Robbinsdale City Council’s discussion about Graeser Park from July 2008.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Minutes

July 1, 2008, Meeting No. 13

OTHER BUSINESS: Graeser Park Maintenance and Acquisition; Furniture Preservation
(Campaign Update: The materials have now been picked up from the MnDOT property.)

52. Marcia Glick, City Manager, said Graeser Park is located near the west intersection of County Road 81 and Highway 100 with a basic infrastructure of some ponds, surrounded by limestone walls, and a wild flower garden. Formerly, there were some limestone picnic tables in that location. Currently, there is a beehive fire pit/barbecue. The property was originally built as one of the old rest stops along Lilac Parkway in the 1930s.  Because the area was used for storage for a lot of big pipes and other supplies during Highway 100 construction, the picnic tables had been removed from the park and stored at Mn/DOT’s Golden Valley location. Glick said staff has been researching various avenues looking for a partner for funding to help put back the tables at Graeser Park to date that has not been accomplished.

53. Glick reported that about 15 years ago, the City had volunteered to do some additional maintenance in the park at a higher level than what MnDOT had been doing. The maintenance included keeping the grounds mowed and planting of flowers around some of the trees. Glick noted the City is gradually re-acquiring property along the Highway 100 corridor and that staff recently heard from MnDOT that they only have an easement interest in the park. This gives the City two different options.  One option is to initiate an action to acquire this underlying fee property for the public purpose of maintaining the park at this location. The cost of the property may be impacted because there is a highway easement across the top of the area. Alternatively, the City could enter into a formal agreement with the state to continue to maintain the park with some sort of clause in the agreement about obtaining the title and right to the furniture along with some sort of perpetual easement. Staff would talk to the City Attorney about drafting a formal agreement.

54. Glick stated that in regard to the limestone picnic tables, there is concern that as MnDOT staff changes in the future, not everyone will remember that all the tables stored in Golden Valley have been promised to Robbinsdale. Staff feels it would be to the City’s benefit to re-locate that furniture to Robbinsdale’s control to prevent the furniture from getting thrown out accidentally or given away. MnDOT has indicated their willingness to allow the City to take possession of those tables. They would sign a formal document when the transfer occurs giving the City right and title to the furniture. Staff believes there is a location within the City’s public works facility where the furniture could be stored to protect it.

55. Glick said the recommendation is for Council to direct staff regarding the purchase of the park property or an alternative arrangement for City control of the site and whether or not Council supports taking possession of the limestone furniture.

56. There was discussion regarding the easement for Graeser Park and former ownership of the land. Glick noted that before acquiring the land, there would be a title search, a survey of the legal description of the part of the park that is usable, and confirmation from MnDOT that they do not want to maintain any sort of easement across it. She indicated that a formal resolution would come before Council directing staff to move forward with that process. Staff would work with the City Attorney on the proper language for the formal resolution. She said staff would go ahead and get the appraisal on the land to determine its value before moving forward with the purchase of the land.

57. Member Selman said he likes the idea of moving the furniture to the City’s control.  Member Mathias asked if staff knows for sure that MnDOT still has the limestone furniture.  Glick confirmed that they do. Member Blonigan suggested because of the historical value of the furniture, that maybe the Historical Society should give input on whether there is a better place in the City where more people would see it and appreciate the history. He commented on the small percentage of people that currently use Graeser Park.  Member Rogan agreed that Member Blonigan’s suggestion should be explored. Glick suggested the furniture belongs at Graeser Park because it fits with the infrastructure. She noted in addition to the picnic tables and the beehive fire pit/barbecue, there are the staircases, the pond structure, and the limestone wall along the north side.

58. Member Selman asked if the Minnesota Historical Society might have funding available for this sort of thing. Glick answered that Graeser Park is not eligible, and that the Minnesota Historical limits its funding to buildings.

59. Glick confirmed that Council’s consensus is for staff is to go ahead and prepare for acquiring the park property and to contact MnDOT for them to have the limestone furniture available for Robbinsdale to pick up.