04-24-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 24, 1995 • ( 95 - Saga Hill - Continued) Jabbour asked if all the money raised would be used for the purchase and not for administrative costs. He received a reply to the affirmative. Kelley asked if the land could be purchased for $200,000. Kuegler said that no fixed price has been determined but all indications show that the bank owning the property would sell for that price or less. Steve Valek, a neighbor whose property is adjacent to the land in question, said he was concerned with the possibility of a high- density park area. It was his opinion that the land was currently listed with a realty company at a higher cost. He received confirmation that most in attendance did not reside near the park as he does. Valek said the group has advertised the park, and he has seen his property advertised as a thru -way to the Luce Line trail. Callahan clarified that as part of the 9 -acre tax forfeiture land agreement, Valek had agreed to a right -of -way contiguous to the park. Callahan said that if the land is acquired, the Park Commission would determine the use, whether high or low density. Callahan also noted that the concern at this meeting was only for the grant application. Kuegler responded that the 11 acres, owned by Midway Bank, was not listed and had no broker. Their purpose was to put the land into public use. • Jabbour noted that once the grant application was made by the City, matching funds needed to be raised by the Saga Hill group. If this was not accomplished, the grant would not be given. Active fund raising is being pursued now, and the grant will be awarded in September of 1995. Callahan was concerned that if not all the funding was raised and the grant was lost, what would become of the funds raised. is Kathryn Caswick, historian and fund raiser, told that the group had targeted three prospects for the funds, who are mainly large foundations. Hurr warned about obtaining a grant with "strings" attached by those contributing the funds. Goetten was concerned with the land staying natural. Patty Affelt responded that it was their intent for the land to remain untouched. Callahan said the type of park use or development would be subject to determinations by future councils. Kelley said he believed in open space and the use of park dedication fees to acquire such land. He also said that this funding mechanism will run out at some point. Also, as the City continues to develop, there will, at some point, be no land available to purchase as park land, and development could happen. 15