11/21/2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Park Board Meeting - November 5, 2001 Minutes OLD BUSINESS: Discuss Birch Park Trail Update - Rick stated he met with the City Council at the October 17 work session to discuss the Birch Park Trail. It was the consensus of the City Council to ask the Whitcomb's to allow the City to secure a trail easement for the proposed trail with the understanding land acquisition would occur sometime in the future when the Whitcomb's are ready to sell their property. Rick indicated he will keep the Park Board posted as this issue progresses. Paul clarified that the City is going to ask the Whitcomb's to use an easement until they are ready to sell. Rick stated the City Council wanted to give them one last shot for an agreement to use the land before condemnation is used. If they agree, the City will then acquire the property in the future. Paul expressed concern regarding how long the City will wait for the Whitcomb's to respond. Rick stated staff is proceeding with the understanding that the trail development will begin in the spring. This issue will be discussed with the City Council at the last work session in December. It will be determined at that time whether or not to proceed with condemnation. Paul stated it should be up to the Park Board if a determination is not made by January. Pat stated it makes sense to give the Whitcomb's one more chance. He stated there is risk with an easement relating to the City expenses incurred. Rick stated the City will make sure it is a perpetual easement. He added he will give the Park Board another report next month. Chair Lindy stated the Park Board cannot let this slip by. The trail construction has to begin this spring one way or another. Referendum Update - Rick referred to a schedule of estimated tax impact for a bond referendum of $7.5M and $8.5M, spread over 15 years and 20 years that was included in the packets. Rick stated he also prepared a possible referendum scenario, which would consist of the athletic complex, neighborhood park improvements, and development of trails. As you recall, $1M needs to be included in the referendum to reimburse the Area and Unit Fund for acquisition of the 67 acres. The core facility development amounts to $3,450,000, which includes site removals and grading, roadways, parking lots, main trails, irrigation, fencing, seeding, site amenities, etc. 4