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5.a 2 04-25-17 Special MeetingApril 25, 2017 A Special Meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. The purpose of the meeting was to take public comments on the access options for the existing boat ramp at the Log House Landing, the city owned access to the St. Croix River. The following were present: Mayor Christine Maefsky, Council members Bob Hegland, Steve Kronmiller, Chris Ness and Jim Schneider. Staff present: City Administrator Neil Soltis and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund. Mayor Maefsky called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Mayor Maefsky explained that the Council would be receiving public comments on four proposed options for the Landing: Option 1: Leave ramp as is with no changes. Option 2: Continue to pursue ramp rebuilding plans for trailered and other boats. Option 3: Change the ramp to walk-in / carry -in only with no trailers permitted. Option 4: Close the ramp completely. Speakers were asked to limit their comments to no more than 3 minutes. Dave Bercham, 23416 Paris Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 2. St. Croix River is a benefit to the community; the Landing is used for the Fat Cat Triathlon which he coordinates; improvements to control run-off are needed; referenced Kronmiller's idea to connect to parks and trails; an upgrade here could make Scandia a recreation destination. Kristin Tuenge. 20595 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia spoke in favor of Option 3. Restoring to vegetation is the best way to control erosion; boat trailers contribute to damage of the Landing; the majority of the users are canoes and kayaks; restoration will improve the scenic value of the site, enhance the historic value and is the least expensive option; carry -in only will help to manage usage of the area which is increasing. Ryan Lee, 916 River Road, Osceola, spoke in favor of Option 2. Erosion control mats can be used for the Landing as a cost effective option; eliminating boat access will increase congestion at other landings; a good access is needed for all users; limiting usage lessens interest in the River. Duane Lee, 15428 Panola Drive, Lindstrom, spoke in favor of Option 2. Uses the Landing often for canoeing; a variety of watercraft users should be allowed for the greater community good; shutting out a group of users is a less neighborly action. Jim Fitzpatrick, 20733 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Read a letter from Jim Johnson favoring Option 3 that noted the original intended purpose in the 1970's Lower St. Croix Master Plan for the Landing as a carry -in site; boats have alternative access sites nearby; this is an opportunity to undo the damage and promote a vision for something better. April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 2 of 8 Bill Buell, 20077 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or Option 3. Worked for the DNR to develop watercraft public accesses in the 1980's; a concrete or segmented ramp would have problems with buckling and shifting and have high maintenance costs to consider; a concrete ramp does not fit this location and would encourage bigger boats that could potentially erode the shoreline. Mary Hooley, 14241 205th Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Sees this as an issue of responsibility to past and future generations to attend to the protection of shoreline as stated in the Comp Plan and keep as pristine as possible; Scenic Riverway's purpose is to enhance the values of the St. Croix River; a carry -in site is less expensive; has fear of doing otherwise could open door to slippery slope of development. Terry Barczak, 19899 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Leaving as -is is not a solution; closing would be an unnecessary loss; a ramp is a serious mistake that would change the character, be a scar on the shoreline, and increase boat traffic; William O'Brien State Park has a ramp designed for boats only minutes away; City must protect its treasure. Ryan Reed, 29401 St. Croix Trail, Franconia, spoke in favor of Option 2. Closing the Landing would push boat traffic to Franconia landing which is already crowded; William O'Brien site is not accessible year-round or for duck hunting in the fall due to firearm restrictions; he picks up trash that primarily comes from canoe and kayak users; do not prohibit users who care for the River. Kathleen Wallace, 16797 205th Street, Scandia spoke in favor of Option 2 using concrete bars for the ramp. Worked for the DNR and has experienced concrete bars that are pulled up in the winter season and reinstalled in the spring; the site needs help because the parking area is ugly and the trap rock on the boat ramp is not appropriate; loves the River and wants no damage done to the site. Mike Smith, 20919 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Carry -in is the only option that addresses erosion control; larger motor boats (200-250 horsepower are common) are contributing to erosion of the riverway; a 21' concrete ramp is an excessive cost for the number of users; majority of the users are canoes and kayaks; William O'Brien Park boat access is not an inconvenience and will accommodate hunters. Ray Burris, 21850 Olinda Lane, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. Leave open to all as it is; a user of the site since the 1960's; Landing is the closest accessible site to the campgrounds along the River; City could charge fees for cars to park; not a picnic area but a boat launch. Bruce Swenson, 22161 