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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 24, 2012 Page 2 A. Resolution 12 -016: Approving a Variance to Lakeshore Setback at Silverwood Park at 2500 County Road E. 5 Planning Commissioner Jensen presented the request for a variance to the lakeshore setback at 6 Silverwood Park and stated that one resident requested clarification about the City's authority to 7 approve the proposed structure and the resident was advised that Silverwood Park is located in a 8 zoning district different than a residential property owner who might request this type of 9 structure on their property. He requested that the resolution be amended to more accurately 10 reflect the Planning Commission's intent as it relates to the fifth "WHEREAS" clause and 11 suggested the clause be revised to state "WHEREAS, not having the immediate access to the 12 lake, the proposed shed would not create a dangerous situation for park visitors; and..." He 13 explained the intent of the revision is to affirm that the shed is not a safety hazard and stated the 14 Planning Commission reviewed the notion that having oversight of the canoe rental operations 15 near the lakeshore was an important part of the Park's mission and given the distance from the 16 visitor center, the shed's proposed location provides good coverage so the shed does not create a 17 safety hazard. 18 19 Mr. Tom Moffatt, Park Supervisor at Silverwood Park, appeared before the City Council and 20 stated the Park District's intent in requesting a variance is to locate the canoe rental base of 21 operations in close proximity to the lake to afford attendants a clear view of people on the lake to 22 encourage safe operation and to respond appropriately if someone needed assistance. He 23 indicated a 200' setback would place the shed in a location with an obstructed view of the lake 24 and would require transfer of equipment down a steep slope. He added the fifth "WHEREAS" 25 clause was intended to represent that the Park District is trying to prevent an unsafe situation. He 26 indicated they intend to offer canoe and kayak lessons and the Park District's recreation staff will 27 have a much higher level of water safety training. He stated the Park District has rental 28 operations at more than ten locations in the District and tries to locate its rental operations in 29 areas where the attendants have clear sightlines across the water with most being in the range of 30 30' -50' from shore. 31 32 Mayor Faust asked how many canoes are proposed to be on site and the hours of operation. 33 34 Mr. Moffatt replied the Park District has purchased six canoes and four small kayaks for rental. 35 He stated the Park District may explore adding rowboat rentals for fishing and stand -up 36 paddleboards, based on some feedback received; however, at this point, the Park District will 37 focus only on canoe and kayak rentals. He explained that the canoe and kayak rentals will be 38 available 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with more hours added 39 during the week if there is sufficient demand. 40 41 Mayor Faust indicated that people renting canoes and kayaks will have varying degrees of 42 expertise and there will be people out on the lake who are not aware of the DNR rules as far as 43 right -of -way and properly navigating around the islands, private property, beach, and boat 44 landing area. He asked how the Park District intends to handle these safety issues. 45