09-04-2001 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 4,2001 overlooked. Wolfe expressed concerns that in the future other groups will bring in other classifications that they would like adopted. Ilse commented it was her understanding that the Park Commission was discussing the concept of adopting a"natural classification" in general and not specifically to Forest Lake Landing. McDermott stated the discussion concerning a"natural classification" is general and that the Park Commission may want to revisit the sites classified as a Class V to determine whether they should be classified as a natural area also. McDermott noted the Council had directed the Park Commission to come up with a set of classifications for the various access points. Meyers stated in his view the topography of the area should dictate whether the area is classified as a natural area rather than politics. Meyers stated it would be up to the discretion of the Council whether they wish to change the classifications in the future depending on the changing circumstances of the area. McDermott moved,Meyers seconded,to create a Class VI,"Natural" Lakeshore Access Site,which would include naturalization of the shoreline for sites deemed appropriate for restoration to the natural habitat of the area, pedestrian access to the area,fishing from the shoreline,with boating not being allowed. Wolfe stated the Park Commission wants to encourage the local residents to develop the shorelines naturally. Meyers stated in his opinion if a resident comes up with an idea for a different classification, the Park Commission should consider it. Meyers stated in his view an additional classification of natural area with pedestrian access would be beneficial. VOTE: Ayes 3,Meyers,Bouchard,McDermott; Nays 4,Ilse,Silber,Wolfe,Halvorson. MOTION FAILED. llse indicated she would be willing to reconsider this classification in the future. (Recess was taken from 9:20 p.m.—9:30 p.m.) It was the consensus of the Park Commission to classify Forest Lake Landing as a Class I based upon the historical use of the site. Ilse noted the Park Commission did receive a request from some of the residents in this area for pedestrian access to the water. Ilse inquired where the markers would be placed at this particular site. McDermott stated it is his understanding the Park Commission had agreed to place the flush markers at the four corners of all lake access points, with discussion still to be had on where to place the upright markers at each particular site. The Park Commission had discussed at their previous meeting the option of placing some upright markers within the use area at some of the lake access sites. McDermott encouraged the members of the Park Commission to give some thought to a uniform method for placement of the upright markers. PAGE 9