Oldfield Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 2 using planks. Descendants used the access to deliver goods to Stillwater, shuttled cattle to graze on the islands in the 1930's, and has historical significance; issue put to bed last year when DNR donated the planks and this is wasteful to spend taxpayer money on continuation of the subject; the river neighborhood has been trying to close the Landing for years; just get the job done as was decided. April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 3 of 8 John Goodfellow, 825 Pine Cone Trail, Marine on St. Croix, spoke in favor of Option 3. Carry -in site is consistent with the Master Plan which designates this segment of the River as quiet waters; best opportunity to educate river users on protection of the waterway. Betsy Brock, 16950 205' Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Landing has gotten busier over the years with bigger boats and trucks; ramp option is not a wise use of taxpayer dollars; do not encourage larger and faster boats on this low wake section of the River. Curt Hadland, 15280 Pilar Road, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Preserve the historical and natural history of the site fitting the rural character of Scandia; Gammelgarden Museum could develop this as an off-site historical program; 3 major accesses currently exist within 11 miles and also on the Wisconsin side; should negotiate with private landowners for use of their property to accommodate fire and rescue vehicles; consider the long-term effects and keep this site different from other sites. Mary Strom, 16975 197th Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Motor boats are speeding regardless of the no -wake regulations; erosion to the shore is her concern. Angie Conley, 16963 197' Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Stated her parents Jim and Kathleen Zavoral, property owners on the River, were unable to attend and favor Option 3. Supports entrance to the River while protecting it; larger access ramp would lead to bigger boats and more shoreline erosion; invasive species could be brought in on boats more easily than on non -motorized watercraft; other landings are nearby; should find balance to have the access for all appropriately sized users. Lisa Schlingerman, 20661 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Sees more families walking down the road to the site; used to be called Picnic Point; make accessible to swim, shoreline fish, hike, enjoy solitude of the River; restore and preserve the historical significance to replicate what the Swedish immigrants experienced as this site is part of Scandia's identity; a unique destination point that could have potential for economic development. Dave Hebert, 19920 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 2. Has used access for 45 years with a 14' fishing boat and 15 hp engine; pontoon boats used by River property owners create more shoreline erosion over time; City has been limiting parking that should be looked at and increased; observes heavy use on the weekends; the unsafe condition of the site needs to be fixed; the St. Croix River Association approved of the standards previously proposed for ramp improvements. Pam Smith, 20919 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Carry -in is the best protection for the rustic site and less costly; Friends of the Log House Landing analysis concluded a vegetated ramp would control erosion and improve walkability; parking cannot be expanded beyond the existing 12 spots per the National Park Service; preserve the historic site and enhance the viewshed. April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 4 of 8 Jim Martin, 13860 236t1 Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Read Karen Schik's letter to favor Option 3. Carry -in would eliminate erosion, protect water quality and is least costly; preserves natural shoreline view; having no trailers would create a place for more people to enjoy the River; other boat accesses are nearby; a huge ramp would be wasteful government spending. Deputy Scott Zitzloff, spoke on behalf of Washington County Sherriff s Department to keep the access open to boat traffic. Landing is crucial for search operations; William O'Brien is inaccessible for law enforcement purposes in which the fastest response times are critical. Don Mitchell, 20233 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Never heard anyone in favor of closing the Landing; has difficulties with favoring Option 3 but should be respect for each other's use of the River; different parts of the River suit different users and non - motorized access is viable here. Jerry Cusick, 15978 Scandia Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 2. Leave as -is or improve the access as a boat launch; user of Landing for 30 years and has worked in Washington County Water Patrol Division; existing sign indicates access for boat launch only with no camping or loitering allowed; sees comments as an attack on boaters; claims of erosion is a scare tactic because high water levels do more damage than boating; River segment is not a no -wake zone but a slow speed zone (referenced MN Statute 6105.0330); must remain accessible for water rescues; should be shared by all users with no discrimination. Nick Shope, 23 270th Street, Osceola, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 2. Upgrade or leave alone; River is part of the National Park System designed for public to use, not just one user group; unique National Park that has no fee and accessible campgrounds; to restrict use would be an injustice