the majority of us are saying neutral. I mean, we don't know until we get more data and I mean, you're our rep, so you you got to be the one to figure it all out. But, uh, if you want to come back, I mean, when you got more stuff to talk about, you know, and you guys want to make more of an official opinion, but I kind of, you know, would defer to them too and say, >> you know, maybe maybe next year we know more and maybe there's more studies or more facts out there. >> I'll go on the other side of that, like not neutral, >> but, you know, I'm the outlier, but it's just not not even talking environmentally. It's just like it's that one activity like everyone else needs to stop what they're doing. And I mean, you have like those three-foot waves coming at your boat. It's just like, I can't sit here. Yeah. >> You know, so they're fun when you're the one on it. >> And every type of boat has experienced drivers and ones that behave in one, you know, >> every boat has experience and like people that respect the laws and wake boats have those, too. And then there's crappy pontoon drivers, too. I mean, that's not singling that out. It's just it's a it's a different whole different type of boat that's new. >> Yeah. >> So, is this supposed to be more environmental? the 20 foot, the stirring up, rip wrap, that kind of stuff, or is it more I don't like weight quotes because it ruins my fun. >> It's It's definitely both. >> Both. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, if it's more of both, then I agree partway with him, but but I still think I would wait to to know more. And if there's no no enforcement actions last year, why don't we just see how this works for because it's only that was what, two years ago when you voted on it. And then maybe >> that's only been the first year was last year, >> right? Let's let's give that in our year. So let's get some more facts before we >> So we're giving him the responsibility of voting for all of mound. You're the way because we as a >> are not giving him we're not giving we were giving you the direction of >> you decide to my knowledge we don't have any upcoming vote on this on our agenda at all in the next few months or even this season if if it were like an upcoming meet agenda or it's going to be coming like a public hearing I'd for sure at least get you all communication to to weigh in at that time but to my knowledge there's nothing formal like from a vote or a new rule standpoint that's on our radar this coming blending season. Yeah, cuz I mean when you you have a new director and I remember when he came in I called to talk to him and I sent him an email and I said what is LMDC whatever it is LM >> LMC >> CD responsibility for conservation and he wrote back responsibilities but conservation was not one of the things that he included. So, is that no longer um a a value um of the conservation district? >> And so, should we change its name? >> I mean, conservation I feel like is a pretty broad terminology there. Are you talking about an environmental conservation or lake use conservation or >> I think it's both. I think it's it's both and they have to be, you know, you have to be respectful of both and not and be in balance. >> Yep. And so I didn't hear anything back from him and unfortunately I couldn't make it to your meeting. >> Sure. >> Um I had surgery that week and stuff. So um I you can take that back as something for me that I want to understand what what is the C in in your name really means. >> Okay. Gotcha. Yeah. >> You know it's kind development. What's the C in community? What's the C in conservation? What does that really mean? >> Okay. Yep. I can certainly >> I don't have that many years left on this earth, you know, but I know that in the time I'm here, I want to see Lake Minnetonka be alive and be a a vibrant place where people who do enjoy the lake can enjoy the lake and not be uh subject to looking at sort of the past and what what it was. >> Sure. Well, I think you've done a great job in representing us and obviously we all have a vested interest in keeping our beautiful lakes alive. You know, back in the 60s, nobody had any regulations. >> Oh, I know. >> You know, and so as the regulations have come along, that's how all most of our bays have become more healthy. >> Um, and >> now they're reverting back. So, >> well, but you know what though, even when you look at the weeds, you know, the the lark spur was a killer one year. Now, that's become a good thing. You know, the little things that get stuck on the bottom of your boat, they all create good things in the ecosystem of the lake. But it's, you know, it's just something you're constantly chasing, trying to keep it all >> in check. Yep. >> Uh the city manager and I have an upcoming meeting with uh David Krueger. >> Yes. >> So, we're going to sit down with him and >> ask him some of the questions as well. So >> he reached out and wants to meet. So >> perfect. Yeah, he's been in a role for about six months now and >> um starting to do some reachouts and get to know you. >> He's brand new when I wrote him. >> I do acknowledge that, but you know, he sort of didn't give me a