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Sa. Consider Aoplicction for a Dry Subtype Forest ACauisition Gant /Public Heorina <br />Mike Niziolek reviewed the grant proposal to acquire 30 acres of dry subtype oak • <br />forest from the J.L. Shiely Company to be used as an off -road trail system through <br />park land. He stated that the total cost of the site acquisition is $90.000. The <br />grant will cover half of this amount ($45.000) contingent on the city paying the <br />other half ($45,000). <br />The City Council discussed funding of the site acquisition. Mayor Duitsman <br />indicated that the funds would have to come from the Pork and Recreation fund <br />and stated that there is not enough money in that fund to cover all the requests <br />and needs at the present time. <br />L ty Council Meeting 995 <br />Page 5 <br />Councilmember Dietz indicated his concern regarding the need for ballfields in <br />the City of Elk River. <br />Mayor Duitsman opened the public hearing. <br />Phil Johnson stated that the area is very beautiful and that he is in favor of the <br />city acquiring the land. <br />Charles Blood, 12263 Ridgewood Drive, indicated he supports the city purchasing <br />the property. He indicated that the city needs to preserve its forest and wildlife <br />land. <br />Councilmember Farber indicated his support toward the city matching the grant <br />fund money. <br />Robin Tuttle stated that the applicant of the grant must address how the <br />matching funds would be acquired. <br />Mayor Duitsman indicated that any funding needed will be competing with <br />athletic fields. He further indicated that he can support moving forward with the <br />grant application, but the issue of funding must be brought back to the Park and <br />Recreation Commission for a recommendation to the City Council. <br />There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Duitsman closed the <br />public hearing. <br />COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO SUPPORT THE NATURAL AND SCENIC <br />GRANT PROPOSAL ACQUISITION OF DRY SUBTYPE OAK FOREST WITH THE FUNDING <br />TO COME FROM PARK DEDICATION FUNDS. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED <br />THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4 -1. Councilmember Dietz opposed. <br />