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May 1, 2007 <br />Recently Baptist Seminar contacted the City to see what our interested level was in <br />acquiring land that has been discussed over the years. <br />Here is a brief history: (detailed history on separate attachment). <br />Mid -1980's — Original Old Hwy 8 Corridor Plan was prepared noting some type of trail <br />and/or recreational improvements be planned for the Jones Lake area. <br />March 1998 — Old HWY 8 & Vision Plan endorsed; below outlines the concept of <br />trail/amenity improvements to the Jones Lake area. City Council approved hiring <br />Ingrahan & Voss to create a master plan and cost estimate for a trail and recreation area <br />around Jones Lake (paid with TIF funds). Ingraham provided the City with three <br />alternative concepts which included such amenities: Parking lot (10-12 vehicles), picnic <br />area, play area, interpretive trail loop (hugging the woodland perimeter & cross the water <br />twice with a bridge or boardwalk) & toilet enclosure. <br />July 2002 — two appraisals were received that were authorized by council. <br />A. Jones Lake Wetlands (27.16 acres) (owners: Baptist Seminary) had an appraised <br />market value estimated at $237,000. <br />B. Industrial Land with Raspberry Patch and Billboard (10 acres) (owners: Don <br />Leier and Lorraine Carlson) had an appraised market value of $244,000. <br />November 2005 — City staff prepared a letter of interest to the seminary. This offer <br />pending council approval. This offer was to pay $120,000 to acquire 27.16 acres of land <br />known as Jones Lake property. <br />May 2006 — City Council approves the New Brighton Parks, Recreation, and Trails <br />Strategic Plan. The New Brighton Parks, Recreation, and Trails Strategic Plan <br />specifically identify the acquisition of park land (page 34). Approximately 85% of <br />residents live within walking distance (1/4 mile) of a park; the Jones Lake parcel is <br />identified as an area where there is a service "gap". The strategic plan also identify in it <br />key findings (page 11) that residents' top recreation activities are walking and biking. By <br />obtaining the land we would retain the opportunity to add public open space, walking <br />trails and a passive wildlife habitat area. <br />In addition the City Comprehensive Plan recommends obtaining an additional 73 acres of <br />park land by 2020 to meet the needs and demands of development. This may be an ideal <br />time to land bank and meet objectives of the Parks, Recreation and Trails Strategic Plan <br />and the City Comprehensive Plan. <br />Baptist Seminary has asked the City to respond prior to their next board meeting on May <br />11th. Please advice. <br />