satisfactory >> um response. >> Gotcha. Thanks for coming out. Uh, do you have any other questions for Russell or >> No, I'll I'll keep the um I'll keep the mountain position neutral and wait for more data and information and if there's ever a public hearing or or something more formal coming up on our radar or agenda, I'll make sure it's communicated to you guys. >> Do you guys have any influence over the university as to what they're researching since what I'm hearing from my colleagues is there's questions about the validity or the breadth of the research being done. I I I think with the university they're intentionally quiet about what they're researching in in some situations. Like I know at least with this wake surfing um impact or wake impact one it was very quiet and protected just to avoid any out outside influence. >> Um but if there's something more broadly um needing needing research and not quite as divisive such as zebra muscles or erasian water mil fall carp um is another big one at least in our area. Um, I'm sure they would be uh happy to take any input from the public. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Thanks for coming out. Appreciate it. >> Yeah. You're welcome. >> Thanks. >> All right. Number six, we got the consent agenda. Who wants to go through those? >> I could read it. Okay. Um, consent agenda items A through E. A. Minutes from the January 27th regular meeting. B, approve payment of claims. C, accept review of city manager. D, docks and commons commission appointments. And E, pay request number one in the amount of $13,718.19 to American Li Liberty for uh treatment plant improvements project PW2511. >> All right, we got our consent agenda. Anybody want to talk about any of those hearing? None. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> All right. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Heric, >> I. >> Council member Mcini, >> I. >> Council member Pew, >> I. >> Council member Costellano. >> Hi. >> Mayor Hold. >> I. All right. All that passes. Uh, number seven, public hearings. We have none. Number eight, old business. We have none. Number nine, new business. We have none. Uh, number 10, announcements, comments, and reports from council member. Council member Pew. Okay. So, um last week I went to the League of Cities, um senior leadership training and it was a really excellent workshop on community engagement and how to use it as a tool for getting back from your residents and engaging. And they also did a a smaller workshop on restoring trust and about the heart of your community. So, both of those are really um were excellent and you can get copies of um the slide decks on their website. Um and I brought back the ones on engagement because I thought that there was an opportunity for us in the future and some of the things we have on our master plan for the next year to use those tools. Um the um the other thing that was interesting to me was as people introduced themselves in the group and talked about their cities that everyone talked about their parks in their cities. And so that was kind of interesting how people picked that up as a theme. And I thought about do we, you know, so many cities have like um a real patented statement about their city and maybe we need to think about that. You know, there's some things on our website, but I know that I've used them sort of inconsistently, you know, used one or the other and stuff and maybe we should be thinking about how do we have a unifying statement when we introduce ourselves. So when I say I'm Sherry Pew, city council mount, the city of, you know, of lakes and playgrounds or whatever. But anyway, that was one. Um there was no meeting of uh Gillespie. It's it's um >> No, we don't have one Thursday. Yeah, this Thursday. >> Yeah. >> So I got a new director. >> We do already. I don't know. >> Paper. That's what I said. >> Oh, I didn't see that part yet. >> But um >> Yeah. our our current director she's speaking on Thursday. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I saw they got replacement though. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Don't miss. She did a great job. >> Yeah. So that that'll be at that meeting then. And um the fire department we meet Thursday too, right? Or this week or is it next week? >> This week. >> Next week. >> This Thursday. >> This Thursday morning. Yeah. So, >> and next >> and next >> day afternoon. >> Oh, that's right. Yeah, >> those meetings get cancelled and rearranged so much >> that it's hard to keep track of what's going on with that sometimes. Um, and I think those are all the ones, you know, we had the joint planning workshop with parks >> and I think we came up with some good >> suggestions to move forward in the next year and um that's it I think. >> All right. Thank you, >> Councy. >> Uh, I don't have anything. I just I know we all got the email from the resident who wanted us to consider um the humane pet behavior >> and I don't know how everybody replied. I did reply to her but I thought actually this might be a good thing for us to bring up in our joint planning meeting since right now we we aren't even zoned for having