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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1362 , - , �:, � � RESOLUTION �Vo._T362 • RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE PUBLIC ACCESS ON KING ' S POINT ROAD INTO HALSTEAD'S BAY, LAKE MINNETONKA . . WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing the acquisition and development of a public access on King 's Point Road which would include a concrete boat launch ramp and parking spaces for at least 30 to 50 cars and trailers; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Orono has reviewed information relating to the preliminary proposal and relating to the concerns expressed by the City of Minnetrista and others concerning the impact of the access on Halstead Bay; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Orono hereby opposes the development of a public access on King 's Point Road into Halstead 's Bay since it is an inappropriate location for such a use because of the following reasons: 1. The public access could pollute, impair and destroy natural resources: a) Halstead 's Bay is a sensitive bay due, in part, to shallows, rock reefs, unique vegetation, and wetlands. Heavy use would disturb the bottom of the bay and the nutrients deposited there, detrimentally affecting the water � quality. b) Heavy boat traffic which would be generated by the � public access would threaten Totus beds in the southwest portion of the bay. These lotus beds have been identified i as a unique plant species. c) The .majority of the property being considered by the Department of Natural Resources consists of wetlands, as identified by the United States Geological Survey and the City of Minnetrista. Development of a public access wou'ld require extensive fill which would be in contradiction to the standard DNR philosophies and policies. d) Moreover, such fill would be in contradiction to the City of Minnetrista's Wetlands Ordinance which states that, "no filling , grading , dredging , excavation or construction shall be allowed within the flood plain and wetlands conservation ar�ea. " The City of Minnetrista has actively . enforced this model ordinance after recognizing the many important functions which wetlands perform. � � . . . • Page 2 Resolution No. 1362. Opposing State Public Access on King 's Point Road e) There has been no sufficient or detailed evaluation of these issues or the environmental impact which a public access would have on Aalstead 's Bay. 2 . The public access could result in a safety hazard: a) The shallows and rock reef which are located in Halstead 's Bay are boating hazards which endanger the safety of boaters and cause property damage to watercraft. b) There have been several instances of boating accidents occurring on the reefs. c) One of these reefs is located just east of the proposed public access site. 3. Lake access to and from Halstead Bay is seriously impaired: • a) The only lake access to and from Halstead 's Bay is through a channel between Halstead 's Bay and Priest 's Bay. � b) The height of the County Road 44 bridge which crosses I that channel seriously limits the use of the bay. 4 . The City of Minnetrista has reported to the City of Orono that: a) The public access would not be consistent with the Minnetrista Comprehensive Plan which was approved by Metropolitan Council and subsequently adopted by the City of Minnetrista. This plan shows the most appropriate use for this area to be residential �of low and moderate densities. b) The Comprehensive Plan does not project any regional recreational facilities or other high intensity uses in the Halstead 's Bay area due , in part, to lack of access, incompatible land uses, lack of necessary public services and facilities, and environmental concerns. . c) The public access would not be consistent with the City of Minnetrista 's Zoning Ordinance and the Official Zoning , Map. • ,. • r �. • Page 3 . . Resolution No.�„� = Opposing State Public Access • on King 's Point Road d) The public access would not be consistent with Metropolitan Council ' s Recreation Open Development Guide/Policy Plan. The most recently amended Development Guide/Policy Plan shows no recreational facilities on Halstead Bay. In fact, though an initial draft of the Development Guide/Policy Plan showed a regional facility on Halstead 's Bay, the Metropolitan Council rejected that proposal and provided for no such facilities on Halstead 's Bay since it was found to be inappropriate. e) The public access would result in incompatible land uses which would conflict with existing and proposed residential activities. f) The development of a public access would conflict with these existing and potential residential activities because of increased noise levels, additional dust from the gravel road, high vehicular and boat traffic volumes, vehicular and • boat traffic congestion, policing problems, parking difficulties, detrimental environmental effects, negative impact on aesthetics, detrimental effect on property valuations, and deterioration of the road. I g) The public access would have very inadequate road ' access. The higher volume of heavier vehicles would require costly and extensive improvements to King 's Point Road. These construction costs and additional maintenance responsibilities would require the City to divert its scarce funds from other needed facilities and services to prevent the road from deteriorating further. h) The public access would require increased police and fire services, especially iri regard to traffic and parking problems inherent with a public access. 5. The Department of Natural Resources should not acquire and try to develop access sites with the type of problems outlined above. 6 . The City of Orono has and will in the future support efforts to provide public access to Lake Minnetonka where needed and where the access is appropriate. However, an access such as that proposed which is not appropriately located should not be � acquired or developed. Neither the general public, the present and future users of Lake Minnetonka, or the affected residents are -�.� . . � • Page 4 - Resolution No. 136.-2":� Opposing State Public Access . on King 's Point Road protected or served by the acquisition and development of an access which is so inadequate. There are reasonable and prudent alternative sites which could be developed. This resolution was approved by the City Council of the City of Orono on the 8 day of February, 1982, by a vote of 5 Ayes and 0 Nays. w�/ Mayor William B. Van Nest ATTEST: - � alter R Benson Clerk/ ministrator 0356j •