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G",Council Nfinutes Page 9 <br /> July 21,2014 <br /> ------------------------------- <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 /> Counci.1member 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. lie <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 uncon-ifortableAVIth 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 DI' R 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, lie 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 0 1 F F f a I I <br /> NArUREI <br />