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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION ^ ^ Cll Y Ol^ ORONO DATE: August 8,2003 ITEM NO: Department Approval: Name Ron Moorse Title City Administrator Administrator Reviewed: Item Description: Saga Hill Park Land Exchange Agenda Section: City Administrator ’s Report When the City of Orono acquired a number of parcels through the DNR"s Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program to create Saga Hill Park, there was one key parcel under separate ownership that was not acquired. This parcel is adjacent to Saga Hill Park on two sides, and is also adjacent to a large ravine which is both a unique natural feature and an environmentally sensitive area. There is currently no developed access to serve the parcel. If the parcel was to be developed for a residential use, access would be provided by constructing a 300 to 400 foot driveway through an undeveloped public right-of-way corridor that is currently in a natural state. The development of the lot and the access would have a substantial impact on the Saga Hill Park area. A number of years ago, the City approached the owner of the parcel to suggest a land exchange that would provide the owner with a replacement residential lot and would enable the parcel to be preserved in its natural state as a part of Saga Hill Park. The owner was not interested in a land exchange at that time. Recently, as the owner was discussing plans for developing the parcel, the subject of the land exchange was again discussed. The owner is now interested in the land exchange. Attached 'n a map showing the total Saga Hill Park area purchased by the City with the assistance of the Ne. iral and Scenic Area Grant, the specific parcel to be exchanged for the parcel adjacent to the Saga Hill Park area, and the parcel to be acquired through the land exchange. The owner of the parcel is interested in completing the land exchange in the next three to four weeks. Staff has begun working with the City Attorney and the DNR to move forward as quickly as possible. Prior to moving any further, staff needs authorization from the Council to make the land exchange. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to authorize a land exchange through which the City will receive the parcel with PID# 07- 1 17-2324 0036 in exchange for the parcel with PID # 07-117-2324 0031. f J