05-02-2002 Parks Commission Minutes

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MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission May 2, 2002 George Letendre, an attorney representing the owner, stated that all his client wants to do is develop the property he owns. He commented that he did not feel that it was right that people are trying to dictate whether or not the owner develop his property. He further stated that the owner is willing to sell a portion of his land to each property owner present. Sackett Glaser asked why residents did not attend the meetings held within the last few years to express their concerns. The residents stated that they were not notified about the meetings or they would have attended. They also assumed that the elected officials and City employees would want to protect the property since it is so valuable. The residents present suggested that the Commission visit the property to see it for themselves. Letendre stated that the owner welcomes the Commission to view the property. Sanders stated that the City discussed the purchase of the property with the Turnquists, but they did not want to sell at that time. The City didn't find out about the sale of the property to the Palmens until after it happened. Horwath stated that she is going to school specializing in urban forestry and she would be very happy to see the land purchased by the City as parkland. Sackett Glaser stated that she definitely wants to preserve wetland. However, she struggles with this particular issue due to the potential high cost of the property involved since paying that much for the property would severely handicap the City's ability to purchase other park space within the City for people to enjoy. She felt this decision would be much easier if the cost of the property to the City was known. Gray agreed that the Commission's recommendation must consider the money necessary to purchase the property since the money would determine what could be done in the future with other park properties in the City. He felt that the value of the site should be determined before the Commission votes on the issue. The residents present urged the Commission not to make a recommendation based on a speculated purchase price. They felt the Commission's recommendation should be based on whether or not they favored the concept of the City owning the land. The Council could then make the decision based on the money involved. The Director stated that purchase of the land would impact future park expenditures. However, there is definitely interest in preserving some if not all of the property in question. This decision is difficult without knowing the exact value of the property. Se{:abacker recommended that the entire Turnquist/Palrne~z property be acrjuired by tlae City contizzgent upon obtaizzing a fair market value appraisal. Motion seconded by Horwath. Motion denied 3 - 3. Gray, Larson, and Sackett Glaser voted against. Page 3 of 6