03-24-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Telephone: 952.595.9636 Facsimile: 952.595.9837 planne:rs©rracplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Mayor and City Council FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: March 19, 2004 RE: Little Canada — Conservation Areas FILE NO: 758.10 At a previous meeting, the City Council had considered alternatives to the subdivision proposed by the owners of 2367 McMenemy Road, The applicants were seeking a subdivision that would divide the existing building site from the wetlands, with the objective that family members would retain ownership to the wetland area for long -term preservation. The Council's concern was that as a separate parcel, it could be left for tax forfeiture. Without a consistent policy for such properties, the Council directed staff to research options that could lead to the creation of a policy, and give guidance to both the Council and the property owners in question. There would appear to be the following options for property owners seeking preservation of sensitive environmental areas: 1. Dedication /donation to the City. If the City is interested in acquiring these parcels, the applicant could donate them to the City, presumable with some sort of use restriction that would prohibit development. The parcel would require subdivision if not already a separate parcel. 2. Transfer the property to another owner, with a deed restriction that limits the future owners' use of the property, and requires preservation. This option would be a real estate conveyance in which the City would not be involved. 3. Transfer the property to another owner, but retain an easement, such as a "scenic easement" or "conservation easement" over the area to be protected. The benefits and restrictions of the easement would need to be defined by the applicant in the easement document. The easement could be held by the