11-14-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 10. CSAH 112 TRAIL AND PARCEL EXTENSION (continued) Walsh commented this might be putting the cart in front of the horse. Walsh noted when this item was in front of the Council two or three weeks ago, he said that he wanted to hear from the four affected property owners and that the City still has not done that. Walsh stated he would like to put it on hold until they figure that out. Cornick noted if the trail is not extended, the trail as currently designed goes nowhere. Cornick stated in his view the extension is common sense. Don Ristad stated the trail could follow Old Long Lake Road directly to the Luce Line very easily and would be prettier than following the roadway. Cornick noted that option was considered but the County does not have the necessary right-of-ways. Edwards stated the dotted green line on the map depicts a possible route along Old Long Lake Road. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 1, Walsh Opposed. 10b. TAX FORFEIT PARCEL Senior Planner Michael Gaffron stated the history of the parcel is that back in 1990 the City picked it up as a tax forfeited parcel. In 1999, the DNR sent the City a letter requesting that the parcel be released from that status so they could acquire it as part of the Wood -Rill Scientific and Natural area. At that time the City took steps to release the parcel back to the State for DNR acquisition, which was never done. In October of 2016, Hennepin County placed the parcel up for tax -forfeit auction, to be sold at auction November 18. When City Staff learned of the auction, they requested Hennepin County remove it from the auction list. At this time Staff is working towards re -acquisition by the City to ensure the ability of this property to remain either as City park/open space/drainage or for future acquisition by the DNR as originally intended in 1999. Hennepin County has appraised the parcel at $1,000. The parcel is half wetlands and half upland and abuts the trail. Gaffron stated from the City's perspective, it should be part of Wood -Rill and that the DNR is looking at it. Gaffron recommended the Council authorize Staff to pursue completion of the re -acquisition of the parcel in question at a cost to the City of $1,000 plus transfer fees of approximately $300. If the DNR wishes to purchase the property at some point, it could be transferred by the City to them. Walsh moved, Cornick seconded, to authorize Staff to pursue completion of the re -acquisition of the parcel in question at a cost to the City of $1,000 plus transfer fees of approximately $300. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Page 12 of 28