04-02-2001 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 McDermott commented he is unable to attend the meeting on the Metropolitan Regional Open Space Policy Plan scheduled for April 3, 4, ar 5. McDermott stated if someone is available from the Park Commission that can attend this meeting, they should let him lrnow. McDermott inquired whether anyone from the City would be attending these meetings. Gaffron stated he is not aware at this time of anyone who will be attending. Jim White, Council Representative, indicated he would be attending the one scheduled in Clear Lake. (#7) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS McDermott distributed some documentation concerning the classifications utilized by Tonka Bay to designate their fire lanes. McDermott noted Tonka Bay utilizes three different classifications, and suggested that Orono could utilize these as well, with the addition of a fourth classification for swimming beach and a fifth classification for drainage area. Bouchard inquired whether all of Orono's lake access points have been designated as fire lanes. Meyers commented it is his understanding that originally they were intended as fire lanes and were utilized by the fire trucks to obtain water out of the lake to combat fires. Gaffron stated some of them could be used as fire access points, but due to the topography and narrowness of some of the access points, they could not be utilized as fire access points. Gaffron stated many of the lake access points have been platted to allow for pedestrians to gain access via foot to the lake. McDermott noted Tonka Bay has identified every single one of their lake access points and has erected signage designating how the lake access points have been classified by the City. Meyers suggested that perhaps an article be submitted to the local newspaper alerting the local residents that the City will be reviewing these lake access points and classifying them. Gaffron stated another option is to notify only those property owners where there appears to be some possible encroachment onto the City's property. Gaffron stated it is his understanding it would take an act of legislature to vacate a public access point. The Park Commission reviewed a slide presentation of the various access points. #42—Summit Beach The Park Commission designated this area as a Class I and Class N access point,no snowmobile access. Meyers noted the possibility of widening and clearing this area, along with the addition of a fishing pier, has been discussed previously by the Park Commission. PAGE 3