4. Log House Committee Minutes 11-13-14November 13, 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, Ray Burris,
Steve Philippi, Kristin Tuenge, and Dave Hebert. Staff included Katie Warner and Tim Kieffer.
Steve Kronmiller, Don Hansen, and Ryan Goodman were absent. Tom Polasik was in
attendance for Don Hansen.
Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
There was one correction to the October 28, 2014 minutes. Plowman Smith requested to add a
complete annual usage assessment could not be made because of insufficient data. Plowman
Smith also requested to add the landing as a fourth section to be discussed. It was explained that
only three sections were mentioned at the meeting and the minutes need to reflect what was said.
There were several changes to the November 3, 2014 minutes. First, to add Tom Polasik was in
attendance to represent the St. Croix River Association. Second, to add North St. Paul’s Urban
Street Plan calculates 500 trips per day though it was not read out loud. Third, was correcting
the spelling of Bubul and Brunfelt. Fourth, changing “grant money may be used” to read “it may
be possible to use grant money.” Finally, that changing the design does not increase the city’s
liability.
Herbert, seconded by Swanson, made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Motion
carried 7-0.
The agenda was amended to add a proposed point of agreement after the report on the petition.
Herbert, seconded by Tuenge, made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried
7-0.
Tuenge summarized EOR’s report on sediment and phosphorus loading. It was determined
phosphorous is not a concern. The estimated 25.16 tons of sediment loading was calculated
using data given by the City. Jim Shaver added the erosion problem is visual.
Tuenge spoke about the water quality of Gilbertson’s Creek referencing a report by PrairieScape
Environmental Consulting. She stated the creek is clean but not a good environment. She
explained the number of macro invertebrates is low though the numbers have not declined since
2002-2003. The report noted temperature is unstable. It is not certain if sediment is the cause
for the creek’s condition.
Plowman Smith suggested the amount of sediment was being over estimated. Plowman Smith
handed out a review from Chauncey Anderson that disputes the EOR’s report.
Plowman Smith reiterated the theme of the petition. She stated it is more than just a city road.
Hebert questioned when and how the petition was collected. Plowman Smith explained it was in
several newspapers. Kieffer asked what the number one priority was. Plowman Smith said it
was to stop erosion with the least amount of impact.
Maefsky proposed a point of agreement that read “The Log House Landing road improvements,
while addressing the concerns about, and mitigating the circumstances of sediment runoff and St.
Croix River water quality, should keep the site and access road as close to its historical, rural
state as possible.” Hebert and Burris expressed concern about losing parking spaces. Philippi
said he does not want to increase parking and suggested parking on Quinnell Av. Tuenge added
she would like to mitigate sediment and water quality with the intent to preserve the natural
environment. Polasik asked what kind of parking and vehicles should be considered. Polasik
mentioned a chip seal surface may be an alternative. Philippi said the committee should
determine what their goals and objectives are.
Plowman Smith suggested there be five project areas to discuss. First is Quinnell Av to the
railroad tracks. Second is the railroad crossing. Third is from the railroad tracks to the landing.
Fourth is the landing which is the flat part at the bottom. The fifth is the boat ramp leading down
to the river.
The committee began discussing design criteria. Kieffer suggested waiting for Goodman to be
present before talking about surfaces. The committee agreed a one way road with pull outs
would be adequate, safer, slow traffic, minimize impact, and reduce tree removal. Philippi said a
one way would be a good goal. The number of parking spots will be addressed at the site visit.
Swanson asked if a rock channel could be used as parking.
Maefsky suggested focus points for the site visit. They were:
Width
Different sections of the road
Impact on trees
Slope of the road
Parking
Pull out spaces
Overflow parking on Quinnell Av
Hebert, seconded by Tuenge, made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried 7-0.
The meeting ended at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Kieffer
Director of Public Works