5.1 PCSR 08-23-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT 3 June 14, 1994 • Mr. Jonathan Wilmshurst Vice President and General Manager Shiely Company 2915 Waters Rd, Suite 105 Eagan, Mn 55121 Dear Mr. Wilmshurst: During its April 22nd Annual Meeting, the Ridgewood Association created a Task Force which will represent the Ridgewood Neighborhood in any and all negotiations with the Shiely Company. The purpose of the Task Force is facilitate a satisfactory resolution of a number of issues related to the Shiely Company's intent to commence mining in the near future on its property located immediately North of the Ridgewood neighborhood in Elk River. The Task Force has been pleased so far with the expressed willingness of Shiely to work with its neighbors toward a win/win resolution of potentially sticky issues. Your personal appearance at our June 7th Task Force meeting provided both useful information plus a positive affirmation of Shiely's desire "to be a good neighbor and a responsible steward of our resources." The Task Force has identified a number of concerns which need to be clarified and • resolved. We recognize that other parties, including the City of Elk River and various state agencies, are also important players in determining how these issues are both defined and resolved. It is the intent of this letter to frame what we consider to be the important issues, and then to participate in the negotiations which hopefully shall discuss these concerns in sufficient detail so as to work out a satisfactory resolution to each. It is important that the Shiely Company understand that the issues we raise are not strictly "Ridgewood issues" but in effect are issues which directly impact the health, safety, and quality of life of the larger community of Elk River. ISSUE 1: PARKLAND DEDICATION. A recent Minnesota Biological survey identified an area of approximately 130 acres within Shiely's proposed mining operation as being a mature oak forest with great biological significance. It is the position of the Task Force that this area must be protected so that future generations can enjoy the many aesthetic, wildlife, recreational, and educational benefits of such a rare resource. Further, its is the position of the Task Force that the acreage comprising this forest be permanently designated as park and natural area, and dedicated as such for the permanent use by the citizens of the larger community of Elk River. The Task Force recognizes that there are a variety of approaches to do this, including the tax advantages inherent should Shiley make an out-right donation of the land for public purposes. The Task Force is willing to work with the Company to insure that Shiely, within reason, will receive the maximum gain for permanently dedicating the property for • public use. The Task Force is further aware that delineation of the exact area of the old