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9.g1 Citizen Request - 192nd St Landing Improvements1 Staff Report Date of Meeting: July 18, 2023, City Council Meeting To: Mayor and City Council From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator Re: 192nd St Landing Improvements ______________________________________________________________________________ Background: In late May, members of the Bliss Advisory Group approached Tom Langer of the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (Watershed) about improving the lake access on the city property on 192nd St. on the north end of the Bliss Addition. Tom informed the City of the meeting in an email dated May 23, 2023, which is attached. Public Works Director Charlie Fischer and I (Staff) met Bliss residents Anne Myre, Carol Varhalla, Craig Pittman, and Kirk Johnson (Residents) on-site on Friday, June 16, to further discuss the project. The group explained their goal, to remove the ice ridge and restore walking access to the lake. Staff was hesitant to allow improvement to the parcel but encouraged the resident to submit a map showing the area they wished to improve and a narrative of what they wanted to accomplish. That narrative should include detail on who would perform the work on the property and who would maintain those improvements. The map received by the City from the Residents is attached, along with a picture of the work area. No narrative was provided. Issue: Mr. Langer’s email outlined specific conditions that could allow the removal of the ice ridge without the need for a Watershed permit. The conditions highlight that if the current condition and character of the shoreline were not fully restored and maintained as a natural shoreline with native vegetation a Watershed and possibly DNR permits would be required. We do not know yet know if these conditions can be met and maintained because the residents have not provided a clear plan of the proposed project that answers questions asked in an email I sent them on June 29, 2023. The entire email chain is included. While Staff understands the Resident’s desire to begin the project, we cannot proceed without a clear plan, review and approval by the Watershed, and possibly DNR, and, if necessary, approval/direction from Council to pull required permits. Staff has concerns over the future use and maintenance of the property. While the Residents have said they will maintain the property, it ultimately falls to Public Works if they need help to keep up. Public Works Director Fischer has stated that the Department does not have the time to maintain this property (currently, it is only brush mowed twice a year). Additional concerns expressed by the Fire Chief include parking along Larkspur, 192nd St, and Layton Ave., as the roads are already narrow and the curve along 192nd St is a blind corner. The lack of a proper turnaround makes backing in and out 2 of the landing driveway dangerous. Increased lake access can lead to increase call volume and increased out-of-town traffic. The availability of other areas with better access and are safer for use makes upgrading this location unnecessary. Public access to Big Marine Lake is currently available on 185th St. N. This landing is used for non- motorized watercraft access to the lake. Additionally, there are four other City-owned properties with lake access in the Bliss Addition, one of which the City has already been asked to improve similarly to the proposed plan for the 192nd St. N. landing. Can the City authorize the improvement of its property on 192nd St and then deny the improvement of similar properties within the same neighborhood? The neighborhood has not had publicly owned beach access for decades, I do not know if they need one or more now. The resident who lives just to the south of the 192nd St landing is opposed to any improvement to the property. Shawna Thielbar has sent an email to the City, which is included in your packet, detailing her concerns over the proposed improvements and what it could mean for the property’s future use. Fiscal Impact: The Watershed has stated that the City would not have to pay a permit fee, but the City would bear any restoration-related costs. While the Residents have stated they will maintain the property, there will be an increased cost to Public Works, as they will need to monitor the property with increased frequency and take in maintenance if the Residents are unable to so. Increased public use in the neighborhood could also result in more calls to City Hall and calls for emergency services. Options: 1) Continue to work with the Residents to seek desired improvements to the 192nd St landing. 2) Deny the Resident’s request to improve the landing and leave the property as is. Recommendation: Option 2 Attachments: 192 St Landing Aerial View 192 St Landing Pic 1 192 St Landing Pic 2 192 St Landing Pic 3 192 St Landing Pic 4 Additional Bliss Addition City-Owner Parcels Neighborhood Group Map of Work to be Completed Neighborhood Group Picture of Work Area Tom Langer Email dated 05 23 23 Emails from June 28 to Present Email from Shawna Thielbar Opposing Improvements to the Landing. 