Tues. 6 /15, 6:30 pm set up and social time at Lafayette, inside upstairs. Masks recommended for unvaccinated attendees.

7:00pm meeting

Guests:

Matthew Stewart, C.M., ACE,Airport Planner,Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., Ongoing Master Plan project at Sky Harbor, project website is updated with project materials and can be found here: https://skyharbor.duluthairport.com/projects/

At-Large City Councilor Terese Tomanek 

Communications & Articles – please send items of interest to share

Please leash your pets on Park Point!

Quiet signs that someone is drowning- check out this important information!

Operation Slow Motion: Heading to the beach? Residents, Duluth police ask drivers to slow down on Park Point in the DNT

StarTribune, “Watch for Park Point beach closures this summer as debris is cleaned”

Letter to Mayor Emily Larson re. beach nourishment concerns from Club member

Copy of letter sent to:

Ms. Melissa Blankenship, EPA Region V; Ms. Sarah Strommen MPCA Commissioner; Lt. Col. Katalenich, USACE Detroit

Note: PPCC Recommendation #4 for 2021 “Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must demonstrate state water quality standards for Lake Superior will not be exceeded. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth and PPCC will request MPCA require constant monitoring of the lake and discharged materials for the presence of any harmful components. If harmful components are found in the discharge, the USACE will take steps to remove or treat them.”

PPCC has asked the City of Duluth to provide assurances and data to show that these standards will be met. Calculations based on the USACE’s samples and data indicate that materials placed in 2020 on the beach near the bridge do not align with the Club’s recommendation as stated above. Unfortunately, “historical” trash from the harbor bottom- metal cans, glass and plastics were inadvertently shredded and placed on the beach during the beach nourishment processes in 2019 & 2020. While learning more on how this occurred, sediment data from the USACE was reviewed by a water quality expert. The PPCC, City Administrators and City Councilor Randorf were apprised of the concerns revealed by the data and the negative implications for Lake Superior and its ecosystems. In 2019, the PPCC requested help from the City of Duluth as the beach, infrastructure, and homes along the very north end were in peril due to erosion processes, rising waters and strong storm surges. The City requested that the Corps. of Engineers (USACE) move their nourishment operation to the north end of Park Point to help with that crisis area. The USACE was in the early phase of a 5 year permitted process of depositing 1,000,000 cubic yards of dredged materials into Lake Superior starting at the south end. The alarming appearance of beach sharps has raised numerous concerns from Park Pointers and other individuals and organizations:

The Minnesota Conservation Federation, Brad Gausman, Executive Director

The Save Lake Superior Association, Lori Andresen, President 

Clean Water Action, Deanna White, Minnesota State Director

The National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Office, Jason Dinsmore, Director of Conservation Partnerships

The North Shore Surfrider Foundation, Bob Pokorney, President 

Grant Merritt, Former Executive Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 

Willis Mattison, Former Regional Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Subsequently, the City of Duluth has requested another Section 111 study to determine the level of the USACE’s responsibility for damage caused by the construction of the canals at both ends of MN Point.

Clean-up on the beach:

While on the beach-pay attention!

The second most common cause of death in children, drowning usually occurs due to an adult not paying attention and missing the signs. As drowning is hard to spot, it is important to know the signs and always stay aware.

• They cannot call for help: People drowning will not be able to call out for help as they are taking in water and struggling to breathe in oxygen.
• They cannot wave for help: People drowning will be using their arms to attempt to push themselves out of the water but will be unable to wave them above their head.
• They will remain upright: People drowning will remain upright in the water without showing signs of kicking for up to 60 seconds before going underwater.
• They will have glassy eyes: People drowning will be unable to focus and may have their eyes closed.
• Their face will be hard to see: People drowning may not be visible due to being in and out of the water, causing hair to cover their face.
• They will be hidden by the water: People drowning may have his/her head tilted backwards or forwards as his/her mouth will be at water level
• They will be quiet: People drowning may be quieter than normal as they can no longer speak. It is best to find out why immediately.
• They may not seem in distress: People drowning may already be unconscious and therefore not moving at all. It is important to ask if they are okay and get them out of the water if they do not respond.

Redlining Map in 1932- Check out Park Point from this link! Zoom in on Duluth

Hope to see you at our first in-person gathering in months!

Bring a lawn chair or bring out a folding chair.

Here is the May 2021 Breeze!

We will discuss nominations for upcoming elections.

See you soon!

April 20 PPCC Meeting 7pm Zoom

Watch the presentations here.

