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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />DATE: Mar <br />ITEM NO: <br /><®^oJ.997 <br />I % <br />Department Approval:Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: <br />Name RonMoorse J/7 City AdminisUator’s <br />Title City Administrator Report <br />Item Description:/ <br />Public Hearing Regarding a Natural and Scenic Area Grant Application <br />Attachments: <br />1. Project Narrative and Site Evaluation to be included in the grant application <br />2. Resolution regarding the grant application <br />3. List of compliances <br />4. Map showing pertinent parcels <br />The residents of the Saga Hill area, working with the Minnesota Land Trust, are proposing that three <br />properties in the Saga Hill area be acquired as park land to be added to the current 12 acre natural <br />area. The proposal involves a grant application through the DNR's Natural and Scenic Grant <br />Program. The grant would need to be matched by other sources of funding. The group has indicated <br />they will again approach foundations and individuals in an attempt to obtain the matching funds. <br />The grant application requires a public hearing to obtain citizen input regarding the project, and a <br />resolution approving the grant application. The grant application needs to be delivered to the DNR <br />no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31. <br />It is important Councilmembers understand that the property, if acquired, would be restricted to <br />passive recreation uses such as nature trails; as is the e.xisting 12 acre natural area. <br />The catalyst for acquiring the properties is the issue of providing access to the northerly 2 parcels. <br />The existing undeveloped right-of-way serving diese parcels bisects the current 12 acre natural area. <br />The Park Commission has indicated major concern regarding the impact of a roadway through the <br />middle of the natural area to serve the two northerly parcels. There is a potential alternative access <br />from the north w'hich would require significant regrading of West Branch Road and the acquisition <br />of a roadway easement through an existing subdivision. <br />The owners of the 2 parcels also own another parcel adjacent to the southern portion of Garden Lane <br />on the southern border of the current natural area. Although this parcel does not have an adverse <br />impact on the existing natural area, the ovs-ners have indicated any agreement related to the purchase <br />of the 2 northerly parcels must also include the purchase of the southerly parcel.