HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 - Sally Manzara Nature Center Proposed Final Architecural PlansSTAFF REPORT
DATE: August 15, 2017
CONSENT
MOTION
TO: City Council
FROM: Emily Becker, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
The City has been working with Tony Manzara and the Friends of Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake
Park since 2015 regarding his desire to build the Sally Manzara Nature Center at Sunfish Lake
Park. This has included presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission and Parks
Commission and multiple meetings with staff. The Sally Manzara Nature Center Development,
Lease, License and Operating Agreement was approved by Council on April 18, 2017. The Minnesota
Land Trust has reviewed the proposed final architectural plans for the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature
Center and given its approval, attached.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center final architectural plans?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
The attachment provides an artist’s conception of the building as well as a site plan and architectural
drawings for the building. Staff is recommending that siding and roofing samples be submitted to the City
for review to ensure that these are in keeping with City standards and will not negatively impact the
aesthetics of the park.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Friends of Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake Park would be responsible for the cost of constructing and
maintaining the building. They would provide the City with an escrow in the amount of the bids to
ensure the building is completed. The Friends would also be responsible for the cost of installing a septic
system or other approved wastewater treatment system. If municipal sewer is extended to the property in
the future, it is understood the building would be required to connect but the City and Friends would
discuss how the assessment and connection charges would be allocated at that time.
City costs would be limited to staff time for promotion of Friends programs, assistance with grant
applications or other governmental agency approvals. Additionally, the City would bear the cost to repair
any damage to the building occurring as a result of City-organized use of the building. The City would
continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the access road, parking lot, and all trails.
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the Sally Manzara Nature Center Proposed Final Architectural Plans
2) Propose amendments to the Final Architectural Plans and approve conditioned on amendments being
made.
3) Do not approve the Sally Manzara Nature Center Proposed Final Architectural Plans.
RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to approve the Sally Manzara Nature Center Proposed Final Architectural Plans
ATTACHMENTS:
• Minnesota Land Trust Letter
• Out of the Box architectural plans