07-12-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 2% 1999 (#2501 CITY OF ORONO, CONTINUED) Gaffron stated the City would like to relocate the dock and walking path within the undeveloped Oak Street, which will require filling a small amount of wetland for the path. The City has maintained this dock for public use since it was originally constructed in the 1950s or earlier. The City was unaware until recently that the dock was not located on public property. Gaffron remarked that filling of more than ten cubic yards within the shoreland area of Lake Minnetonka requires a conditional use permit. The total fill for this project is 21.11 cubic yards of fill, which would create a base to accommodate a walking path to access the dock. A hardcover variance is also required to permit 180 square feet of hardcover within 75' feet of the lakeshore setback where no hardcover is normally allowed. The proposed project would also require a permit by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for filling of the wetland. Under the Wetland Conservation Act, the City is allowed to fill up to 400 square feet if the City demonstrates the project has no other alternatives to avoid filling of a wetland. Gaffron noted that there are no residences located immedi?<UUy adjacent to the dock and this project should have a minimum impact on the adjoining properties. The dock is for pedestrian use only, not for boat storage, with no parking allowed on Bayside Road. City Staff recommends approval of this application. Gaffron stated while the access was closed last year, the City received numerous calls expressing interest in the public access, and the City would like to maintain that public access. Hawn Inquired why a longer dock could not be installed rather than filling of the wetland. Gaffron remarked that the cost and liability may be the determining factors in the decision to fill the wetland, noting that the Public Works Director is not available tonight to answer those questions. Lindquist commented that those questions should be addressed to see if other alternatives exist to filling the wetland. Nygard stated that the snowmobilers in the area have harmed the shoreline In the past, noting that rocks have been placed along the shoreline to prevent further erosion. Hawn inquried whether there were any public comments. Renae Mueller, 222 Bederwood Drive, stated she has lived in that area for ten years and that people throughout the years have enjoyed that public access. Mueller stated that she has submitted a petition requesting that improvements be made to that access, and inquired whether an L-shaped deck could be installed as well as a bench and picnic table in that area. Mueller remarked that she would be willing to donate the picnic table and to patrol the area to insure that debris is picked up. Smith commented that it sounds like Mueller would like to have this area turned into a park, which is really not within the Planning Commission's jurisdiction. Gaffron stated that there is only a small area available for a picnic table, and that this is probably an issue for the Parks Commission. Hawn inquired whether the dock needs to be handicapped accessible. Page 11