Call Meeting to Order

Chairman David Paulson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Members Present

David Paulson, Darel Gustafson, Larry Parkhurst, Steve Pavek, Oliver Arrett, Council Liaison Keith Kask, Administrator Dana Young

Members Absent

Ed Towey, Marc Anderson, Pete Onstad

Also in Attendance

Paul Skrede, Randy Boyd

Ordinance No. 09-14, Est. a Definition of Boat Length

Paul Skrede stated that he was in attendance this evening to present a definition of boat length for the Committee’s review. He stated that he had met with Mr. Crist to discuss issues pertaining to the length of his boat. He stated that he had also spoken with Police Chief Virgil Gustafson about whether his department had received any complaints regarding the length of boats on city docks. He stated that the Police Chief had informed him that no such complaints have been received and, if a complaint had been received, the Chief stated that he would have to go to MN State Statutes to find a definition of boat length.

Paul Skrede stated that the lack of a definition of boat length in the City Code is an omission that should be corrected and that he has developed such a definition using both the definition of boat length found in MN State Statute 86B and a definition currently used by the LMCD. The Committee reviewed the following proposed definition of boat length:

“Boat Length” of a watercraft means the straight-line distance from the bow of the craft to the transom part of the craft, measured parallel to the centerline, excluding sheer. Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the length of measurement, but shall not extend further than four feet from the length of the dock.

David Paulson stated that Mr. Crist’s boat extends beyond the bow, which would be included as part of the calculation of overall length, so he might have to relocate his bow anchor. He stated that the Committee could not allow someone to extend his or her bow into the dock walking area. He stated that why not use the current LMCD definition that uses LOA – length overall – as the definition of boat length?

Paul Skrede stated that the LOA definition included in the LMCD Code Book doesn’t stop at the transom. He stated that he wanted a definition that includes the bulk of the boat from the bow to the transom. He stated that this would prevent someone from storing a 28’ boat, which would be too heavy for the docks to support. He stated that his definition of boat length would have the majority of the weight of the boat from the bow to the transom.

David Paulson stated that the proposed definition doesn’t clearly establish the length of a boat. He stated that a fixed length is needed within the definition. Paul Skrede stated that the length of a boat on a dock slip is already established within the ordinance at 24 feet.

David Paulson asked how would this definition effect Mr. Crist’s boat? He asked how do we permit Mr. Crist’s boat, which may not meet the length of the proposed new docks? Paul Skrede stated that he had to side with Mr. Crist’s argument because the City lacks a current definition of boat length. Keith Kask stated that he agreed that it is not fair to impose a standard on Mr. Crist that has not been imposed on the length of older boats. He added that Mr. Crist’s boat is the same size or even smaller than some of the current boats that are stored on the dock slips.

David Paulson stated that he felt that Mr. Crist’s boat was way out of compliance. Darel Gustafson stated that the definition of boat length from the bow to the transom was first given to Mr. Crist by David Paulson and Mr. Crist has verified that the length of his boat is 24’ from the bow to the transom.

David Paulson stated that he felt a definition of boat length should be 24’ from bow to stern. Paul Skrede stated that the proposed definition is an easy way to define the length of boats and if the new docks are only 20’ in length, the definition might need to be tweaked. He stated that he wished that Mr. Crist hadn’t already bought his boat but there are already so many other boats that exceed his length that the City needs to address the boat length issue.

David Paulson stated that the proposed definition only applies to the length of boats on dock slips and that a definition of length would be needed for each resource. Paul Skrede agreed and volunteered to establish a definition on boat length for boats on slides and sailboats.

Darel Gustafson moved to recommend approval of Ordinance No. 09-14, with two minor additions to the proposed definition of boat length. Seconded by Oliver Arrett. David Paulson opposed the motion. The motion carried 4-1.

New Members

David Paulson stated that he had contacted the three female volunteers on the Volunteer Application List and was delighted to report that two of the candidates appear to be interested in serving on the Committee. He noted that the Committee would review the candidates next month.

Comprehensive Plan Review

The remainder of the meeting was spent reviewing the proposed presentation of the Comprehensive Plan to the City Council. Keith Kask reminded the Committee that the purpose of the presentation was to obtain input from the City Council and should not be viewed as a public presentation at this time. Paul Skrede noted that presenting the Comprehensive Plan at a Town Hall meeting in April might be somewhat premature until the plan becomes more definite.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Larry Parkhurst, seconded by Darel Gustafson. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Boat Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.