11-05-1979 Park Board Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Park Board November 5, 1979 n Mr. Schumaker suggested the possibility of taking a few lots out of plats and getting into the real estate business, thereby making more money for parks development than if the smaller cash amount was taken. Mr. Scherer indicated this had been discussed several times , but the feeling had been that it wasn't legal or right for the Park Board to do. However, although the attorney had been present during the discussion on this at the joint Park Board and Council meeting, he had not given an opinion on it. Mr. Schumaker indicated it was somewhat complex and lengthy, but that generally when you have park land dedicated in a plat, you couldn't turn around and sell it unless the receipts from that property were taken to develop or buy addition park land. Mr. Menkveld, present in the audience, indicated he felt the narks dedication was a good thing, but noted that there were places where developers had taken it to court, and no longer had to pay park money. Mr. Scherer noted the City of Saint Paul was selling parks because they felt it was no longer equitable; these were sold at the going price, and were dedicated parks and had been operated as parks. Don Volk felt that had the building been put on the ballot, it would have been passed, and the same would have been true of a bond issue. He and Marilyn had seriously brought this up at one of the budget meetings, but the Council had not felt it should be done. He also noted there would have to be work done on the building plan as far as handi- capped facilities, which would need more room. There were several plats before the Park Board for their consideration. The first, Forest Glen, was presented by Mr. Gilbert Menkveld. The final plat had been previously approved, but not filed or signed. This, however, was the first time it had been before the Park Board. This was located on 74th Street and Lilac, right next to Sunset Oaks. Mr. Menkveld indicated that at the Council meeting, they had felt the park in Sunset Oaks was all that was needed, and they preferred cash in lieu of land. Mrs. Liljedahl read from the minutes of the P & Z special meeting on the park plan concerning park acquisition in this neighborhood. It was felt the Sunset Oaks area was sufficient and better located. Mr. Shaughnessy moved to recommend that cash in lieu of land be accepted, but noted the cash value situation would have to be straight- ened out. Mr. Menkveld felt the higher cash value recently set by the Council would not apply in this case. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion declared passed. Next for consideration was the James Schilling plat, Wollen Estates, located north of Main and west of Lake Drive. Mr. Johnson noted there was no park land or facilities in this area other than the school and City Hall Park. The minutes of the P & Z special meeting were consulted for this area, and Mrs. Liljedahl read the pertinant sections. The merits of different lots for park dedication were discussed. Mr. Shaughnessy moved to recommend land be accepted for park dedication, specifically lots 7, 8, and 9, although dependant on specific information on the total acreage of the plat. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion declared passed. Next for consideration was the proposed industrial park, north of 35-W bordering Lilac Street. Cash in lieu of land was suggested as it was right on the freeway. Mr. Scherer suggested accepting land for investment purposes. Although Council did not at this time agree that the Park Board could do this, it was felt they could refer any ques- tions back to the Board. Mr. Scherer moved to accept land on this plat, preferably the upper north area because of the street access. Mr. Shaughnessy seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion declared passed. Next for consideration was Ken Rehbein's Arena Acres , off Fourth Ave. and north of Main Street. It was suggested land be taken as there was no park land ,yet in this area. Mrs. Liljedahl felt that if land was taken, trails and woodsy types of things