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

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Council Business Mayor Garnec called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:31 p.m. Motion by Councilmember Jeffrey, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to adopt Resolution #06-03-078 Adopting Assessment for Improvement Project #02-40. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Jeffrey, Olson, Cook, Elvig, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Case #3: Trott Brook Greenway - Approve Acquisitions Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood indicated this case is for approval to acquire three separate parcels within the Trott Brook Greenway. He reviewed that 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. In 2003, the City received a $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 30, 2006. Mr. Riverblood reviewed that over 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 2na Addition was successfully secured. In addition, three other properties are now also ready to close. Mr. Riverblood reviewed that 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 them was unique elements involving the properties. The three properties to be acquired are somewhat unique in that two are expected to be before the City for development proposals, and another is a purchase of a landlocked property. Mr. Riverblood reviewed the following descriptions regarding the property acquisitions: 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 and trees. Parcel connects to landlocked trail corridor and portions are suitable for trail construction. Fee Title acquisition; appraised value - $95,000. National Growth, Inc. Property: 12 acres of property sloped on the south side of the 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. City Council / March 14, 2006 Page 7 of 25