and doesn't go with the plan no matter the recreation. Marion Etzwiler, 1235 Yale Place, Minneapolis (formerly Marine), spoke in favor of Option 3. Has had a family cabin on Quint Avenue since 1973; River is a beautiful resource which should have constant vigilance to protect it. Tommy Boesel, 24483 Quinlan Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. Uses the landing with his young family to launch small boat; unimaginable to close it, just keep the same; when River is low, the Osceola and William O'Brien landings are hard to use and not good options. Diane Etzwiler, 2303 McMonan, Eugene, Oregon (family cabin at 20789 Quint Avenue), spoke in favor of Option 3. Site has not changed since she was a child in 1973 showing how Scandia has protected this gem; carry -in option is a fantastic opportunity to embrace what Scandia has; site would become average if improved with a boat ramp. Randy Ferrin, 23290 Quentin Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Read his e-mail that supported carry -in; uses Landing frequently for canoe launch; dismayed about its condition April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 5 of 8 after rain events ; William O'Brien Park is a better launch for boats; endorses rehabilitation to fit this rustic stretch of the River; carry -in option is less costly and easier to maintain; has worked for the National Park Service Riverway; River would be better off as a carry -in site, not so with a ramp. Katherine M. Lewis, 20453 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Other options would still deal with erosion issues; carry -in option is a cost -savings one; high water would undermine a poured concrete ramp; ramp at the State Park is designed for trailers; site was donated in 1930's with a stipulation to be kept a park and the ramp should not be put in; River needs an option for the non -motorized set that is friendly to canoes and kayaks. Andrew Summersby, 20457 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Carry -in supports Scandia's goal to preserve rural character and takes environmental care of the River; a full concrete ramp is inappropriate and doesn't support the National Riverway Act; the River is getting shallower and more inducive to smaller boats so it's not wise to construct a full ramp build -out; we are all stewards of the River and must protect this unique resource. Shane Coen, 2021 Broadway, Marine on St. Croix, spoke in favor of Option 3. Profession in environmental design issues; a unique opportunity to look to context of incredible stretch of River to tell us what to do; carry -in allows for an innovative restoration to bring ecology back to its roots; carry -in will create more recreational opportunities for everyone. Tom Clarke, 3000 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, spoke in favor of Option 3. National natural treasure in our backyard; Osceola to Log House Landing is the most beautiful stretch of the River; carry -in would restore and protect its natural rustic setting. Ross Brunfelt, 19400 Orwell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. User of Landing for 35 years; leave alone is best option; provided an online petition with 276 people who favored leaving alone or improving the ramp, not discontinuing boaters; believes rural character definition is people who are great and get along; rivers do erode naturally over time; this site can accommodate all user groups; pushing boaters up to Franconia is not an option as the distance to travel back down the River at a slow pace is too great. Sam Eberhart, 20455 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Wants to see people accessing the River; carry -in would respect ecology and maintain a well preserved landing. Susan Rodsjo, 21450 Pomroy Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Grew up on the River and has never launched a boat at the Landing but rather uses William O'Brien Park; concrete option would degrade the historic nature of the site; carry -in could draw tourism and connect to the regional Heritage Trail system; keep natural and wild; City has limited taxpayer dollars and not necessary to add another paved landing when the Park is nearby. Barbra Booth, 16080 Scandia Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Family owns the log house at the Landing since the 1970's; concrete landing would be a horrible eyesore; not April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 6 of 8 opposed to allowing rescue vehicles use of their property as access to the River if the landing were changed to a carry -in site. Tom Tauzell, 21087 Olinda Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor of not closing the Landing. Convert to carry -in if erosion is an issue and the road remains gravel; if paving the parking area and road, then make improvements to the ramp. Missy Bowen, 20699 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Agrees with Betsy Brock; River is of global importance as a critical riverway resource; concrete ramp would not help the River; all need to be neighbors together on this issue; doesn't like exclusiveness but increasing shenanigans at the site have led to more police calls, which increases the budget; vote for the River. Craig Smith, 20050 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 3. Keep as -is or make carry -in; uniquely suited environment for canoes and kayaks; William O'Brien Park is convenient for boaters to use; environmental and fiscal reasons favor Option 3, otherwise stay the course. Kathy G. Lewis, 20453 Quinnell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Erosion of steep