Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/09/2008

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Motion by Commissioner LaMere, seconded by Commissioner Shryock, to approve the following Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, as amended: 1) Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes dated August 14,2008. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners LaMere, Shryock, Barr, and Erickson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Backous and Hansen. COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Trail Connection to King's Island - Case of Jeannie Michels Parks Supervisor Riverblood explained the purpose of this case is to consider the request of Ms. Jeannie Michels for a vacation of a City of Ramsey road easement over her property; this 66-foot easement extends off the end of Rivlyn Street south of Highway #10, and continues eastward to the so-called King's Island in the City of Anoka. He stated the applicant went to the Planning Commission last week and this case relates only to the trail connection or easement vacation. Ms. Jeannie Michels, 23008 Navajo Street, Saint Francis, Minnesota, appeared before the Park and Recreation Commission and stated they have no plans for the property at this time and explained they are proposing to split the parcel thatis closest to the river. Mr. Ralph Dickinson, appeared before the Park and Recreation Commission and provided historical background on the property. He stated his father owned the farm on the property for many years and wanted to put a road down to King's Island and sell some of the lots. He stated his father made application to the City of Ramsey to deed over the land so he could get out onto the island; the application was approved and the road was installed and a house was constructed on the property. He indicated they found in the spring of the year, the entire island would flood; as a result, his father abandoned his idea and went to the City Council and had the easement vacated. He stated there appears to be some confusion about the easement and the only proof appears to be the two buildings on the property; one of the buildings had a permit from the City of Ramsey and that building is sitting in the middle of the current easement. He indicated he wants to protect their property so that a trail is not placed down the middle of the easement, thus affecting the value of the property. He stated he is agreeable to having a trail around the perimeter of the property. He added that even though the current map shows an easement, he believes the placement of the easement is in error. Ms. Michels presented the sketch plan prepared by Hakanson Anderson Associates, Inc. dated May 30, 2008. Commissioner Backous arrived at 6:48 p.m. Mr. Dickinson pointed out the current easement on the sketch plan and stated the easement does not appear to have been recorded. Park and Recreation Commission/September 11, 2008 Page 2 of 10