Members Present: Pam Andrews, Steve Bloom, Kathy Clevers, Roy Krouse, Dick Sachs and Jerry Vandersteen (Trustee)
Absent: Ruth Lund
Staff: Tim Krause, DPW Director and Steve Dunks, Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector
1) Call Meeting to Order
Meeting was called to order at 6:36 P.M. by Chair, Roy Krouse
2) Approve Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Jerry Vandersteen; second by Kathy Clevers.
Motion carried unanimously.
3) Approve Minutes of Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Dick Sachs; second by Pam Andrews.
Motion carried unanimously.
4) Open Forum, Issues brought before the Committee for which no decision shall be made. (members of the general PUBLIC ONLY)
Public in attendance –
Harold Lalonde – 2575 Longtail Beach Lane
Rick Marto – 2584 Longtail Beach Lane
Richard Marto – 2544 Longtail Beach Lane
Valarie Dary – 2589 Longtail Beach Lane
Jim Salscheider – 2590 Longtail Beach Lane
Harold Lalonde -
Attending this meeting tonight to speak in regards to my garage issue.
My garage is supposed to be on a right-of-way. This garage has been there for 70 years. I’ve received a letter stating that I have to move it.
Steve Dunks stated that this issue will be addressed at the Village Board level.
Rick Marto –
I’ve had a lot of run-ins with people who use this for their trucks, cars, ice fishing and putting boats in. These are people that I don’t know. My house is just over 10 feet from this area.
I have a lot of concerns over this issue.
Parking: the road right-of-way down there is only 50 feet, whose yard are they going to park in?
My main concern is the safety of all this.
Use a lot of consideration when you decide what you are going to be using that 16’ strip for.
Richard Marto –
The village purchased those 2 lots down on Sunset Beach Lane and has done nothing with them for two years except cut the grass. These lots just sit there and I don’t understand why.
Why are we worrying about this 16’ feet when nothing has been done there?
Jim Salscheider –
Moved there in 1990; if anything is going to be done with this easement I propose you split it down the middle and you give me 8 feet and give Rick 8 feet and close this issue.
Valarie Dary –
Concerned about our shared well issue and what is going to happen.
Also questioning when this will come up again.
5) Longtail Beach Lane Water Access Feasibility
STAFF REPORT:
The Village owns a 16’ strip of land on Longtail Beach Lane that connects the roadway to the Bay. This was dedicated in 1916 when the plat was recorded. Throughout the years this piece has been used as an access for watering cattle, local residence access and emergency access to the water. It has also been abused by snowmobiles and partiers, which has caused distrust with the adjoining landowners.
The Harbor Commission moved to open this access to pedestrian use as it is the only public access inside of Longtail Point short of Harbor Lights Lane which offers limited vision. Over time there have been improvements made to this piece of property by an adjacent landowner to impede pedestrian access.
The issue that needs to be addressed by this Committee is whether to support or oppose improving the access for pedestrian use. The benefit to the community may seem minor, however, this is the only public access to the bay, south of Harbor Lights Road, or within the southern 11/2 miles of the Village.
Motor vehicles would not be allowed and fencing would be installed to restrict trespassing. Existing documents supporting this access are outlined below.
Relating to the east side portion, adopted planning documents are in favor of open access. References are offered below.
Chapter 3, Goals and Objectives of the 2006-2011 Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan page 33, offers to "Provide adequate amounts of active and passive recreational lands to meet future needs. One of the supporting objectives is to "Acquire waterfront recreational sites." This site is passive in nature and already held by the Village.
Chapter 5 page 45, discusses waterfront and wetland preservation along the Bay. Speaking access to these areas, the plan states "The potential for expansion of this type of recreation, that does not impact wetlands, should be reviewed and considered when preserving and developing the Bay of Green Bay waterfront." The site of discussion offers just this, an opportunity for residents to view the special environment inside of Longtail Point while having no additional impact to the that environment. Access to locations such as this will also bolster interest and support of our residents for future preservation measures related to the Bay.
Appendix C, page 57 refers to the Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan of 2000-2005 which lists "Preservation of the Communities scenic qualities" as a need for attention. This also means that availability of these scenic qualities be made available for public pleasure.
