A small, private boat launch on Shutz Lake in Victoria took a step toward being allowed to reopen after the city's planning commission recommended Tuesday night that it receive a permit. The launch has been run since the 1960s by Archie Leizinger, an 84-year-old mentally disabled man who charges boaters $6 and a Dr Pepper.

A lakeshore owner complained last winter that Leizinger was running a business without a permit, and that boaters and anglers using the landing might bring zebra mussels into the 99-acre lake.

Victoria officials determined this spring that Leizinger had to obtain a conditional use permit or shut down the launch, known locally as Archie's Landing.

The landing can accommodate six boats and trailers. It is the only access point on the lake for those who don't live there.

Leizinger family members said the complaint about the landing was an attempt by a few lakeshore owners to close off the Carver County lake from the public.

The family closed the launch in late April, but last month applied to reopen it by paying $1,500 for the permit and negotiating its conditions with the city.

Shutz Lake is popular for bass fishing, and anglers and others have rallied to Leizinger's support, helping to raise money for the permit and for landing improvements.

The planning commission discussed the specifics of the permit, which include hours of operation, parking, signage at the launch, dock repair or replacement, and composting, recycling and trash collection.

The commission voted 4-0 to recommend that the city approve the permit. The City Council will meet on Monday to decide the matter.

TOM MEERSMAN