03-13-2003 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCI3 13, 2003 Yree. The reason for moving the pier is to give it more visibility from Edgerton Street and the park entrance. This will allow the Ramsey County Sheriff to be able to see the pier as they drive down Edgerton Street. Holmberg indicated that there would be approximately 200 feet of the path within the 25-foot shoreland setback area. Holmberg noted the City Planner's recommendation that the area where the path encroaches into the 25-foot setback be planted in natural vegetation. Holmberg reported that they were agreeable with that recommendation for the area where the path encroaches. However, there is an area of approximately 180 feet that is planned to allow people to pull up in boats. Holmberg reported that turf is planned for this 180-foot area. Also, of course, the beach area would be sand. Holmberg indicated the planting materials for the entire length of shoreline at the park. Starting from the northern-most point these are: 500 feet of natural vegetation (path is planned within this area); 180 feet of turf (boat parking area); 60 feet of natural vegetation (between boat area and beach); 220 feet of sand beach; Z50 feet of natural vegetation. Holmberg noted that of the over 1,200 feet of shoreline, slightly over 800 feet will be natw~al vegetation that will include native grasses and wildflowers. This plantings will be similar to what is being done at Lake Phalen. Holmberg noted that these areas will have to be closed off for a period of time to allow these plantings to establish themselves. He also noted that the east side of the hill is being overtaken with buckthorn, and the buckthorn will be removed and the area reseeded. I{eis asked about winter access onto the lake. Holmberg reported that the existing blacktop drive area to the lake will be removed since the current configuration of the parking lot and this drive allows run-off into the lake. The pa~~king will be reconfigured to direct run-off into the retention pond area proposed at the south end of the park. There will be a blacktop path area up to the sand beach and winter access by vehicles will be allowed via this path and then across the beach and onto the lake. Holmberg indicated that the park reconstruction project is planned to begin the end of May and be completed by the end of September. The beach will, therefore, be closed this summer. Weihe asked if the picnic shelter will be replaced. Holmberg reported that it would not. The County feels that there is not enough parking to support a picnic shelter that is rented for events. However, there will be picnic tables throughout the park for more informal picnicking. -2-