HomeMy WebLinkAbout10D - Spring Lake Park
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA#:
PREPARED BY:
November 17, 2003
10D
Frank Boyles, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A MOTION DIRECTING THE STAFF TO ENTER
INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH SCOTT COUNTY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
PROPERTY.
DISCUSSION:
History: In 1997, a Park and Library Referendum was approved by the voters. As
part of that referendum, the City planned to acquire 80 acres of land for
community play field purposes. (This excludes the Kop property which was
acquired). For a variety of reasons, the City was only able to acquire 38.4 acres.
Therefore, 41.6 acres of the City's play field needs were not addressed.
Current Circumstances: Since the referendum, the City has negotiated an orderly
annexation agreement which will ultimately add another 3000 acres and
potentially 15,000 people to the community. This addition will create a even
greater demand for community athletic fields.
Taken together, the 41.6 acres which were not acquired as part of the
referendum, and the addition of 3000 acres over time, the need for additional
community play fields has been magnified.
For the last few years, the City staff has discussed the acquisition of up to 40
acres with Scott County and Three Rivers Regional Parks. According to Three
Rivers Park District Executive Director Doug Bryant, this 40 acres is in excess of
the land needed to develop the 300+ Spring Lake Park. Moreover, the proceeds
from the purchase could be contributed toward the construction of the County
Road 12 underpass connecting Spring Lake Park to the Spring Lake shoreline.
Conclusion: The County, City and Three Rivers staff believe there are benefits to
each agency and all of our constituents if this purchase is consummated.
ISSUES:
As indicated above, the staffs from the City, County and Three Rivers have had
considerable discussion regarding this acquisition. In determining whether to
direct the staff to proceed to negotiate a purchase agreement the Council may
wish to consider the following:
1. The 1997 Referendum failed to acquire 42 acres which were to be developed
into community play fields to meet the City's needs at its pre-annexation size.
2. Since this time, the City entered into an annexation agreement which will
result in the addition of approximately 15,000 people which magnifies the
need for additional land for play fields.
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3. Three Rivers Park District has confirmed that up to 40 acres on the north and
west edge of the 345 acre future Spring Lake Park property excess to regional
park needs.
4. Three Rivers Park District has further confirmed that from a construction and
operational standpoint, athletic play fields could integrate well with the
regional park and would not be detrimental.
5. The County has confirmed their interest in selling the property to the City
under these circumstances, have conducted an appraisal, and intend to use
proceeds for Scott County Regional park purposes, perhaps in Spring Lake
Park.
6. The appraisal price appears to be reasonable given the growth of this area.
7. Funds for this purchase have been programmed into the Park Dedication
study completed earlier this year so funds are available for this purpose inthe
Capital Park Fund.
8. The land contemplated for a community play field is on the northwest edge of
the Spring Lake Park property immediately adjacent to Howard Lake Road.
The property is flat, has very few trees and is located in the rural area so very
few existing neighbors would be impacted.
9. The play fields could operate well with Mystic Lake Casino, Playworks,
Dakotah Sport and Fitness as well as the camps and cabins in the park. The
facility would bring families and money into the City.
10. This venture is consistent with the 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan from a park
development and partnership perspective.
11. The property is located near the geographic center of the City once the
annexation is complete.
12. The property is easily accessed by County Roads 82,82 and 17.
13. Purchasing the property at this time at today's prices will be less expensive
than waiting to address the need for additional play fields in the future.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct the staff to work with Scott County to prepare a purchase agreement for
subsequent Council consideration.
2. Take no action and direct the staff to prepare additional information.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION: Alternative 1.
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