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| Crosslake Council Working Toward Right of Way ResolutionWeb posted February 21, 2012 By Paul Boblett, Editor At the regular monthly meeting of the Crosslake City Council on Feb. 13, city attorney Michael Couri presented options on how best to proceed with a guest cabin that was built on a public right of way located on Manhattan Point. The council discussed the issue at length during previous meetings after the problem was discovered. A survey was conducted and the information as provided to the City in January. Couri has been in contact with the affected landowners and suggested meeting with them to see how they can work together to resolve the situation. Council agreed that the meetings could go a long way toward resolution in the dispute. He said following the meetings, it would be a good idea to schedule a court date to amend the plats so the landowners can be assured they hold good title to their respective properties. Also located in the right of way is a pump-house and the corner of the home that is related to the guesthouse. Couri will report to council at their next meeting following the discussion with the landowners. Social Host Ordinance Tabled Council tabled a motion to approve a Social Host ordinance for the City of Crosslake. The ordinance, already adopted by other area cities, makes it is illegal for a person to host an environment where underage drinking is allowed. The penalty would be a misdemeanor charge. What the ordinance does not take into account is who provided alcohol to minors. An example of a violation given in the memo states that the ordinance would include a party where the host did not supply the minors with alcohol but allowed a place for minors to consume alcohol. Hartman said that it is legal for parents to provide their own children with alcohol in their own homes. Hartman stated, "We can hold those parents liable and accountable under a misdemeanor for allowing a place for these kids to have a party.” Hartmann's said what he sees happening now are younger adults providing minors with a place to drink. He added that the complaints would be handled through the Crow Wing County Attorney’s office. City attorney Michael Couri noted language in the ordinance stating a person is in violation when a "person knows or reasonably should know" that someone underage is consuming or possessing alcohol. Couri suggested the city could remove the language "reasonably should know" from the ordinance before council approval. Council was concerned about making the public aware of the ordinance, citing the high seasonal residency in the City. Hartman suggested going to the schools, putting information in the city newsletter and perhaps some type of media campaign. He added that he would bring this up at his monthly meeting of area Police chiefs. The issue will be revisited at the next meeting. Silver Sneakers Program Moving Forward Council took a step toward providing the award winning Silver Sneakers fitness program in Crosslake. Silver Sneakers is a program that began in 1992 for older adults, fully funded for those age 65 or older who qualify for Medicare. Parks and Recreation Director Jon Henke told council that more than one million adults participate in the Silver Sneakers program, provided by Healthways. Henke said that he has been working on getting this program for the city since 2009 and several people have petitioned for it. The program could provide additional revenue for the City, which already has an exercise facility at the Community Center. Henke said that people who qualify for the program would receive a card in the mail that would be scanned when they visit the community center. The community center is then reimbursed $3 for each individual visit, with a guarantee of $250 a month. Henke said the program is in high demand and that the Community Center had to be invited by Healthways in order to provide the program. Henke told council that he and two other fitness instructors would receive training to provide the workout program and that a field management team from Healthways would provide staff support. Henke stated that several health insurance plans qualify for people to use the program, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Humana and Medica. Henke explained that if the program is not well attended, the partnership could be stopped by either the Silver Sneakers program or the City. Council motioned to make a minor change to the contract before it will be signed concerning potential information being shared that could result in a violation of the Data Practices Act. The program is scheduled to start 4-6 weeks from when the contract is signed. Henke told council that changing the contract could result in an additional delay of 4-6 weeks. Public Safety Police Chief Hartman reported 103 calls for service in Crosslake and 46 for Mission Township in the month of January. Council approved an Law Enforcement contract with Mission Township in the amount of $48,000 to be paid in four increments. A fire service agreement was approved for Manhattan beach and Fairfield Township based on 3.54 percent of the tax capacity. Council approved the hiring of two part-time police officers to be used on an “as needed/on call” basis. Hartman stated this would not affect his 2012 budget. Crosslake Fire responded to a total of 23 calls in January. Council also approved donations in the total amount of $150 from residents and $780.48 from the Fireman’s Relief Association for a fireproof cabinet. In other Council business: • Melissa Barrick from Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District presented information on some projects and successes in community. Barrick thanked the city staff and local lake association adding they were the most successful in finding projects for the organization. She stated that grants are available for projects on Rush, Cross, and Big Trout Lakes. Barrick added that plans to rebuild the public access on Big Trout along CSAH 66 would are underway to mitigate runoff issues that currently exist. • Crosslake Fire Chief Chip Lohmiller presented four retired firefighters with plaques and recognition from the council. Mike Myogeto, Buck Garin, Keith Anderson and Tony Fraser represent a total of 109 combined years of experience and service to the community. They received a round of applause and thanks from the council. • Also recognized for their service to the City of Crosslake were Nancy Addington, Karen Christofferson, Armond Gease and Larry Early for their years of service on various commissions and boards. • Approved an update the city’s website at a cost of $3,200 through govoffice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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