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El - Request for Action <br /> River <br /> To Item Number <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission 6.2 <br /> Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br /> Discussion Items October 9,2013 Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Item Description Reviewed by <br /> Houlton Farm Property Update <br /> Reviewed by <br /> Action Requested <br /> No Action requested at his time. Action pertaining to a concept plan of the Houlton property may be <br /> requested in the near future. <br /> Background/Discussion <br /> A public meeting was held on October 2 regarding the possible acquisition of the Houlton farm property. <br /> A public meeting notice was in the newspaper and invitations were sent out to more than 40 neighbors of <br /> the property. Thirty-two people including Commission members attended the meeting that included a <br /> discussion of a concept plan. Representatives from the Friends of the Mississippi River and The <br /> Conservation Fund were in attendance to answer questions and discuss the recommend concept plan. A <br /> copy of the plan is attached. <br /> City Council did approve a letter of intent on July 1 between the city and the Conservation Fund. It <br /> outlines responsibilities that upon a successful property acquisition with grant funding,the grant funds <br /> would reimburse The Conservation Fund for the real property cost. The letter only excludes the city <br /> from costs pertaining to property acquisition. Ongoing park maintenance and infrastructure costs would <br /> still be the responsibility of the city. <br /> A resolution from City Council is needed to support the Parks Legacy Grant Program. It is expected that <br /> City Council will be requested to approve a resolution in the next week. The resolution is similar in <br /> content to the letter of intent already approved by City Council. <br /> Financial Impact <br /> The city continues to provide staff time for the successful grant funding of the acquisition. The <br /> maintenance of the property will become the responsibility of the city. We are working with the Friends <br /> of the Mississippi River organization to assist in the restoration and maintenance responsibilities. <br /> Attachments <br /> • Houlton Farm Property Concept Plan <br /> PU / ERE8 @4 <br /> NATURE <br />