Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 8, 2021 5 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden inquired if the developer would be constructing a public trail. She <br />stated she was under the impression the trail was on private property. <br /> <br />Mr. Novaczyk explained the trail would be located on private property. He indicated he was <br />proposing to dedicate the land to the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden commented the “public good” does not come into play with the tree <br />mitigation discussion other than as part of the PUD the developer is willing to donate a portion of <br />land for the trail. She asked if the City wanted to preserve a trail in this area. She questioned what <br />the value of this trail would be to the City. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the land dedication was <br />just proposed this evening and staff did not have an estimate on the land value for this trail. He <br />reported an additional legal process would have to occur if the developer wanted to donate land to <br />the City for the trail. He explained the final plat would have to be amended to reflect this change. <br />He indicated the maintenance of the trail would also have to be addressed. He noted the trails on <br />the Bethel property are maintained by Bethel University. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott stated he would support the $20,000 tree preservation payment with the <br />dedication of land for the trails. He indicated he opposed the developer having to pay $51,000 and <br />provided the land dedication. <br /> <br />Mr. Novaczyk estimated the trail segment land value would be $90,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated she was unsure that this was the proper value for the trail <br />segment. She explained the value of the land where the building could be built was higher the land <br />next to the curb. She indicated she supported the City getting as many trails as possible, but noted <br />the Bethel trails were private. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant inquired if Bethel University was considering upgrading their private trails. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated Bethel was putting together a <br />maintenance plan with proposed improvements for the trails that would be completed in a phased <br />approach over the next three to five years. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if the Bethel trails had to remain open for public access. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented this was mentioned in <br />the PUD agreement. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant questioned if a similar approach could be taken for this project. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this could be done through a <br />condition for approval to ensure the trails remain open to the public and that the developer was <br />responsible for all future trail maintenance. He suggested Condition 34 read: The trails on this <br />property shall remain open for public utilization in accordance with the Anderson Center PUD. <br />