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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 26, 2000 Page 8 1 Cavanaugh introduced representatives of the Hennepin Parks -- Commissioner Franzee and Mr. 2 Doug Bryant, the Superintendent of Hennepin Parks. Both,representatives approached the Coun- 3 cil and Mr. Bryant noted that he had brought a video to show to the Council and audience. In 4 that respect, he presented the video which reviewed background information on the Parks system 5 and some of the history of Hennepin Parks. 6 Mr. Bryant noted that he wanted to confirm, on behalf of the Park District, that the District is in- 7 terested in acquiring all or part of the Salvation Army property. For this to happen, however, the 8 approval of St. Anthony is needed to go forward. If the City would like to utilize some of the 9 open space, a master plan would be developed and along with that, a planning and engineering 10 staff would prepare and present to the Council a formal request. 11 Mr. Bryant added that Hennepin Parks has its own forestry, engineering, and natural resources 12 planning staff. The Hennepin Parks would also like to utilize the property for interpretive educa- 13 tion and trails. The opportunities for trails in the suburban area are limited, and the Parks District 14 felt this was an excellent opportunity to develop more trails and to provide interpretative 15 services. • 6 Mr. Bryant added that Hennepin Parks receives a significant amount of funding from the State,. as well as funding from the Metropolitan Council. It is the Park District's hope that they can 18 work with the City in utilizing the property. He added that the Parks District would like to see 19 their proposed project become a reality. 20 Horst asked why the Hennepin Parks needed to come to the City to ask permission to purchase 21 the Salvation Army. Morrison noted that as a courtesy, the Hennepin Parks is hoping to work 22 with the City because it is such a large piece of property. 23 Mr. Bryant confirmed that the Hennepin Parks wanted to purchase the property with the blessing 24 of the City Council. 25 Hodson expressed his support of having Hennepin Parks take over the Salvation Army property; 26 however, as a City Councilmember,he would like to see some of that property utilized as a tax 27 base. He inquired if Mr. Bryant would be willing to consider that as a possibility. Mr. Bryant 28 noted that it would be a possibility and expressed his belief that it was important to preserve as 29 much open space as possible. As long as the City's objectives and the Park District's objectives 30 could be met, he would be willing to discuss options. 31 Sparks asked how the City's blessing would work with the process that Mr. Bryant had envi- 32 sioned. Mr. Bryant said that if the City is interested in having the Park District acquire the land, 33 and if the City wants them to be part of the process, then the City needed to decide how the Park •.. ! District fits in with those plans. He noted that the Park District could work with the City's con- 35 sultants. If the City determines that they want the land, in full or in part, to be preserved as open