Houlton Farm Planning Committee Meeting 2015-08-31

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-Houlton Farm Planning Committee Draft Minutes July 27, 2015 Present: Chair Wilson, Members Olsen, Anderson, Seeger, Hecker. Mroz and Benkofstke were excused Bob McGillivray from TPL and visitor Michael Schroeder was also present Wilson called the meeting to order at 5:43 pm. Wilson added to agenda 4.9 Student Seat The minutes from the June 29 meeting were reviewed. Agenda item 4.1 Hunting Plan Status The hunting plan was sent in mid-June to Tim Marion with DNR but it was never forwarded to the DNR Commissioner. Tim Marion has now confirmed that it has been sent to the Commissioner. 4.2 Naming Status and Update The official name of the property is the William H. Houlton Conservation Area. It was approved by City Council on July 6, 2015. 4.3 Building Dispositions It was discussed that the barns and buildings be bid in an RFP as component parts and aggregate. The RFP should be to buy, demolish and/or acquire. The large barn was discussed. It has dimensional wood and no large beams. It was discussed that the property would be better off with no barn since it should not have a purpose. Using the barn for public purposes such as environmental education could be problematic of the funding source. It was discussed that the bids should be due by October 1, 2015 4.4 Friends of the Mississippi Update The attached report from Alex Roth of the FMR was handed out to Committee Members. The FMR has been working with staff on funding for the conservation plan on the property. Committee members requested that Tom Lewanski be invited to the August 31 meeting to discuss the next steps, funding, etc... 4.5 Agricultural Lease The agricultural lease agreement was discussed. A new lease between the City and the farmer Sherman Lehn was approved by City Council on July 6, 2015. The new lease outlines that the city will receive $12,600 for rent on 168 acres. The rent money will go back to the property for improvements. Staff will work with the farmer later this fall on a new lease for 2016. The amount of farming acres will probably decrease each year. N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Parks\William H Houlton Conservation Area\Committee Agendas-Packets\Minutes\2015-07-27 Minutes.docx