Agenda - Council - 03/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # 3 TROTT BROOK GREENWAY - APPROVE' AQUISITIONS By: Mark Riverblood, Parks & Utilities Supervisor Background: Since the late 1980's the City has been pursuing land acquisition along Trott Brook because of its significance as a relatively undisturbed natural resource corridor in Ramsey, and for trail purposes. The acquisitions have been primarily through the Park Dedication process. To supplement this endeavor, the City applied to the state for assistance. As Council will recall, late in 2003, the City received a half million dollar ($500,000) grant from the State of Minnesota. The appropriation is from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR), which are proceeds from the Environment and Natural ReSources Trust Fund. These monies are to be used for land conservation and trail purposes within the Trott Brook Corridor and all acquisitions and disbursements must be complete before June 30th Of 2006. Observations: Over the course of the last two years, property owners along the Brook have been notified of this opportunity and staff has met with many different landowners. On Thursday, March 9, 2006 the conservation easement that Council approved as part of the Falconer's Ridge 2nd Addition was successfully secured. In addition, three other properties are now also ready to Close. At a July 2005 work session, the Trott Brook Greenway was discussed; with the consensus that the expected conservation easements would be approved under the Council Consent Agenda - unless there was unique elements involving the properties. The three properties to be acquired (mentioned above), are somewhat unique in that two are expected to before the City for development proposals, and another is a purchase of a landlocked property. The following is a brief description of the proposed acquisitions (more information is available upon request, including the 12-page easement description[s]): Harstad Property 20-acres of landlocked property on both sides of Trott Brook, north and east of Co. Rd. #83; approximately ~ mile northwest of Central Park with wetlands, trees. Parcel connects to landlocked trail corridor and portions are suitable for trail construction. Fee Title acquisition; appraised value - $95,000. Nat'l Growth Inc. Property 12-acres of property sloped on the south side of thc Brook, with wetlands on both sides of the stream - most of the 12-acres is to the north, and is 'high ground' and open. Land is east of T.H.//47 and approximately ½ mile northwest of Brookview Park. Property is suitable for trail construction and passive recreation, including a bridge and boardwalk to connect the two sides of the Brook. Acquisition would be a Conservation and Trail Easement for public use; appraised value - $90,000. -139-