HomeMy WebLinkAbout10E - Jeffers Pond
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
September 7, 2004 ~
10E
Frank Boyles, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FORMATION OF A JEFFERS POND
NATURAL PRESERVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.
DISCUSSION: Historv: From the initial development concept, the Jeffers Estate has
contemplated a natural preserve area as part of the development of the
remaining 220 acre site. In order to meet that objective, Paul Oberg, the Personal
Representatives of the Jeffers Estate, has committed to the following:
1. Placement of 35 acres into trust to be preserved by the City of Prior Lake
as a natural preserve in perpetuity. No development credit of any kind was
provided in exchange for this donation.
2. Donation of up to $500,000 to construct a nature center building which
would act as a trail head and education center for the 35 acre natural
preserve property. No development credit of any kind was provided in
exchange for this donation.
3. Dedication of a 1.15 acres parcel next to the school property and the 35
acre natural preserve to house the nature center building. Park dedication
credit is contemplated for this land.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet is being prepared regarding this
project. The developer (Wensmann) advises that they are preparing a
preliminary plat as well.
Current Circumstances: The 35 acres natural preserve and contribution toward a
natural preserve facility are generous donations by Mr. Oberg and the Jeffers
Estate. Both donations will assure that a significant portion of the Jeffers Pond
property remains natural and available to the general public and our school
system.
To maximize these generous donations, it is important that someone be
assigned the responsibility for maintaining and programming the building and
natural preserve area. From a City staff perspective, it seems most appropriate
that a committee of stakeholders assume that responsibility.
Stakeholders and the representatives of each include:
. Jeffers Estate (Paul Oberg)
. City (AI Friedges, Steve Albrecht, Suesan Lea Pace)
. School District (Jim Hughs)
. Watershed (Shannon Lotthammer)
. Department of Natural Resources
. Scott County (Dawn Tracy)
. University of MN Ag Extension Service
www.cityofpriorlake.com
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ISSUES:
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
While this is a large group, it represents people and agencies who have an
interest in and the resources to maintain and program this facility. Various people
on the committee know where to secure grant funds. Other are aware of
individuals (naturalists) who are available to provide instructional services and
advise for maintaining the natural preserve. Other committee responsibilities
could include risk management, budgeting, formulation of usage policies,
preparation of maintenance policy, fundraising, scheduling of nature center
programs, facility design and construction oversight.
CONCLUSION: The City Council should decide if it believes that the formation of
a "Jeffers Pond Natural Preserve Oversight Committee" is appropriate. If so,
direction on the composition of the committee and its responsibilities would be
helpful.
Some may regard the creation of this committee as premature since the plat is
not yet approved. However, construction is proposed for 2005. The nature center
facility could be under construction as soon as 2005-2006. Accordingly, it could
be helpful for the committee to have a head start in addressing the issues it will
be faced with in the not-to-distant future. There are few direct costs associated
with the creation of the committee.
(1) Authorize the creation of the Jeffers Pond Natural Preserve Oversight
Committee.
(2) Provide direction regarding the composition and responsibilities of the
committee.
(3) Take no action.
Alternatives (1) and (2).
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