07-21-2014 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 8 July 21,2014 ----------------------------- Mr. Pottner presented the staff report. He introduced Bob McGillivray, Project Manager for The Trust for public Land, Steve Hobbs,Project Director for The Conservation Fund, and Jeff Dotseth, realtor representing the Houlton family. Mr. Portner explained another grant opportunity has become available through Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund to assist in the city's purchase of the Houlton family farm property. Mr. McGillivray provided a brief overview of The Trust for Public Land and presented an opportunity for TheTrust to seek approval to purchase the Houlton farm and donate it to the city. He stated the The Trust has capital acquisition funds available to purchase this property due to another project that fell through, but because the Houlton farm property is not currently on their acquisition list, the city's request must be reviewed and recommended for approval to the state legislature by the Lessard—Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (I.,-SOHC). The presentation of the application and letter of support of the Council would be.August 5. Because this fund is earmarked specifically for protecting and Improving wildlife habitats, the city's original intent for use of this farm property would need to be modified to the use of the land would be as a habitat and conservation area. The city would incur incidental costs for removal of the buildings currently located on the property and no further buildings would be allowed to be constructed. Areas of the land would be used as passive park land. He stated grants are available to assist with maintaining the land but overall the costs associated with keeping the land as natural park land would be low. Mr. McGillivray requested the Council provide their feedback on this course if a consensus to move forward with this type of funding request could be made. Mr. McGillivray explained the land's use and its restrictions under the deed -restrictions. He noted Anoka County has experience with asin-tilar grant opportunity in 2009 and used this resource to purchase property which is currently in use as hunting and passive park land. He provided several handouts of the Anoka County property as examples in showing their public hunting areas and restrictions. Mayor Dietz was concerned with the hunting proposed on the property and the safety of people near and on the property. He also expressed concerns with future property maintenance costs. Mr. McGillivray stated if the city moves ahead with the proposed grant opportunity, the city would work closely with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to follow current statutes already in place and draw up specific regulations to ensure hunting on the land would be safe and proper signage would be placed, making visitors aware of the land's use. Mi.. Beck asked questions regarding the grant agreement and its conditions regarding building removal, hunting, and deed restrictions. Councilmember Motit-i stated this was a unique opportunity. He was also concerned for hunting and safety of residents living nearby and wanted hunting restricted to P R V E R I I I NATURE]