Agenda - Council - 12/09/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich asked if the City should move ahead to preserve this property as a park or pursue potential development. He stated staff can also explore additional survey estimates. Mayor Strommen asked whether a deed restriction would suffice. Community Development Director Gladhill stated staff discussed different methods including easements, property transfers, and restrictive covenants. City Attorney Langel stated the problem is that the City already owns this property in fee but since it was never platted, there are no use restrictions. Mayor Strommen suggested granting an easement to a third party. City Attorney Langel asked what would be the nature of the easement. Mayor Strommen stated the third party would hold the easement and restrict its development. City Attorney Langel stated the idea is to have this used as a City public park. Mayor Strommen stated with the Anoka property across the River, the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) holds an easement as a third party. City Attorney Langel stated in that case, the ACD restricts what can be done with the property physically but it may not restrict its use as a public park. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood raised the option of platting a rectangular piece as a park. City Attorney Langel stated that can be done, it would lower the cost of the survey, and the rest of the property, which is floodplain, would be protected by virtue of that platted property. However, it does not mean the bottomland is dedicated as a park. Councilmember LeTourneau stated earlier in the conversation, it was mentioned that the intended purpose could be a development such as High Density Residential. He asked if the Council would like an analysis of what could potentially be developed, which may result in the Council wanting use of the property to remain flexible. Mayor Strommen stated she would not support selling the property for development based on the comments from residents the last time this option was discussed. Councilmember LeTourneau stated the outcry could have been as a result of the mentioned use but perhaps an analysis will find a use that would be of benefit to all in Ramsey. Councilmember Kuzma asked what happens if no action is taken.