Town of Bell Parks and Lands Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2021 9:30 am Community Center
Committee Members: Doug Becker, Gordon Anderson, Judy Becker, Gina Emily
Town Board & Community Members: Allan Hahn, Jackie Eid, Judy Kerr, Justine Broderson, Greg Weiss
Doug Becker called the meeting to order at 9:34 am. No corrections to the minutes.
1. National Scenic Byway
a. Justine presented information on creating a Museum/Visitor Center at the Cornucopia beach and harbor area. The facility proposed would have event/meeting spaces, restrooms, tourist information and house the Historic Green Shed Museum. Funding should be available through various grants in the spring of 2022 as well as money for Electric Charging Stations. Much discussion with many ideas. Doug Becker commented that 20% matching funds will need to be raised. Allan Hahn reminded the Committee that the Town Board passed a resolution to support this endeavor but plans must incorporate funding to sustain this endeavor. Justine is seeking volunteers to serve on the project’s committee.
2. Siskiwit Lake Boat Launch
a. Andrew spoke with the DNR about launch fees with a $8.00 limit. $5.00 was proposed.
b. Continued discussion about launch fees and signs. Jackie Eid brought up several issues about fees versus donations, lake resident waivers and signs to encourage users to financially help the Town maintain the launch.
c. Sign postings and further discussion will be postponed until spring.
3. Lost Creek Beach
a. Doug and Judy Becker walked the Town lands at the beach, searching for the survey markers. Both noted overgrown foliage, poor parking, few improvements and no obvious use signage. Jackie noted that 2 parking spots were once designated there.
b. Allan Hahn reminded the Committee that commercial kayak use at the beach falls under the Transient Vendor ordinance and cannot be approved for Whitecap Kayaking.
c. Doug and Judy Becker will work with Nancy Moye about area signs and report back to the committee in January.
4. Siskiwit Lake Campground
a. Much discussion for the campground’s usage ensued.
i. Letters to the Town Board and the Committee were reviewed. Any future action will take these comments under consideration.
ii. Gina Emily made a motion to expand Day Use sites to the current camping spaces 1 – 3, with sites 4-10 to remain for camping. Judy Becker seconded. Discussions continued about grey and black water disposal, trailer variety and size restrictions, camping fee sliding scale rates and invasive species introduction to the lake. Motion passed.
iii. Gina will present a report at the January meeting about fees and amenities at other area campgrounds.
b. Vault Toilet
i. The Town approved $5000 for its construction. After much discussion, the Committee will pursue permits and design blueprints for its construction.
ii. Once completed, the Portapotties could be moved to other Town locations, like the boat launch.
c. Campground watercraft launching restrictions
i. No report if sign was ordered.
ii. Greg Weiss of Lost Creek Adventures reiterated the difficult kayak launch conditions at the campground beach but that the Boat Launch was much worse. Much discussion. Judy Becker reminded the Committee that it already voted that no personal watercraft launching was permitted at the campground beach. Doug Becker asked Greg submit suggestions as to how to improve the boat launch for kayaks.
5. Maps of Town-owned Land
a. Large maps and the Town Comprehensive Plan CD containing maps were made available to the Committee.
6. Review of Parks and Lands Ordinance
a. Members received copies of the ordinance for review in January.
Next meeting set for Friday, January 7, 2022 at 9:30 am at the Community Center.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:17 am.
Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary, Judy Becker 12-4-21