06-16-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Meeting June 16, 1997 Page 6 is being proposed this evening. The new concept still utilizes the property in the Oak Knoll complex, but in a different location. He indicated that the School District is considering building the ALC on the youth baseball field using only one field for the project. The School District is suggesting that the city could obtain ownership of the balance of the soccer fields as part of this proposal. Mayor Duitsman indicated that his first choice would be to have the ALC located in the City of Otsego. Councilmember Dietz indicated that the Oak Knoll fields are prime fields in the City of Elk River and would rather not see the ALC located at this location. He indicated that there are other locations available such as the fields between Salk and Vandenberge schools. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that he is in favor of this concept as it would give the city control of all of the fields including the varsity field. Councilmember Farber indicated that it was agreed in concept not to destroy the Oak Knoll Park two years ago. He stated that the issue is back once again and he is opposed to the request. Pattie Scharber, School Board Representative, respectfully urged the City Council to help serve the children who use the ALC by accepting the proposal and working together with the School District. Councilmember Thompson stated that the School District should be looking at a piece of land that is largest enough to expand the ALC in order to accommodate the growing needs of the District. Pattie Scharber informed the Council that the reason the School District is looking at the Oak Knoll fields is due to its location to the high school. She indicated that a majority of the students attending ALC utilize both the high school and the ALC center during the day. She indicated that moving the ALC to Otsego or Zimmerman would be too expensive for the School District due to busing needs and would be inconvenient for the students. Discussion was held by the Council regarding the exchange of property between the city and the School District. There was a question as to how much property the School District would be willing to turn over to the city for the use of the youth baseball field to build an ALC. Dana Anderson indicated that the Park and Recreation Commission had some concerns with the parking needs of the ALC. Tom Cruz, Elk River Youth Baseball Organization, indicated the organization's concern of losing a field and its concern about the cost of replacing fields. Tom Mesich, Planning Commission Representative, also indicated his concern regarding losing baseball fields. MAYOR DUITSMAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO MEET WITH DR. FLANNERY TO WORK OUT THE DETAILS AND TO MAKE ANOTHER PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.