37 6.2 © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS 0 Legend Map Name This drawing is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information, and data located in various city, county, and state offices, and other sources affecting the area shown, and is to be used for reference purposes only. The City of Scandia is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. Disclaimer: 7/13/2023 8:33 AM 263 Feet City Limits Parcels (4/1/2023) Lot Lines Parks Scandia_2022.sid Red: Band_1 Green: Band_2 Blue: Band_3 1 Kyle Morell From:Tom Langer <tom.langer@cmscwd.org> Sent:Tuesday, May 23, 2023 1:44 PM To:Kyle Morell; TJ Hofer; Charles Fischer Cc:Bliss Advisory Group; Mike Isensee Subject:192nd St Public Access Attachments:192nd access.jpg; 192nd access (2).jpg; 192nd access (3).jpg Hi Kyle and Charles, I’ve blind copied a few of the neighborhood residents interested or concerned about the possible project. I was sought out by the Anne Myre & the Bliss Advisory Group pertaining to their desire to pursue improvements to a lake access locaƟon at 192nd St. The parcel is City owned and any project approval would need to be confirmed by you. The current shoreline does have an ice ridge. The ice ridge has resulted in a quasi-rain garden, therefore, providing a water quality benefit to the lake and a naturalized shoreline condi Ɵon. The current access ability would be carryout only (i.e. kayak). The soŌ ground adjacent the shoreline and the shallow lake depth may also be problema Ɵc for watercraŌ launching. Therefore, limiƟng the amount of shoreline impacts would be the watershed’s preference. That said, watershed rules would allow grading out of the ice ridge up to 25Ō on this parcel without a permit as long as: 1) The shoreline area disturbed is revegetated/stabilized with naƟve plants. (I would recommend sedges as the are low growing and water loving). 2) No trees are removed or trimmed. (A few exist of the southern and northern edges of the lot). 3) No emergent vegetaƟon is removed (requires DNR permit). (CaƩails exisƟng along the water’s edge). 4) The area is not converted to a beach. 5) No fill materials are brought into the site and no addiƟonal impervious surfaces are created. Please let me know if you have any quesƟons or please keep me posted if the City permits any project to move forward. Thank you, Tom Langer Riparian Permit Specialist | Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District 11660 Myeron Rd North | Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone:  (651) 275-7452 | Cell: 507-276-8056  www.cmscwd.org 1 Kyle Morell From:Tom Langer <tom.langer@cmscwd.org> Sent:Thursday, June 29, 2023 1:06 PM To:Kyle Morell; Kirk Johnson Cc:Anne Myre; Carol Varhalla; Christy Hurley; Shawna Thielbar; Mike Isensee; Lori Tella Subject:RE: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing Good afternoon everyone, To be clear, the watershed has not approved modifications to the shoreline. Any modifications will require a watershed permit and City approval. For both approvals a plan will be required. If the City concurs, we will utilize the Washington Conservation District to develop a plan for shoreline and shoreland modifications that addresses the desired uses and meets applicable rules. Thank you, Tom Langer Riparian Permit Specialist | Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District 11660 Myeron Rd North | Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone:  (651) 275-7452 | Cell: 507-276-8056  www.cmscwd.org From: Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us> Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 12:15 PM To: craig.pittman57 < ; Kirk Johnson < Cc: Anne Myre < ; Carol Varhalla < ; Christy Hurley < ; Shawna Thielbar < ; Tom Langer <tom.langer@cmscwd.org> Subject: RE: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing Craig, I don’t know about any approval from the Mayor or Council. The watershed said they would go along with whatever the City approves. I feel they would prefer to see the property stay as is. The plan that was submitted is only a portion of what was discussed. I still need the following:  An outline of the total area that will be cleared and maintained by the neighborhood  Who will be clearing a maintaining the area  A description stating the reason for the clearing and the planned use of the property. Also, Charlie and I have the following questions that need to be answered for you.  Our recollection of the meeting was that a narrow channel to access the lake was planned, more for walking into the lake and access for swimmers and non-motorized watercraft. We believe a 15 ft clearance is sufficient, starting from the north. See attached picture for reference.  