The vote was close, but the Lake Shore City Council approved a 2008 draft lake access policy, including a caveat that says any public improvement to an access shall require a public hearing.
The draft policy states that no access will be vacated, no docks will be constructed, no overnight parking, and where signed, parking may be along one side of road.
One condition in the city's comprehensive plan would allow enhancing existing lake accesses to accommodate passive low-impact uses by adding signage, landscaping, park benches or picnic tables.
It was the benches and picnic tables that John McNitt objected to. He said his property was next to Bishop's Landing and he didn't want picnics in his backyard.
Councilman John Bukovich said the access was public property and the picnics wouldn't be in McNitt's backyard. He added that as far as he knew, the police department hadn't received any complaints about parking at the access.
Alan Dickie said he was in favor of parking being allowed at the accesses.
Voting yes were Mayor John Terwilliger, Vicki LaMere, and Bukovich. Lyle Kline and Doug Miller were the no votes.
Fritz Loven Park bridge
Dave Reese, WSN city engineer, said the bridge in Fritz Loven Park needed to be replaced. At this time, he said, they hadn't picked a spot for a new bridge or the type of bridge to be built. The DNR would like a gravel bottom for the trout stream.
Any bridge work will require the approval of the DNR, Reese said. He suggested the city consider doing the design work now so that the bridge could be on the 2009 bonding session of the state legislature. The time line would be to do the survey work this fall, design the bridge and approach in the winter and have the DNR permits approved by May, 2009.
There is a possibility of receiving grants from either the county/township bridge funds or state bridge funds. Any work on roads or approaches to the bridge would be the city's responsibility. He asked the council to approve $46,794 for the preliminary survey and design work. Council approved after checking with Teri Hastings, city administrator, on if the money is in the budget. Estimated total cost for the bridge is $114,700.
5-year road plan
The council approved the 5-year road plan. Work in 2008 will be on Ridge Road (excluding Fritz Loven Park), Doyle Parkway, and Pine Point Road. Estimated cost is $278,000.
In 2009, work will be on Portview Road and Dettbarn Road at an estimated cost of $403,000.
In 2010, Rocky Point Road, Pebble Beach Road, Bishop's Landing, Anderson Road, Sandy Point Road are on the list. Estimated cost is $459,000.
In 2011, roads to be worked on include Nottingham Road, Robinhood Way, Little John Road, Point Narrows Road, and Cumberland Way. Estimated cost is $506.000.
In 2012, Christie Drive and Agate Lake Road. Estimated cost is $452,000.
In 2013, Lost Lake Road, South Branch Way, Birchwood Way, Lincoln Green, and Abby Way. Cost estimate is $323,000.
Reese recommended the costs be updated annually to reflect bidding conditions that have included a 20 to 30 percent raise in the cost of bituminous.
In other action the council:
Approved a feasibility study for improving Pamela Road at a cost of $2,750.
Gave the landscape contractor at Baywood Townhomes a deadline of August 9 to complete the restoration work, includingraking, black dirt, and seeding.
Discussed the septic system compliance inspections. Administrator Hastings said the reports would be in all the inspections by fall. She suggested the council not make any changes to the ordinance until the inspections reports have been reviewed.
Approved a preliminary plat for Farr's Gull Lake Addition, Darrel A. Farr Development Corps. This is a 12.6 acre property. The proposed plat contains four lake lots and two nonriparian lots.
Mayor Terwilliger said that most of the trees that were downed by the windstorm have been removed from the roads.
The State Demographer's Office estimated the population as 1,040 as of April 2007. Hastings said this is two more people than the previous year.
Approved Carol Greaves as head election judge. The other judges incude Jo Quam, Robert Toborg, Ginny Ross, Dick Miles, Judy North and Mary Toms.
The aerial survey of the Lake Margaret watershed has been completed. The Lake Margaret committee and officials will meet Aug. 20.
There will be a public hearing on the Lake Margaret overlay at 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at the city hall.