Guests with presentations include:

PP Technical Advisors Gary Glass & Willis Mattison will be presenting information on lake impacts, water quality, history & regulations re. discharging into Lake Superior; contaminants & hazards from in water, beach placement of harbor dredge spoils; Brad Gausman, Executive Director, MN Conservation Federation will share perspectives of the Coalition

Coalition’s Organizations and Individuals:
The Minnesota Conservation Federation, Brad Gausman, Executive Director
The Save Lake Superior Association, Lori Andresen, President
Clean Water Action, Deanna White Minnesota State Director;
The National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Office, Jason Dinsmore, Director
of Conservation Partnerships;
The North Shore Surfrider Foundation, Bob Pokorney, President
Grant Merritt, Former Executive Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Willis Mattison, Former Regional Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Q & A and community discussion to follow. See you there! All are welcome to attend!

Information & letters, links to research, studies, articles etc.- fyi

Letter to the City April 6, 2021 Re. Beach Nourishment Recommendations

Director Filby- Williams, 
Park Pointers take great pride in providing active and vigilant stewardship of Lake Superior and its shores; we look to community leaders to join us in these efforts.

The Club’s Erosion and High Water Committee sought guidance and support from City leadership in 2019 to address the erosion of the very busy beach from south of the shipping canal to 13th St. The City’s effective collaboration and planning with the USACE led to the completion of the 2020 beach restoration project. 

Flooding, closing of Lake Ave & the bridge and “shelter in place” orders during storm surges will (hopefully) be temporarily & partially managed because of the dredge spoils placed on the beach. Water levels and storm surge durations are variables to watch. 
The dredge spoils from the harbor were advertised to Park Pointers as being a clean, safe and healthy temporary solution. We believed this to be true. 
After taking a much closer look and digging into the history and the science, serious concerns have arisen. 

I read in the DNT that Duluth (per Mayor Larson)  would be seeking to become the “greenest city in the country.” Placing dredged materials from the harbor into on-land containment sites for treatment and reuse is an appropriate course of action in a “green city.
Using clean, zero-polluting materials and/or materials from Lake Superior are appropriate solutions for the restoration of shorelines and beaches of Lake Superior in a “green city.”

After the shredded cans and shards were identified as coming along with the spoils during the USACE’s project and conducting additional research (based on the January 12th presentations set up by the PP EHWC), the Club made this recommendation, below.
We changed the Club’s recommendations to provide clear guidance on the Club’s need to protect Lake Superior. 
We hoped that City leadership would agree with this position and seek alternate short term solutions as we requested in recent communications. 

Regarding the proposed USACE’s 2021 beach nourishment project,  Park Point Community Club clarified the language in their recommendations:

Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must demonstrate state water quality standards for Lake Superior will not be exceeded. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth and PPCC will request MPCA require constant monitoring of the lake and discharged materials for the presence of any harmful components. If harmful components are found in the discharge, the USACE will take steps to remove or treat them.

The Club is asking the City to accept nothing less from the USACE than full compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act, MPCA statutes, and state water quality standards for Lake Superior- just as these laws apply to any other discharger.

• We are wondering how the USACE will be demonstrating that their methods will meet this recommendation?

• How will the data which verifies that this recommendation is followed be shared with the City and the community?

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of the Club’s recommendations, requests and questions.
Kind regards & take care,

Dawn Buck,President

Resources, continued:

“It’s easy to spot bias in other people, especially those with whom we disagree.  But it’s not so easy to recognize our own biases.  Psychologist Emily Pronin says it’s partly because of our brain architecture. This week on Hidden Brain, we explore what Pronin calls the introspection illusion.” The Double Standard on Hidden Brain,NPR

North Star Port Winter 2021,”Federal Funds Flow to assist Great Lakes Shipping” , pages 6 & 7

Settling Sediment Issues in the Great Lakes
https://www.smithgroup.com/perspectives/2019/settling-sediment-issues-in-the-great-lakes

The Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) Annual Reports 2019

First ever PFAS fish consumption advisory issued for Lake Superior smelt-DNT, John Myers

Contaminants and Minnesota Fish

Lake Superior contaminants face year of scrutiny, DNT Brady Slater

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency considers lifting some water standards, DNT, Jimmy Lovrien

Public Meeting on Beach Clean Up & Beach Nourishment 2021

The City of Duluth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other partners will host a public meeting to provide information and answer questions about two upcoming projects: the survey and cleanup of can debris from the 2020 beach nourishment project, and the new project slated to happen later this year. At the completion of the presentations, we will open it up to questions and answers from the community.