What will happen to the soil that is removed from the berm (It should not be stored on-site and should not be pushed into the lake)  Once the berm is removed, erosion control measures, such as seeding the disturbed areas, will be needed. Watershed-approved seed mixes or native plants should be used. The continued clearing of the area with a lawn tractor is likely to create a lot of disturbed turf due to the saturation levels in the area. We want to make sure there is a plan to keep the area from turning into a mud pit. The Advisory Group is requesting a public beach/park area on previously undisturbed City property. While City staff is not opposed to 2 improving the use of the property, it needs to be done with a clear plan and understanding of everyone’s roles and responsibilities. The goal should be to improve the property while minimizing shoreland impacts. The City cannot, on the one hand, work with the Watershed to enforce shoreland rules and then, on the other hand, ignore shoreland rules to improve its own property. This is a project that will affect the entire neighborhood. It will only be approved after a thorough plan is received and reviewed and all affected parties can comment. Kyle H. Morell City Administrator City of Scandia 14727 209th Street North Scandia, MN 55073 Phone: 651.433.2274 Fax: 651-433-5112 Cell: 651.245.2654 Web: www.cityofscandia.com Email: k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us From: craig.pittman57 < Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 11:22 AM To: Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us>; Kirk Johnson < Cc: Anne Myre < ; Carol Varhalla < ; Christy Hurley < Subject: RE: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing Hi Kyle Is there any chance of getting a thumps up this yet this week? I know the city crew wasn't able to mow it last week as Charlie had indicated and that put us behind but we're hoping to have an "all hands" effort over the long weekend. With the Mayor, council and Watershed all giving their ok I was hopeful it would be an easier time getting the final ok. Please let us know as we continue to try to improve the Bliss neighborhood both visually and from a cohesive perspective for all. Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message -------- From: Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us> Date: 6/29/23 10:52 AM (GMT-06:00) To: Kirk Johnson < Cc: Anne Myre < pittman57@gmail. Carol Varhalla < , Christy Hurley < Subject: RE: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing Kirk, 3 We will review this and get back to you next week. Kyle H. Morell City Administrator City of Scandia 14727 209th Street North Scandia, MN 55073 Phone: 651.433.2274 Fax: 651-433-5112 Cell: 651.245.2654 Web: www.cityofscandia.com Email: k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. From: Kirk Johnson < Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 3:46 PM To: Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us> Cc: Anne Myre < ; craig. Carol Varhalla < ; Christy Hurley < Subject: FW: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing Good afternoon Kyle thanks for stopping out this morning. Here is the map, Photo and letter we talked about. Let us know if you need anything else. Thanks, Kirk 4 From: Bliss Advisory Group < Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 1:00 PM To: Kirk Johnson < ; Carol Varhalla < ; Craig Pittman < ; Christy Hurley < Subject: Letter to Scandia regarding 192nd landing June 28 2025 To the City of Scandia, I have spoken to several neighbors who are very excited to be able to once again use the landing on 192nd. After the City mowed this week, I explained clearly that it would be up to us neighbors to mow and maintain the access once the sand ice heave is removed (by one of us neighbors). I have gathered email addresses of all of the neighbors who are interested and plan to make up a schedule. We also will check the area often for litter and misuse. Thank you, Anne Myre and The Bliss Advisory Group 1 Kyle Morell From:Shawna Thielbar < Sent:Wednesday, June 21, 2023 3:29 PM To:Kyle Morell Hello Kyle, Here are the reasons as we discussed, us and the Mostads, oppose the proposed park bordering our property's. This is a limited use right of way. Also our driveway borders 192 st. Noise is the biggest issue. People raise voices, due to the wind, having a good time, etc. Car doors slamming etc. Opening it up will bring unknown people to it. How do they decide who can use it? People with B and Bs bs will benefit by providing their guests with private lakeshore. Other people unknown to the neighborhood will use it. How do you separate people that should and people that shouldn't be there? What time does it close? What stops the drinking and drug use that happens after dark. Over the years the sheriff has been called due to that. Also have found condems, a lot of beer and alcohol bottles, and garbage. We pick it up. Also people sleeping in their cars. All this and more has happened. Plus unforseen problems. Fire pit? Allowed to bring in wood? What about dogs? Leashed or unleashed? Vaccinated? What about a portapoty? Also, is the city liable for people getting hurt accidentally? Not enough room for parking? Will the city need to put up signs as to what the rules are? Residents that have lakeshore property are pushing for this. Alterior motives are present here. It feels like a pandoras box being opened. When will they want to put a dock in? What's next? The way it is, getting mowed twice a year has worked for anyone that's wanted to use it. Kids and adultshave been fishing there for years, likewise with kayaks, carried down or brought down on a vehicle have enjoyed it, without the area needing to be changed to fit them. When there is a beautiful park 2 miles away, I don't understand the need to change this environmental area. It's a beautiful spot with wild flowers and grasses, wildlife, waterfowl, and many species of woodpeckers, the rare red headed included. Changing this will only harm the environment, and bring a lot of strangers wanting to party. Thankyou, Rick and Shawna Thielbar