11-02-2009 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lino Lakes Public Services Department 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 982 -2440 Fax (651) 982 -2439 www.ci.lino- lakes.mn.us October 28, 2009 TO: Park Board Members FROM: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director SUBJECT: Highland Meadows Park - Land Sale Proposal Mr. and Mrs. Judd (670 Arlo Lane) are interested in acquiring a 6' x 145' strip of parkland (Highland Meadows Park) to provide the required setback for an addition to their garage. Attachment A shows the existing layout of Highland Meadows Park. The original 4.6 acres of land was dedicated to the city to fulfill park dedication requirements for the Highland Meadows West development (cash was also received). Outlot B (.07 acres) of Highland Meadows West - 3rd Addition was retained by the developer with the intent of selling the strip of land to the Judd's to create a buffer between their home and the parkland. Final terms between the developer and the Judd's didn't come to an agreeable conclusion so in 2002, the developer quit claim deeded Outlot B to the City with no restrictions. The total market value of Outlot B is $200. When contemplating the sale of city owned property, it's important to be mindful of the inherent value of public land. Even if a very small segment of Highland Meadows Park is going to be sold, the City needs to demonstrate a clear and substantial benefit to the general public. Any financial benefit must provide for some significant enhancements (landscaping, benches, etc) to Highland Meadows Park. If the City chooses to sell land to the Judd's, staff estimates administrative fees to be around $1,000. This includes survey work, preparing new legal descriptions, preparing legal papers, recording new deed with Anoka County, and publication of the ordinance. The Judd's should be responsible for all associated costs incurred. The City Charter language regarding sale of property is as follows: Section 12.05. Sales of Real Property. No real property of the City shall be disposed of except by ordinance. The proceeds of any sale of such property shall be used as far as possible to retire any outstanding indebtedness incurred by the City in the purchase, construction or improvement of this or other property used for the same public purpose. If there is no such outstanding indebtedness, the Council may by resolution designate some other public use for the proceeds. Staff is typically cautious recommending the sale of parkland. However, in this particular situation, Outlot B was not part of the City's plan for this neighborhood park. Rather, it was a result of the developer deeding Outlot B to the City after the original intent (selling it to the adjacent property owner) didn't materialize. Selling the easternmost 6' of the Outlot B will have no effect on the functionality of this park. Attachment B shows the master plan of Highland Meadows Park. The Judd's will be present at the November 2nd meeting to address the Park Board.