6.1 SR 05-13-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION River TO ITEM NUMBER Mayor and City Council 6.1 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Work Session May 13, 2013 Michael Hecker, Parks &Recreation Director ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Discuss Acquisition of the Houlton Property Cal Portner, City Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Council discussion regarding the possible acquisition of the Houlton property. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION At the May 7,2012, City Council Work Session it was first discussed that staff was approached by Dotseth Realty regarding the city's interest in purchasing the Houlton property. The GIS map indicates the full property is about 315 acres of which about 36 acres or 11.4% of the property sits out of the flood zone. The City Council directed staff last spring to pursue possible opportunities without any financial impact or obligation. The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff toured the property last fall. Staff has maintained communication with both Dotseth Realty representing the Houlton family and possible funding partners such as the Conservation Fund. Last week, the Minnesota Director of the Conservation Fund,Steve Hobbs,informed staff that he has worked out a partnership with the DNR and other local conservation groups to fund the purchase of the property. Mr. Hobbs will provide an overview of his proposed partnership to the Council and discuss the possible acquisition,including the city's role as the land owner. FINANCIAL IMPACT No direct financial obligation at this time, except for staff time to pursue funding sources for acquisition. ATTACHMENTS ■ Houlton Property Exhibits P O W E R E D BY N:\Public Bodies\Agenda Packets\05-13-2013\Final\6.1 sr Houlton propertyx.docx IN A f U RE]