pets and we've talked about that in planning. So, I'm going to bring this to planning and maybe it would be a good thing for us to discuss if this is relevant to mound or if it is or isn't right now. >> Okay, >> that's all I've got. >> All right, >> um I don't have anything, but I did see that um for anybody listening that Spirit of the Lakes is looking for a board member. I don't know when their deadline was, but yeah. >> Cool. may >> um nothing really from the police department. We didn't have any meetings or anything. Um as far as I've been working with um the trainer over at um anytime and we have been talking about coming up with this plan for our fitness challenge that we would incorporate with the parks. Um, I've asked him to kind of come up with some concepts and um, kind of working out some of the details and which parks he could actually leverage for that type of a challenge. And I've asked him to come to our meeting, I think it's on the 24th, and maybe give a brief presentation of the concept >> and then we can take it and um, decide where we want to go with it, what we want to do with it, you know. Um he has committed to providing free services at least once a month from June to August and possibly contributing you know a prize for the the competition or whatever we decide to do at the end of the season. Um this is definitely geared towards trying to get the younger kids involved as well as you know the middleage and also our seniors. So there'll be groups for each of the age groups >> to kind of function in their own sense. Um, so that being said, that's kind of in in the works. We meet with the um uh Brewfest people. Jesse, I think that's I don't have my phone with me. I think it's th is it tomorrow? >> Okay. Yeah, tomorrow's Wednesday. Um and then of course we just had a workshop on the meeting for um April. So that's all coming together. We'll have more to follow on that as soon as we get some decisions. Other than that, I know we had also talked about maybe trying to incorporate an art um event. I think this year it might be a little late to do that. I'd like to work with Spirit of the Lakes and see if we can't incorporate it that same weekend. That way we've got a guaranteed crowd and the people that are on that art circuit would be more enticed to come if we know there's people already in the area. So, and that's not something we can get done if we want to jury it and everything else by, you know, Spirit of the Lakes, but it is definitely something we could get organized and up and running by next year. >> Cool. it. >> That's all the public social event things that I can think of at this moment. It's a start. >> All right. Um, so last meeting we told the public about uh this upcoming upcoming uh we don't know what to call it yet, but uh state of the city per se is what we're going to what we're calling it right now until we have a different name for it. Uh we originally told you Wednesday the 23rd of April. We're thinking uh moving it to the 20. >> It was gonna be Thursday. >> 22nd. >> It was gonna be Wednesday the 22nd. We're look we're looking at Wednesday. >> Sorry, Thursday, April 23rd. Oh my god. >> Uh so when we have a fine date on that, we will uh shoot on Facebook and Instagram and our website. And I'll say it here again. So Thursday, April 23rd, save the date. uh six o'clock at uh the fire station is what we're looking at. Um the uh remember the the group of mayors that we've been talking with um about uh you know the different cities going together and advocating for different things. Uh two dropped out of course. Uh so we're our cost share is looking like 11325 now instead of seven. remember, right? Um, now if we volunteer to do the paperwork, uh, we'll save 2500 bucks. So then it'd be closer to well, it still be higher than what we originally thought about, but um, worth it. >> So remember, we we gave instruction to them to to figure that out. Um, but I just got an email that I think it was Orno and I can't remember another town that dropped out, but Orno was planning to do the paperwork >> and they dropped out. >> Yeah, they dropped out. >> I thought they were like the founder. >> No, no, it was uh Ken Carlson with like is it Deep Haven? Um, and then Wisetta a little bit. Yeah. >> Is there anybody else we can try to gain >> to try to sell or >> I mean it's kind of like, you know, there's only so many. So, >> I mean, we will still once they finalize this thing. I mean, depending on what you guys tell me to do tonight, I'm going to email them tonight and say, "Yeah, we'll take the 2500 credit and then Jesse's staff can figure out what that means." I probably just writing a track once a year and a few other things, but >> And so, it' still be about 11 grand. >> Well, it's 11. >> Yeah. 11325US 2500. >> Okay. >> So, nine student. >> Yeah. I mean, it's still a bargain for what we're trying to do. >> Remember, it was seven something before. >> Y >> So, I'd say we continue with this me. We'll still vote on this member before the end. >> Um, but if you if you're okay, I'll email them back say yes, we would like to take the administrative cost as in save 2500 bucks and then