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� Attachment C -ARQEN_HILLS Approved: October 23, 2023 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 4. PRESENTATION ITEMS A. City Owned Land Encroachment Community Development Director Jagoe stated that Mr. Bonine, Property Owner of 3274 Katie Lane, spoke during public inquires requesting to be added to a future work session in order to allow for further conversation regarding a concern with his property. At that time, he presented to the City Council a letter addressed to city staff which outlined a proposal for collaboration to allow plantings on city park property adjacent to his lot. The general consensus of the Council was to bring this discussion forward at a future work session. Staff was directed to include the background on park land encroachments as part of the staff report for this discussion. Community Development Director Jagoe said that in 2019 the City received a general complaint about properties that were encroaching in the general area of Floral Park and a trail segment between Cleveland Avenue and Stowe by Hazelnut Park. At that time an informative letter was sent to 22 households describing what the City considered to be encroachments and to remove them if they had them. There was a second letter sent to Mr. Bonine who corrected the things noted in that code enforcement letter. In 2022 there was another complaint and discussion by the Council regarding Mr. Bonine's property, specific to the trees that are there today. Staff was directed to ask that the trees be removed. Community Development Director Jagoe stated that it was confirmed with the Public Works Director that to his knowledge there have not been instances of written permission being granted to a resident to add plantings as part of their private landscape on park property. Staff did confirm for the stretch of houses along Katie Lane (abutting park property) that there were three households issued a building/zoning permit for a fence since 1989. Mr. Bonine said he acquired the property in 2015 and at the time had discussions with staff. Neighbors had been given verbal permission to do landscaping in the area as long as they had Xcel Energy's permission for the easement. About 4-5 years ago he had further conversation with staff and was told the city wouldn't allow a fence, so he went back to the original plan. He said there were 36 houses along the path and felt about 50% had encroachments including bonfire pits, fences, play sets, raised garden beds and plantings. He would like to understand what makes his encroachment unique and if they could develop some consistency. Councilmember Holden said she spoke with the former City Engineer who claimed she never gave anyone any oral permission to do anything to encroach on the City parks. She felt