06/11/2008: "Aquatic Reserve Coming Back ?"

Chairman Howard Rosenfeld told his fellow council members on Tuesday that he would like to “get a quick consensus from the Council to “set aside two hours in July for a DNR representative Richard Doenges to “start to answer questions that the Council has, and that the public has” about the Aquatic Reserve program

Rosenfeld said the DNR Manager would like to come up and address the Council about “what he thinks were misconceptions about the aquatic reserve.” Rosenfeld was quick to say “there is nothing pending”, and then added that while the council is not being “offered to participate in this again, but it is a possibility for the future, perhaps in two years.”

Rosenfeld did not explain why the proposal may be coming up again in two years, but as the County learned in the last go-around, anyone, or any group, can nominate an area to be a candidate for inclusion into the Aquatic Reserve Program, and once in, a County cannot withdraw unless DNR agrees to remove the designation. (related story)

Councilman Alan Lichter quickly stated that “I’m not in favor of that Mr. Chair; it’s a dead issue right now. I’m not interested in any discussion.”

Bob Myhr said that “it always helps to get some information. As I recall that decision (to reject the Reserve proposal) was made without any discussion by this Council whatsoever.”

Rosenfeld picked up on Myhr’s comment by stating “I agree with that perspective, it wasn’t given a chance.” Rosenfeld than said that if it was okay with the Council he would like to schedule an hour of time in July for the DNR

Councilman Rich Peterson agreed with Lichter when he said “It’s not okay with me.” Councilman Kevin Ranker said that since Rosenfeld was the Chair of the Council “he don’t have to ask us,,, maybe we should change the chair,” then added that two hours was “ridiculous” and that he also thought the issue was completely dead, that’s good, and let’s move along;” but then added it would be valuable for the Council to be better informed.”

Peterson said he disagreed with Rosenfeld and Myhr, in that “we gave this a very thorough airing to it, I disagree that we did not have discussions; we killed it.” (related story ) “the idea of bringing it back up at all seems to be to be counter productive.”

Lichter then suggested that the DNR could provide the Council with their information in writing, “let us read it, and then if we feel we need more information, then let’s invite him up.”

With that, and without the requested consensus, Rosenfeld moved to the next agenda item.