PRECM 08-07-1974 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(2) included canoeing, picnicking,~swimmirs~ aid a nature center. Mr. Edmonds emphasized that this was a preliminary plan and that the final develop- ment plan would be presented to the City for approval prior to actual development. Dahl asked what was meant by lake access. Mr. Edmonds replied that it was whatever was determined would be desirables he personally felt that Long Lake was not suited for power boating but that the ultimate decision would be up to the municipality. Smith asked about operation and maintenance. Edmonds replied that these aspects of the project would have to be worked out as a pa,r t of a detailed agreement but that the likely alternative was that Ramsey County would operate and maintain those lands to which it holds title and New Brighton would do the same. Gunderman asked what action was requested of the Park Board. Mr. Edmonds stated that he was requesting approval of the preliminary plan in the joint application. Gunderman asked if the Metro Council could committ funds five years in advance. It was explained that the Metro program is so new that guidelines have not been established nor has a timetable but on the basis of what is known, this proposal seems reasonable. Ms. Stone of the League of Women Voters asked what effect the deteriorated water quality of the lake would have on the plan. Mr. Edmonds suggested that the public acquisition of the Rice Creek corridor assist in improving the quality: of the lake. Cook noted that the clarity and algae content of the water were much better this year. Dahl asked if Board action would lock the City in permanently. Mr. Edmonds replied that all that was being sought was concept approval and that the opportunity for change was always .present. Motion by Jasinski, seconded by Smith to recommend to the Council that the resolution supporting the joint application for Metro funds and approving the preliminary plan be approved by the City Council. Motion carries 7-0. Brightwoc~d Hills Golf Course The Board was informed that the present owner of Brightwood Bills Golf Course has notified the City of his intentions to develop the property into single-family homes. The City Council has requested that the Park Board consider the potential of City purchase and operation of the golf course and _provide input to the Council. Smith stated that a professional appraisal was necessary before serious consideration of City purchase could take place. Gunderman asked if the golf course could be condemned and was informed that it could. Dahl asked if the present owner was losing money how could the City afford to run it. It was explained that the City need not pay property taxes nor show a profit to a owner as is presently the case. It was explained that Roseville and New Hope have somewhat compara'ole facilities and are generating enough revenue to pay off operating costs and revenue funds as well. Gunderman stated that the course was so poorly maintained that the City would have a lot of headaches under the present conditions. It was suggested that if a bond issue were used to buy the course, that sufficient funds for repair and renovation would have to be included. Jasinski suggested that such renovation included enlarging the greens and opening up the cour~ to make it more amenable to recreation golf.