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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 25, 2004 <br /> <br />B. Parks, Natural Open Space/Greenways and Trail System Plan <br /> <br />Jeff Shoenbauer of Brauer and Associates introduced himself and indicated his <br />presentation would be brief, and then he would open up for discussion. Jeff <br />presented an overview of the new open space and trails plan. <br /> <br />O’Dea recalled that when the developer for Fox Den Acres came before the <br />Board, he was unsure that it would work and meet the City requirements. She <br />inquired if they were things to strive for, or if they were requirements. Mr. <br />Shoenbauer responded that the City continued to retain regulatory control. With <br />the new approach, the developer would approach staff with a blank proposal. <br />Staff would give expectations, and they give their economic needs. <br /> <br />Mr. Shoenbauer stated that creative design could not be regulated. He had <br />experience with other communities that have been successful. He stated staff <br />understood the issue. <br /> <br />Bor inquired about the endowment process, and wanted to be able to express it <br />more effectively. Mr. Shoenbauer discussed his experience with setting up <br />endowment funds in other cities. Mr. Shoenbauer discussed upfront monies set <br />aside to set up the fund and a portion of homeowner association fees. Incentives <br />are used to allow the developer to initiate the endowment fund. <br /> <br />Chair Kukonen recalled that Mr. Black had not embraced the idea and inquired if <br />it had changed. Mr. Shoenbauer indicated he had changed his view. <br /> <br />There was a discussion of the starting point with Fox Den Acres. Mr. <br />Schoenbauer stated that a MNRAM analysis of the wetlands will give function of <br />values weight to wetlands on the site as a starting point. He recommended the <br />City set aside seed dollars, about $40,000/year for land acquisition. If it was truly <br />a community value, it would need a dollar amount assigned. <br /> <br />Bor inquired if there could be an adjustment to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. <br />Shoenbauer answered that his recommendation would be to see the City go <br />through a couple of conservation developments working together with the <br />developers, and clarify the rules afterward. Growth controls, by themselves <br />would not ensure open space, but might be effective if used as one of the tools in <br />the toolbox. Instead of phasing, a developer could save money by the economies <br />of scale. <br /> <br />Asleson stated that he did an action sheet on the plan, and was told that the Board <br />should make a recommendation. Councilmember Carlson stated that it was <br />approved on Monday night. <br /> <br />3 APPROVED MINUTES