2015.01.15 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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City -Owned Property TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner DATE: January 7, 2015 for the Parks Commission Meeting of January 15, 2014 Introduction The City of Hugo owns 2.34 acres off of Goodview Avenue. The property is currently available for public use but is not promoted as a park and does not have improvements typical of a neighborhood park. The public uses the property for dirt biking and other activities. There have been complaints from nearby property owners about noise, litter, and use during the night. Washington County Sherriff's Office has received calls about the property. The ambulance has also been dispatched for medical emergencies. Staff is recommending discussion on the property and acceptable uses. Property History The 2.34 acres were acquired by the City of Hugo with the Hugo Meadows subdivision. Hugo Meadows included 48 single family dwellings on approximately 27 acres. On June 15, 1987 the City Council discussed the preliminary plat and the proposed park dedication. The developer proposed dedicating land instead of paying a $6,000 fee (based on the fee schedule at that time). The City Administrator cautioned the Council with regard to accepting marginal land for park development resulting in limited access and costly maintenance. He suggested that a park located where it could better serve all of the community might be more prudent from a cost -benefit standpoint. Some Councilmembers felt that an area should be reserved for the children because of the high concentration of housing in the area. The preliminary plat and proposed dedication of land was approved. The property was not expanded to with future development and dedications. Because of access and its limited size, neighborhood park amenities or other improvements were not made. In recent years, Public Works has maintained the property including grading, tree trimming, and shrub removal. Allowed Uses The Public Conduct in Parks ordinance is applicable to the property. Fires are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. The property shall not be used between 11:00pm and 6:OOam. Parking is not available on site or on adjacent streets, which limits access. Restrictions There are restrictions on what the City can do with the property. Under Minnesota statues, land that has been donated to the public on a plat that is recorded must be held in trust for its intended purpose. The Attorney General has repeatedly found that land that was dedicated for park purposes may not use the land for other purposes or sell the land.