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) swimming also tend to be things where people will stay in a particular area for an extended period of time versus launching a kayak or a canoe, and would have a different impact on the property. Tim Line, 4415 Forest Lake Landing, indicated he lives next door to this access point. Line expressed safety concerns should this become more heavily used, citing recent break -ins and a peeping Tom that the neighborhood has recently experienced over the past summer. Line stated at the time they purchased their property the access point was dormant and they were told the City does not have any intentions for developing the site. Line stated they are very concerned about the safety of the neighborhood and people who do not live in the immediate area that would use it and how this area would be policed. Line suggested the City consider developing some type of pass for the people who are entitled to use the lake access points. Line noted this street is very narrow, with no parking being allowed on the street. Line stated due to the narrowness of the street, people who drive down the street have to back up in someone's driveway in order to turn around. Line stated he also has a concern regarding the maintenance of these access points, noting the Park Commission has very limited funds to do improvements. Line stated Orono's parkland continues to grow, but the funds to improve these areas have not been increased. Line stated in his view there needs to be a plan in place for maintaining these areas. • Line further expressed concerns regarding the policing of these areas, noting that the onus of maintaining this access point will be upon himself and the other adjoining property owner. 0 Line stated they are in favor of this area being classified as a natural area, noting that over 60 people did sign the petition saying they are supportive of that concept. Line requested the Council consider classifying this site as a natural area. Shirley Bull, 4690 Tonkaview Lane, encouraged the City Council to follow the recommendation of the Park Commission and restore this access point. Bull indicated the three other access points located on Forest Lake are undeveloped and are inaccessible due to the topography. Bull commented since the Forest Landing access point is the widest site and the only one located on the west side, it would make the most sense to utilize this access point. Bull stated in speaking with other residents interested in this access point, it is her belief that there will not be a great increase in the amount of usage of this site or in the traffic. Bull indicated the City of Orono already owns a great deal of natural area in the Saga Hill neighborhood, which is in close proximity to this site. Bull stated she lives next to the Saga Hill area and she had concerns regarding the amount of traffic that would be generated by the usage of this area. Bull stated the amount of traffic generated utilizing the Saga Hill area is minimal, and in her view the same will be true for the Forest Lake Landing. Bull pointed out there have been a number of break -ins all over the City and not just limited to the Forest Lake Landing. Bull commented the City of Orono's philosophy in the past is that any resident should have access to the lake, which should be maintained. PAGE 7