The Albert Lea City Council’s decision to change its mind about a boat rental business in a residence is a setback for David Berg, the proposed business’s operator.

Thursday, January 31, 2002

The Albert Lea City Council’s decision to change its mind about a boat rental business in a residence is a setback for David Berg, the proposed business’s operator.

He is still optimistic about what the future might hold, but unless he can persuade the city council to allow him to rent boats from city-owned property near his house, his business -&160;and an opportunity for people to rent boats on Fountain Lake – is sunk.

Berg doesn’t know why the neighbors are objecting to the proposed business. He read about the original approval the day after that meeting, and then called City Manager Paul Sparks a few days later. That’s when he found out about the opposition to the idea.

&uot;Mr. Sparks told me it would be in my best interest to attend the next meeting. My neighbors did not speak to me at all, but I’m not really sure if they know how to get a hold of me, because I live there in the summer only,&uot; Berg said.

Some of the objecting neighbors are living in another state for the winter; another neighbor, Lorraine Provo, declined to comment about her objections Tuesday.

City staff seemed optimistic about the possibility when they were first contacted, Berg said. Sparks asked Berg to send a business plan and the request was put on the council’s agenda.

Now that the permission to operate out of his home has been rescinded, Berg sees his options as limited to using city-owned property -&160;something he thinks he can make work for everyone.

There is local interest in providing rental boats on Fountain Lake.

Tony Trow is one local resident who isn’t keen on having a rental business operate out of somebody’s home, but he is supportive of seeing more people enjoying the lake.

&uot;Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have rental boats available on the lake?&uot; Trow said.

Trow also wants to see a plan for Berg’s business and thinks it might be a good idea for Albert Lea, if Berg can get permission to operate on city-owned land.

&uot;As I pointed out at the meeting in regards to the Albert Lea City Logo, which shows a boat on a lake, I would assume that this would be a city that will give all citizens an opportunity to enjoy water recreation. I’m very optimistic,&uot; Berg said.