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—qWW V <br />MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING <br />• HELD MARCH 31,1997 <br />ROLL <br />The Orono City Council met on the above date with the following members present: Mayor Gabriel <br />Jabbour, Councilmembers J. Diann Goetten, Barbara Peterson and Charles Kelley. Councilmember <br />Richard Flint was absent. The following represented City staff. City Administrator Ron Moorse, <br />Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Michael Gaffron, Director of Public Services Greg <br />Gappa and Recorder Carole Haseman. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jabbour at 8:00 <br />a.m. <br />Mayor Jabbour stated this was a special Council meeting regarding a public hearing for the City to <br />pass a resolution to request a natural and scenic area grant from the Department of Natural Resources <br />(DNR) to obtain three parcels of land in the Saga Hill area. <br />Moorse explained this was a grant application to purchase three parcels (two on the north and one <br />in the south end) of the Saga Hill natural area. It has come about as part of discussions regarding <br />the impact of Garden Lane right -of -way on the existing natural area if used as access to parcels to <br />the north. The owners of Parcels 1, 2 and 3 have indicated any sale must include all three parcels. <br />Mayor Jabbour noted if the property was obtained by the neighborhood through the grant, that DNR <br />• restrictions would apply. <br />Moorse stated the property would have substantial restrictions in that it would be a natural area and <br />used for trails and passive recreation purposes. <br />Goetten inquired as to the status of Parcel 3. <br />Moorse explained that Parcel 3 could serve as an entrance to the natural area and park land. <br />Goetten also asked about Highview Lane. <br />Moorse replied that Highview Lane could be vacated. <br />Goetten pointed out she did not approve of purchasing unneeded property. She inquired as to the <br />total price. <br />Irene Silber, a Saga Hill resident who is working on the grant application, stated the total price for <br />all three parcels was $210,000. <br />Renee Leone, Executive Director of Minnesota Land Trust, presented an independent appraisal <br />indicating the market value. <br />r1 <br />U <br />