OHV Update

Karla Bloem, of the OHV trail exit committee, reported to the Houston, Minn., City Council at their meeting on August 14 about a meeting held earlier in the day with Minnesota DNR legal counsel. The meeting included Senator Jeremy Miller, Rob Cary, DNR legal counsel, and Wendall Meyer of the Federal Highway Administration.

Cary informed the committee that the deed restrictions which state that the land purchased with grant money must only be used for a motorized OHV trail will expire 20 years after the land purchases. This means that in 2034, Houston would be able to sell the land for other purposes with no restrictions.

Cary stated that the DNR was open to having an agreement between the city and DNR, now stating that the city is willing to pay back the grant money once the city is able to sell the land. It was also suggested there was a possibility of trading the land’s purpose to non-motorized trail use.

Bloem informed the council that the committee does not have a direct contact with the Federal Highway Administration, but the city could work through federal legislators. Wendall Meyer of the Federal Highway Administration suggested the possibility of a federal earmark which could give the city money for acquisition of the land even if the city had already purchased the land. The DNR was not in favor of this, but rather wanted the city to pay back federal dollars.

The DNR clearly stated they are not willing to use dollars for preserving habitat on this land.

If the city decided to move forward with the OHV trail, the city would be responsible for paying for a Federal Environmental Review with a cost of $200,000 and almost assuredly another $50,000 or more for an endangered species review. If the reviews found that the land was unsuitable for an OHV trail, the DNR would still make them pay back the grant money.

Senator Jeremy Miller asked Karla Bloem to draft a list of what the OHV trail exit committee felt the city should not have to repay.

At this time the DNR is advocating just waiting for the deed restrictions to expire. If the city was to violate the restrictions, the DNR would get the land back. The DNR has no interest in getting the land.

Since the exit committee had already been given the authority to speak on behalf of the city to federal legislators, they did not need anything further from the council to continue with their plan to meet with federal legislators. Councilwoman Emily Krage cautioned the exit committee should be mindful to say the “city” owns the land and not say “we (the committee)” own the land. The committee does not own the land; they are representing the city’s interests in the discussions.

Marlene Schultz, one of the previous land owners of the property, stated during the public comment period of the meeting that she would not give her consent to remove the restrictions on the deed for her former property.

Business Before the Council

The council conducted the following business during their meeting:

• Sarah Erdmann was hired as part-time library aide at $14.50 an hour;

• Chose to have members of the personnel committee and/or Emily Krage interview the candidates for summer rec director; Krage did not apply for the position;

• Reported that $6,700 remains of the Mission 66 Playground funds; the decision was made to wait until spring to add additional handicap accessible wood chips to the playground and possibly install mats under the swings; in the meantime, repairs will be made to exposed lining in needed areas of the playground;

• Heard that the restrooms were being updated as planned;

• Learned that the lock box had not yet been installed on a pole installed before the Hoedown celebration;

• Renewed city insurance and increased the bond coverage from $100,000 to $150,000 for an increase in the premium of $45 a year; the total premium is $51,817;

• Entered into a retainer agreement with Napoli Law Firm for PFAS Cost Recovery Program;

• Decided to try to sell the old merry-go-round at Darr Auctions;

• Were reminded that city recycling is now every other week for residents; pamphlets are available at city hall with more details;

• Granted a gambling exemption permit to DLC, Inc. for a fundraiser;

• Heard a reminder that with the current drought conditions citizens were urged to limit outdoor water usage.

The next Houston City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. September 11 at the Houston City Hall Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend.