12-20-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 20, 2006 Maplewood side, and suggested that providing a trail easement through his property would result in the property not being able to be developed. The City Administrator stated that the Parks & Recreation Commission would like to take the trail easement now as part of the park charge for Canadian Woods, even though future connection of that trail is uncertain at this time. The Commission has noted that if the trail easement is not taken as part of the Canadian Woods plat, the City will lose the opportunity to obtain this easement. Johnson noted that it may never be possible to obtain the future trail connection, leaving the trail easement through his property sitting as a remnant parcel of land. Johnson stated that he would like to make some use of this property now by selling it to the Maplewood property owners. The City Administrator felt that the resulting use of the property was nearly the same as it would sit natural; the difference is whether or not Johnson can sell the property for some dollars. Johnson felt the use was different pointing out that the Maplewood residents would do no tree removal while tree removal would be needed for a trail improvement. Blesener pointed out that if a trail were put through the property, the tree removal would be minimal. Blesener also noted the recreational uses that the Maplewood property owners had planned for this property as discussed at earlier meetings. Keis asked the cash park charge. The City Adminishator stated that on a per lot basis, it would be $625 per lot collected at the time of issuance of building permits. Johnson pointed out that if it were not for having to meet wetland conservation regulations, he would be able to develop more than six lots from this property. Blesener noted that if the City passes on taking land for a future trail connection, it will miss this opportunity acid there will never be a trail through the area. Johnson disagreed, and pointed out that the City could always purchase the land later. Blesener questioned why the City would purchase the property when it could take if as a park charge now. John Sculley, LaBore Road, stated that he did not agree with the aerial depiction of where the natural run-off path was through the area. Sculley also indicated that there have been problems with people breaking into homes in the area. Sculley felt that a trail improvement would bring more people into the area resulting in an increase in the break-in activity. Sculley felt that the people living in the area would rather watch the