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May 15, 2006 <br />Subject: Recommendation from the Lake Elmo Parks Commission <br />to put Sunfish Lake Park into the Minnesota Land Trust <br />Dear Lake Elmo Council Member, <br />Sunfish Lake Park is the crown jewel of the Lake Elmo Park System, a symbol of the rural <br />character Lake Elmo follows as a community concept. This is the City's birthplace, where the <br />first family settled, where the assembly met that created the township we now know as the City of <br />Lake Elmo. This park's rolling, glacial landscape is the same today as it was for the first <br />settlers; a pristine oak forest with gentle ridges, separating ponds that showcase both landscape <br />and a lush wildlife habitat. In the spirit of the City of Lake Elmo, having more environmentally - <br />sensitive developments than any other community in Minnesota, it is only appropriate that <br />Sunfish Lake Park be utilized to emphasize and preserve its impressive, natural features. Sunfish <br />Lake Park is a strong draw for this community. <br />The Minnesota Land Trust is the only avenue for retaining ownership that affords <br />permanent protection of the land. An easement like the Land Trust works best where you can <br />restrict uses and/or access routes that would be most destructive. Language like this is needed <br />for Sunfish Lake Park. The Minnesota Land Trust is well-known, valuable, and trusted in our <br />City, and our City Planner is well versed in the agency, with more and more developers being <br />encouraged to forever preserve open space from their cluster community concepts in the <br />Minnesota Land Trust. <br />Called to be advocates and stewards for the betterment of our community, we can be <br />proud that our crown jewel, Sunfish Lake Park, will be enjoyed as a forever gift. We strongly <br />support and recommend to the Lake Elmo City Council that Sunfish Lake Park be placed into the <br />Minnesota Land Trust. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />The Lake Elmo Parks Commission <br />Vote: 5:1, Nay: Wafters -For reasons previously stated. <br />8. City Council Update <br />Administrator Rafferty said the new Public Works Facility and Water Tower are shaping up <br />nicely. <br />The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Kimberly Anez <br />Recording Secretary <br />Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2006 <br />