Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/11/2018

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John LeTourneau, Acting Mayorfor City of Ramsey,stated this is an election season. As enjoyable as it is to be out in the communitytalking with residents, he hears frequently the need for a Community Center. The prospect of bringing a community center forward for more analysis is a great idea. It looks like this community is now ready to have this conversation. He will support this discussion that needs to happen as to whether this is the right time and what it might look like. Motion by Commissioner Trappen, seconded by Commissioner Bayer, to recommend to the City Council that additional analysis be performed on the significant investigation and reports resulting from the Resilient Communities Project with the University of Minnesota on the potential of a Community Center in Ramsey Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chair Sis; Commissioners Trappen, Bayer, Leistico. Voting No: None. Absent: Chair Bennett. 5.02: Consider a Plan to Incent Voluntary Trail Easement Acquisition Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced a discussion of opportunities to fill gaps in the Circle of Ramsey Greenway, by inviting landowners to consider voluntarily conveying trail easements within the cattail wetland west of Variolite Street. It is important to stress, that this would be an entirely voluntary easement dedication, and landowners would be compensated for the easement area within the wetland. Staff could begin the process by hosting an open house with landowners who may be interested. Gifting land to an organization may be a tax-deductible contribution; that is one possibility. Vice Chair Sis suggested this is a great way to complete the Circle of Ramsey. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood discussed various possible configurations of an easement, specifically how it might work out with a stream crossing. He noted that other than the publishing of this case, the next step is for Council approval. Everyone needs to understand this is a voluntary opportunity. Commissioner Leistico asked whether the City has handled other acquisitions this way. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded in 2004, a $2 million award was granted from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources to purchase voluntary conservation and trail easements along Trott Brook. As it turned out, the award was reduced to $500,000. Those funds were invested along Trott Brook in voluntary trail easement acquisitions. Vice Chair Sis asked if there has been any pushback. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded he is not aware of any concerns or problems. Park and Recreation Commission/October 11, 2018 Page 3 of 4