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Columbus agrees to most DNR land purchases |
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Wednesday, 16 January 2008 |
Mary Bailey
Columbus Reporter
In the ongoing conflict between development and land preservation, the city of Columbus offers a compromise: If an acreage is a natural extension of a nature area, is too low to build on, and has no road access, it makes sense that it should become part of that entity. But an acreage that is a good candidate for development should be developed.
Columbus is home to three wildlife management areas run by the state Department of Natural Resources. Carlos Avery, the largest public hunting ground in the Twin Cities, is also a favorite of wildlife watchers. Lamprey Pass, on the north shore of Howard Lake, houses a major bird rookery. The Houle preserve is mostly wetland.
In order to protect these areas, align the boundaries, and preserve high-quality ecosystems, the DNR would like to expand its Carlos Avery and Lamprey Pass holdings by purchasing private property. The list of properties on the DNR long-term wish list totals more than 1500 acres.
At the Wednesday, Jan. 9 meeting the council unanimously agreed not to oppose the DNR purchase of 15 parcels, to oppose the purchase of two, and to allow one with the provision that half be subject to a sell-back or public auction. The city attorney will write a non-binding resolution to this effect.
The 15 parcels are acreages that, if incorporated into a wildlife management area, would eliminate irregularities in the border, are poor development prospects because of wetlands or inaccessibility, and have high biodiversity.
The city would oppose a DNR purchase of two lots on Howard Lake (the 47-acre Steinke parcel) because of their location on CR-23 and minimal wetland, but supports the DNR’s acquisition of conservation easements to provide a buffer on the lakefront.
The Levitan/Dederick parcel of 160 acres is a special case: Only the west half is bordered on three sides by Carlos Avery and would align the boundary. Further complicating this purchase is a lawsuit filed against Anoka County by the landowners, whose sale to the DNR was denied by the county.
The lawsuit accuses the county of abusing its discretion. Assistant Anoka County Attorney Anthony Palumbo said, “It would be preferable for all parties if the matter were to be settled by negotiation.”
Other issues
In addition to preventing developable land from being preserved, the city hopes to improve communication with the DNR. Although the DNR prepared property acquisition maps in 1989, 1994, and 1999, the first time the city of Columbus was informed of these was March of 2007.
The city has requested that the DNR notify them before contacting landowners and before accepting any gifts of land. The DNR must seek approval from the city and county for all acquisitions.
“Our relationship with the local DNR is good,” said Mayor Mel Mettler. “This is sort of a win/win.”
Carlos Avery Wildlife Area Supervisor Dan Rhode agreed, “Yes. It clarifies where we stand. We know we’ll disagree on a couple parcels.”
Council member Renae Fry asked why the Yost property, which has development potential, was not treated the same as the Steinke property. Rhode explained that part of the Yost land has already been donated to the DNR. The rest will be discussed when details are available.
Other business
In other business Jan. 9, the council voted to reject all bids for a portable 175 kW generator and instead seek bids for a 150 kW generator. City Engineer Larry Bohrer said the smaller generator will be adequate because Pump House 2 should have its own generator at the site, and the portable unit is needed only for the Hornsby Street lift station.
City Administrator Elizabeth Mursko recommended the city ask Ziegler to move a generator to this area for use as a back-up.
Upgrading to an automatic transfer switch for the second pumphouse, so that when the power goes out the portable generator will come on without human intervention, would require larger cabinets. Costs will be presented at the next meeting.
Progress continues on the realignment of Hornsby Street. The council voted to award the bid for borings to see if the road can be relocated. The city continues to work with Anoka County on access plans for West Freeway Drive, which is a county road.
The council authorized a release to North Metro Harness Initiative of $608,158 of the cash escrow paid for public improvements. The road, sewer, water, and street lighting projects have been completed. The 20 percent minimum escrow of $477,225, plus $10,000 for road striping and signs, will be retained.
The fee for 2007 audit services to be completed in 2008 was reduced from $24,000 to $21,000, and the city will request proposals for next year’s contract.
Two persons were appointed to fill vacancies on the planning commission: Tim Capistrant’s term will end in 2009 and Jesse Preiner’s in 2011. The communications committee has two vacancies. Denny Peterson and Renae Fry will serve on the Columbus Economic Development Commission, and Steve Brunsberg was named citizen member of Forest Lake Cable TV Commission.
Fry reported on the new bus service to Minneapolis, including the possibility of having one bus start at the race track parking lot.
Ideas for naming a new park in Columbus will come from park board members, the city web site, and possibly a second grade class.
The blacktop subcommittee have goals and policy in place, and have asked the city engineer to provide updated maintenance costs.
Council member Denny Peterson thanked Mursko for her effort toward completing the public works building, which is about three-quarters complete. Mursko recommended submitting a checklist now to make sure enough money is on hand to finish the final steps.
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