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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 8, 20121685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CLANDOVER.MN.US Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda February 8, 2012 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Nominate and Appoint Chair and Vice Chair 4. Approval of Minutes— January 11, 2012 5. Site Selection Process © 6. Discuss Joint Meeting With Council 7. Revisit Mountain Bike Discussion from Last Meeting 8. Other Business a. March/April Newsletter b. Next meeting: March 14, 2012 9. Adjournment S REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARYS, 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 — January 11, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Kovich to approve the minutes. Motion passed 6 -0 -1 (Sabel present). NOMINATE AND APPOINT CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR 40 Chairperson Sabel opened the floor to receive nominations for the Chair and Vice Chair positions. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson to nominate and appoint Commissioner Gretchen Sabel as Chair for 2012. Motion passed 7 -0. Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Flores to nominate and appoint Commissioner Kim Kovich as Vice Chair for 2012. Motion passed 7 -0. Commissioners Olson and Jarson took the oath of office. 2011 SITE SELECTIONPROCESS Mr. Bednarz displayed an aerial photograph of the Selmer property and surrounding properties. He introduced Brian Lawrence to the Commission and noted that he did meet with the Lawrence family the week prior. He stated that the Lawrence family is proposing to sell the City 17 acres and an easement, which could be used as access to the Selmer property, and noted that 11 of the 17 acres proposed for purchase are wetland. He stated that there is tentative approval from the Highway Department to allow temporary access from Hanson Boulevard. He advised that an alternative access through the Kuiken property is also still an option. Commissioner Olson asked for additional information in regard to the wetland, specifically whether the wetland is at a lower elevation than the sod fields. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 8, 2012 Page 2 Brian Lawrence advised that he did not have topography of the wetland but stated that the wetlands seem to be similar in elevation to the sod fields which surround them. He stated that there are some trees growing in the wetland area. Chairperson Sabel stated that the Commission would be interested in purchasing the access strip, while still allowing the Lawrence family the ability to sod the area. Mr. Lawrence stated that his family has discussed the option but was unaware that the family would still have the ability to sod the area. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that the Lawrence family would be able to continue to sod the area, with the exception of the roadway, but would not be able to conduct another activity on that land. Mr. Bednarz provided additional details regarding the ability to lease the area to the Lawrence family to continue sod activity. He again reminded the Commission that access to Hanson Blvd. would be temporary until development occurs on the other side of the Selmer property. Commissioner Olson stated that he would prefer to own the wetlands with the easement provided rather than owning the sod field. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that the Lawrence family is now proposing to sell the City 17 acres, including the wetland, while also providing an easement to the City to access the Selmer property. Mr. Lawrence confirmed the information and stated that his family would also need to access the southern sod fields. He reviewed the issues that would come along with providing access to the general public, including trespassing and dumping of brush or litter. He stated that he did not fully understand the other option suggested by Mr. Bednarz, which would allow the family to continue sod activities on the land. Mr. Bednarz stated that to limit the public wandering onto the Lawrence property he hoped that a price could be agreed upon to allow the City the ability to provide limited access to the Selmer property along the south side of the Lawrence property, while allowing the Lawrence family the ability to continue sod activities. He again confirmed that the long -term goal would be to provide access from the other side of the Selmer property. He questioned which option the Commission would like to pursue. Commissioner Kovich stated that if the Lawrence family would allow the Commission to walk the property, he felt a better decision could be made. © Mr. Lawrence stated that he would not have any problem with that. Commissioner Olson believed that activity should take place prior to the j oint meeting with the City Council. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —February 8, 2012 Page 3 Chairperson Sabel confirmed that the Commission could walk the property on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Lawrence stated that he might not be available but gave permission to the Commission to walk the property and suggested routes for the Commission to enter and walk the property. Commissioner Kovich questioned if Mr. Bednarz could also obtain permission from Dennis Kuiken to walk that section of property as well. Mr. Lawrence confirmed that 20 acres would be the maximum amount of land the Commission would be interested in purchasing from his family. He also confirmed that the temporary access may eventually become unneeded and revert back to the farm. Commissioner Kovich stated that if the temporary access would be provided on the southern ten acres of the Lawrence property, the Commission would then like to install a sign altering people to the open space. He questioned if that would be a problem for the Lawrence family. Mr. Lawrence stated that would not be a problem, as he understood that the entrance would need to be identified. