06-15-2010 Council Work Session Packet

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�,�� 5��:s�,.� � � (�z� �i�� '�-_-� �(,¢�"� ° e MEMORANDUM r To: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers Eric Evenson, District Administrator From: City of Orono�� !!�-,�� Date: June 15, 2010 Subject: Update and Summary of Activity - Management of Big Island Park It is our pleasure to provide you with a summary of the activities undertaken by the City of Orono over the past 4 years towards establishing a sustainable management program for Big Island Park. We realize that what may seem to be snail's-pace progress on a `Management Plan' document is better characterized as a steady progression of directed actions and learning experiences resulting in a better understanding of the opportunities and limitations for maintaining this public park in an island setting. • Our vision and goals for the Park have changed somewhat from those we initially started with in 2006. We now believe that had we formally set forth those goals shortly after acquisition of the site, we would ultimately be unable to fulfill a number of them. When the Veterans Camp ceased operation, Orono expressed concerns about security and maintenance of the property. In the ensuing years the level of vandalism of the basic park facilities has caused us to reconsider the level of services and amenities that can reasonably be provided. At the same time, our commitment remains steadfast to managing this resource in a manner that supports the provisions of the MCWD Conservation Easement. Property Acquisition As you know, in Apri12004 the Big Island Veterans Camp Board of Governors voted to close the Camp and sell the property. The City Council immediately appointed Gabriel Jabbour to represent the City in discussions with Three Rivers Parks, Hennepin County and the Department of Veterans Affairs with regards to maintenance of the property in the interim and reaching an acceptable outcome for future use of the property. During 2004 and into 2005, the City put substantial effort into discussions with existing and potential stakeholders, and concluded that permanent public ownership of the property was of paramount importance. A financial package was put together to meet the $5.85 million price tag of the Camp, including $1.4 million in available City park funds, $1.6 million in Orono HRA Public Proj ect Revenue Bonds, and a $2 million grant from the State of Minnesota. In early 2005 MCWD agreed to partner with the City by contributing the remaining $850,000 in exchange for a Conservation Easement over a major portion of the property. Purchase of the property was completed in January 2006.