8.1. SR 10-06-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk=' Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business October 6, 2014 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Donation Agreement for Houlton Farm Property Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Approve,by motion, a donation agreement between the Trust For Public Land and the City of Elk River to purchase and acquire the Houlton Farm property. Background/Discussion On August 4, 2014, the City Council approved a Letter of Intent that was provided to the Lesard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) for the acquisition of the Houlton Farm property. Representatives from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), along with Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Anderson, and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker,met with the LSOHC on August 5. The LSOHC approved adding the farm to the TPL parcel with grant funds to purchase it. Since that time, city staff and the city attorney have reviewed the required legal documents to move forward with the purchase. A Parks and Recreation Commission work session was held on September 10 and a Public Open House held on Wednesday, September 24 to address resident concerns regarding the public use of the property as a habitat conservation area and hunting reserve. Over 25 residents,mostly neighbors of the Houlton property, attended the Open House. A majority of the residents were fine with the property becoming a wildlife and native habitat conservation area with hunting. In regard to hunting, a few indicated concern while most were satisfied hunting will follow current state regulations approved by the DNR. Hunting rules (including setbacks) for the property will be developed by the city in consultation with the DNR that will balance public hunting and public safety issues in consideration of the natural resources and physical characteristics of the land. Ultimate approval of the rules rests with the Commissioner of the DNR. It is envisioned that the city will appoint a committee to develop a plan and meet with the DNR this fall. City staff recommends hunting setbacks of 500-feet from the property line and no rifles. A draft copy of •hunting ordinance with city attorney recommendations is attached. This ordinance will be reviewed by •planning committee and the DNR, and approved by City Council after the property is acquired. Staff is currently developing a planning committee to review the various planning needs for the property. The largest planning requirement will be a restoration/natural resource plan that will be led by the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR). The FMR is a crucial partner in transitioning the Houlton property from farming to a natural resource area. They have already received $160,000 directed toward P a w E R E U 6 Y Template Updated 4/14 INIM UREI