06-20-2019 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

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Chair Hallan pointed out Condition Number 4 should include relocation of the boat ramp. In addition,the application requested the beach area to be expanded to i56 feet, while the drawing indicates i65 feet. Chair Hallan stated the Planning Commission is considering the expansion to i56 feet. Mr. Steffens explained the beach issue has been debated for years. He originally proposed a second beach area on the east side of the point which was denied. After meeting with City Staff and the DNR it was decided to expand this beach area. That approval was not acted upon as Mr. Burslie stated and he is requesting this be approved again. The aquatic vegetation removal will be in the expanded beach area and the relocated boat ramp. There are currently i4 cabins and 2�villas at Wilderness Resort. There can be i5o to 20o people on that beach. PUBLIC COMMENT OPENED: Patty Lawrow, Middle Cullen Lake — She inquired how wide the boat ramp will be. Mr. Steffens stated he believed it is i2 feet wide. She asked if the boat ramp is in addition to the i56 foot beach area. Mr. Steffens stated the day dock would be 4 to 6 feet wide and the ramp is i2 feet wide, next to the beach. Cabin Number 4 is being moved next to Cabin Number 8. Lowell Bonnema, 560o White Pine Drive - He stated he is in favor of this application. The existing beach is inadequate with the number of people at the resort and the traffic to the existing boat ramp is dangerously close to the beach. PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED. Chair Hallan clarified the beach area is i56 feet to the opposite side of the dock. The boat ramp is i2 feet wide. The beach is i56 feet to the edge of the boat ramp,then i2 foot boat ramp. The dock can be placed anywhere inside this area. Planning Commission Member Birch stated that safety is also a concern with the new location of the boat ramp being adjacent to the beach. This plan does not address safety. Mr. Steffens stated one of the main safety concerns was the traffic traversing along the beach to the boat ramp. The proposed hammerhead turn area should help with the problem. There will be some type of barrier so the boats are not on the beach. Chair Hallan stated there is approximately ioo feet of natural vegetation to the west property line. Chair Hallan noted that even if the City approves this Conditional Use Permit, it does not guarantee the DNR will approve the permits for this activity. He further noted the DNR would rather see a more formal plan for a restroom. He stated he is hesitant to MINUTES 3 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission June 20, 2oi9