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explained in 2002 the purchase price was $237,000. At the time, the Council did not have the funding to purchase the <br />property and therefore declined. She then reviewed a park master plan with the Council. <br />Director Schlichting discussed the stormwater, ditch and sewer improvements surrounding Jones Lake. He saw a value <br />in this property as it was being used for water runoff for the City. <br />Councilmember Bauman had no interest in purchasing this property as she didn't see any value in the land. She would <br />rather invest in a park and did not believe the Jones Lake property would provide the City with a return on its investment. <br />Councilmember Burg appreciated this opinion, but did not agree. She saw value in adding this unique property, with its <br />trail system to the City's park system. She believed that holding the green space and wetland would be a benefit to the <br />City in the future. She realized that the City may not have the funding to purchase the property at this time, but she did <br />not oppose the Council considering a purchase. She believed there was an educational value to raw nature available on <br />this parcel for the residents and children in New Brighton. <br />Mayor Jacobsen provided comment on a nature center in Fridley. He stated that this property would make for a great <br />nature center/recreational area. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen saw the purchase of the Jones Lake property as a low priority. He would rather the Council <br />focus on improving the City's current parks. <br />Councilmember Strub believed the City was a good match for this property. He feared that the City may not get another <br />chance at this property if it were to pass up this opportunity. He noted that this parcel was included in the Comp Plan <br />and was identified as a park asset. <br />Lotter asked how the Council wanted staff to proceed. <br />Councilmember Bauman recommended that staff take no action on the property. <br />Councilmember Strub and Councilmember Burg were in favor of staff proceeding with negotiations on the Jones Lake <br />property. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen believed the City had enough on its plate at this time and believed the Council should not <br />pursue the property. <br />Mayor Jacobsen commented that staff negotiation on behalf of the Council would cost the City nothing and after <br />negotiations were complete, the Council would have a better idea on how to proceed. <br />Worksession adjourned at 6:17 pm. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Terri Haarstad <br />City Clerk