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) to this lake access point. Peterson stated it is her understanding the neighbors are fully aware that they are able to use this lake access point. Wolfe stated it is his sense that there might be some confusion where the exact easement lies and that the Lines may be feeling some blame by the neighbors for denying them access. Wolfe stated the property to the north has the major encroachment onto the easement rather than the Lines, and due to the way the two properties have been developed, access to the lake appears to be difficult. Wolfe indicated the Park Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council and questioned whether the Council should take some action on this lake access point given the circumstances. Nygard agreed the Park Commission needs to deal with this lake access point, and encouraged the Park Commission to act as quickly as possible in this particular case. Mayor Peterson noted the Park Commission only meets once a month, and that they need to recommend to the Council whether sand needs to be brought in or whether a walkway or trail should be constructed. Peterson noted the neighbor to the north of this access point was unaware she was encroaching onto City property, and has expressed some concerns that her property will be wrecked should this lake access point be used. Peterson stated the Park Commission needs to deal with this access point in conjunction with the other 38 access points, and that she will try to follow what the Park Commission recommends for this access point. • Flint stated he is in agreement with the Mayor, noting that there has been some bad feelings generated in this area due to some of the things that have happened in the past which are unrelated to the lake access point. Flint stated the Council would like to deal with this lake access point in conjunction with the other lake access points. Flint noted the Council had requested that Park Commission develop a three year plan along with a list of priority areas and recommended improvements for each lake access point for consideration by the Council. Flint encouraged the Park Commission to continue to work with Gappa on this matter. • Wolfe indicated one of the concerns expressed by the Park Commission has been whether adequate funding will be available to properly survey and identify each of these lake access points. Nygard stated in his view this is an important issue for the City and that the money should be made available to properly identify each access point. Nygard commented he would like to see this lake access point made accessible for both adults and children. Sansevere questioned whether this lake access point is currently safe for children and whether swimming should be allowed at this access point. Sansevere reiterated there is a drop -off in this area and the lakeshore may not be conducive to swimming. Gappa stated the water quality does not look very appealing and is mucky. Gappa stated he is unsure what it would take to make a beach in this area. Sanc;;-vere commented in his view the City probably should not be changing the lakeshore. PAGE 3