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MINUTES <br />Parks & Recreation Commission <br />January 4, 2007 <br />portion of Outlot "B"(or the parcel formerly known as Outlot "B") uU to the <br />maximum allowed by city ordizzazzces. <br />Motion seconded by Davis. <br />Motiozz carried S -1. Steinert voted aeains~ " <br />Davis recommended that the nzizzutes from the meetizzg held ozz December 7, 2006 be <br />approved as corrected. <br />Motion seconded by Neis. <br />Motion carried 6 - 0. <br />CANADIAN Pat Johnson appeared before the Commission to request that they reconsider the motion made <br />WOODS at least month's meeting relating to the park charge on his development called "Canadian <br />Woods." Johnson stated that he would prefer to sell Outlot "B" to a Maplewood resident who is <br />willing to buy it from him for $50,000. He indicated that this money could be used to help him <br />pay for development costs. <br />Resident Dave Kielsa of 3043 Walter Street is the homeowner wishing to purchase the property <br />and he was present at the meeting. Kielsa indicated that the back of his home will only be 60 <br />feet from the path, if it is installed on the dry portion of Outlot "B." He is interested in <br />purchasing the adjoining property in order that is remains in a natural state, undisturbed. He <br />stated that he is not opposed to a trail, but is concerned that if a trail is placed too close to his <br />home, this would open his home up to vandalism. <br />Johnson indicated that a trail placed on Outlot "B" would be very expensive due to all of the <br />items that would need to be addressed such as boardwalks over wetlands and additional parcels <br />needed to make a trail work. He stated that several of the adjacent property owners have <br />indicated their unwillingness to sell any of their property to the city for a trail. He also stated <br />that the Watershed District has a 75 foot wetland setback that must be met. He indicated that <br />the Maplewood residents that abut Outlot "B" are against placement of a trail in this area. <br />Mans acknowledged that there are hurdles that need to be crossed in order to make a trail in the <br />area work, but he felt that the city could not pass up the opportunity to act now. The property is <br />beautiful and would enhance the city's park system. The Director stated that trail access across <br />adjacent properties can be acquired as the parcels redevelop as part of their park charge. He <br />acknowledged that this may take some time and that access across some parcels may need to be <br />purchased. <br />Johnson felt that a trail improvement in this area would devalue the adjacent. Maplewood <br />property owners' parcels since trails present many problems. Davis indicated that overall, parks <br />enhance a community by providing quality of life. Quality of life adds value to property. She <br />indicated that the Commission's intention is to enhance property values. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />