9.1. SR 07-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk=' Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session July 21, 2014 Cal Portner, City Administrator Item Description Reviewed by Houlton Farm Grant Opportunity Reviewed by Action Requested Discuss and provide direction regarding a grant opportunity to purchase the Houlton family farm property. Background/Discussion In July of 2013, the Elk River City Council expressed their intent to proceed with the purchase of the Houlton family farm utilizing grants from the Minnesota Land Trust and The Conservation Fund through the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund. Unfortunately,the Minnesota Land Trust withdrew their participation and we were informed earlier this year that the Outdoor Heritage Fund was not fully funded and our request was unfulfilled during this cycle. Another grant opportunity has become available through Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Outdoor Heritage Fund conservation projects restore, enhance, or protect forests,wetlands,prairies, and habitat for fish,game,and wildlife. Grant requests are reviewed and recommended for approval to the state legislature by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (L-SOHC). The available grant would cover the entire purchase price following an updated property appraisal. Because we are not the original proposer for the grant,we are on a short timeline to make our pitch to the L-SOHC. Bob McGillivray is the Senior Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land and is managing this grant. If the Council consents to continue with the acquisition with proceeds from the grant, our application would need to be presented to the L-SOHC the first week in August. The difference between the two grant funds is that the original request was for an easement,which provided more flexibility in how the property could be developed and utilized. Under the easement,the park could be planned for outdoor recreational activities such as walking, hiking, boating, etc.,but not playfield or team-type activities. During our previous discussion with representatives from the Houlton family, they had requested and the Council had tentatively agreed to provide partial relief for their deferred tax assessments utilizing proceeds from property rental through a farming contract. The agreement required the ability to raise revenue over 7 years to repay part of the assessment. The grant would not provide for fanning of the P a w E R E U 6 Y NaA f RE]