we'll take the other part. Um, we'll join in. So, I think I think the rest of them are in. I think they just two dropped out. They just couldn't get it supported. So, >> oh, really? >> Yep. >> From their city council. >> Well, like or no, I I don't know what the background is, but >> I'm that just surprises me. >> So, that's too bad. >> Y um member why we're doing this, right? It's helping for water infrastructure if if we you know, lobbyist, >> um tax reform down at the state. >> Um so, if your guys are good, I'll I'll do that. Um, the other thing is, uh, Spirit of Lakes Rogue Construction. Jesse, I'm looking at you. >> I know we've talked about this for like two years, but >> um, how what exact when Spirit of Lakes is there, is that road going to be open? >> How can we guarantee >> partially? Um, I do know that between our public works and our engineers and the and the spirit board, they've been working really closely to make sure that everything's being planned around that or in conjunction with because the timing is just >> such that we just can't do the work um without having to sort of go through the year like that. But at I think during that period of time, it's going to be just the one side. Um I would have I can get that exact. I wouldn't it wasn't top of mind right now. But >> um it's going to be for the better part of the summer. It's gonna it's going to look like that with half of it >> torn up. Yeah. >> Which will be similar to the road work we were doing two years ago where um where we used Bartlett, you know, and and trying to think exactly where we had torn up, but along shoreline there where we had to sort of divert everybody around it. So, it's going to be similar to that where traffic can only move in one direction for a period of time, but it's it it's going to be disruptive. We have we have uh the mailers just got finalized today, I think, to do be sent to everybody along commerce. So, we're >> great. >> Inviting everybody, but we're targeting specifically the commerce businesses that are being affected to try to get as much feedback out there as possible. But, >> is this going to impact the parade route? >> Right. pretty seriously. I guess >> I don't think there's a decision yet on how the parade's going to even possibly work. I mean, there's a chance. I I think that the the last I heard the board was exploring Bartlett as a possibility since it's county road, but I'm not sure there's a decision yet. >> Okay. >> But it's 100% affects it. >> Yeah. Well, so I went to Super Bowl party and that's what I heard about is we're not going to have a freight, you know, so we need to figure out on our side how we're helping the board make a good decision, you know, with and I know they've, if I remember right, that's happened before in the past or maybe I'm thinking a different town, but I I thought we've diverted or or wasn't the whole thing or something happened before. Um maybe the other option is what we could do is maybe we do more of a downtown thing if that could work where we do from stoplight to speedway or you know or you know from here to wherever we can you know st the staging at the >> I'm sure would be a good street because there's less impact of housing and businesses. >> I'm just saying like as long as they can stage it to >> shoreline >> short parade. >> Yeah. I mean, if it's I mean, people like parades, so >> even if it's in a different location this year and it's just that's what we got to do, then you know, it's a downtown parade this year. I mean, they're just looking at the parades. It doesn't you don't have to look at the lake in the background for a parade. >> So, if it's maybe they stage around Jubilee, that area, and they finish over by Speedway or uh it called Speedway Speedway. >> Super America Speedway. Yeah. >> Uh I don't I don't know. or you know the the strip mall there. Maybe that's enough room over there. We can talk to them and maybe they can I'm just thinking let's think outside the box and help them make a good decision >> on on this be helpful to them. >> Well, staging's always been on residential streets anyway. >> Yeah, the staging. >> So staging you don't need a big space street. Then you need potentially both sides of the street for people or at least accessible to >> that's it's not all torn up or you know depend on what it looks like I guess but >> it might maybe it's a June 15th idea right >> before you know a month before but maybe they >> it doesn't look as bad and maybe what it looks like >> anyway I just wanted to make sure that it's important so >> and who else has really someone else is really sure what they >> I think that's all I got But >> does the city manager do you have anything else? >> Uh, council member Mcne mentioned it, but next Tuesday, the joint planning and council meetings at 6 p.m. >> Yep. All right. Uh, and then our next city council meeting is Tuesday, February 24th at 6 p.m. in this chamber here. Um, there's nothing else. Take a motion to journ. Okay. >> Motion to journ. Okay, I got a motion. Can I get a second? And I got a second. >> Any other discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. Those opposed