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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 2012?LN T Y O F OVE © 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda May 9, 2012 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes —April 11, 2012 4. Discuss Acquisition of Property 5. Discuss Stewardship of Martin's Meadows and North Woods Preserve © 6. Other Business a. Next meeting: June 13, 2012 7. Adjournment �Ail REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSIONMEETING MAY 91 2012 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:07 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Drago Flores, Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: None Also present: Courtney Bednarz, City Planner RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 11, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Flores to approve the minutes. Motion passed 7 -0. DISCUSS ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY © Mr. Bednarz stated that the Council had met since the last meeting and a discussion occurred, he noted that Commissioner Perry did attend to represent the Commission. He stated that the Council did note that they would be willing to pay a bit more for access to the site. Commissioner Perry noted that there was also support to purchase the Selmer property, even without access. Mr. Bednarz noted that the Council would also like a 20 foot drive lane into the property and the cost estimate was approximately $50,000. He stated that through these discussions he relayed the information to Dennis Kuiken, who then spoke to his brother Duane Kuiken. He noted that Duane Kuiken is now interested in providing access on his property to the Selmer property. He stated that Duane Kuiken would be interested in selling the City a permanent easement and is willing to let the City come out and obtain soil borings. Commissioner Flores stated that it appears the Commission will be able to obtain access to the site through the Kuiken property. Mr. Bednarz noted that additional negotiations would need to occur. He stated that Dennis Kuiken has also expressed interest in providing some of the fill and construction of the drive lane, as he currently has material that he is supplying to the County for the Hanson Boulevard work. Commissioner Flores stated that he believes this is a great arrangement, as both brothers will benefit. Mr. Bednarz was unsure that the City would be able to contract work with Kuiken to construct the drive lane. He explained the difficulties in the negotiations with the Lawrence property that brought forward this option with Duane Kuiken. He explained that when Dennis Kuiken heard that the City © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — May 9, 2012 Page 2 was not making any way with the Lawrence family for access, he wanted to see the purchase move forward and brought the option to his brother, Duane Kuiken, once again. Commissioner Kovich identified another option for access through Duane Kuiken's property, which could add on additional wooded area and an established road. Mr. Bednarz noted that is the private sod road that the Kuikens use and was unsure if they would be open to that option, but confirmed that he could discuss the option. He also discussed the available balance in the account and was unsure if the Commission would have enough funds in the account to purchase the additional wooded area. Commissioner Kovich commented that if the access is available Mr. Bednarz should simply negotiate for that at this time. Commissioner Flores agreed that the access should be obtained now and the rest could be worked out later. Mr. Bednarz stated that he could discuss the options with Duane Kuiken but believed that this should © move forward quickly. He stated that at this time Selmer is still interested, as is Dennis Kuiken and Duane Kuiken as well. He stated that the next step would be the closed session portion of the City Council meeting the following week, where authorization would be obtained to proceed with soil borings and to continue with negotiations. He stated that members of the Commission can attend the meeting, but was unsure if the Council would want the Commissioners present for the entire closed session as he believed other matters may be discussed as well. Chairperson Sabel questioned if the offer from the Debris had been considered or discussed by the Council. Mr. Bednarz noted that the Dehn parcel was not discussed by the Council. He explained that if this purchase goes through it will take almost all of the Commission's funds. DISCUSS STEWARDSHIP OF MARTIN'S MEADOWS AND NORTH WOODS PRESERVE Mr. Bednarz reported that Connexus came through the site and cleared a row of trees along the power lines. He stated that the site has been dramatically changed at the entrance. He confirmed that some of the oaks were reaching a height of concern and Connexus does have an easement. Commissioner Perry expressed concern over possible erosion issues. Mr. Bednarz described the process that will be followed to prevent erosion and correct the site. He noted that the City did obtain a grant for $20,000 with the City matching $5,000. He stated that this would include wood chipping and work with Prairie Restoration. He stated that the contractor for Connexus left the site through the neighboring property, driving around their gate and knocking trees down on that property. He confirmed that staff spoke with that property owner to ensure that there was no confusion on how the issue occurred and that it was clear the City was not involved. He © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — May 9, 2012 Page 3 stated that the City is working with the property owner to correct those measures. He stated that one benefit is that the trail is clearly chipped and a lot more accessible than it had been. Commissioner Kovich believed that the Parks Department is doing a great j ob on helping to develop this park. He expressed the appreciation of the Commission. Commissioner Van Hecke confirmed that there is not currently geo caching occurring at that park and that it would be okay to place some geo caches on the site. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that there is a list of items being completed in Martin's Meadows with the $25,000. He moved on to the Northwoods Preserve and noted that one of the homebuilders had completed some grading work which spilled onto the site. He advised that action will be corrected and the area will be restored. He noted other actions which would occur to make the site more user friendly, such as replacing the sign that had been moved. Commissioner Kovich questioned if a woodchip trail would be helpful, as there is an abundance of woodchips on the Martin's Meadow site. © Mr. Bednarz stated that the area is becoming more defined, and will be even more so once the next mowing takes place. He discussed the future development plan for the neighboring parcels, including an area that will be dedicated as park land. He thanked the Parks staff which has assisted in the work on both Martin's Meadows and Northwoods Preserve. Commissioner Flores questioned if it might be beneficial to speak with a member from the Parks Maintenance Department that works on these parcels. Mr. Bednarz stated that it would be great for the Commission to thank that department for their work. He stated that an invitation to the meeting could be extended but thought it might be a better option for the Commission to actually walk the sites with members from the Parks Department that have completed the work. OTHER BUSINESS a Next Meeting: June 13, 2012 Chairperson Sabel noted that Family Fun Fest would occur the week after the July meeting. Mr. Bednarz noted that final details for the event could be discussed at the July meeting. © Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry to adjourn. Motion passed 7- 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — May 9, 2012 Page 4 City Planner Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary H H