03/08/1971 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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S6 3/8/71 Clarence Johnson of the U of M, an official of the Wildlife Dept. stated that he had talked with Mr. VanHousen and the Conservation Dept., and that he had received the impression that the area on the map was the only area under condideration. Mr. L'Allier noted that if we decided we wanted the perk on some of the lands in that area,wey would indicate hands off certain portions of the area. W. Johnson noted that Mr. VanHousen feels that by putting this area into parks we would raise the value of surrounding land; also, he feels that VanHousen isn't aware of how the Council feels about omitting some of the area. Mr. L'Allier stated that this was not true, that he had talked with Mr. VanHousen, we held meetings with him, also given him a charge to come up with details for presentation to the Metro people. Marcel Rivard inquired whether this park was only in Anoka County. Mr. L'Allier stated, "Yes ", that the Metro Parks Board had a charge to come up with several areas for parks, but this was only in Anoka County. Mr. L'Allier also noted that we are conservation- minded, but birds don't pay taxes. Mr. Gotwald replied to a question that the 6700 acres being considered was about 1/4 of the 23,000 acres in Lino Lakes. He stated that the area included about 4500 acres total(including water) that was not developable. Also, of the remaining land in the Village a considerable amount was owned by the State, etc., and could not be developed. Someone asked how close to the West side of Centerville Lake the park went and was told that it went right up to the lake but this was one area we would want deleted. Mr. Al Ross commented that the long -range plans included the whole Rice Creek chain. Jerry Boyd inquired whether the Rondeau Lake area was included and was told that 35W was the boundary. A lady asked what happens to the homes in the area. Mr. Jaworski replied that if the Park Board needed the property right away they would buy out the owner. If not, they would allow the people to live in the home the rest of their life. She asked if the State would give market value for the homes. Mr. Locher explained how just compensation under eminent domain was arrived at. Mr. Jaworski commented that they won't chase anyone out right away. It may take 20 years to develop the park and will be done in phases. Mr. L'Allier noted that the very existence of the Metro Park Board's legality was in question. He stated that of the 2 million dollars appropriated for them out of the 1c/ gas tax, they only had 1/2 million left. He mentioned the various bills again, and noted that if the park is allowed, we must de- cide what the tax income from that property taken is worth. There,were a few more comments and discussion. Mr. Rosengren inquired whether other entities besides the Village, County and Metro had to meet on this. W. L'Allier noted that the County seemed to be waiting for the Metro to do something, and vice versa. We had received nothing definite from the County only vague thoughts, but we want their input. It seems that the County doesn't wish to spend any money on parks of the Metro is .going to take it over. Mr. L'Allier noted that we can help keep the Metro in control by taking action ourselves. Jim Bernier asked when they would try to finalize the boundaries. Mr. L'Allier stated that they hoped to in 30 days while the Legislature is still in session. A man from Columbus asked what policing control there