11-17-2025 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - Full Packet

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FILE # LA25-000033 17 Nov 2025 Page 4 of 8 Garbage: The site currently has a dumpster that is managed and monitored by the County (applicant). The proposed plan will not include a dumpster due to the gross misuse of the existing dumpster. Under the new redesign of the project, the County will encourage users to use the 'pack it in, pack it out' method of waste disposal. Smaller waste and recycling receptacles will be provided at the fishing area. Signage: Currently, there are directional and regulation signs placed around the site. The applicant proposes to update the signage around the site. This includes new directional signage, information for a new ADA lift, parking information, AIS information, and ramp and fishing information as well. Additionally, the County is proposing to install educational signage regarding the native vegetation and general information about the lake. Landscaping: There is existing vegetation along the western side of the property which is comprised up of a mix of trees and plantings creating some screening of residential properties. Additionally, there is a mix of mixed height grasses along the County right-of-way and eastern side of the property. Many of the plants in this area are not native or are invasive. Efforts should be made to incorporate a natural shoreline around the property where possible. The applicant is proposing landscaping designed around sustainability and ease of maintenance. Pollinator - friendly "bee lawns" will surround both sides of the site's entrance. A strip of prairie vegetation will run adjacent to County Road 51 and trees, shrubs, and perennials will line the water's edge. Existing invasive trees and shrubs will be cleared and grubbed. The tree buffer along the western edge of the site will be restored. The County's forestry department will assist with the selection of appropriate trees to plant for the buffer restoration. Water Access (motorized and nonmotorized): The site is currently used as a public boat launch. The County does not regulate the users of the site. This can include launching a variety of motorized boats including recreational boats, fishing boats, sport boats, jet skis and commercial/industrial boats such as barges. The redesign proposal identifies a goal of making the lake more accessible to all user types. Part of the project includes widening and reorienting the boat launch to make launching easier for all users of the lake. This will allow new dock configuration and stairs into the lake. Additionally, an accessibility lift is proposed on the site. Another aspect of the site design is to have stairs/steps along the eastern shoreline. These stairs are proposed to support the launching of nonmotorized boat (canoes, kayaks, etc.) away from the standard lake access. New fishing piers are also proposed to provide for safer and easier access for fishing from the site. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: VACATION The property is bisected by platted rights of ways. There is 40-foot platted road (Cherry Ave) and a 10-foot Alley. The county is proposing to vacation the 20 western feet of Cherry Ave and the 10-foot Alley. The Planning Commission should review the standards identified in the Governing Regulations Exhibit. n order to vacate following State and City requirements the DNR was notified (notification and response in included as exhibits) and following the Comprehensive Plan, determine if the following are met: • Requests for vacation of dedicated lake access right of ways will be evaluated carefully, in particular where equal or better lake accesses are not available nearby. The City will identify and take necessary action to preserve the public's right to use of any such accesses which exist but which may not have been formally dedicated. • The City will endeavor to work with property owners adjacent to lake access corridors to ensure that fiV