The meeting took place on April 14 form 11:30 a.m. – 1:00p.m.

Link to the meeting on fb

Kate Van Daele, Public Information Officer, City of Duluth – Mayor’s Office,218-730-5309, kvandaele@duluthmn.gov

Neighborhood Watch Orientation for next Monday, March 29 at 6 pm, Lt. Chad Nagorski will join us to go over procedures and best practices. Email Pat Sterner if you would like to join the ZOOM meeting patsterner20@gmail.com

Here are the details on using the clearinghouse email to report traffic and safety issues and concerns on Park Point:

Park Point Traffic Safety Clearinghouse
Email: parkpointtrafficsafety@gmail.com

If you see an emergency, a crime in progress or suspicious activity, call 911. Thank you.

Watch your speed- DPD has pledged to help us slow down the traffic and will be enforcing the 30mph speed limit.

The Park Point Traffic Safety (PPTS) Clearinghouse has been established
to gather and compile information about traffic safety concerns that
will be communicated in a systematized way to Duluth Police Department
Chief of Police Mike Tusken for use and action by his team.

Information sent to the PPTS Clearinghouse should address traffic safety
only, including but not limited to:
 Excessive speeding (date/time/location/make-model of vehicle)
 Distracted driving (cell phone use, other)
 Dangerous driving (tailgating, passing over the double yellow line or
in the pedestrian lane)
 Drag Racing

When able, please include the license plate number (and state), of
speeding vehicle with description of the vehicle, date, time and location
noted.
Terms and Conditions for submitting information to the PP Traffic Safety
Clearinghouse
1. Information provided to the PP Traffic Safety Clearinghouse will not
be private; it will be shared with the Duluth Police Department.
2. Messages must be concise with specific information especially when
reporting an incident (date, time, location, what happened).
Messages longer than 3 paragraphs will not be accepted.
3. Messages with attachments will not be accepted.
4. Messages must contain the sender’s name and email address.

Administrator for the PP Traffic Safety Clearinghouse:
Pat Sterner

We thank Lt. Chad Nagorski and Chief Mike Tusken and the entire DPD for their continued support.

FOR ALL PARK POINTERS SCOURING THE BEACH FOR METAL SHARDS Since shortly after the beach nourishment project of 2020, variably sized metallic shards have been identified on the beach.  We know that wave and wind action has caused some of these shards to migrate south from the initial nourishment site.  We want to document how much is continuing to migrate and to what extent migration has occurred.  We also wish to document the presence of shards on the entire Minnesota Point because it appears that shards may have been introduced during beach nourishment on the south end of Minnesota Point in 2019 and possibly migrated north.
When cans & can shards are positively identified please do the following: take a picture, preferably with some sort of measuring device to  allow perspective, send a copy of the picture (in “large” or ”actual size” mode) to Gale Kerns (ggkerns@mac.com), and include the location of the finding, the date, and name of finder. Please put the cans/shards into a plastic bag and deliver them to Hamilton Smith’s home at  1620 Minnesota Ave, and place in the porch. Please label with date and location where collected. Gale will, initially, configure the information and send the results to the High Water and Erosion committee, The Park Point Community Club, the City of Duluth, and the US Army Corps of Engineers weekly. For those regular beach walkers, should you go for a period of time without finding shards, could you please advise Gale Kerns of that as well
The goal is to attempt to determine how much, how far, and how often the migration of cans and shards is taking place. The USACE will be implementing a system to remove the metal cans and shards from the beach and warning signs will be posted soon.

Thank You
The High Water and Erosion Committee and the PPCC

Events Canceled due to Pandemic Concerns, Constraints and Unknowns

• Park Point Rummage Sale 2021 Canceled
• Park Point Art Fair 2021 Canceled~ 50th PP Art Fair in 2022!
• Park Point Summer Youth Program 2021- Canceled- See you next year! Email parkpointcc@gmail.com if you would like to join the youth program and start planning for 2022

Looking for a Park Point Youth Program?

Check out Duluth Superior Sailing Association for sailing camps for kids aged 7-16 starting on July 12th, Call 218-260-0961 to register, www.sailingforall.org “The mission of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association is to offer the joy of sailing to the entire Duluth-Superior community, regardless of skill level, physical capabilities, or financial means.”

If you would like to join the meeting tonight, email the club president, parkpointcc@gmail.com before 6pm.

• Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certifications

DNT Article by Peter Passi on Shredded Cans on Beach

Club Recommendations for 2021 and beyond, revised 3.15.21

The Park Point Community Club supports these recommendations as stated below:

Because the erosion situation on Park Point, especially in the area between 9th and 13th streets, poses an emergency level of risk of storm damage, we strongly encourage the City of Duluth and USACE to complete the beach nourishment project in 2021. The following recommendations aim to mitigate issues experienced this year:

1. The USACE deposits up to 100,000 cubic yards of MPCA-approved dredge materials on the beach from 9th to 13th streets in 2021.

2. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021, the USACE will study and report back to the City of Duluth, Park Point Community Club and the PPCC EHWC their findings on the cause of the crushed aluminum and what will be done to avoid a repeat of that problem. 

3. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021 a concerted education effort will be undertaken by the USACE, the City of Duluth, and the Park Point Community Club on the nature of the beach nourishment project, what is to be expected, and what residents can do to mitigate temporary effects during the application of new beach materials.

4. Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must demonstrate state water quality standards for Lake Superior will not be exceeded. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth and PPCC will request MPCA require constant monitoring of the lake and discharged materials for the presence of any harmful components. If harmful components are found in the discharge, the USACE will take steps to remove or treat them.

5. If there are remaining dredge materials, they are placed on the south end of Minnesota Point (Lake Superior side) to protect the old growth pine forest including the scientific and natural areas. 

3/16 Meeting Agenda:

a. Call to Order

b. Presentation and action on the minutes of the previous meeting

c. Presentation and action on the treasurer’s report

d. Reading of all communications received

e. Report of the Committees of the Club: Youth, Art Fair, Breeze, Hospitality, Executive, Program, Sunshine, Environmental,
Watch:

• Report from MP50 (long range strategic planning for MN Point), Paul Treuer, chairperson

• Report from PP Erosion and High Water Committee, Hamilton Smith, chairperson- Cans and shards on beach – clean up effort & process- how you can help

f. Discussion and action on unfinished business

• Pat Sterner and Rory Strange on Neighborhood Watch and Traffic and Safety Initiatives
• Lafayette user fee, including club activities

g. Discussion and action on new business

• Resolution to support the purchase of a replacement surf rescue board,  Bob Pokorney of the Park Point Volunteer Surf Rescue at the S-Curve

h. Adjournment

More info: Park Point Volunteer Surf Rescue on facebook

From Bob. P: Since we started lifeguarding at 12th street in 2013, our volunteers have spent more than 100 full days on the sand. We make beach observations every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and by communicating with the National Weather Service (who in turn informs the Fire Department) have corrected the flag color and safety level more than 25 times. Our lifeguards have had hundreds of conversations about Lake Superior Safety with beachgoers, provided first aid to visitors, and made three water rescues to swimmers in distress. We have had no fatalities at the S-Curve since our group was formed. In addition, we pick up trash, encourage visitors to use garbage cans, and remind people of the alcohol regulations in the park. As you may recall, we operate as a volunteer program of the Duluth Family YMCA, and collaborate with the Twin Ports Rip Current Work Group. 

February 2021 Breeze

PPCC Zoom Meeting 7:00pm on Tuesday 2/16/2021- watch your email for a link, email Dawn Buck, parkpointcc@gmail.com, if you need a 2021 membership form and to add your email address to the Neighborhood List to receive information on events, alerts, opportunities & more.

On the agenda for tonight:

Updates on Park Point Traffic Safety Initiative, Pat Sterner, Summer Youth Program discussion update, Art Fair & Rummage Sale- to 2022, City Tree Trimming south of Beach House & more

Hello Neighbors,

Watch for an email with a survey, thank you in advance for your feedback.

Here are the notes from the January 19 meeting with Mike Tusken, Chad Nagorski and Nick Lukovsky of the DPD:

Jan. 22 Cans on the beach press release from the USACE & City of Duluth & PPCC

Two Park Point Community Club Meetings: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Register Here

5:30pm Park Point Safety Meeting: Traffic Concerns, Speeding, Passing & Needs on Park Point

Zoom meeting with Mike Tusken of the Duluth Police Dept.: Moving forward with a plan improving safety and the perception of safety on Park Point.  

Facilitator:  Pat Sterner

MEETING PURPOSE:

To discuss Traffic Safety Concerns on Park Point with the goal of identifying — in collaboration with the Duluth PD — reasonable solutions to mitigating the speeding and reckless driving occurring on Park Point. 

