Council rejects dock plan

by Marianne Gasaway

A proposal to upgrade a public access to the lake to include four boat slips was rejected by City Council members Monday.

Parks Board members Jake Kopriva and Chris Wessels told the Council the board recommended approval of an 80-foot dock at the 20th Avenue South access.  The dock would provide four boat slips, as well as continue to serve as an access for small watercrafts.

“The Parks Board is aware of the demand for slip space on Clear Lake and we feel this is an un-utilized access which could be utilized more efficiently,” said Kopriva.  

Currently, 348 names appear on a list of persons waiting for boat slip space on a public dock.

Kopriva noted there may be a possibility of adding a few more slips along North Lakeview Drive, but at this time the Board was recommending action on 20th Avenue South.

Council members Dana Brant and Gary Hugi said they disagreed with measurement numbers provided by the Parks Board in its schematic drawings for the proposed dock and were not convinced it would work in the designated space.

Councilman Bennett Smith was firmly opposed, 

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saying “this proposal does very little to solve the problem.”  He suggested the City institute a lottery system to determine who gets public boat slip space.

That idea was rejected by Hugi and Mike Callanan who noted materials used on the public docks are paid for by the slip holders, representing a significant investment.  Callanan said a new launch area for small watercraft is available within one mile from the 20th Avenue access and added he does not believe parking is a significant issue for the area.  

Callanan was the only Council representative expressing support for the proposed new dock.  He also said he felt the Council may be undermining the authority of the volunteer park board by dismissing its recommendation without discussing it at a formal Council meeting where public input is accepted.

That sentiment was echoed by Kopriva.  

“The Parks Board recommends it, the DNR approves, Chamber encourages it and other businesses support it,” said Kopriva.  “We believe it should be the community’s right to voice an opinion on it, as well.”

On a 4-1 vote, the Council decided not to pursue the dock.  However, Callanan vowed to reintroduce the concept next year.

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