08/24/95 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Mack said that staff of the work farm are considering a proposal to establish a tree nursery to replace the current livestock operation. Trees would be provided exclusively for Ramsey County and the municipalities within the county. It is believed that a tree farm would provide transferable skills• for the inmates. The Parks and Recreation Department would have potential use for 5,000 trees per year. Mr. Mack said originally the work farm was owned by the city of St. Paul. When the county became involved, there was an agreement that stated if the work farm ceased to operate, the property would become parks and open space. This agreement was rescinded when the county and the city reached agreement on the City Hall/Court House renovation. The master plan for Battle Creek Regional Park, as adopted in 1981, identifies the work farm property as a potential future addition and suggests that the site would be suitable for a golf course. Chairman Nolan stated that since this property was previously identified as future parks and open space, primary consideration should be given to converting it to parks and open space if the work farm ceases to exist at that site or portions of the property are declared surplus. Ms. Baker indicated that the Boys'Totem Town property was also included in the former agreement between the city and county and had carried a reversionary clause to parks and open space if the use changed. Mr. Mack said that the Lake Owasso Residence is nearly adjacent to Lake Owasso County Park and if the present use ceases, serious consideration should be given to incorporating it into the parks and open space system. Ms. Baker said the County Board adopted a resolution supporting the closure of the Lake Owasso Residence, pending State approval and satisfactory placement of clients. Mr. Singer moved, seconded by Ms.Anderson, that Chairman Nolan send a letter to the • Ramsey County Board of Commissioners requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission be given the opportunity to fully participate in discussions regarding the future disposition of the Ramsey County Work Farm (Adult Detention Center), Boys' Totem Town and Lake Owasso Residence properties. Motion carried. ANNUAL REPORT It was decided that the format from past annual reports be used. The report will be presented to the County Board on September 19. Mr. Singer agreed to provide a list of significant actions from the past year's meeting minutes. Overviews will be provided as follows: Legislative issues: Ms. Gohl and Mr. Botzek Capital funding: Ms. Gohl and Mr. Botzek Trails/bikeways: Ms. Crawford Review of County park system plan (final draft will accompany report): Chairman Nolan Conclusion: Ms. Ford DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Mack reported that Island Lake Golf Course is scheduled to open in August. Clubhouse construction is underway but will not be completed until early fall. The driving range is open. The Snail Lake beach building plans were approved by the Shoreview City Council on July 5, 1995. • 4