4. DRAFT Log House Committee Minutes 11-3-14November 3, 2014
A meeting of the Log House Landing Improvement Committee was held on the above date. The
following were present: Christine Maefsky, Sally Swanson, Pam Plowman Smith, Steve
Kronmiller, Ray Burris, Don Hansen, Steve Philippi, and Dave Hebert. Staff included Ryan
Goodman and Tim Kieffer.
Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
There were two corrections in the minutes. One was to change landing to boat ramp. The
second was to acknowledge the August usage statistics but a complete assessment could not be
made because of insufficient data.
Hebert, seconded by Kronmiller, made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Motion
carried 8-0.
The agenda was amended to adjourn at 9:00 and added public comments after committee
assignment presentations.
Maefsky, seconded by Swanson, made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
carried 8-0.
Swanson presented information about the Green Step Program. The program has 28 best
practices. Scandia is a size C city which involves innovated stormwater management. Swanson
handed out information about North St. Paul’s Urban Street Plan that suggests narrowing
streets to 22 to 24 feet. It was unclear if bump-outs were included in the width. Swanson then
read a study that stated narrow roads slow traffic and reduce vehicular crashes.
Plowman Smith began narrating the Friends of Log House Landing Presentation. Plowman
Smith sited the objectives and concerns. Erosion and water quality was then discussed. It was
argued that sediment loading is being over estimated. Phosphorus concentrations were shown
to be below the benchmark.
Karen Schik gave a report on existing trees and the possible impacts. Root damage, soil
compaction, and wind damage were key points. An ad ditional 32 trees for a total of 56 were
considered to be within 10 feet of the proposed project.
Plowman Smith summarized community input from the petition. History of the landing was
shared. The Department of Natural Resources has agreed to put up signage explaining the
landing.
Data from August usage was discussed. Weekends were the busiest from 12 to 19. Data from
an early weekend was not used because William O’Brien was closed. It was stated that the DNR
website has zero parking at the landing. Safety was addressed and the need for emergency
vehicle assess. Plowman stated National Park Service guidelines.
Grant flexibility was presented. Funds could be used for a gravel road, storm water structures,
berming, and vegetation. A variance would have to be submitted if changes are made to the
grant proposal. Contributions would most likely decrease if cost decrease. Grant money may
be used for Quinnell Av.
Shane Coen spoke about road characteristics. The proposed and past road designs were
evaluated. It was recommended that Quint remain open. Alternate plans suggested the road
remain gravel and be graded to the North and the landing be graded to the West. Additional
parking on Quinnell, pull outs, a bio infiltration pond, and an ADA parking spo t were
recommended. Costs were compared between the options.
Steve Bubal addressed the liability issues. MNDOT and DNR would require the City to
indemnify them. Council members would not be personally liable.
Maefsky presented sections of the Comprehensive Plan that relate to the project. The sections
were future land use areas and goals, policies, and implementation strategies. Swanson added
the Green Step Guidelines include Scandia’s Viewshed Guidelines.
Mike Tibbets spoke to the committee and disagreed about the erosion issue. Ross Brumfeld
stated he liked the Friends of Log House Landing Presentation. Mike White agreed with
Brumfeld.
A request was made to mark the centerline of the road. Swanson offered to request it at the
next Council work session.
At the next meeting the watershed will comment on their water quality report. Hebert
requested, at some point, the city engineer’s proposal taking into account the committee’s
concerns. Plowman Smith asked to discuss the grant at the next meeting. Kronmiller would
like a report on alternative surfaces from the engineer. Maefsky would like to investigate a
non-paved road. Design criteria were recommended to be discussed next meeting.
A motion to adjourn, seconded by Herbert, was made by Kronmiller. Motion carried 8-0.
The meeting ended at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Kieffer
Director of Public Works