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that the next step would be for the Commission to conduct a site visit. Mr. Lawrence stated that if he is available he would attend the walk through as well, and noted that he would also extend an invitation to his father. The Commission thanked Mr. Lawrence for attending the meeting. Commissioner Kovich commented that it appears that Mr. Lawrence is willing to work with the City and that this could finally provide access to the Selmer property. Commissioner Flores stated that he believed that the Commission should also continue to review the option to provide access through to the north. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that the Commission would have the funds to purchase the Selmer property, 20 acres from Dennis Kuiken, and the 17 acres from the Lawrence family, if that is the desire. He confirmed that there is not another Commission meeting between the walk through and the joint meeting with the Council. He commented that the Commission should take pictures ofthe property on the walk through which could be used as assistance in the presentation to the Council. Commissioner Van Hecke confirmed that the Lawrence family is proposing to sell the wetland © property in order for the City to obtain access to the Selmer property. Mr. Bednarz stated that the Lawrence family may be interested in the option for simply access now that there is understanding that sod activities could continue. He noted that if only access is provided that may cut down on the number of people wandering the Lawrence property. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 8, 2012 Page 4 Commissioner Olson confirmed that the City could simply an easement. Mr. Bednarz advised that this conversation has opened many options for further discussion and negotiation. DISCUSS JOINT MEETING WITH COUNCIL Chairperson Sabel stated that a joint meeting will be held on February 28a'. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that the meeting would be a Worksession with the Council and the OSAC portion of the meeting would take place beginning at 6:00 p.m. Chairperson Sabel stated that she would be in Grand Rapids that day. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that he would speak for the Commission. The Commission further discussed the strategy for the presentation to the Council including a power © point presentation which will provide background information. Chairperson Sabel questioned if the Commission should extend an invitation to the Council, at that meeting, to tour the open space areas. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that a structure is developing for a power point presentation which will be used at the joint meeting. He noted that he could develop a base structure that Commissioner Van Hecke could complete. REVISIT MOUNTAIN BIKE DISCUSSION FROM LAST MEETING Chairperson Sabel confirmed that a member of the Parks Commission attend the previous meeting to request mountain biking as an allowed activity in the open space area and confirmed that horses are currently not allowed. Commissioner Olson stated that one or two mountain bikes would not be harmful but noted that numerous bikes could damage the area. Chairperson Sabel questioned if a specific site was identified. Mr. Bednarz stated that a site was not identified but advised that it was proposed to post signs identifying the trails. Commissioner Kovich stated that he associates parks with mountain bikes and not a preserved area, such as open space. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 8, 2012 Page 5 Commissioner Olson commented that mountain bike trails usually are meant to be challenging and not intended for a leisurely ride. Commissioner Jarson stated that he would suggest not advocating bikes but also not disallowing bikes. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that the Commission is not interested in advocating for mountain biking in an open space area. Mr. Bednarz stated that he would communicate to the staff member liaison for the Park Commission that the OSAC has concluded their discussion and does not wish to advocate for mountain biking in the open space areas. OTHER BUSINESS a. March/April Newsletter Mr. Bednarz presented the proposed March/April City newsletter and the Commission provided © comments and suggestions. Chairperson Sabel suggested that an easier pathway be given for reaching the open space page. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if easier access to maps could be provided as well. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that there has not been much work put into the website for the Commission and noted that he would accept suggestions. Chairperson Sabel discussed the option to conduct a televised segment which could air on a local television channel. She stated that once this acquisition is complete the Commission could focus on items such as this, and a possible joint segment with the Parks Commission. She suggested that a logo be used to identify the OSAC portion of the newsletter. Chairperson Sabel confirmed that the Commission would like to remove the second story and insert maps in that place. She also confirmed that the mission statement would be included in a future newsletter. b. Next Meeting. March 14, 2012 Chairperson Sabel confirmed that a site visit is scheduled for February 12a' at 2:00 p.m. and the joint meeting with the Council is scheduled for February 28`" at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Bednarz asked that as many Commissioners as possible should attend the joint meeting to represent the Commission. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — February 8, 2012 Page 6 Commissioner Kovich confirmed that the next regular meeting of the Commission is scheduled for March 14`h and noted that he will be unable to attend. Commissioner Jarson confirmed the location for the site visit this coming Sunday. Mr. Bednarz confirmed that he would attempt to obtain permission from Dennis Kuiken to walk his property as well. Commissioner Van Hecke left the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that someone would be able to walk the road on the Kuiken property, to further investigate the other option for access to the north. Motion by Commissioner Jarson, Second by Commissioner Olson to adjourn. Motion passed 6- 0-1 (Van Hecke absent). The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz City Planner Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary �J