2B, Trinity Lutheran & Hazelnut Park

Home Browse Search

A EN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: July 19, 2010 Item 2.B TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator SUBJECT: Trinity Luthern & Hazelnut Park Backiround Since at least late 2008, Trinity Lutheran Church has been meeting "off and on"with City staff to discuss the possibility of selling some of their excess land. The City uses the Church parking lot for public parking and uses the land surrounding the parking lot as the park entrance and for a youth soccer field. Over the years, City use of the Church property in exchange for some routine parking lot maintenance was nothing more than a handshake agreement. About 10 years ago a simple agreement was written up that called for the City to pay$1,000 for snow plowing and for the City to complete some maintenance work on the parking lot when it is needed. The last officially approved joint use agreement appears to be a 2006 document(see attachment). Hazelnut Park contains a large variety of recreational facilities and this City park is - heavily used. Discussion The City Council, at its May 10, 2010 meeting, received a brief update on the continued interest of the Church in selling land to the City.' The FPAC discussed the possibility of a land purchase at its June 8th meeting. At this meeting the group indicated that it made good sense for the City to acquire additional land for the long term future of the park; if the price was right and if the City can afford the expenditure. Parks and Recreation Manager, Michelle Olson,has advised me that the PTRC has discussed this possible acquisition over the past few years and supports the City purchasing additional park land; if it is financially feasible.