AGENDA

Welcome Dawn Buck, PPCC President

Opening Remarks Pat Sterner

Update from Duluth PD Chief Mike Tusken

Discussion: Possible Solutions* All

*To include how PP residents might assist through a Neighborhood Watch effort (record violations, track speeds, etc.).

Next Steps Chief Tusken, Dawn Buck, Pat Sterner

Adjourn Dawn Buck

Park Point Quality of Life Report from 2003

7:00pm Park Point Community Club Meeting, pour a beverage and share your best story of 2020 and your ideas on 2021

JANUARY 2021 BREEZE

a. Call to Order

b. Presentation and action on the minutes of the previous meeting

c. Presentation and action on the treasurer’s report

d. Reading of all communications received

e. Report of the Committees: Watch– note of concern at Lafayette re. snowboarders, safety and damage to park property

Art Fair, Breeze, Executive, Rummage Sale, Youth, Sunshine, Environmental, Program, Hospitality

f. Discussion and action on unfinished business

g. Discussion and action on new business

h. Adjournment

1.12.2021 via Zoom PP EHWC Meeting with Presentation by USACE, Hamilton Smith, chairperson

PDF of presentation by Melissa Bosman, USACE

Zoom Presentation

MPCA letter re. Human Health Risk Assessment for 2020 North End of MN Point

MPCA Note on 2019 Minnesota Point South End Beach Nourishment Project

Guest Attendee List: USACE , MPCA,  City of Duluth , Duluth Seaway Port Authority

  Corey Westin , PE – USACE Duluth  Chief of Construction

  Steve Brossart, PE – USACE Duluth  Area Engineer

  Kevin Meyer, Ph.D. – USACE  Detroit District Biologist

  Josh Hackey, PE USACE – Detroit District, Chief of Technical services Branch

  Melissa Bosman, USACE Detroit District Project manager

  Joe Kreitinger Ph.D., – U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, Environmental Toxicologist

  Karen Keil, Ph.D., USACE, Buffalo District, Environmental Toxicologist

  Jeff Stollenwerk – Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Director of government and Environmental Affairs

  Anna Hotz MPCA  Supervisor, Agency Rule Unit {includes 401 program}

  Kevin Mally MPCA  401 Project manager for AOC projects

  Phil Monson MPCA  Water Quality standards and Risk Assessment

  Jim Filby Williams  City of Duluth  Director of Parks Libraries and Properties

 Diane Desotelle  City of Duluth  Natural Resources

The Park Point Community Club supports the recommendations that the EHWC is proposing as stated below:

Because the erosion situation on Park Point, especially in the area between 9th and 13th streets, poses an emergency level of risk of storm damage, we strongly encourage the City of Duluth and USACE to complete the beach nourishment project in 2021. The following recommendations aim to mitigate issues experienced this year:

1. The USACE deposits up to 100,000 cubic yards of MPCA-approved dredge materials on the beach from 9th to 13th streets in 2021.

2. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021, the USACE will study and report back to the City of Duluth, Park Point Community Club and the PPCC EHWC their findings on the cause of the crushed aluminum and what will be done to avoid a repeat of that problem. 

3. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021 a concerted education effort will be undertaken by the USACE, the City of Duluth, and the Park Point Community Club on the nature of the beach nourishment project, what is to be expected, and what residents can do to mitigate temporary effects during the application of new beach materials.

4. Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must meet MPCA requirements. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth, the USACE, and PPCC will work together to monitor the materials for the presence of unwanted components.  If unwanted components are found on the beach, the USACE will take steps to remove them.

5. If there are remaining dredge materials, they are placed on the south end of Minnesota Point (Lake Superior side) to protect the old growth pine forest including the scientific and natural areas.
   

Description of the 2020 Beach Nourishment Project from the USACE

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Summary of 2020 Park Point Project

PPCC Erosion & High Water Committee Recommendations for 2021

Summary of Feedback Collected by the PPCC EHWC as requested

11.3 UPDATE ON LAKE SUPERIOR OUTFLOWS AND EXPECTED CONDITIONS

December 2020 Breeze

12.9.2020 letter supporting EHWC recommendations which include feedback from membership

Looking ahead 1/19/2021 Zoom Meeting, details to follow

5:30pm Improving Safety on Park Point, Mike Tusken, Duluth Police Dept.

Updates from last meeting:

PPCC EHW Committee members walked the beach on Thursday 11/19 to check on hazards post restoration project, report here. Hamilton Smith, chairperson, contacted the USACE and the City of Duluth to see who would be willing to join the committee members and neighbor on the site tour.