2001.03.19 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of March 19, 2001 Page 3 Kitty Cheesebrow, who lives across the street from the property, supported the project stating that the site would be a beautiful location for a park. James Weber, Harrow Avenue, questioned how much of the property was "swamp", and was informed there were seven acres of wetland. He felt that the appraised price was too much considering the amount of wetlands. Because the lake is shallow, Mr. Weber felt that a pier would have to go too far into the lake to be serviceable. He also suggested that the City consider purchasing the Seever property and develop part of it to recoup part of the investment. Mr. Weber expressed real concern that acquisition of the Bernin property would be a forerunner to a trail around the lake. Tom Bina, Oneka Lake Boulevard, supported acquisition of the property, but with certain restrictions: no motorized watercraft; no trails; no disturbance of vegetation; and preservation of lake. Bonnie Weber, Oneka Lake Blvd, questioned if an EIS was necessary, as well as the type of park would be established. Community Development Director John Rask stated that the park would have passive open space usage and that an environmental review is part of the grant application. She was concerned that wildlife be protected. Dan Wittkop, Egg Lake Road, a young man who fished the lake, felt that a pier would be a great place for kids to go fishing. Robyn LaCasse, Chair of the Parks Commission, stated that it was the intent of the Commission to have the property remain pristine, and that if the property would be sold to developers, the wildlife would lose their habitat. The public hearing was closed for Council consideration. Council member Petryk reiterated that it was the City's intent to keep the land as a `natural" park. Mayor Miron discussed the differences in the Seever/Bernin properties for use as a park, and their monetary value. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION 2001-7, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO SUBMIT A MNDNR NATURAL AND SCENIC AREA GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE BERNIN PROPERTY. VOTING AYE: Haas, Petryk, Puleo, Miron Motion Carried. KATIE POIRIER LEGISLATION At a recent Council meeting, Council member Becky Petryk presented Council with material she had obtained from a local resident supporting the Katie Poirier legislation. This issue was placed on a subsequent Council meeting but tabled to complete additional research with the assistance of the League of Minnesota Cities. City staff spoke extensively with the LMC research officials and found that the legislation material submitted to Council member Petryk was outdated, and was, in fact, for the 2000 legislative session; therefore, there is no action required of the Hugo City Council regarding this legislation. The new legislation that was recently introduced in the Minnesota State Legislature regarding additional changes sought by supporters of the Katie Poirier legislation is for security systems that include high-resolution video cameras and VCR playback machines. Staff presented this material to Council for information purposes only, and (staff) and the League does not take a position, nor do they advocate at this time, that the Council take a position regarding this proposed new legislation. Council member Petryk asked that this matter be placed on the Council meeting agenda for April 2, 2001, for further clarification from City Administrator Mike Ericson.