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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210304 - Public Safety Committee of Council Recap Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap March 4, 2021 4:00 pm Via Zoom Present: Councilmembers Lisa Leifeld,Lori Braucks, and Trevor Lund; City Administrator Dan Wietecha; and Police Chief Bryan Schafer. Chair Leifeld called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. No Wake Zone: Chief Schafer explained that the idea of a no wake zone had been discussed several times over the years;prior consideration was dropped due to opposition by both Dakota and Washington County Sheriffs. The current consideration had been initiated by City residents. He said there are speeding boats during both high water and normal water levels and that there are anecdotal notes of property and erosion damages. After reaching out to the DNR and Dakota and Washington Counties,he said the following was discovered: • DNR—They stay out of these debates during the process since they are the deciding regulatory authority. Once the proposal is received, the DNR has 120 days to decide. If the DNR fails to do so within the 120 days, the proposal takes effect. • Dakota County Sheriff—A legal no wake zone would be the correct thing to do;however, with this comes agreement with all enforcement entities,public comment, and continued vetting. They offered the possibility of a "middle ground" solution of limiting boat traffic during high water levels. • Washington County Sheriff- Remains in opposition. He recommended that the City pursue and help facilitate the adoption of a no wake ordinance from Lock&Dam 2 to the Hastings Marina. He noted the importance of gathering data about safety, property damage, and erosion to build the case for Dakota and Washington Counties to support a no wake ordinance. The Committee discussed education and signage to change boater behavior;limiting boat traffic during high water levels; safety concerns for people including children on docks,near the shore, or in small boats; erosion to the shoreline including undermining 1" Street; damage to private property including docked boats;the possibility of increased tourism and economic activity if it were safe and convenient for boats to dock within walking distance of the downtown; and enforcement by County Sheriff water patrols who are already on the water in this area. Tom Day,representing Hubs Marina and the Friends of Hastings No Wake Zone, said they support a no wake zone,public safety is the number one concern with wakes knocking over people on docks and swamping small boats, and wakes contribute to erosion. The Committee noted that the Dakota and Washington County Boards would turn to their respective Sheriffs for opinion on a no wake ordinance. They discussed the need for documentation about public safety,property damage, and erosion to convince the County Boards of the importance and value of a no wake zone. The Committee's consensus was to recommend the City Council pursue a no wake ordinance. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.