12/05/1994 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEW BUSINESS- Living Waters Lutheran Church - Proposal: Because of the lengthy discussions previous to "New Business" on the agenda, item #5-A under new business was moved up to this time to accommodate those from Living Waters Lutheran Church who were in attendance. Mr. Ted Erkanbrak representing Living Waters Lutheran Church came before the board with a park dedication proposal regarding construction of a church on 9. 6 acres located at Reshanau Lake on Birch Street just north of Old Birch Street on the "S" curve. Construction on the church is expected to start sometime next spring. In compliance with the Master Plan for Transportation, the church will construct a transportation trail on the north side of the protected wetland area adjacent to Birch Street. This trail is intended to run the entire length of the church property along Birch Street. Building space is tight on this property and they would prefer to dedicate cash rather than property for park dedication. However,they have asked the board to waive the park dedication on this project all together. If the board does not waive the fee, then the church proposes to be willing to assist in the construction of a recreational trail along with the transportation trail. This trail would follow the old fur trappers' trail along the lakeshore that would link to Country Lakes Park to the west. There was a question as to what the dollar figure for cash dedication would be. The church quoted $10, 000, which would be approximately $1000 per acre. There was some concern expressed for waiving park dedication entirely. Would that be setting a precedent? Marty Asleson explained that he contacted Northwest Associated Consultants, the City planning consultants, and referred to a letter from them where they suggested not to waive the park dedication fee. The letter explained that our park dedication ordinance does not directly address this type of building, and suggested that the City amend its park dedication ordinance to reference specific requirements imposed on public/semi public uses so that similar problems relating to appropriate dedication may be avoided in the future. MOTION:. After discussion, Brian Bourassa made a motion to recommend to council not to waive park dedication, but instead as dedication, accept the proposed recreation trail on the north side of Birch Street and work with the church to complete it in a manner acceptable to both the city and church. This motion was seconded by Candy Toffoli. All were in favor. Motion carried.