01-27-2014 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monda,y,January 6,2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. (l. #13-3638 and#13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LLC(PAT HILLER) O/B/O GRANT i�'ENKSTERN(LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE— COMPREHENSIVE PLA1V AMENDMENT AND SIrETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Johnson stated one of their concepts as part of this vision is creating an area for golf with a difference.As part of that the residents could create a business plan for a portion of this land, such as a 9-hole public golf course that would address brand identity and marketing, historical context, a First Tee organization to promote life skills and leadership through the game of golf, and harmony with nature. Johnson stated the plan would also provide environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety,water quality and management, as well as outreach and education. Johnson stated it would be compatible with the other dimension of their vision. Johnson stated these ideas are the results of the input of hundreds of people and would help celebrate the history, the legacy, and the lake that is near this course. Johnson stated the citizens group would wark with the Wenkstern family to create a legacy as well as involving private and corporate sponsors. Johnson stated in their view there would be a lot of interest in this type of property and that they would leave it to the City Council's imagination of what this land could become. The citizens would welcome the Council's input on creating a legacy for this area. Johnson stated if they are successful in creating such a vision,the citizens b oup has identified a variety of funds, grants, and foundations that could be approached for the management and development part of this legacy. Dean Mitchell stated he would like to tell a tale of three cities—Minneapolis, Hopkins, and Orono. All three of these cities grew up at the same time and all had open space decisions that they dealt with. Minneapolis chose to preserve Minnehaha Creek with the help of private funds, Hopkins chose to allow development along Minnehaha Creek and Orono is now at a point where they have to make a decision. Mitchell noted historically Orono was founded with the concept of open space. Mitchell stated there was a letter to the editor in today's Star Tribune entitled one suburb gets it and one does not. According to reports,Maplewood has been planning for decades to add 70 acres of prime bluff land along the Mississippi River to its green space. Meanwhile, Orono shanked its chance to effectively plan for the transition of the Lakeview Golf Course and somehow that land is being sold to a developer over the howls of its citizens. Johnson stated while he does not live in Orono or Maplewood, all citizens are vested in these decisions since they affect the quality of life in all the metro area. Mitchell stated once the green space is gone, it's gone forever. Mitchell stated he would just like to say that it comes down to what you want to defend. The City Council has a choice to either approve a housing development or defend a legacy that will serve generation upon generation. Mitchell stated he hopes the Members of the City Council vote for the long- term legacy of Orono that will serve many generations to come. Bryce Johnson noted their�roup initially started with 60 people in October and has now grown to approximately 1,000 people. Johnson commented that while they have spoken for an hour tonight, if each of the 1,000 people that signed the petition had five minutes each, they would be here for three and a half days. Johnson stated the residents are motivated and engaged and will continue to be involved in this issue. Johnson noted over 400 people have pledged their personal money to help with this cause and that their group has identified other sources of funding. Johnson stated due to the time of the season, it did not allow them to approach corporate sources. Page 15 of 27