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1984 10 11 . . . ~ CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 11, 1984 A special meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Lynch at 6:40 p.m. The following members were present: Mike Lynch, Mike Rosenwald, Joe Warneke and Tom Schoenecker. Commissioners absent were: Charlie Robbins, Richie Hemping and Brian Foltz. Staff present were Lori Sietsema and Bill Monk. PIPER RIDGE SUBDIVISION: The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Land Use Plan Amendment for Piper Ridge Subdivision which is located west of Herman Field and north of Minnewashta Regional Park. Minnewashta area residents were present to request that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend denial of the Land Use Plan Amendment. They further requested the Commission to consider purchase of of the Herman property for additional parkland. Chairman Lynch stated that the Commission was only concerned with park programs and that anything dealing with water drainage, sewage, streets, etc. was not their concern. Lynch also pointed out that Randy Herman would be an unwilling seller and the prop- erty could be quite expensive. Bill Monk, City Engineer esti- mated that the property could cost approximately 25c to SOc per square foot. Tom Schoenecker stated that the Commission has been interested in acquiring property that is readily available. He stated that this was the first time a neighborhood has requested that the City pursue a specific piece of property for parkland. He continued by pointing out that the property would be suitable for passive recreation. Peter Throdahl, a Minnewashta resident, questioned the quoted purchase price. He stated that the property would compliment Herman Field as parkland better than as a subdivision. Mr. Throdahl asked for the Commissioner's reaction to the request. Chairman Lynch stated that the Herman Field plan is an active recreational area, not passive. He mentioned that in recent years the park and recreation emphasis has been more toward active uses for parks. Chairman Lynch further stated that the Commission has been looking to develop our existing parkland before acquiring more property. Mr. Throdahl asked if the City would be interested in purchasing the property if the price was reasonable? Chairman Lynch said that it would depend if the land had a spe- cial attraction that could not be satisfied by another park in the area. Park and Recreation Commission October 11, 1984 Page 2 . Randy Herman asked how much use a passive recreational area would get next to a recreational field. Tom Schoenecker said there would be a lot of use as the residents in the area use it now. Chairman Lynch stated that he felt that the City owned enough passive land and that due to the financial condition of the park fund and the city needs, he would not be in favor of this request. Mike Rosenwald agreed stating he did not feel we needed more park land in that area when we have not developed what is already there. Tom Schoenecker maintained that the Commission owed it to the residents to give this request proper consideration. He felt the Commission should view the property and determine the land value. Barbara Gainer, a Minnewashta resident who works at the Arboretum, said she felt the property was Arboretum quality. James Gainer agreed and said there was more involved than dollars and that the best use of the property would be to leave it as it is. The Commissioners discussed times to go out to view the property. . Bill Monk said that an appraisal could be pursued if they felt the property was worth acquiring. Randy Herman said that if the residents liked the property they could find the same type of property four-fold in Minnewashta Regional Park. The Commissioners agreed to meet at Tom Schoenecker's home, 2820 Sandpiper Trail at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. A motion was made by Tom Schoenecker and seconded by Joe Warneke to adjourn the meting. Motion unanimously approved. TIME: 7:50 P.M. Lori Sietsema Park and Recreation Coordinator .