11. Boat Trailer Parking on So Shore Dr. I //
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CITY OF
I \ I A i
AL: . '
I `�`'c 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
',F; `•. (612) 937-1900
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MEMORANDUM
I TO: Don Ashworth, Cit y Manager r m
IFROM: Jim Chaffee, Public Safety Director --
DATE: April 7 , 1988
1 SUBJ: Boat Trailer Parking on South Shore Drive LI-- -C-ea
IBackground
The controversy surrounding the South Lotus Lake boat access
I heated up at the end of last summer when the Minnesota DNR
decided that the City could not limit the amount of boats being
launched at the facility. Even though all the parking slots were
I full, we could not close the access, thereby preventing a boat
from launching.
I This came as a great surprise to most all of the groups that had
worked on the South Lotus Lake boat access . No less surprised
were members of City staff who were led to believe, at least ini-
tially, that we could in fact control the boat launching at the
I access. The ruling by the DNR effectively took away what small
control the City exercised over the access .
I During the course of the winter, several meetings were held by
City staff and Lotus Lake homeowners association members.
Several problem areas were discussed including the possibility of
boat launchers who launch their boats then look about for a place
Ito park. When the lot is full, it would appear logical that the
boat launchers with their empty boat trailers would then park
wherever it is not prohibited.
IThese areas would most likely be in close proximity to the public
access and could include State Highway 101, the Meadows apart-
ments and South Shore Drive.
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It was suggested through these meetings that the most immediate
problem from the City' s standpoint would be empty boat trailer
I parking on South Shore Drive. Since the State controlled Highway
101 and the Meadows was a private apartment complex,. the City' s
initial response should be toward the potential problem parking
1 on South Shore Drive.
I
Don Ashworth
April 7 , 1988
Page 2
Public Safety Focus
Although parking was a heavily discussed issue, so was the poten-
tial for problem boaters on Lotus Lake due to increased usage.
Speeding boats in no wake zones, boats travelling in the wrong
direction and drinking while boating were issues of concern. To
maintain control over these potential problems , we (Public Safe-
ty) will be working closely with Deputy Roger Roatch of the
Carver County Sheriff' s Department and newly appointed head of
the Sheriff' s water patrol. A Lotus Lake Homeowner' s Association
meeting has been scheduled for April 28 , 1988 where these issues
will be discussed. Deputy Roger Roatch and I will be present to
answer any questions that may come up.
Recommendation
While Public Safety will utilize whatever resources are available
to keep a close eye on the South Lotus Lake boat access and the
lake itself, we suggest that the Council consider making South
Shore Drive, South Shore Court and Hill Street off limits to boat
trailer parking. A "NO BOAT TRAILER PARKING" sign at each
entrance to South Shore Drive from Highway 101 would be enough to
enforce the restrictions.
Action Recommended
This office would recommend that the City Council adopt a resolu-
tion prohibiting street parking of boat trailers on South Shore
Drive, South Shore Court and Hill Street, and to post signs indi-
cating "NO BOAT TRAILER PARKING ON ROADWAY" at both entrances to
South Shore Drive from Highway 101 .
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