12-12-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 28. 1994 (Saga Hill Tax Forfeit Property - Continued) Jabbour was concerned with the property being for public use. and yet. by a trade, the City would, in his opinion, become an agent for the developer. The Bridgewood representative said they would not develop if the City keeps the tax forfeit parcel as there are too many environmental issues m developing the Soskin property. Council members said they could not be concerned with the end result of the developer but only the good of the public where this land is concerned. Hurr noted that this acquisition was resoK ed in January of 1994, and no negotiations have been done with the Council by Bridgewood on tl^ property. The Saga Hill Preservation Society was represented by Patricia Affeldt and Irene Silber. Their purpose was to see that the City acquire the 9.5 acre parcel for public use, remind the Council of the City's own development policies, and ask the City to assign the Park Commission to study Saga Hill. The Committee related the history of the area and noted an access available to the parcel through a church property. The Orono Park Survey was brou^ to the Council's attemion. The survey showed the public's concern with preserving more natural land and passive park areas. 62% of those surveyed said they would support higher taxes for nature preserves even though the majority of those polled noted the amount of their real estate taxes was their biggest concern. The Preservation Society said they were not opposed to development but were opposed to development of environmentally sensitive areas which they deem Saga Hill to be. The Orono Management Plan was quoted as saying the preservation of Lake Minnetonka was the guiding principle of the City. The Preservation Society feels any development of Saga Hill would affect the lake. They also noted that the Orono Planning Policies indicate that rural devdopment should be screened for environmental sensitivity. It was commerned by the Preservation Society that they approve of the Valek's obtaining the one-half acre of additional land for their property. Access to the property was discussed. A 15’ alley easement from the south of the property which could be used as a walking path. This path goes through the Valek s property. Hurr asked the Valek's if they would be willing to move the easement to the side of their property, and the Valek’s said they would consider this proposal.