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07/05/1994 - City Council Special MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE 0 EAGAN CITY COUNCIL Eagan, Minnesota July 5, 1994 A Special City Council meeting was held on Tuesday, July 5, 1994 at 5:00 p.m. In the lunchroom of the Eagan Municipal Center building. Those In attendance were Mayor Egan and City Councilmembers Awada, Hunter, Masin and Wachter. Also present were Director of Public Works Colbert, Director of Community Development Reichert, Chief of Police Geagan, Superintendent of Parks VonDeUnde, City Attorney Sheldon, and City Administrator Hedges. Administrator Hedges introduced the new Administrative Secretary, Diane Palmersheim, to members of the City Council and staff. Public Works Director Colbert explained the extent of the wind damage from the early morning storm, noting that there was some serious damage to Eagan. He commended members of the Public Works, Building Inspection and Police Departments for their excellent response and coordination to this storm damage. Mayor Egan concurred, stating that he received many good comments from residents about the staff and crews. HOLTZ FARM PROPOSAL After a brief introduction by Administrator Hedges, Superintendent of Parks VonDeUnde indicated that the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission has been reviewing the Holtz farm proposal for over a year. He noted that this represents an opportunity to preserve a historical site. This is one of the few remaining farmsteads left in Eagan and would provide both historical and recreational opportunities that could be used in conjunction with the school district. The Sentence to Service program could be utilized to preserve the buildings on the site. It would provide something unique in the park system, and there appears to be a willing seller. He noted that in the park system survey, operating farms rated high, and Eagan ranked poor in this area. It is high in importance for acquisition. Another property with a farmstead is the Boesel property north of Cliff Lake. It Is a 1.4 acre parcel, which is currently landlocked and Is an outlot to the PUD. There is a barn and some outbuildings, but no lake shore. It Is more centrally located than the Holtz property and there is a potential for partnership with Hoffman Development Company. The Holtz farm is contiguous to an existing park, has more property and room for parking, and has existing lake shore. Its location is less centrally located, and traffic would have to be routed through a residential area. The Holtz farm is 4.25 acres. The commission is looking at acquiring Outlot B also. He indicated a concern about the access and parking on the Boesel property. Sidewalks and security lighting would have to be added. The house and barn would have to be modified to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. He noted this will be funded by the Park Site Fund. He spoke with Marv Sell, the administrator for the estate of the Holtz farm, and he feels he is a willing seller. He asked whether the Council wants staff to continue to pursue this opportunity. Councilmember Masin asked whether the Dakota County Historical Society or the Minnesota Historical Society have pursued this. VonDeUnde indicated they have not. Councilmember Awada stated she feels this Is a good opportunity. Mayor Egan concurred. VonDeUnde added that the City could purchase it with the potential to develop it, and if they don't use it, they could still sell it at a considerable profit. Attorney Sheldon noted he feels that Outlot A is substantially a low area and probably unbuildable. He explained that the Petersens had a right of first refusal on this property, and he is unsure whether this right of first refusal transferred to Middlemist. If it did transfer, there are some title problems associated with CITY COUNCIL MINUTES; JULY 5, 1994 PAGE 2 the property. Discussion followed concerning access to Outlot B and the possibility of a 100 year lease rather than purchasing the property. Sheldon also noted that If the property Is purchased with the Park Site fund for park purposes, it cannot be sold later for residential development. Councilmember Wachter stated he thinks the Holtz farm would be a good addition to the park program, but feels either farm would be good. He noted he knows Mrs. Boesel and offered to talk to her If the Council felt it would help. Awada expressed a concern about how water and sewer would be provided to the Holtz farm site for single family residential and whether that would deny them their development rights. Public Works Director Colbert noted it wouldn't be easy to provide water and sewer to the site because there isn't water and sewer service on that side of the lake. Sheldon added that If the City condemns the property, it would take away the title issue. Councilmember Hunter noted that Eagan does have something unique in the park system and referred to the Art Park. The Boesel farm is more centrally located than the Holtz farm; however, he thinks the City should pursue this. He feels the Boesel farm Is better because of its location and clear title. Awada noted that perhaps it would be better to waft until the owner passes away to acquire the property since there Isn't a lot of money left In the Park Site fund. She also proposed the possibility that since the owners probably made a lot of money from the rest of their farm property, perhaps they would be willing to gift it to the City. Mayor Egan suggested the City look at both sites, and also the Fred Kuhn property. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE After a brief Introduction by Administrator Hedges, Community Development Director Reichert briefly covered the conditional use permit for Easter Lutheran Church, noting that she cannot support their proposal. She also covered the Gene Stinar proposal, Indicating she will work with them on their request. She noted that the Advisory Planning Commission would like to schedule a meeting with the Council to discuss the downtown proposal. After some discussion, it was decided to meet on July 21 at 5:00 p.m. Relative to the Mann Theatre proposal, the building permit Is being issued. She handed out Information on Metro East developments and gave a brief status report on the downtown proposal. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m. DLP July 5, 1994 Date City Clerk if you need these minutes in an alternative form such as large print, braille, audio tape, etc., please contact the City of Eagan, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122, (612) 681-4600, (TDD phone: (612) 454-8535). The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.