Appendix C, page 58 references the Suamico Comprehensive Plan which moves to "Maintain and enhance the accessibility of public lands along the waters of the Suamico River and Bay Shore." Our Comprehensive plan, the guide book for advancement and improvement of the Village of Suamico supports maintenance and enhancement of public access.
The maintenance of this 16’ strip is being done by a resident, but should revert to the Village if all the committees, commissions and boards support the improvement of the access.
Passive enjoyment such as reading or bird watching would be the primary recreation at this location. Having limited parking availability, there is little chance of a large crowd having an effect on the adjacent property owners.
Shore land zoning does not allow improvements within 75’ of the ordinary high water mark, so staff may pursue a variance allowing fencing to be placed to the waters edge to better restrain trespass onto private property, or post a series of no trespass signs on the north and south sides of the property.
The hours of use should be discussed in the event a favorable recommendation is made to the Village Board.
The termination of the property at the bay is a sheer drop and offers no access for emergency equipment. This is a consideration that would be taken up by the Health & Safety Committee and worked out with the adjacent property owners.
The committee needs to decide a recommendation as to the recreational value of this property.
POINTS OF DISCUSSION BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
In an event of an emergency, state statute allows emergency responders to cross anyone’s property.
There isn’t a lot of room down there for parking.
Retaining the parcel on the west side of the road could provide access to possible parking in the future.
On the west side, what is the land like?
Intermittent signs would need to be placed for signage.
Do not see this as being beneficial to the park system
There are other areas that are more practical, no obstructions there
Passive recreation trail that the committee should be looking at
It is an irregular piece of property.
Should be mowed along with the parks
FIRST MOTION MADE:
Motion was made by Dick Sachs to move that this committee recommend to the village board that the village retain possession of the access on both sides of Longtail Beach Lane and the east side to be signed and if necessary fenced to provide security for the adjoining landowners and that signage be posted as the Park, Forestry, Trails and Rec. Committee would deem appropriate for usage of that parcel as an access type park to the waters of Green Bay.
NO SECOND
SECOND MOTION:
Motion was made by Dick Sachs:
That the village retains ownership of the 16’ strip of land on both sides of Longtail Beach Lane.
That the east side be fenced if deemed necessary and posted with signs indicating the limitations of the public land that is possibly no trespassing signs at the property lines to protect the adjacent property owners property rights.
To post the allowable usage of this access site to Green Bay as this committee would recommend.
NO SECOND
APPROVED MOTION:
Motion was made by Steve Bloom that the village retain possession of the access to both sides of Longtail Beach Lane and at this time the committee does not have a determined use for it and that use will be determined in the future; second by Kathy Clevers.
Motion carried unanimously.
6) Discussion Relative to Amendment of Trail Plan and Primary Routes
STAFF REPORT:
At the March 17 Village Board meeting a discussion was held pertaining to the Wood Lane reconstruction and trail feasibility.
Roy Krouse and Steve Bloom were present at this meeting to speak on behalf of the Park, Forestry, Trails and Rec. Committee.
The Village Board did choose to eliminate the trail from the Wood Lane project at this time.
More discussion led to future development, funding and planning of the trails as they relate to the existing trail plan.
The Village Board would like to organize a joint meeting with the Park, Forestry, Trails and Rec. Committee where routes could be prioritized, and funding for the priority routes will be discussed.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED:
Prioritizing routes
Discussion of roadside trails
Equipment that will be needed to maintain trails.
Look at land village already owns
Schedule another meeting for the future
To bring up at next meeting for more discussion
RECREATION UPDATE:
Baseball
Practices will begin one week later than planned.
Softball
124 girls are currently registered.
T-Ball
Registration has begun and will run through May 16.
WITO
April 26, full day event.
Sesquicentennial
Event dates are June 20, 21, and 22.
Tentative schedule of events includes fireworks, bands, food tents, beer garden, kid’s entertainment, historical displays will be set-up at the village hall, a historical cemetery walk, historical bus tours, carnival rides and midway, parade, Suamico businesses sidewalk sale, Bullfrogs game and a flea market.
If anyone is interested in volunteering or becoming a part of the committee, please contact Nikki.
7) Adjourn
Motion was made by Jerry Vandersteen to adjourn; second by Pam Andrews.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:12 P.M.
__________________________
Jean DeBauche