4.1. DRAFT MINUTES 01-19-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 3 January 4, 2016 ----------------------------- away through condemnation. He also presented a timeline of past meetings and decisions. th Paula Donnelly, 1911 6 Lane NW – urged the Council to support the MN Department of Natural Resources objection to the easement vacation to protect the lake and keep dredging options open. Lauren Denucci, 1920 Main St NW – supports the city vacating the property because she is not interested in a boat launch in that area. Kristin Bury, 1958 Main St NW – grew up in the area when this property was used as a boat launch and the traffic was very busy. She stated if the city opens a boat launch back up on this parcel it would bring increased traffic and strangers to the area. Susan Beaudry, 233 York Ave NW – stated she likes the property the way it is and uses the access to sit by the lake. She added she also grew up in the area when the parcel was used as a boat launch and she doesn’t support it being used for that purpose. She asked the city to examine use of the property more closely. Diane Merz, 21743 Jarvis St NW, Nowthen – would like the city to vacate the easement to reduce city liability and expense. Richelle Bauer, 11951 191 ½ Ave NW – believes if the information provided to the Council 10 years ago would have been accurate the Council may have vacated the easement at that time. Kelly Dopp, 233 York Ave NW – believes the city should vacate the easement. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. Mayor Dietz stated he doesn’t believe past proceedings have relevance on this decision. He noted the decision would be much easier if the city had the option to sell the pacel to the adjacent property owners. He explained he’s having a difficult time getting past state statute language dictating easement vacations must benefit the public and he doesn’t see how this vacation would benefit the public. He indicated he isn’t interested in seeing it used as a boat landing but would be in favor of the Council and Parks and Recreation Department studying possible recreational uses. He would like to see the existing concrete removed. He added he is open to granting the property owner access rights. Councilmember Westgaard stated he is not interested in seeing this parcel used as a public boat landing. He indicated he is having a difficult time finding a reason not to vacate and believes the parcel should be vacated because it’s never used and it would be easier than working up agreements and contractual language. He added he doesn’t see the public benefit of previously vacated easements in the area.