05-08-2003 Long Range Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 8, 2003 The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Charles Marohn, Planning and Zoning Administrator. As members and the general public arrived, they were asked to look over the pictures that had been taken and to attach comments. PRESENT: Commission Members: Craig Nagel, Ryan Buell, Bernice Rohde, Tom Adams, Barb Sjoblad and Chuck Knierim. General Public: Joe Bergquist, Cathy Malecha and Tom Ryan (7:15). Community Growth Institute: Beth Elliott, Jen Aspengren and George Orning. Natural Resource Plan: There was a short discussion regarding questions and items that may need to be clarified. Recreation Plan: Mr. Orning explained assets that the City already has. Pequot Lakes is the newest suburb in the County. Baxter is the downtown and Pequot Lakes is becoming a neighborhood center. The Paul Bunyan Trail is the most used trail system out-state. The largest piece of open space is 620 contiguous acres of public land — 1/2 tax forfeit County and 'A State. The second largest piece of open space is 418 contiguous acres is Sibley Lake. Attached to that is the DNR access and picnic grounds. The water quality of the lake is: Sibley—6'; West Twin 12'; East Twin 15'; Mayo 7'; and Upper Cullen 7.5'. The City has the power to zone the lakes. There is also a large wetland complex. There also is 40 acres with the fire tower. The school district has the bulk of recreation activities. The DNR is an important partner. ATV use needs to be addressed. Private recreation facilities are: Preserve Golf Course (opportunity to partner), Bump & Putt and the three resorts. Lakehomes are mini-resorts— 100 guests average per year. Building a pool for public use is an option, rather than purchasing prime lakeshore for swimming beaches. Areas need to be set aside now while they are available. You need to plan ahead, not wait until there are no suitable locations left. A public beach for a fee by a private property owner is also an option. Mr. Marohn presented a photo presentation of a few of the photos that were taken. (Beth took notes).