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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 11, 2012?CN T Y O F DOVE © 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 April 11, 2012 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes — March 14, 2012 4. Discuss Acquisition of Property 5. Site Selection Process — Dehn Property 6. Other Business a. Next meeting: May 9, 2012 7. Adjournment U REGULAR ANDOVER OPENSPACE ADVISORY COMMISSIONMEETING APRIL 11, 2012 © MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:00 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 — March 14, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Flores, Second by Commissioner Perry to approve the minutes. Motion passed 4 -0 -3 (Kovich, Olson, and Van Hecke present). DISCUSS ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY 10 Mr. Bednarz stated that since the last meeting he had spoken with the Lawrence family to explain that their offer to the City was simply too high and noted that he has not heard anything else back from them since that time. He stated that he would wait a little longer for a response and if he does not hear anything he will again reach out to the Lawrence family. He stated that if a reasonable agreement could not be reached, the Commission may need to move on to find another option. Commissioner Kovich stated that there was support from the Council to acquire the Selmer and Kuiken properties, even without access. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that although there was support from the Council, there was not full support. He stated that although the farm road on the Kuiken property does not fully reach Ward Lake Drive at this time, Kuiken is obtaining excess fill from the road project and is planning to finish the road out fully to Ward Lake Drive. He stated that Dennis Kuiken is willing to sell 20 acres adjacent to the Selmer property and confirmed that Selmer is willing to sell 40 acres, for a total of 60 acres, noting that access would simply be needed. Commissioner Van Hecke confirmed that access would ultimately be gained to the property when the property to the east is developed. Mr. Bednarz stated that there would be an opportunity to update the Council at their next meeting, the fourth Tuesday of the month. SITE SELECTION PROCESS — DEHN PROPERTY Mr. Bednarz stated that he applied the scoring criteria to the site and based on the natural features and scope of the criteria the parcel did not score amazingly well at a total of 29. He noted that the © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 11, 2012 Page 2 parcel ranks similarly to the Meadow Creek parcel across the road, but is a bit lower based on the natural features. He stated that the Commission had expressed possible interest in obtaining parcels of this nature, even though the score is not that high. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if there was a reason the property owner would not want to develop the area. Bonnie Dehn stated that the land and neighboring land has been in her family for some time and she has lived in that area since age five. She provided background information on that area and the specific land regarding the farming practices that her family had practiced. She stated that even after selling this property her family would have an additional 40 acres. She noted that if the property were developed the complexity of the property would change. Mr. Bednarz stated that the Fire Department has expressed interest in purchasing five acres of the property to use for training purposes and has discussed that interest with the Dehns. The Commission discussed the neighboring properties. Mrs. Dehn stated that her family would be willing to bring the property back to a more natural state, with flowers, grass and natural vegetation. Commissioner Kovich stated that the Commission has reviewed parcels similar to this in nature, but commented that the difference in this offer is that the property owner is willing to assist the City in bringing it back to a natural state. He questioned the natural state that would occur once this area is brought back to a natural state. Mrs. Dehn stated that once the land is brought back to a natural state there would be pheasants, deer, and wild turkeys. She also envisioned walking paths that could meander through the property. She stated that this is a passion for her and she would like to see the land stay as it is. She explained that when she was young there were cows, then the area was farmed and she would like to see the parcel remain natural for the community to enjoy. Commissioner Perry commented that some of the property lies within the flood plain. He stated that in the past the Commission has turned away similar parcels because the land would most likely not be developed. He questioned why this parcel would be different. Mr. Bednarz commented on the animals that would live on a portion of the parcel and the rest of the land would remain flat and act as an open canvas. Mrs. Dehn stated that the adjacent 40 acres would also become available in the next ten years or so, which the City could then purchase, if interested, to combine into a larger parcel. She stated that they do have an offer on the table but are holding until the decision is made from the City. She stated that if her property is purchased for open space she would like to see it remain as open space for her lifetime. She confirmed that they had first offered the land to the Parks Department but that department had decided to go in another direction. She explained what would occur if the land were © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 11, 2012 Page 3 not farmed and simply left to return to its natural state, compared to what would occur if assistance is given in returning the area to a natural state. She stated that there is area for a pond or small lake to be constructed on the property. Commissioner Kovich stated that he would comment on the propertybut would not necessarilywant to lead the discussion or decision, as his property abuts the Dehn's property. He stated that although the Commission has not been interested in this type of parcel in the past, the difference is that the property owner would be willing to help return the parcel to its natural state. Chairperson Sabel stated that Meadow Creek has offered a portion of their property to the Commission in the past, which the Commission has declined. Mrs. Dehn stated that she would be fine with whatever decision is made, explaining that they have offered to sell the land to the City twice now and would not be making another offer. She stated that she would be willing to continue discussions with the Fire Department as she has a great relationship with that department and believes that they provide a great service to the City. She believed that this would be a great cooperative opportunity to create a great parcel. A Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the parcel would be a good fit for community gardens. Mrs. Dehn commented that this would be a great site for community gardens, as the soil has been well cared for. She stated that she would now leave the meeting to give the Commission time for more open discussion but again confirmed that she would be fine with whatever decision the City makes. She stated that she would however be selling the property, whether to the City or the offer that is on the table from another party. She provided background information on the farming that she and her husband have done on the property and noted that the greenhouse activities would continue. She stated that within the next three years retail activity would begin but advised that they would only sell their own product. Commissioner Flores questioned the timeline for the Dehns. Mrs. Dehn stated that they have put the other offer on hold, as the planting season has begun and they are busy in the fields. She confirmed that the other offer would be agricultural but did not want to expand. She thanked the Commission for welcoming her tonight. Commissioner Kovich stated that the Commission has discussed reseeding sites in the past but declined because of the cost. He commented that this parcel is different in that the property owner would be willing to assist in the process. © Mr. Bednarz confirmed that additional funds maybe available through other organizations, such as Great River Greening and the DNR. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that in comparison to the Meadow Creek property, there is curb appeal to this parcel. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 11, 2012 Page 4 Chairperson Sabel noted that there is a water feature on this property as well. Commissioner Kovich commented that the Meadow Creek parcel could be developed, whereas this parcel would not be developed. Commissioner Flores questioned if a pond could be dug on the property. Commissioner Kovich stated that he dug a pond on his property. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that a pond could be dug but believed that permits would be required. Commissioner Olson stated that the Dehns have said that there is no rush at this time and believed that the focus should remain on the Selmer property at this time, as the Commission has been working on possibly acquiring that property for many years. Mr. Bednarz believed that the Commission should not place all their eggs in one basket and should remain open about other parcels. He stated that the minutes of the meetings are posted on the City website and interested sellers monitor those minutes. He commented that interested sellers may © contact the Commission with an offer. Chairperson Sabel confirmed that parcels that the Commission has interest in, as well as interested sellers that have contacted the City. The Commission discussed other parcels of interest and provided direction to Mr. Bednarz as to which parcels they would like to possibly visit or obtain information on. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Bednarz discussed the newsletter. Chairperson Sabel stated that a statement could be added asking residents to come visit the Commission at the Family Fun Fest. The Commission further discussed possibilities for acquisition and possibilities for the Dehn property. Mr. Bednarz commented that it could also be mentioned that a grant has been received for Martins Meadows. He further explained the sizing used to show Martins Meadows and North Woods. He stated that he could send out the article for Commission review, but advised that © input would need to be returned the following day because of deadlines. a. Next Meeting: May 9, 2012 Noted. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 11, 2012 Page 5 Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Jarson to adjourn. Motion passed 7- 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz City Planner Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary H H