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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 23, 2009 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 4 of 11 (4. COUNTY ROAD 15 SHORELINE RESTORATION PROJECT, Continued) Wells commented it has become an increasing problem and that this past Friday there was an emergency call to the area, which resulted in a number of fire trucks and a helicopter coming to the scene. Wells stated if truck access down to the lake is encouraged, more issues will be created. Murphy noted all the issues the neighbors are describing are being experienced in other areas, particularly in the winter, and that he would like the City to take some steps to discourage some of this behavior. Murphy noted whenever an emergency does occur, it takes tremendous resources of the City. Murphy stated the City Council will be discussing this situation at their next work session. Andy Jacobson, Mathison Law Firm, stated he is appearing on behalf of Mr. Hamm. Jacobson stated Mr. Hamm shares the concerns of the neighbors and feels that the improvements will invite even more people to the area. In addition, Mr. Hamm feels the City has an obligation to take steps to deter people from coming onto their private property. Robbe stated in his view the increasing number of people coming to this area raises security and safety concerns for the residents. Craig Moen, 1387 Orono Lane, stated he has resided in this area for a number of years and that he is well aware of the issues and that he would like the access closed down due to the limited visibility at that corner. Robbe commented that there is virtually no room for the vehicles to turn around safely. Franchot commented there appears to be a disconnect on this project and that the main issue that should be addressed is how to control an area that is being misused by a number of people. Franchot stated if the access is causing a significant amount of problems for the neighbors in the area, the City needs to look at the situation further. McMillan stated historically it is difficult for the City to close down a public access and that the state considers Lake Minnetonka to be open to the greater public. Some delineation between the private property and the public area would be a great idea. McMillan suggested the area also be made to look as natural as possible. McMillan stated she is hesitant to add a trash can in the area since it tends to invite dumping by people traveling through the area. Gaffron stated Hennepin County has basically maintained the parking area and that typically the DNR does not place garbage cans in this type of area since it does attract dumping. Franchot asked what the county views as maintaining the area. Gaffron stated to his understanding the parking area is not really plowed and that to his knowledge the City has not declared this a public access but that it has been used by people for a number of years. The City would need to speak with the DNR and Hennepin County on whether this access could be closed. Franchot commented the shoreline restoration project and the issues going on in the neighborhood should perhaps be addressed separately once all the facts are gathered and the City examines its options. Murphy closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 04/13/09 Approval of Council Minutes 03/23/09 [Page 4 of 11]