11-16-82 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING, NOVEMBER 16, 1982 -14- 14. DEMONTREVILLE ACCESS - Continued: Morgan - realize this is not a threat, that would rattle the DNR into activity; but, at least it will bring it to their attention. If given the land it will transfer more of the responsibility of the problem to them. Believes this is one of the more dangerous areas of the City. Has been at least one accident there. Also understand the need to provide access to the lakes, yet, feel there are less Lake Elmo residents fishing and more Lake Elmo people being annoyed than Lake Elmo people being satisified by fishing there. --Mottaz - presented background of the access. 1968 - East Oakdale Park Plan called for this access area to be developed for park purposes, including boat access. 1969 - Resolution was passed petitioning the State to deed the land (access location) to the township. Read resolution ..... paragraph two critical - and, WHEREAS, the land is desirable and needed by the township of East Oakdale.... for recreational purposes and public use 1969 - East Oakdale Park Plan, and 1974 - Lake Elmo Park Plan was an extension of the earlier township plan and called for public access, lake access and park land in this general area. Lake Elmo Park Committee also accepted a plan proposal making the area in question a 'mini -parkland would be included in the Lake Elmo Park system. - City of Lake Elmo has every right and responsibility to establish public access as does any other City in the State. Have just as much business doing this as they have establishing tennis courts, ba11£ields, or ski trails or whatever else is part of a park system. Letters have been received about trespassing on private property.- County owns as part of their right-of-way 33 ft. west of the center line in this area, or .201 beyond the blacktop. If someone drives on a sodded area but within the 33 ft. r-o-w they are not trespassing on private property. Safety Issue - explained the County's design standard for sight distance at an intersection. This area meets County safety standards and is considered a safe intersection by the County. --Novak- Asked why this material was not brought up at the Committee - meeting. --Mottaz- opposed the closing of the access. There are reasons why the access should not be closed. If it is unsafe now, the only thing closing - would;adcbmplish would be to move the unsafe situation away from someonelis.;house and onto private property ".front of someone elses house. --Fraser - believe the material the committee presented was what was asked - job done well and adequately. Reluctancy to close it is based on consideration of the facts. --Mottaz - this access, not by size, but by usage, one of the major park facilities the City has to offer. The City would be ill --advised to close this by pressure from some residents without holding a public hearing.