06-24-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 24, 1996 • ( #15 - Old Crystal Bay Road Trail Update - Continued) Park Commissioner McMillan asked if a more in -depth study of the maintenance issue was required regarding whether the City or the County would be maintaining the trail. Moorse said this was not necessary at this time. ( #16) SAGA HILL PARK LAND ACQUISITION Moorse presented the Council with an update on the Saga Hill Park Land acquisition and a list of items to finalize the acquisition. Moorse said the City is going ahead with the acquisition of the 9.5 acre tax forfeit parcel. The 11+ acre property owned by Midway Bank is set for acquisition with the grant received and sufficient level of contributions obtained by the Saga Hill group. The closing for the bank property is being readied. Callahan asked if the tax forfeit parcel was not 9 -1/2 acres. Moorse said it was but the 1/2 acre would to reconveyed to the Valek's. Callahan clarified that an easement to the park land was required before the conveyance would occur. Moorse said the City would acquire the 9 -1/2 acres and then can do what they wish with it. The 1/2 acre will be purchased by the City. Moorse reported that the Saga Hill group was working with the City and the Minnesota Land Trust in providing assistance with the purchase and with the grant. The purchase • agreement itself is in the name of the Minnesota Land Trust. At the time of closing, the land will be assigned to the City. In discussing the bank land with the Minnesota Land Trust, Moorse said they are requesting a conservation easement on the I 1 acres in order to gain some level of comfort on its use in the future. Moorse said the City may wish to retain some flexibility on the uses of the property and asked for guidance from the Council. Moorse informed Hurr that the DNR grant was for $50,000 with $95,000 raised by the Saga Hill group for the purchase price of $145,000. Callahan asked when the $50,000 will be obtained. Moorse said it would be after the closing. Hun asked if the $95,000 was in the City's name. Moorse said he thought the funds were in the name of the Minnesota Land Trust as the non -profit organization. Patti Affeldt of Saga Hill group said that was her understanding. Hurr said this information would need to be clarified before any commitment was made. Moorse said the funds would be necessary for the closing. Hurr said any restrictions on the park land would be unacceptable. Goetten added that no specific use restrictions be placed on the 9 -1/2 acre parcel. Moorse said the City could do as they wished with that parcel. He noted the need for parking if the 9 -1/2 acres were used for a specific purpose. The parking would have to be located on the I 1 • acre parcel. 9