7-26-1999OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
July 26, 1999
Members present: Jim Johnson, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler, Jim Sicora, Linda Loomis, Roger
McConico and Tom Zins. Also in attendance were Rick Jacobson, Sharyl Thompson and a num-
ber of residents.
There were no agenda changes or additions.
MINUTES — JUNE 28,1999
A motion was made by Jerry Sandler and seconded by Jim Sicora to approve the minutes of June
28, 1999.
DEVELOPMENT OF CITY LOT (SOUTH END OF SWEENEY LAKE)
Linda Loomis gave a brief history of this lot. The Commission is looking for input from resi-
dents as to how the lot should be developed once it is re -zoned as "open space". Rick Jacobson
showed a map of the area outlining a proposal by Floyd Anderson. It showed re-routing the path
further away from his property line, clearing an area on the shoreline, putting in a retaining wall
to prevent storm drainage from washing out the path, and a privacy fence.
There was some discussion on the storm drainage from Adeline Lane down to the lake. This
problem will be addressed when street reconstruction occurs within the next five years. How-
ever, then the question arose as to whether or not ponding would be necessary at that time, and
how this would affect the timing of developing the lot itself.
Most comments from the residents were favorable to the proposal by Floyd Anderson. It was un-
derstood that engineers would have to study the matter and make recommendations as to place-
ment of the trail, etc. Also a survey will be necessary to determine lot lines.
In discussing specific development of the lot, a couple of residents were in favor of an observa-
tion dock, much like is located at the Rice Lake Trail. They also expressed an interest in a small
dock for launching canoes.
Some residents preferred that there be no clear cutting of trees where the path would meet the
lake. They wanted the area left as natural as possible. One resident mentioned that if it were left
in its natural state, the mosquitoes would control the night users. Some felt the path should stay
where it is because of the grade and where it presently comes out at the lakeshore.
One resident was in favor of parking by permit only on Adeline Lane. Others preferred the park-
ing restrictions after 10:00 PM.
One resident is concerned about putting a park in the middle of four residences. She felt that the
City should do everything possible to protect the property rights of these homeowners.
The question was raised as to whether or not the City would abandon the present public access to
Sweeney Lake at Thotland if an access were made on this lot. Rick Jacobson explained that it
couldn't be abandoned completely because of utility easements, but it could perhaps be aban-
doned as a "trail".
Several residents expressed their desire to have better access to the lake and preferred the Ade-
line trail.
One resident didn't want anything done. He felt that further development would bring in more
undesirable users.
The question was raised as to the process that will be followed in notifying neighbors of what the
Open Space and Recreation Commission recommends to City Council.
The Commission decided to pursue this matter further at the September meeting. They will meet
for dinner, have a short park tour (including this lot), and then come back to discuss the proposal
that will eventually go before City Council.
PURCHASE OF HONEYWELL PROPERTY
The Open Space and Recreation Commission commends the City Council on the purchase of the
Honeywell property. The action taken will have a very positive impact for the residents of
Golden Valley.
AUGUST MEETING
There will be no meeting on the fourth Monday in August. However, there is a joint meeting
scheduled to discuss the Comprehensive Plan with the Planning Commission at City Hall on
Monday, August 9, 1999, 7:00 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Roger McConico and seconded by Jim Johnson to adjourn. Motion car-
ried.
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