landing is main concern and something needs to be done; concrete ramp would be a problem during high water leading to washouts that would be expensive to rebuild and maintain; Scandia is fortunate to have a wild and scenic river right in town; a boat ramp is not the best use of money and resources which doesn't serve many. David Bowlin, 20921 Quint Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Riverway Act of the 1970's put restrictions on landowners who embraced the preservation of the River; all users should abide by the restrictions; due to erosion of the landing it cannot be left as it is; a boat ramp is not in the spirit of the Riverway law; carry -in site would work best. Sally Leider, 23229 St. Croix Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Works with teaching youth and one cannot teach caring but rather provide role models and experiences which do; carry -in option connects to that idea; make a decision that would impact youth and provide vision for the future. Peter Weber, 20045 Orwell Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 2. Council represents Scandia residents and should disregard comments from the outside; property was deeded to Scandia whose residents own it; questioned how many Scandia residents bring in non -motorized watercraft; keep access for all citizens, not tourists who rank second; maintain the Landing as it should have been over the years; do the job elected to do where everyone wins; meant to be a recreation site for everyone and the City should fix it. Richard Kinney, 19727 Parkview Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. Uses the access especially for night fishing when the William O'Brien Park cannot be used; leave the Landing as it is now. April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 7 of 8 Angela Anderson, 1121411 Street, Stillwater, spoke in favor of Option 3. Swims and kayaks from the Landing; needs improvements to fix erosion; capacity for bigger boats is concerning; concrete ramp would encourage more traffic; boats have potential to bring in invasive species to the River. Marcus Haus, 22729 St. Croix Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor Option 1 or 2. Grew up and owns 86 acres on the River; disagrees with erosion issues due to the Landing since the River naturally changes every year; Wind in the Pines Preserve brings trespassers onto his land; appears that boaters are being demonized which is not true, as proponents for the environment are fishers and hunters; Landing hasn't changed in years and should remain public for everybody to use. Chad Anderson, 20877 Ozark Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 2. Landings are like gold for those communities on the River; closing to boats is a bad idea; improve or keep the same but maintain access for all. Kendra Eginton, 16930 197th Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 2. River has changed in the last ten years and gotten wider; uses motor boats regularly and does not like the idea of being denied access but opposed to a concrete ramp; preserve the current landing but support erosion control; maintain what makes Scandia great and keep Scandia special for the next generation. Erich Kertzscher, 21355 Parrish Road, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. Has used the River all his life; best duck hunting spot in the fall; favors staying the same with minimum maintenance for erosion control; let all groups use the Landing. Mike Hinz, Olinda Lane, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 2. Stay the same or improve; rivers naturally erode and most likely not due to the Landing; other boat landings are distant and time to travel to this section would be lengthy at a slow speed; if boats speed, that is an enforcement issue. Pam Arnold, 16520 220' Street, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 3. Carry -in restoration as an ecological park so people can experience the site as a river landing; ownership versus stewardship — River belongs to all of us and Scandia is responsible for its care; favors carry -in to fit the modesty of the site. Steve Philippi, 21813 Quarry Avenue, Scandia. Concerned that judgements are being made and communication between people is not being heard; was a member of the Log House Landing Committee which worked hard to find a compromise solution for improvements; a full -build out of the road and Landing would decimate the site; spend more time to get a decision. Pat Brannan, 21455 Pomroy Avenue, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1 or 3. Family has used this site to the River for years; leave as -is or make as a carry -in site; not interested in a cement ramp as too costly and these dollars could be used for streets; need to preserve what we have for future generations. April 25, 2017 Scandia City Council Page 8 of 8 Kim Bakken, 21959 St. Croix Trail, Scandia, spoke in favor of Option 1. Uses the Landing for fishing and canoeing; leave as -is, its fine this way; too shallow for big boats; a cement landing would look ridiculous. Mike Polehna, 1100 Northland Avenue, Stillwater, spoke in favor of Option 2. Worked for County Parks Department and Stillwater Council member; can make Landing better without infringing on the environment; everyone should have access to the River; not good for large boats because the River is too shallow here; design a landing for small boats, 17-19 feet or less. Mayor Maefsky announced that discussion on the Log House Landing will be on the agenda for the City Council on May 3, 2017. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund Deputy Clerk