12-12-2011 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS – JOHN THIESSE, REPRESENTATIVE Thiesse stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS None PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 5. ADOPTION OF BIG ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN – RESOLUTION NO. 6095 Gaffron stated in 2006, the City purchased the Big Island Veterans Camp. That purchase, in part, was funded by a grant from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in exchange for a conservation easement over the entire property. The conservation easement is intended to preserve the natural resources of the property and includes the Maple/Basswood forest wetlands and about 7500 feet of undeveloped Lake Minnetonka shoreline. The conservation easement limits the permitted uses of the protected property and specifies that the allowed uses be contained in the Park Management Plan. The goals and policies established in the plan reflect what can be deemed an evolutionary process and would allow the City to revisit the plan from time to time as issues arise. Gaffron stated an example of a possible future change would be inclusion of a cultural resources section. The plan also includes some appendices for management of Big Island Park. The overall goals of the Plan are to: 1. Document the background leading to the City’s acquisition of the site and define for future City leaders a set of fundamental principles for management of the Park. 2. Provide a structure for defining and managing the major natural, cultural, interpretive, and recreation resources of Big Island Nature Park. 3. Establish a general, long-term management direction for Big Island Nature Park. Gaffron noted the plan was adopted by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District approximately one month ago. McMillan thanked Mike Gaffron and the Big Island Committee for their work on this management plan. Franchot asked if the recommendations would then become direction once the plan is approved or whether the recommendations would be something that would be considered over time. Gaffron stated to his understanding they are worded such that they would provide general direction. Some of the recommendations are that certain items are studied. Franchot asked if the plan is approved whether the City is dedicated to carrying out all of the recommendations or whether they are merely recommendations for the group to consider in the future. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 12/12/2011 Approval of Council Minutes 11/28/2011 [Page 3 of 16]