7.3 SR 12-18-1995ty of
ilk lZiver
ITEM 7.3.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Stephen Rohlf, Building and
Zoning Administrator
DATE: December 5, 1995 iut
SUBJECT: Acquisition of Park Land from the
Shiely Company/ Public Hearing
The purchase of park land from the Shiely Company involves approximately
30 acres of dry subtype oak forest identified as naturally significant by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The purchase of this property
will also preserve significant geological features of moraine, which is one of
the highest points in Elk River. Additionally, the purchase of this property
will provide approximately 2.5 kilometers of recreational trail for wildlife
watching, environmental education, hiking, and skiing. There is a map
attached to this memo showing the location of the property.
The second attachment to this memo is a copy of the revised Comprehensive
Park Plan. You can note that where the property in question is located, a
trail was identified. This trail is a link in an important future east/west trail
corridor tying into the railroad hiking trail, Woodland Trails Park, and Top
of the World Park. The Park and Recreation Commission has recommended
the city purchase this property for park purposes.
The Planning Commission is also recommending the city purchase this
property. They felt the purchase of this parcel is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan (Master Park Plan). It accommodates an east/west trail
corridor identified in the park plan, preserves significant natural amenities,
and creates recreational opportunities.
The Planning Commission is further recommending the city uses the
$45,500 natural and scenic grant from the he Department of Natural
Resources that has been approved, and park dedication fees to fund the
purchase. Staff is proposing a maximum purchase price (grant and park
dedication) of $91,000. This price is consistent with the appraisal that was
done.
12-5park/bz/stever
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
5� Q tib
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
September 20, 1995
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4037
Mr. Patrick Klaers
Administrator City Of Elk River
13065 Orono Pkwy
Elk River, MN 55330
RE: FY 1996 Natural and Scenic Grant Program Application
Grant amount: $45,500 Dry Subtype Oak Forest
Dear Mr. Klaers:
I am pleased to inform you that your application for the Natural and Scenic
Grant Program has competed successfully for funding. We anticipate being
able to offer you a grant for the amount shown above contingent upon the
final processing of your application. Final processing of your grant requires
submittal of additional information which must be completed in a timely
manner. You will be contacted shortly by a staff member from the Outdoor
Recreation Grant Program regarding the final processing requirements for
your application.
DO NOT incur any project costs. This notice does not constitute final approval
of your project. Any work completed, money spent, or obligations incurred for
acquisition or development of your project prior to final approval are ineligible
and cannot be paid for with grant funds or used as the local share.
The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program staff are looking forward to working
with you on this project. If you have any questions, call Wayne Sames at
(612) 296-1567. Congratulations.
Yours truly,
Rodney W.Sando
Commissioner
DNR Info mason: 612-296-6157, 1-800-766-6000 • TTY: 612-296-5484, 1-800-657-3929 • FAX: 612-296-4799
An Equal Opportunity Employer APrinted on Recycled Paper
Who Values Diversity to Containing 10% Post -Consumer Waste
9
Consider Application for a Dv Subtype Forest AcaJiSition Grant/Public Hearin
Mike Niziolek reviewed the grant proposal to acquire 30 acres of dry subtype oak
forest from the J.L. Shiely Company to be used as an off-road trail system through
park land. He stated that the total cost of the site acquisition is $90,000. The
grant will cover half of this amount ($45,000) contingent on the city paying the
other half ($45,000).
The City Council discussed funding of the site acquisition. Mayor Duitsman
indicated that the funds would hove to come from the Park and Recreation fund
and stated that there is not enough money in that fund to cover all the requests
and needs at the present time.
Page 5
Councilmember Dietz indicated his concern regarding the need for bollfields in
the City of Elk River.
Mayor Duitsman opened the public hearing.
Phil Johnson stated that the area is very beautiful and that he is in favor of the
city acquiring the land.
Charles Blood, 12263 Ridgewood Drive, indicated he supports the city purchasing
the property. He indicated that the city needs to preserve its forest and wildlife
land.
Councilmember Farber indicated his support toward the city matching the grant
fund money.
Robin Tuttle stated that the applicant of the grant must address how the
matching funds would be acquired.
Mayor Duitsman indicated that any funding needed will be competing with
athletic fields. He further indicated that he can support moving forward with the
grant application, but the issue of funding must be brought back to the Park and
Recreation Commission for a recommendation to the City Council.
There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Duitsmon closed the 3
public hearing. t
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO SUPPORT THE NATURAL AND SCENIC
GRANT PROPOSAL ACQUISITION OF DRY SUBTYPE OAK FOREST WITH THE FUNDING
TO COME FROM PARK DEDICATION FUNDS. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4.1. Councilmember Dietz opposed.
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