11-13-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 22,2001 7:00 o’clock fua. (IM - Forest Lake LaadioK, Coatinned) Gail Blockstone. 4465 Forest Lake Landing, indicated she and her daughter have anended all the public meetings regarding this access point. Blackstonc c.xprc:,ied safety concerns if this access point becomes more heavily used, citing a number of small children in the area, the lakeshore being secluded from the roadway, the lack of a bufl'er to the neighbors ’ properties, and the lack of parking in the area. Blackstone inquired why the Council is considering developing this access point now when the City in the past has chosen not to actively develop it. Blackstone suggested this area be lefl natural as it has existed that way for a number of years. Blackstone noted the Park Commission has indicated it has very limited funds to make any improvements to the local parks, and questioned whether thousands of taxpayer dollars should be spent to construct a stairway when it has experienced very little activity in the past years. Blackstonc indicated there is an access to Lake Minnetonka located across the rood that does not need additional development or oversight Blackstone stated the police arc able to view that area from their cars on the roadway without having to leave their vehicles. Blackstone stated although she is unaware of what permits arc required to permit a well and other structures to be located within the right-of-way. she is under the assumption the City did approve those structures at the time they were constructed. Val and Bob Wolff. 150 Forest Lake Landing, addressed the Council regarding this access point. Mrs. Wolff stated to the location of their house, they w ill be greatly affected by use of this access point and the au^.u irafTic tliat w ill be generated. Wolff stated in her view this access point is not conducive to this type of use and that the area should not be used for fishing or sw imming. Wolff slated in her opinion the area should be left natural. Wolff expressed safety concerns for herself and her grandchildren if this access site is to be opened up to the general public. W'olff expressed concerns that this situation could become sim^ar to the land access point near Coffee Channel. Wolfe requested the Council lake into consideration all of the residents’ concerns. Mr. W'olff commented since September 11*, security has become a main issue with most people, and by opening up this little area, it will make it public to a number of people. W'olff stated the distance between the Mullin property and the Lines property is 104 feel. Tim Lembke 4445 Forest l.ake Landing, presented a resolution to the Council for their consideration requesting this area be classified as a natural area. Lili McMillan. LMCD. stated she has two observations she would like to comment on. McMillan recommended if any improvements to this Fire lane are made over what has historically been there, the uses allowed should be very specific along with adequate enforcement. McMillan stated in her view if improvements are made to this particular site, it may change the use of it and additional enforcement may become necessary. McMillan stated in her view fishing and swimming are really not compatible in an area like this, and cautioned the Council against allowing the two uses together. McMillan commented fishing and PAGE 6