06-24-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 24, 1996 (416 - Saga Hill Land Acquisition - Continued) • Jabbour said he was confused why the City should give the Minnesota Land Trust a conservation easement. Leone cited an example of property in a suburb that had placed a conservation easement on it 20 years ago and changes in feelings as time goes on. Leone said she saw the conservation easement as reasonable with land being given free to the City. Callahan informed her that the land was not entirely free as there is a matter of lost property taxes. Callahan also said there is a public policy against tying up land forever noting the desire for open space might change in the future. Leone said that would be sad adding that the Minnesota Land Trust feels areas of land should be left undeveloped. Hurr said she did not want to see any conservation easement on either parcel. Leone said the discussion at the board level of the Minnesota Land Trust called for a conservation easement on both parcels but would have to be discussed regarding any separation of the two parcels. Leone said it was not acceptable to the Minnesota Land Trust not to have a conservation easement. Jabbour asked why this was not discussed earlier in the process. Jabbour added that the Council must protect all of their citizens. Hun noted that the conservation easement allows for minor uses of recreation such as trails and asked what type of trails that would involve. Leone said this would have to be • discussed. • Callahan said the answers need to be found regarding the environmental issue, the Minnesota Land Trust's opinion from their board on the easement, and the condition of the grant. He said the Council will not have any easement placed on the 9 -1/2 acre parcel. Callahan asked that the answers be brought back to the July 8 meeting of the Council. Callahan asked Leone to inquire about an extension of the purchase agreement and to inform the City if any problems arise. Callahan said he appreciates the work done by the Minnesota Land Trust and the Saga Hill group. Jabbour was informed that the contract was a purchase agreement, not an option to purchase. Jabbour said a purchase agreement would require a formal cancellation. Jabbour asked about the expiration date of the DNR grant. Moorse said he did not have that date. Leone said she thought the grant expired in 1997. Hurr inquired about other agreements where the Minnesota Land Trust has been the conduit. Leone informed her of several. Both examples had conservation easements. 11