Lakeshore Protection Committee

CITY OF WHITEFISH LAKESHORE PROTECTION COMMITTEE Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Place: City Council Conference Room Recorded By: Nelson Loring Members Present: Toby Scott Nancy Schuber Daniel Wood Roger Rowles Don Harring Members Absent: Vacant Peggy Brammer Staff Present: Nelson Loring Public Present: Curt McIntyre 1. CALL TO ORDER Summary: Toby Scott, called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. 2. AGENDA CHANGES Summary: None. 3. APPROVAL OF May 10, 2023 MINUTES Summary: Members reviewed the minutes of May 10, 2023. ACTION: Scott made a motion to approve the minutes of May 10, 2023. Schuber seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Summary: Curt McIntyre wanted to know the status of the lakeshore violation of trees cut down in the lakeshore. Loring responded that due to the dollar amount of the violation it must be settled in district court and that until the lakeshore violation is resolved the building permit for the proposed home would not be issued. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Summary: None. Page 1 of 2 Lakeshore Protection Committee July 12, 2023 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS & ACTION A. WLP 23-W10 1372 W Lakeshore Drive Summary: The applicant is proposing to remove three living cottonwood trees over eight (8) inches in diameter. The trees are dying and leaning towards the neighboring property. Per §13-3-1(D (7)), WCC, since the trees are living, three new replacement trees must be planted within five (5) feet of the removed trees and maintained for 10 years. The roots and stump of the removed trees must remain in place. Nelson Loring summarized the staff report for members, noting a couple of key points: • The applicant as well as the City Arborist agree that the trees ought to be removed for safety • The conditions in place for tree removal require that replacement trees be planted, the stumps will remain, and that impact to the lake is minimized. Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of WLP 23-W10 with the 10 conditions listed in the report. Members discussed the application with Nelson, clarifying the following items: • Loring clarified that it could potentially be a liability if the tree fell. • Rowles asked how the trees are removed. Loring Clarified that this is done In sections, and trees must be felled away from the lake ACTION: Wood made a motion to approve WLP 23-W10. Nancy seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The application will go before City Council on August 7. 8. STAFF COMMENTS / GOOD AND WELFARE Summary: There has been interest and as the city is still looking to fill one more position on the committee, the lakeshore property owner within city limits position. 9. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Summary: Don Harring- Is ther anythign that can be done something limit size of and boat number of boats. Toby- Direction to staff to research the possibility of adding a speed limit, limit number of boats, or the size of boats on Whitefish Lake. 10. ADJOURNMENT ACTION: The meeting is adjourned at 6:24 pm. Page 2 of 2