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Council keeps Westlake Drive boat landing after straw vote; county declines share of landing costs
Summary
Detroit Lakes council took an informal straw vote to retain the Westlake Drive boat landing while directing staff to refine designs; council also approved a revised cooperative agreement after Becker County declined to participate in boat-landing costs, leaving the city responsible for the full expense.
The Detroit Lakes City Council voted in an informal straw poll to retain the existing boat landing at Westlake Drive and discussed broader beach improvements tied to the Westlake Drive phase 3 design.
Public works staff and the city engineer reviewed proposed beachfront improvements developed with HKGI and noted that Becker County has opted not to participate in proposed boat-landing costs. Public works leadership told the council the city would bear 100% of costs for whatever improvements proceed at that location if the county does not participate.
Council members raised concerns about safety—especially with planned bike lanes and increased pedestrian use as Westlake Drive is reconstructed—and about access for Legion Campground users and winter uses such as snowmobile access and ice-fishing.
After discussion, the mayor asked for a show of hands on keeping the landing; seven council members signaled they wished to keep the landing. The council then approved a revised cooperative agreement with Becker County that removes the county contribution (about $55,000) toward the boat landing and allocates costs to the city.
Council directed staff to return with alternative designs and cost estimates so members could consider options before finalizing the beach and landing elements.
