09-26-2007 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission September 6, 2007 ST. JUDE Steve Dorgan of Cressa Partners was present to state that St. Jude Medical is proposing an MEDICAL expansion to their facility on Lillehei Plaza. They are purchasing the property from the Roseville Area School District on the south side of County Road B2 between the Capitol View Learning Center and their existing headquarters to implement this expansion. The expansion project contemplates a building between 150,000 to 200,000 square feet in size that is intended to house up to 600 employees who will work in research and development, manufacturing, and other office -based positions. Over the next 20 years, expansion would occur on the new site as well as their Lillehei campus. Sanders indicated that there has been some preliminary discussion regarding a northbound bike trail placement in this area that could feasibly follow railroad right -of -way and possibly link Little Canada to a regional trail. This is just an idea right now; there are no concrete plans yet. This trail could potentially connect two of St. Jude's campuses together providing more convenient access for the sites. Dorgan felt the idea sounded interesting and he felt that St. Jude would be willing to work with the city on this issue. The Director asked about the 100 -foot buffer around the St. Jude site. Dorgan stated that the buffer would surround the entire site. He asked where the city would want to line up the proposed trail. The Director was thinking that if the buffer is required around the whole parcel, a possible connection for the trail would be on the east side of the property. However, the Director indicated that they are not far enough in the planning process to actually make a recommendation as to a location for the trail. Sanders indicated that the city had applied for a Blue Cross /Blue Shield grant to cover the planning costs for the trail. Unfortunately, the grant was denied. The Director stated that geographically, the trail may or may not even work in the area. However, the Commission wanted to start a dialogue with St. Jude for possible implementation in the future. Mans asked if there was a great deal of traffic back and forth between the two St. Jude sites. Dorgan indicated that there is some, but it has been minimal. The Director felt that there was no need to accept land at this time since the trail is just a concept. Fahey recommended accepting cash in lieu of land for the park charge on St. Jude Medical's new expansion. Motion seconded by Steinwall. Motion carried 6 — 0. MPLWD Sanders stated that we still do not have bid results on the Maplewood trail connection. The TRAIL cities are still in the process of formulating the joint powers agreement that will address how the project will be funded. GRANT Sanders stated that application had been made for the Blue Cross /Blue Sheild grant to help fund STATUS planning for a possible trail that would link Little Canada to a regional trail. However, unfortunately, our application was turned down for funding. Page 2 of 4