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- 1 - Goodview Avenue Property September 19, 2016 Agenda Number: I.1. CITY OF HUGO PARKS COMMISSION REPORT TO: Bryan Bear, City Administrator FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner SUBJECT: City-Owned Property on Goodview Avenue DATE: September 14, 2016 for the City Council meeting of September 19, 2016 1. INTRODUCTION: The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission has been addressing resident concerns and discussing options for a city-owned property on Goodview Avenue. The City of Hugo acquired the 2.34 acre property in 1987 with the Hugo Meadows subdivision through park dedication. It is not suitable for construction of a park due to limited access and site conditions. Youth have built pedal bike jumps, knocked down branches, etc, at the property. There have been complaints about undesirable behavior at the property and Washington County Sherriff’s Office has been involved. The Parks Commission heard from the adjacent property owners at their meeting of July 13, 2016. They directed staff to look into the options for the property. At their meeting of August 10, 2016, the Parks Commission heard options for the property and directed staff to schedule a neighborhood meeting to look at selling the property. 2. PROPERTY HISTORY: The Goodview Avenue property was acquired in 1987 with the Hugo Meadows subdivision. 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. It was suggested that a park located where it could better serve all of the community might be more prudent from a cost-benefit standpoint. At the time, 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.