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1986 06 23 Special Meeting Park and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes June 23, 1986 . A special meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called to discuss the park issue of the proposed development called Chanhassen Vista. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Lynch at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were Susan Boyt, James Mady, Wallace McKay, Mike Lynch, and Mike Rosenwald. Members absent were Charlie Robbins and Curt Robin- son. Staff present were Lori Sietsema and Bill Monk. CHANHASSEN VISTA: Lynch explained that the Park and Recreation Commission had reviewed this proposed development and had requested that an appraisal be done on the sloped area to determine its value. Sietsema said that the appraisal had come back and the fair mar- ket value had been determined to be $147,500, including the slopes on both the north and south side of the pond. Mady said that in the last development reviewed, the developer was required to give almost 8 acres of flat park land. He said that to be consistent, the City should be getting more land than the area around the pond to the 952 contour line. Rosenwald asked if Bud Andrus is a certified appraiser. Bill Monk said that Mr. Andrus was as qualified as anyone and has done . appraisals for the City in the past and always had reasonable opinions. Lynch said that the slopes were totally unusable and questioned whether the City really wants to own them at that price. He suggested that perhaps a conservation easement will achieve the same thing, which is to preserve the slopes. McKay asked if an easement were established, would the City be able to have trails across it. Sietsema said that a park plan should be developed that would identify trails and vegetation along the slope that would promote passive park use and wildlife. She said that this type of plan could be designed in conjunction with the DNR and u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rosenwald asked if we could approach the Kerber's to purchase the property from them instead of the developer. Monk reviewed the background of this proposal stating that the developer was asked by staff to bring the lots back at least to the tow of the slope. The plan was then reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission., who asked for the slopes to be dedicated as well. Monk said that he had consulted with the City Attorney and an appraiser and they agreed that the City would have to com- pensate the developer for the loss of lots if the slopes were . taken. Monk further explained that it was not unusual for slopes to be included in lot area and the appraiser indicated this to be reasonable. . . . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes June 23, 1985 Page 2 Monk said that the developer is in favor of the easement and that no credit or reduction in park dedication fees has been discussed. He said that he felt it was reasonable to ask for the southwest corner of Lot 1, Block 2 for a trail leading to Kerber Boulevard, as this would not dramatically impact that lot. Boyt asked if developers in the past have ever disagreed with a land dedication request. Monk said that it is very common for the developer to object land dedication when it involves the loss of lots. He said that the City worked with the Chanhassen Hills developer to determine the park land dedication as well. McKay indicated that he could go along with the easement if the City's trail rights were maintained. Lynch said that he was only interested in owning what we can use. Mady said that he was afraid that the conservation easement would work fine for the first five years, but would be forgotten with second and third owners of those lots. McKay asked if the restrictions could be enforced. Monk said that the easement would be recorded on each title of property and can be enforced. Developing a landscape plan and implementing it now will make that area very defined. McKay asked if all the past recommendations would have to be reinstated. Sietsema said no, only the recommendations regarding the easement. Jay Johnson, resident, asked if this easement would leave enough back yard space for these lots. Monk said that it would be tight in some cases, but it could work. Lynch indicated that this could be a selling point as well. Mr. Johnson indicated that the neighborhood was not against the conservation easement. McKay made a motion to recommend the following: 1. The City acquire the land around the pond from the waterline to the 952 contour line. 2. The City prepare a park plan for Chanhassen Pond Park with the aid of the DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice that will preserve the slopes and promote wildlife in the park. 3. The City establish a conservation easement from the 952 contour line to the top of the slopes that will allow plantings and trails outlined in the park plan, and restrict the placement of buildings or structures, Park and Recreation Commission Minutes June 23, 1986 Page 3 filling or grading, application of fertilizers or chemi- cals, depositing waste or debris, and outside storage of any kind. 4. The City allow no reduction in park dedication fees. The motion was seconded by Rosenwald and carried unanimously. Rosenwald moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by Boyt and carried unanimously. Prepared by: Lori Sietsema June 26, 1986 . . .