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, Continued) Gail Blackstone, 4465 Forest Lake Landing, indicated she and her daughter have attended all the public meetings regarding this access point. Blackstone expressed safety concerns if this access point becomes more heavily used, citing a number of small children in the area, the lakeshore being secluded from the roadway, the lack of a buffer to the neighbors' properties, and the lack of parking in the area. Blackstone inquired why the Council is considering developing this access point now when the City in the past has chosen not to actively develop it. Blackstone suggested this area be left natural as it has existed that way for a number of years. Blackstone noted the Park Commission has indicated it has very limited funds to make any improvements to the local parks, and questioned whether thousands of taxpayer dollars should be spent to construct a stairway when it has experienced very little activity in the past years. Blackstone indicated there is an access to Lake Minnetonka located across the road that does not need additional development or oversight. Blackstone stated the police are able to view that area from their cars on the roadway without having to leave their vehicles. Blackstone stated although she is unaware of what permits are required to permit a well and other structures to be located within the right -of -way, she is under the assumption the City did approve those structures at the time they were constructed. Val and Bob Wolff, 4450 Forest Lake Landing, addressed the Council regarding this access point. Mrs. Wolff stated due to the location of their house, they will be greatly affected by use of this access point and the added traffic that will be generated. Wolff stated in her view this access point is not conducive to this type of use and that the area should not be used for fishing or swimming. Wolff stated in her opinion the area should be left natural. Wolff expressed safety concerns for herself and her grandchildren if this access site is to be opened up to the general public. Wolff expressed concerns that this situation could become similar to the land access point near Coffee Channel. Wolfe requested the Council take into consideration all of the residents' concerns. Mr. Wolff commented since September 11th, security has become a main issue with most people, and by opening up this little area, it will make it public to a number of people. Wolff stated the distance between the Mullin property and the Lines property is 104 feet. Tim Lembke, 4445 Forest Lake Landing, presented a resolution to the Council for their consideration requesting this area be classified as a natural area. Lili McMillan, LMCD, stated she has two observations she would like to comment on. McMillan recommended if any improvements to this fire lane are made over what has historically been there, the uses allowed should be very specific along with adequate enforcement. McMillan stated in her view if improvements are made to this particular site, it may change the use of it and additional enforcement may become necessary. McMillan stated in her view fishing and swimming are really not compatible in an area like this, and cautioned the Council against allowing the two uses together. McMillan commented fishing and s PAGE 6