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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,October 21,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Gaffron indicated he would need to provide that infoimation later since it would be difficult to define a <br /> possible list of uses for open space tonight. <br /> Landgraver asked what are the current uses. <br /> Gaffron stated when you look at the existing properties in the City that are guided for open space,they <br /> consist of city parks,Hennepin County parks,DNR wildlife or natural areas,and four golf courses. <br /> Gaffron stated that is essentially it. <br /> Schoenzeit stated he is not sure how the land is held on Big Island and whether it could be sold or if the <br /> community would be interested in a referendum of A versus B. Schoenzeit stated in his opinion the City <br /> is not going to gain enough revenue from the sale of the 9-hole course and that this is land that is more <br /> attractive for open space use that can be accessed without a boat. <br /> Gaffron asked Mr. Grittman if he is aware of a city that has put a tax on all its residents in order to <br /> purchase recreational open space property. <br /> Grittman stated that was a question in Mendota Heights. In that case they had to pass a referendum to <br /> approve the city purchasing the property,which did occur. <br /> Schoenzeit stated he is not necessarily talking about taxing residents but that the City may own a piece of <br /> property that could perhaps be sold to purchase this. <br /> Leskinen noted that Three Rivers Park owns part of the land on Big Island. <br /> Gafffron stated the City owns approximately 60 acres of the land on Big Island,Three Rivers Park <br /> District owns a portion of it, and the rest is in private hands. <br /> Lemke stated he understands the desire of the residents to keep this land as open space but that he does <br /> not see the City's ability to deny the property owner the right to develop his land since it fits within the <br /> City's guidelines. <br /> Leskinen stated she also does not know if it is reasonable to require the City to maintain the open space <br /> and that it likely does not have the resources. Leskinen stated she would have a difficult time denying the <br /> Wenksterns the opportunity to sell their property. <br /> Leskinen noted the City does have an opportunity to change the zoning to rural residential and they also <br /> have the opportunity to take the time and be cautious in how they should proceed on this application. <br /> Leskinen stated in her view the initial, out of the chute plans have been very respectful in attempting to <br /> maintain as much open space as possible but that the plans are a long way from where they will end up. <br /> Leskinen stated the chances of ending up with 59 lots are pretty slim by the time all the soil testing and <br /> other issues are addressed and that the development might end up being quite nice. <br /> McGrann asked if the reguiding is something that will go forward in perpetuity or whether it be changed <br /> at a later date. <br /> Gaffron stated the Planning Commission's recommendation on the Comp Plan Amendment would be <br /> presented to the City Council on November 12. The Council could either approve, deny,table, or send it <br /> Page 35 of 42 <br />