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MINUTES <br />PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION <br />April 6, 2017 <br />feet. He noted this would make it near impossible to put a canoe in the <br />water. His photos also showed the thick vegetation including the dense lily <br />pad coverage. Wenzel called the lake a “glorified wetland”, described it as <br />very shallow and only one foot deep. He also pointed out that the north <br />access on Old County Road C is deeper and has less cattails. <br /> <br /> Horwath asked if Wenzel knew who the last boater was on the lake. <br />Wenzel said it was probably himself in the Spring of 2016. Darling asked <br />what would happen if the access was not put in and no change was made <br />to the lake. Wenzel explained the situation would continue to get worse. <br />More cattails and lily pads would grow and the lake level would continue <br />to decline which would inhibit further vegetation growth. Darling asked <br />what his future projection was for the lake in 15 – 20 years. Wenzel said <br />the lily pads and cattails would continue to grow and the only way to <br />prevent it would be to raise the water level and he explained that wouldn’t <br />be possible unless the City got an easement from every property owner on <br />the lake which would be unlikely. <br /> <br /> Ray explained the survey was meant to raise awareness about a suggestion <br />the Commission had received. He noted if the survey turned back positive <br />results, the plan was to consider including it on the prioritization list of <br />projects the Commission had put together. Ray reasoned the only <br />foreseeable use, after hearing from Wenzel would be to observe wildlife. <br />Wenzel agreed, but explained the easement cuts very close to the property <br />owner’s house and it would likely have to cut across his own driveway. He <br />also noted there is a storm sewer outlet on the easement that would make a <br />path difficult. Wenzel continued, explaining he was unhappy that at the <br />same time as this discussion was going on, the City also wanted to put a <br />rain garden on their property as well. The City Administrator clarified that <br />the rain garden was going to be put in Neadeau Park instead, as discussed <br />last month. Chu stated that the survey was meant to gather public opinion, <br />not to make a decision. Wenzel stated he wished the landowners would <br />have been invited when Waite was invited as well. Schletty explained it <br />was nice for the Commission to be able to see the shoreline and <br />understand the situation from a different perspective. Darling pointed out <br />the Commission was just investigating an idea from a resident, and now <br />Wenzel was able to share his perspective as well. Wenzel stated he wished <br />the Commission had looked at the feasibility of this project before sending <br />out a survey. Chair Miller stated that the survey was a low cost <br />opportunity to gather public input. He explained the Commission wanted <br />to hear new ideas and the survey was another way of gathering input. <br /> <br /> Cam Oyen who lives at 184 Lake Street, explained he lived down the road <br />from the easement, and on the lake. He stated that he purchased his house <br />in 2002 and used his canoe on the lake for about two years. Lynn indicated <br />that he had purchased the property because it was in a quiet residential