05-07-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MIN UTGS CITY COUNCIL MAY 7, 2002 Scalze indicated that unless the City also acquires the high ground, the wetland area will not be usable for a park. Scalze pointed out that the City does not purchase property for open space. If the property were purchased, it would perhaps be developed as an interpretive area with a building and a parking lot. Scalze noted that an appraiser will not set a value on that type of use, but rather the highest and best use of the site. Anderson indicated that the Park Commission has considered a bog walk for this wetland area. The City already has an access point at the end of the Sunset Court cul-de-sac where people could park cars or a bus could drop off students. Anderson indicated that if the high ground can be developed, it appears the developer will be willing to give the City the wetland area. Therefore, the City's park needs and ability to have the wetland as an interpretative center can possibly be met even if the high ground is developed on a smaller scale. Anderson stated that he shared the Mayor's concerns that the City"s acquisition of the entire site will jeopardize other park needs in the City. Anderson questioned sacrificing all other park needs to get a piece of property that the City will get most of for free anyway, Fahey pointed out that the Council has to weigh the fact that the cost of this property is something that all the taxpayers of the City will have to bear. Fahey indicated that he has heard opposition to the City's acquisition of the site from other taxpayers in the City. The Council has to balance the interests of all the taxpayers. Fahey indicated that if the property value is $50,000 that is one thing, but if it is $400,000 that is another thing entirely. LaValle asked if the high water mark had been determined. The City Administrator indicated that the high water mark has been determined. I-Ie also indicated that the Watershed wants a summer delineation (after May I5'~'). The Administration pointed out that one variable is that the Watershed would interpret the average 75-foot setback from the wetland. That is one factor that will determine the number of lots that can be developed on the property. However, the Watershed will not do a detailed review of the site without a development proposal. Fahey felt that the City had to be fair to the neighborhood as well as the property owner, but indicated that he will be very hawkish in his review of any development proposal for this site. Fahey felt that all the information should be laid out by the developer, and that the developer should spend the money putting together a development plan that will trigger the reviewed and answer the questions about the developability of this property. Once that is determined, a fair market value can be determined. Joe Pugaczewski thanked the Council for the job Chey are doing. Pugaczewski pointed out that the City has I>rofessional staff that should be able to address 4