4.3 SR 04-21-2025The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
[ITEM_HEAD]
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
4.3
Meeting Date
April 21, 2025
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
Resolution 25-14: Purchase Agreement 25-05 for
Parcel 75-00131-2100
Reviewed by
Jeff Shelby
Zack Carlton
Cal Portner
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, Resolution 25-14 approving Purchase Agreement 25-05 for parcel 75-00131-2100 as
presented.
Background/Discussion
The Parks and Recreation Commission toured this property on November 10, 2024, and unanimously
recommended that the Council pursue this parcel per the Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan on
November 13, 2024.
Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan - Initiative 4 Connect to the Rivers
The Elk and Mississippi Rivers serve as important recreation assets for the community. These assets are from
the downtown event space at Rivers Edge Commons Park to the natural experiences at Bailey Point Nature
Preserve, the beach at Orono Park, to the boat launch at Babcock Park. These assets need to be developed
further by improving physical access, or places to be near the river, river views, and movement along the
rivers, and developing additional ways to experience them.
• Recommendation 1. Improve riverfront connectivity.
• Strategy 1. As opportunities arise, consider adding riverfront property to the city’s park system with
priority on properties or easements that allow for linear connections along the river.
Financial Impact
Funds were budgeted in the Park Dedication Fund to acquire and develop the parcel for recreational
programming. John Maher accepted an offer from the city for $80,000.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Opportunity to live, work, and play.
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Attachments
1. Land Purchase Agreement
2. Resolution Purchase of Real Estate (John Maher - April 2025)
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232669v1
Resolution 25 - 14
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Authorizing
the Purchase of Real Estate.
WHEREAS, the John Maher (“Seller”) is the owner of the real property located at in the City of Elk
River, County of Sherburne, State of Minnesota, which is legally described as follows:
ELK RIVER CITY SEC:31 TWP:33.0 RG: 26 W: LOT: Blk: 2.67W 1-2 OF NE
1-4 OF NW 1-4 LYING S & W OF ELK RIVER EX N 950 FT
(PID 75-00131-2100) (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan - Initiative 4 Connect to the Rivers,
Recommendation 1, Strategy 1 states: As opportunities arise, consider adding riverfront property to
the city’s park system with priority on properties or easements that allow for linear connections
along the river; and
WHEREAS,The Parks and Recreation Commission toured the real estate on November 10, 2024
and unanimously recommended the City Council pursue this real estate in accordance with the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Master Plan on November 13, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Statutes § 462.356, subd. 2, requires that the Elk River Planning
Commission (“Planning Commission”) review the proposed acquisition of the Property for
compliance with the City’s comprehensive municipal plan, and to report its findings in writing to the
City Council of the City of Elk River (“City Council”); and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §462.356, subd. 2, provides for an exception from the requirement
for review by the Planning Commission upon 2/3 vote of the City Council when in its judgment it
finds that the acquisition of real property has no relationship to the City’s comprehensive municipal
plan; and
WHEREAS, the City finds the acquisition of the Property is in the public’s interest and furthers the
aims and purposes of the City, and that the acquisition has no relationship to the City’s
comprehensive municipal plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota, as follows:
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232669v1
1. The City Council finds that the acquisition of the Property has no relationship to the City’s
comprehensive municipal plan.
2. Review by the Planning Commission of the acquisition of the Property is hereby dispensed
with.
3. The acquisition of the Property is hereby approved.
4. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute and deliver all necessary
documents to complete the acquisition.
Passed and adopted this 21st day of April, 2025.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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