08-13-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2001 • PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued 0 Lisa Mullen's back yard. Mrs. Wolfe felt if the access use were to change, it would escalate, raising safety and security concerns. Lorie Line of 4415 Forest Lake Landing stated that everyone is uncomfortable with the access situation, and no one would ever be comfortable using the Mullen's back yard. She stated that the Line property was previously used as a lake access and people were confused now that this 2 -acre property with 780' of shoreline had been purchased and developed as private property. She stated that they planted the arborvitae wall for their and the Mullen's privacy. Joan Valek of 4720 Tonkaview Lane stated that petitions are going around that state the City is trying to take the Mullen's backyard; she heard the City pays property taxes on the landing; she was also told it was a fire lane. She felt the petitions were misleading on both sides of the argument. Rich Walter of 4470 Forest Lake Landing stated that there were people who used the vacant lot, now owned by the Lines, to access the lake, but no one ever used the public access. Chris Morgart of 1003 Wildhurst Trail stated that the access is 60' wide the entire length of the landing. He asked if the City would stake out 60' and cut into people's front yards. He stated the City must have known the Line's were usurping City property. Mayor Peterson stated the Line's had requested variances that were approved. Morgart stated the City claims they own property in two people's front yards. Flint stated that adverse possession doesn't run against the City. People can use portions of City property, but the City still owns it. The Mullen's house was built before things were properly scrutinized. Today the house would not be built on City property. Morgard asked if the City could claim a 60' swath of property and the Line's and Mullen's would have to deal with it. Flint stated some people have requested more access and the City is considering their request. Sansevere stated he feels the access should be kept open for passive use. He stated that someone had accused him of liking lily pads more than children, and that was not true. He simply felt the lily pads were good vegetation for the lake and should not be removed. He also stated the landing should not be treated differently from the other 38 landings. Morgart stated the City should vacate the landing and split the property between the Line's and Mullen's. Larry Brown of 4755 Tonkaview Lane stated the City should not vacate the landing because then it would be permanently vacated. Sansevere stated that was not being considered as an option. 8