07-23-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 23, 2001 • (Park Commission Comments, Continued) Mayor Peterson stated it was her understanding the City Council previously directed the Park Commission to develop a three year plan for addressing the lake access points. Peterson noted at this time the Council is waiting to review that plan prior to taking action on any of the lake access points. Peterson suggested the Park Commission notify the Saga Hill residents of the anticipated time schedule for this lake access point. Wolfe indicated the residents in the Saga Hill area have been regularly attending the Park Commission meetings, with a petition having been signed by 32 of the residents requesting access be restored. Wolfe noted there are some residents who are opposed to having access at this location. Wolfe stated the residents have indicated they feel like they are trespassing when they attempt to utilize this access point and would like to see some type of walkway or trail constructed within the right -of -way. Nygard stated he toured this lake access point this morning to see whether the survey markers have been put back in. Nygard stated while on his tour he noticed a private property sign, which could possibly be located within the City's right -of -way. Nygard stated without the stakes being up, it is difficult to tell if the sign is on City property. Nygard presented some pictures of this lake access point to the Council. Nygard indicated while he was there photographing the area he also had the feeling like he was trespassing on private property. Nygard stated it would be his preference that a trail or walkway be constructed down to the lake to make the access point more accessible and easy for the kids in the neighborhood to use it. • Sansevere inquired what this lake access point has been classified as. Moorse stated to his understanding it has not been classified as a beach. Sansevere noted there is approximately a three foot drop -off in this area before the lakeshore. Mayor Peterson inquired whether this area was rocky or sandy. Wolfe noted this lake access point has been classified as a potential swimming area by the Park Commission. Nygard noted the area currently is rocky, with aerial photographs provided by the neighbors in the area showing that this once was a sandy beach area. Nygard stated in his opinion the City Council and Park Commission should deal with this lake access point as soon as possible. Sansevere stated a property owner does have the right to erect a private property sign as long as it is located on his property. Nygard commented he was unable to tell whether the sign was on private or public property since the survey markers have not been replaced. Mayor Peterson stated in her view the Park Commission should be dealing with this issue and not one member of the City Council. Peterson stated the Park Commission needs to recommend that the survey markers be replaced as well as recommend whatever other action is needed to address the issues relating PAGE 2