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• <br />• <br />Park Board Meeting - June 4, 2001 <br />Minutes <br />Council feel it is necessary to begin condemnation proceedings. <br />The Park Board will be notified if the Whitcombs decide to sell <br />their property. <br />Paul asked if Rick had spoke with Mr. Whitcomb. Rick advised the <br />Whitcomb's attorney had left a message indicating Mr. Whitcomb is <br />not interested in selling any property at this time. <br />Chair Lindy stated the two acres the City was looking at are at <br />the edge of their property and is wetland. The purchase will not <br />land lock their existing wetland. He stated that sometimes <br />condemnation is the only way the City can proceed. He stated he <br />does not believe that two acres is critical to their property. <br />Chris inquired about the type of trail that would be used to <br />access the park. Rick advised a combination of boardwalk and <br />bituminous. The Park Board has designated $15,000 for the <br />project and another $40,000 for the trail. <br />Pat stated condemnation may get the ball rolling for more <br />discussions. It is possible to even cut the purchase to one acre <br />for adequate access. <br />Rick stated the City was open to just an easement for access. <br />The Whitcomb's indicated they wanted to sell two acres. It is <br />possible to reduce the request to one acre. Their remaining land <br />would not be land locked. <br />Paul stated he sees the urgency for the trail but he is not <br />comfortable with condemnation due to the Whitcomb's being long <br />time property owners within the City and their age and health. <br />He indicated he would be more open to condemnation when their <br />daughters own the land. <br />Chair Lindy stated the condemnation does not have to be a <br />confrontational procedure. He stated the issue should be <br />discussed further. <br />Chris asked if it is possible to discuss the purchase of only one <br />acre or an easement with the property owners. <br />Chair Lindy stated the issue is that the Whitcomb's are trying to <br />sell the full 20 acres of useless land. <br />Bill added it might make sense to increase the purchase offer <br />because the condemnation process is expensive also. <br />5 <br />