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City Council Minutes Page 9 <br /> July 21,2014 <br /> maintain safety. He wanted the property to be accessed by all, not just hunters. He <br /> wasn't concerned with not having buildings and requested that signage be allowed <br /> for historical significance of the site. He wished to phase out the farming process <br /> that currently took place on the land. Councilmember Motin was in favor of moving <br /> forward with this grant application. <br /> Councilmember Wilson was also in favor of moving forward and was pleased the <br /> city was presented with another opportunity to gain control of the property. He <br /> wasn't too concerned with the proposed property being used as hunting land. He <br /> was in favor of returning the property currently being farmed into prairie land. He <br /> felt the land could be used for several purposes and not just hunting. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard wanted to move forward to ensure securing this parcel of <br /> land, but stated he felt uncomfortable with the short timeframe to review the deed <br /> restrictions. He stated the city would have to be comfortable with the DNR's <br /> regulations on hunting on the land. He wasn't too concerned with not having trails <br /> and buildings. <br /> Mr. McGillivray noted Anoka County took several years to work through their land <br /> acquisition hunting regulations. <br /> Dave Anderson,Parks and Recreation Commissioner,was present and commented <br /> that Anoka County was challenged by some of the same things Elk River will be <br /> facing if moving forward with this grant opportunity. He noted Anoka County had <br /> nothing but good things to say about their land acquisition process. Mr. Anderson <br /> stated the opportunity to secure this land is a once in forever opportunity. <br /> Councilmember Burandt agreed with Mr. Anderson's statement about it being a <br /> once in forever opportunity. She felt it to be very feasible to work with the DNR and <br /> also expressed her concerns with safety. She doesn't want to see this land be <br /> developed but kept as a wildlife habitat. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated his reservations with moving this forward too quickly and agreed <br /> with Mr. Beck's concerns. He stated he didn't envision this land to be used this way <br /> but felt if the majority of the Council wished to proceed, he would agree to proceed. <br /> Mr. McGillivray stated a letter of intent from the city to acquire and maintain the <br /> Houlton farm property for the purpose of a natural habitat and hunting area would <br /> have to be approved by the Council. <br /> Mr. Portner stated the draft letter would have to come before the Council for <br /> approval at their next scheduled meeting,which would be August 4. <br /> Mr. McGillivray stated this letter would then need to be brought to the August 5 <br /> meeting with L-SOHC. <br /> P O w E R E U 9 1 <br /> 1`4 U <br />