10-06-2014 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 5 October 6, 2014 Attorney Beck stated the Council could approve the agreement as is and then adopt a separate motion stating there will be no use of the parcel until a. hunting plan is adopted and approved by the DNR. Mayor Dietz stated he is willing to trust Mr. McGillivray's comments regarding his discussions with the DNR about incorporating the two rules into a hunting plan for this parcel. Otherwise, he is worried the city will lose this land. Ashle Horton, 1703 Main Street - Stated she is concerned with the DNR 500' rule because it is so close to her yard and she is concerned for the safety of her child. She expressed concerns with only enforcing the hunting regulations by signage and noted they often deal with fishermen who ignore private property signs. She further commented many of her neighbors may not have shown up to express their concerns this evening because the flyer distributed by the city didn't mention the park would allow hunting. Councilmember Motin stated a contingency regarding DNR approval of the two hunting rules should be part of the agreement. He stated he doesn't understand why the DNR can't send a letter stating they agree with the two hunting rules. He recalled a past issue the city had when a number of houses were commonly hit by bullets in the Kliever Lake Fields area at a time when hunting was allowed; noting also that the distance was further than 500 feet. He stated he will oppose this item if no written documentation is submitted from the DNR of acceptance of the two rules. Moved by Councilmember Wilson and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to approve the donation agreement between The Trust for Public Land and the City of Elk River to purchase and acquire the Houlton Farm property. (No address assi"gyred at (be Legal description is in Exhibit.A of the agm.enzeno Councilmember Wilson stated he made the motion with the understanding that all precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of the adjoining neighbors and users of the public land. Councilmember Westgaard stated the attraction to obtain this land originally wasn't for hunting purposes but to preserve a pristine parcel of land for walkmg trails; however the city was told part of the grant acceptance was that the DNR would mandate hunting on the land. He further stated the city can work with the DNR to limit the hunting rules. Councilmember Motin stated he expects the end result will be DNR restrictions incorporating the two rules discussed by the Council tonight. Councilmember Burandt stated she would like to see the two hunting rules incorporated in the plan. She stated hunting is allowed near her 40 acres and she has not had any issues. She further noted the DNR won't approve a plan that would be hazardous to neighbors. r 01EaEi iY NATURE