2002.05.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of May 20, 2002 Page 5 OAKSHORE PARK PURCHASE PROPOSAL At its April 1, 2002 meeting, the Council directed staff to send a letter to the Oakshore Park Association President indicating the City's interest in purchasing their 10 -acre park, but requesting the Association suggest a selling price to the City. Staff sent the letter and received a telephone call from Chuck Svendsen, who requested an opportunity to meet with City staff regarding the park. On April 19, 2002, CD Director John Rask and City Administrator Mike Ericson, and City Assessor Frank Langer met with newly elected Oakshore Park Association President Ken Straus and Chuck Svendsen to discuss the valuation of the 10 -acre parcel, which are officially two 5 -acre parcels. Mr. Straus stated that the association is not interested in getting an appraisal on the property. Both he and Chuck agreed to accept some suggestions from staff as to how the valuation of the property would be developed. Mr. Straus contacted the City Administrator a few weeks ago and indicated that the executive committee had agreed to set a sale price of $520,000 for the property. That valuation takes into account recent land sales, but most importantly, it suggests a sale price that he feels the association would accept based on its strong desire to have the land remain a park. This issue has been placed on the agenda by staff for discussion by Council as to how Council would like to proceed since the City's parkland dedication fund would see a significant reduction of approximately $450,000 for the remainder of the purchase price of $752,000 for the Bennin property minus the $305,000 DNR grant. Council should also consider the opportunity for locating a park site on the Len Pratt property, formerly the McCollar property, which is near the subdivision. In that instance, Council has the option of acquiring parkland during the subdivision process. Miron made motion, Puleo seconded, directing staff to begin the process to purchase the Oakshore Park property. Mayor Miron and Council member Haas agreed to participate in the purchase discussions. VOTING AYE: Haas, Puleo, Miron BECAUSE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ABSTAINING: Granger and Petryk Motion Carried. BEAVER PONDS/128TH STREET DRAINAGE EASEMENT Staff has had continued discussions with the four residents located on 128' Street, who seek a correction to their drainage/utility easement in their rear yards in the Beaver Ponds subdivision. This issue appeared before Council last fall and staff has met numerous times with the property owners, and to date, they have not collectively agreed as to how they would like to proceed. One property owner contacted Mayor Fran Miron and suggested that this issue be discussed once again by Council because of continuing erosion and drainage problems. Staff provided additional information at the meeting, including visuals of the area. A lengthy discussion continued with neighbors expressing their interest/objections to have a 24" pipe installed. Mayor Miron suggested property owners obtain an engineering opinion as to whether the pipe would raise the level of the pond to negatively impact the Weiss property. City Attorney Snyder restated his opinion that unless all property owners agreed to the project, no pipe should be installed because of liability. Haas made motion, Puleo seconded, to table this issue until the regular Council meeting of June 17, 2002 to allow property owners to obtain engineering report on the pond. All aye. Motion Carried.