6.a) Staff Report-Log House Landing--Park Rules
STAFF REPORT
Date of Meeting: June 1, 2015
To: Parks and Recreation Committee
From: Judi Negus, Office Assistant
Kristina Handt, City Administrator
Re: Log House Landing - Park Rules
Background:
Committee member Borg requested Log House Landing be included on the June 1 meeting agenda.
Borg invited Lisa Schlingerman and Craig Christensen to attend the meeting to provide Committee
members with the history of Log House Landing. Borg reported that Schlingerman and Christensen
would like the City’s park rules to be in harmony with the National Park Service Rules as Log House
Landing is located in the National Scenic Riverway. Ordinance No. 133, which establishes rules for use
of Scandia parks, does not include the Log House Landing boat launch site. Handt advised Deputy Yetter
spoke to the National Park Service and was informed the National Park Service rules do not apply to
205th because it is not National Park Service property.
The issue of additional rules was before the Council in October 2011. Below is an excerpt of those
minutes:
Council member Ness questioned if time limits or park hours should be posted. Administrator Hurlburt
explained that as 205th Street is a public road, it cannot be closed. Only posting “no parking” signs could
be allowed. City Attorney Hebert stated that 24-hour access to boat launches is normal.
Staff spoke with the current City Attorney who was in agreement the public has the right to access
public roads.
Borg informed the main goal is to make Committee members aware of the fact that the original intent of
the previous owners of this property was that it be a park for the citizens of Scandia. Staff disagrees
with this statement. It is important to note that only about half of the launch area is in the easement
and a vast majority of access used by the public is within the road right of way of 205th St. Borg would
like input from Committee members as to whether Log House Landing deserves historical recognition or
if it should have the same rules as other boat landings.
Also included in your packet is a letter from Commander Cusick about how existing state laws can
address the problems folks have reported there if only the reports were more timely and/or accurate.
Issue:
Due to the original intent of the donors of this property and the location of the property on a National
Scenic Waterway, does Log House Landing deserve a special designation with its own set of rules?
Proposal Details:
Schlingerman and Christensen will be in attendance at the meeting to discuss the details of the
proposal.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Options:
1. Approve the recommendations for park rules as presented.
2. Do not approve the recommendations for park rules as presented.
3. Amend and then make a recommendation for park rules.
4. Take no action at this time.
Recommendation:
Option 2-Additional rules are not necessary or consistent with how other roads are treated in
Scandia. It would be impractical to apply a set of rules only to the easement area.