Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOSTF August 23, 2006 ,^NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Open Space Task Force Wednesday, August 23.2006 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Discuss Open Space Referendum Ballot Question 3. Discuss Commonly Asked Questions Handout 4, Update Referendum Time Schedule 5. Other Business A. Presentation by Anoka Conservation District - Josh Williams 6. Adjournment ~NDbVE* 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Open Space Task Force FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planner SUBJECT: Updated Ballot Question! Draft of Commonly Asked Questions DATE: August 18,2006 INTRODUCTION At the August 16th meeting, the task force asked for this information to be prepared. DISCUSSION Please note that the commonly asked questions are a compilation of many thoughts that were expressed at the meeting and are intended to be used for discussion and revision based on your comments. ACTION REOUESTED Please review the attached information and make adjustments as desired. Attachments Revised Ballot Question Draft of Commonly Asked Questions Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz Revised Ballat Questian Preservation of Water, Wildlife and Natural Habitat Areas Shall the City af Andaver, be autharized ta issue its general abligatian bands in an amaunt nat ta exceed $2,000,000 ta finance the acquisitian af land fram willing sellers far the preservatian afnatural areas, pratectian afwater and air quality, preservatian af wildlife habitat and ta pravide walking and biking trails? Spending wauld be reviewed by a citizens advisary cammittee and subject ta an annual audit. Yes Na BY VOTING 'YES' ON THIS BALLOT, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD COST THE MEDIAN HOMEOWNER IN ANDOVER $_._PER YEAR FOR FIFTEEN YEARS OR $_._ PER MONTH, Or BY VOTING 'YES' ON THIS BALLOT, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $_ PER YEAR FOR FIFTEEN YEARS FOR EACH $100,000 IN PROPERTY VALUE ON MOST PROPERTY TYPES. Changes ta main ballat questian shawn with underline and strikeauts: Shall the City af Andaver, Minnesata be autharized ta issue its general abligatian bands in an amaunt nat ta exceed $2,000,000 ta finance the acquisitian afland from willing sellers far the preservatian afnatural apen space areas, protectian afwater and air quality, preservatian afwildlife habitat-areas, edl:loational eflflertl:lnities and ta pravide walking and biking trails~ ',X/ita aeql:lisitiaHs based aR the reeammeHdatian af a eitizens ad';isary eemmittee and sl:lbjeet te City Cel:lHeil apprayal? Spending wauld be reviewed bva citizens advisary cammittee and subiect ta an annual audit. Commonly Asked Questions 1. What will the city accomplish with this dedicated funding? Andover will use the funds to acquire land from willing sellers for protection of water and air quality, preservation of wildlife habitat and natural amenities. 2. What can be accomplished with $2,000,000? An initial investment by Andover residents will open the door to matching funds from public agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporate sponsors. Preservation can be accomplished in a variety of forms including the purchase of property, dedication of conservation easements, purchase or transfer of development rights and park dedication. By utilizing a combination of funding sources and methods, the amount ofland that can be protected will be multiplied. 3. How will the city do this? The city will acquire land and enter into land preservation agreements to permanently protect natural areas, 4. Where would the lands be located Land throughout the community will be eligible for consideration 5. Why would a landowner want to participate in this program? This program would give landowners an opportunity to realize some or all ofthe market value of their land without selling it for development. This would be an option for landowners who don't want to see their land developed but want to protect it for the enjoyment of future generations. 6. How long will these properties be protected? The land will be permanently protected. 7. How much will property taxes increase to fund this program and for how long? A property owner will pay about $_ per year for each $ of assessed property value for fifteen years. The annual tax impact is expected to decrease in future years due to growth in the city's tax base? 8. Will all property owners be required to pay this tax? No, state law exempts agricultural land and seasonal property from taxes used to repay all referendum debt. 9. How will the city ensure the program is effective? A citizen advisory committee will review spending and expenditures will be audited annually. 10. Does the city have experience with similar projects? Earlier this year the city acquired more than 20 acres of natural habitat area and reached agreement to protect an additional 10 acres along the same wildlife corridor near Hanson Boulevard and south of 161 sl Avenue, As apart ofthe agreement a trail connection will be made to the existing system along Hanson Boulevard. A restomtion project in Kelsey Round Lake Park was also recently completed with funding from with the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, The city is currently working with the DNR, Coon Creek Watershed Management District, Tree Trust and Anoka County Parks to restore native plants in wetlands along Coon Creek. With dedicated funding a community wide effort to preserve natural areas can be implemented. 11. What will the effect be on my property? Local and national research has shown that natural areas positively affect home values and consistently rank high on lists of home buyer preferences. 12. Are their natural areas remaining in Andover that need to be protected? Yes. Approximately 40% of the city remains undeveloped. However, The Metropolitan Council forecasts that the city's population could grow to 39,000 people with the addition of as many as 4,000 new homes by the year 2020. There is presently an opportunity to preserve unique natural areas from development for the enjoyment of residents now and in the years to come.