12/17/2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM NO. 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director COUNCIL MEETING DATE: December 17, 2001 TOPIC: Consideration of Resolution 01 -172, Authorizing Condemnation for Birch Park Trail VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority BACKGROUND: At the October 1, 2001 Park Board meeting, the Park Board members unanimously recommended that the City Council pursue land condemnation to provide access from the Trapper's Crossing development to Birch Park. The City of Lino Lakes has attempted to secure a trail connection from the Trapper's Crossing development to Birch Park since 1994. Over the past few years, the Park Board has again attempted to resolve this issue. However, it appears the only option remaining is to condemn the property. Staff concurs with the Park Board's recommendation to condemn the necessary property for the following reasons: • Discussions during the Trapper's Crossing development process indicated that Birch Park would provide park amenities for residents in the Trapper's Crossing area. In 1994, City staff and the Park Board were aware of the significant amount of wetlands in the creek necessary to provide access to Birch Park. It was decided to provide a crossing to Birch Park, rather than create a park within the Trapper's Crossing Development. • The park dedication for Trapper's Crossing and Gemini Estates was 100 percent cash dedication. The intent was to use this money to provide access to Birch Park. Additional developments such as Peregrine Pass as well as the development at 12th Avenue and Holly Drive will also benefit from a trail connection to Birch Park. • In November, 2000 city staff reached a tentative agreement with the Whitcomb's to purchase two acres of land for $6,000. City staff was subsequently notified that the Whitcomb's were no longer interested in selling the property. • The land proposed to condemn is almost exclusively wetland and is assessed at approximately $500 per acre. The Park Board has recommended that the City Council direct the City Attorney to begin condemnation proceedings for the two acre parcel of property necessary to provide a trail access from the Trapper's Crossing Development to Birch Park. Even