10-22-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MLNUTESOFTHE ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS CO>DnSSION MEETLNG Tnesday, Sq»tcmb(r 4,2001 McDcnnott concurred that the Park Commission would need a diagram of what the area would look like prior to turning this site into a natural area. McDermott stated in his opinion approximately 40 to 50 feet of the lakeshoce would be restored, with the remaining 20 feet left as is. Wolfe agreed that this is an intriguing concept, but questioned whether this is beyond the scope of what the Park Commission has been directed to do. Wolfe stated in his opinion there might be belter sites within the City for an ecosystem restoration and that the Park Commission needs to address what type of access should be allowed at this site. McDermott stated in his view if swimming is not allowed and there is just basically a pathway down to the lake, this access point wnll not become heavily used. Meyers questioned whether the Park Commission should even classify this as a Class 1*A, noting that the e.xact language for this classification has not been finalized. McDermott stated the Park Commission needs to determine what type of classification they want to give to this site. McDermott indicated the Council would be holding a public hearing on this matter probably in September, with the Council voting on the recommended classifications. A Class I-A classification could include language that this is a natural area that is being developed for an ecosystem based approach for filtering drainage before it enters the water based upon the recommendations of the DNR. fise stated she has heard some of the residents say they are not opposed to having the neighbors have access at this time, with swimming not being recommended, and fishing not being preferred. Ilse suted perhaps the Park Commission needs to consider those types of issues first and w hat the City would like to see this access point used for. McDermott stated the first question in his opinion for the Park Commission is whether they want to adopt a classification called a natural area. Bouchard indicated she would be willing to adopt a classification for a natural area, but that she would like to see pedestrian access left available. Meyers stated there could be an observation trail or lookout area constructed which would allow access close to the lakeshore. McDermott stated in his view the Park Commission is not in favnr of fencing this access point off toully. Bouchard indicated she is not in favor of adopting a classification for a natural area if the public is not allowed to have access to iL McDermott and Meyers indicated they agree with Bouchard. Meyers stated if this area is turned into a natural area, swimming, boating, and fishing probably would not be allow*ed, w'hich would be included in the classification language. Wolfe stated in his view adding the “natural classification** may be premature at this time. Wolfe stated people have been using this access point for the past 40 to 30 years, which cannot be PAGES