HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-31-1997 Council Minutes Special Meeting—qWW V
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
• HELD MARCH 31,1997
ROLL
The Orono City Council met on the above date with the following members present: Mayor Gabriel
Jabbour, Councilmembers J. Diann Goetten, Barbara Peterson and Charles Kelley. Councilmember
Richard Flint was absent. The following represented City staff. City Administrator Ron Moorse,
Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Michael Gaffron, Director of Public Services Greg
Gappa and Recorder Carole Haseman. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jabbour at 8:00
a.m.
Mayor Jabbour stated this was a special Council meeting regarding a public hearing for the City to
pass a resolution to request a natural and scenic area grant from the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) to obtain three parcels of land in the Saga Hill area.
Moorse explained this was a grant application to purchase three parcels (two on the north and one
in the south end) of the Saga Hill natural area. It has come about as part of discussions regarding
the impact of Garden Lane right -of -way on the existing natural area if used as access to parcels to
the north. The owners of Parcels 1, 2 and 3 have indicated any sale must include all three parcels.
Mayor Jabbour noted if the property was obtained by the neighborhood through the grant, that DNR
• restrictions would apply.
Moorse stated the property would have substantial restrictions in that it would be a natural area and
used for trails and passive recreation purposes.
Goetten inquired as to the status of Parcel 3.
Moorse explained that Parcel 3 could serve as an entrance to the natural area and park land.
Goetten also asked about Highview Lane.
Moorse replied that Highview Lane could be vacated.
Goetten pointed out she did not approve of purchasing unneeded property. She inquired as to the
total price.
Irene Silber, a Saga Hill resident who is working on the grant application, stated the total price for
all three parcels was $210,000.
Renee Leone, Executive Director of Minnesota Land Trust, presented an independent appraisal
indicating the market value.
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD MARCH 31,1997 •
Kelley stated if the parcels were purchased, they would be combined. He also noted the tax forfeited
parcel would have a separate PID and no restrictions would apply.
Mayor Jabbour said he spoke to the Park Board regarding their long -range priorities for future land
acquisitions and if they had any objection to using grant funding at this time. The Park Commission
is supportive of the grant application.
Moorse pointed out that the Park Commission has identified a 7 or 8 acre parcel in Navarre for
possible acquisition. The land is the only remaining undeveloped property within the Navarre area.
Mayor Jabbour stated the need to evaluate funding resources for the future.
Kelley stated the park boundaries need to be identified for future users to prevent problems
associated with the public wandering onto private property.
Mayor Jabbour opened the public hearing and asked for public comments.
Irene Silber, 4625 West Branch Road, stated she appreciates the City's support but that there is no
guarantee the neighborhood will be able to raise the funds. The grant provides an option for
matching funds on a 1:1 basis. •
Chris Mogart, 1003 Wildhurst Trail, stated he is not in favor of acquiring more park land. In the
past, he has seen problems with kids drinking and partying in the area. Cross - country skiers and
nature hikers also trespass upon the local property owners' land. They are taking advantage of
something that is not theirs.
Mayor Jabbour responded the City takes pride in open spaces but that does not mean at Mr. Mogart's
expense. Boundary markings need to be identified and more police enforcement will be provided
if needed for the area. The City respects property rights and wants to assist.
Shirley Bull, 4690 Tonkaview Lane, supports the grant. She has seen a substantial reduction in
problem usage within the area in recent years. Both the Orono and Mound Police Departments have
always been responsive to complaints.
It was moved by Goetten, seconded by Kelley, to adopt Resolution No. 3877 authorizing the Natural
and Scenic Area grant application, including authorizing the City Administrator to sign the list of
compliances. Vote: 4 ayes, 0 nays.
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
•
HELD MARCH 31,1997
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 a.m.
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J. iann Goetten, Act i yor