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Item 5.1. ity of , ,lk� River MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Rohlf, BZ Administrator DATE: November 28, 1995 $K SUBJECT: Acquisition of Park Land from the Shiely Company/ Public Hearing Items 5.1. and 5.2. on the Planning Commission's November agenda both involve acquisition of land for park purposes by the City of Elk River. The details of the purchase of property from Cass for park land are explained in a memo from Pat Klaers which is included in the agenda packet. The purchase of park land from the Shiely Company involves approximately . 30 acres of dry subtype oak forest identified as naturally significant by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The purchase of this property will also preserve significant geological features of moraine, which is one of the highest points in Elk River. Additionally, the purchase of this property will provide approximately 2.5 kilometers of recreational trail for wildlife watching, environmental education, hiking, and skiing. There is a map attached to this memo showing the location of the property. The second attachment to this memo is a copy of the revised Comprehensive Park Plan. You will note in the location of the Cass property, an athletic complex was identified. You can also note that where the proposed purchase of the Shiely property is, an additional park with trail was identified. This trail is a link in an important future east/west corridor tying into the railroad hiking trail and Woodland Trails and Top of the World Parks. The Park and Recreation Commission has recommended the city purchase both the Cass and Shiely property for park purposes. The last attachment to this memo is a copy of State Statute 462.356 titled Procedures for Plan Effectuation. The following discussion elaborates on the duties of a Planning Commission according to the above-referenced State Statute as they relate to the acquisition of property by the city and staff's • recommendations as they relate to those duties: 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425