10-22-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 22, 2001 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. ( #4) FOREST LAKE LANDING PUBLIC RIGHT -OF -WAY Flint noted this item has not been noticed as a public hearing, with the Council merely acting on the recommendation of the Park Commission regarding classification of this lake access point. Moorse stated the Park Commission has recommended that the Forest Lake Landing be classified as a Class I, which includes activities such as pedestrian access to the lake, fishing from shore, and launching canoes and other small boats not requiring a trailer. The Class I category does not include the swimming beach use. The Park Commission has recommended against classifying the right -of -way as a passive natural area. Moorse stated the City Council may wish to address the question of whether a trail should be installed in the right -of -way and whether a set of stairs should be installed to provide access down the hill to the lakeshore. Sansevere inquired what Planning Director Gaffron's recommendation is concerning this access point. Gaffron indicated his knowledge of this access point goes back approximately 20 years, with his understanding being that this access point has not been frequently used in the past, with the City never • taking any steps to do any improvements to the area. Gaffron stated in his view very limited use of this access point is reasonable, with pedestrian access to the lake also being reasonable. Gaffron stated in his opinion installation of a dock or swimming is not reasonable for this location, and that perhaps some fishing could be done from the lakeshore. 0 Gaffron stated there is an issue with parking in the neighborhood. Gaffron stated in his view these lake access points are intended to serve the neighborhoods in which they are located. Sansevere commented in his view this access point should be passive. Sansevere stated in his opinion fishing or swimming is not appropriate at this site. White stated the encroachments from the Mullin property do pose a problem with this access point, with the Council or Park Commission not suggesting at this time that those items be removed out of the right - of -way. White stated all of the lake access points are public property, and in his view this access point will not become heavily used. White commented in his view the uses suggested for this site appear to be reasonable and that the City can address any problems that may possibly arise in the future at the time there is an issue. Nygard commented in his view there has been a struggle over the past year over whether anyone should be entitled to use this lake access point. Nygard stated this is public land, and that the recommended passive use for this lake access point is appropriate for this location. Nygard stated he is supportive of making this site accessible and to make it safer for people to get to and from the shoreline. Nygard stated the City has an obligation to protect these lake access points, which are a priceless heritage, for future generations. Nygard stated he is in favor of the Park Commission's recommendation. PAGE 3