02-28-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried 5 - 0. STATE USE Johnson stated that City staff has recommended that DEEDS a portion of tax forfeited property be returned to the state. The City had a use deed for this property. However, given its status in a wetland and the fact it is surrounded by other land with no access, staff recommends we release our interest in this site. Sanders explained that this site has been discussed before, and has no potential as park land. Sanders felt the commission should concur with City staff recommendations. Remerowski made a motion to return the Lake Street property west of Park Street to the state. Motion seconded by Holm. Motion carried 5 - 0. ARBOR MONTH Johnson remarked that correspondence was received requesting PARTNERSHIP that the City apply to host an Arbor Day celebration from Arbor Month Partnership. Sanders stated that the City normally has an Arbor Day celebration, and this year, the City is planning a sizable project around Arbor Day. Consequently, Sanders felt a tree planting celebration such as this could be done without a lot of additional effort, and felt the schools could be involved with the activities. He informed the Commission that by hosting a regional Arbor Day celebration, the City would receive up to $300 for a tree, a commemorative plaque, a publicity link with Spunky, The Urban Forest Squirrel, and community involvement through the schools and girl scouts. Ables asked what was done last year for Arbor Day. Johnson replied that some members from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City Council, and City Staff attended an activity at Gervais Mill Park in which 20 seedlings were planted. She stated that the tree planting ceremony was followed by a speech commemorating the event, and refreshments were available afterwards. Sanders remarked that last year's celebration was held on a Saturday, therefore, not many school children attended. He felt if a celebration were held on a Friday, some children from the schools could be invited to attend. Ables claimed hosting an Arbor Day celebration would be a worthwhile event to ally ourselves with, especially because a celebration will be planned anyway, and the input of time and money would be minimal for the benefit the City would receive from it. Sanders mentioned that there is an individual who has donated a memorial tree to Gervais Mill, and felt this dedication could also be tied into the Arbor Day celebration. Rajanen suggested approaching the schools with our idea of 3 Page 15