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owner to place an easement on the property to prevent building from occurring on certain areas. <br />Wayne Meloche, 17400 Erkium Street NW, Ramsey, explained that this matter was discussed <br />greatly with the Mr. Riverblood, and other members of staff. The process is not done as far as <br />they arc concerned, but the agreement had been made to move forward with the payment of <br />$1,800 in park dedication because the area identified for the trail is above his land. He may be <br />interested in the dedication of some of the low land near the Trott Brook. Mr. Meloche stated <br />that stafff had advised him to work with his attorney to determine what the best option would be <br />and assured him that there were no time constraints. It was his goal to keep the land in its natural <br />state. Councilmember Cook inquired if Mr. Meloche would consider placing an easement on his <br />property for a Greenway. Mr. Meloche replied that he was not sure an easement was the right <br />word. Councilmember Strommen explained Mr. Meloche was talking about a perpetual <br />conservation easement, which severs the development rights from land ownership to a private <br />land trust so that Mr. Meloche would receive a tax benefit. Councilmember Elvig stated that it <br />sounded as if they were on the same page and that is why he was suggesting that they table action <br />so they could gct a better understanding of what would need to occur. Mr. Meloche replied that <br />that was problematic to them because this has already been a long process and they would like to <br />break ground. City Administrator Norman noted that a letter is being sent to all of the property <br />owners along the Trott Brook cmT'idor explaining the Greenways project. City Attorney <br />Goodrich inquired if there were any 60-day timeline concerns. Community Development <br />Director Frolik replied no. Councilmember Elvig inquired if there was any type of an agreement <br />that they might be able to strike with Mr. Meloche that would give the Council a better indication <br />that he would proceed with some type of land protection. City Attorney Goodrich replied that <br />they could look at that, but it could not be done tonight. Councilmember Elvig recommended <br />that they draft a letter of understanding and then approve the final plat at the next City Council <br />meeting. Councilmember Cook stated the problem is they are talking about something that is <br />done att the discretion of the landowner. Councilmember Elvig stated that he would be willing to <br />go along with a statement that they intend to keep on discussing the issue. Mr. Meloche stated <br />that there will be no development on his property other than this split while he is still alive. They <br />have his word that he is looking into the conservation of the area because it is to his benefit. <br />Counci hnember Kurak suggested that they approve the final plat contingent upon the letter being <br />drafted. City Attorney Goodrich recommended that he be given an opportunity to meet with the <br />applicant while the meeting continues and bring the case back up for further discussion later in <br />the evening. <br /> <br />Motion was withdrawn. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman stated that he was concerned that there was no public road <br />accessing the property. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich explained that the Board of Adjustment granted the variance and the City <br />Council cannot change that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmennan inquired if that decision exposes the City to any liability. <br /> <br />City Council/December 9, 2003 <br /> Page 9 of 23 <br /> <br /> <br />