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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 10, 2013W 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 10, 2013 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes — March 13, 2013 4. Open Space Acquisition Update 5. Other Business © a. Next meeting: May 8, 2013 6. Adjournment u REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 10, 2013 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, Kim Kovich, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: Jim Olson and Aaron Jarson Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — March 13, 2013 Commissioner Kovich referenced the comment that Chair Sabel had made at the last meeting that she believed Commissioner Kovich had a negative outlook of the joint meeting with the City Council. He stated that he actually had a positive outlook leaving the meeting but noted that no change to the minutes should occur. Motion by Commissioner Perry, Second by Chair Sabel to approve the minutes. Motion passed 2 -0- 3 (Commissioners Flores, Kovich and Van Hecke present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg provided an update on the possible acquisition of the Selmer property, noting that although public access would not need to be obtained at this time the City would still need access to the site for maintenance purposes. He discussed the current negotiations between the property owners and staff. He also provided an update on the negotiations with Richard Aasness. The Commission provided input on the direction of negotiations. Commissioner Flores stated that he would love to see the City purchase the 40 acres from Selmer and 20 acres from Kuiken, to create a 60 acre parcel of open space. He recognized that while there is not access at this time the parcel would be the City's forever and access will eventually come. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that staff could review that option should the negotiations with Aasness fall apart. Chairperson Sabel mentioned property owned by Lyle Bradley off of 7`" Avenue along the Rum River that is not developable, with the exception of the area where his house currently is. Commissioner Perry believed that Mr. Bradley would like to donate his property to the City or another entity. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 10, 2013 Page 2 Chairperson Sabel stated that the house has a large amount of glass that looks out over the property. She noted that perhaps it could be made into a nature center or something of that nature, repurposing the home as a visitor center. Mr. Carlberg stated that if the home were repurposed the City would have to worry about public bathrooms, accessibility issues, floor loads, etc. He stated that the home could eventually be torn down with a parking lot and observing area. Chairperson Sabel believed that Mr. Bradley was also thinking about Public Land Trust. She confirmed that while the property would never be developed it would also not be open to the public if the City did not own it. She confirmed that she or Commissioner Perry could speak with the Bradleys before the next meeting to gather additional information. Commissioner Kovich noted that it would be nice to have picnic tables at that location. OTHER BUSINESS QNoted. a. Next Meeting. May 8, 2013 b. Martin's Meadows Mr. Carlberg stated that although there had not been problems with snowmobile activity within Martin's Meadows, even up to January, in the last few months there were issues with snowmobiling occurring in the open space area. He stated that the City is looking at fencing options that could be placed around the base area of the hill to keep the snowmobiles off the hill. He reported that the shrubbery that was planted the previous year was run over and destroyed by the snowmobiles. Chairperson Sabel noted that she and Commissioner Van Hecke had been snowshoeing in the open space area on March 23`d and determined that the snowmobiles were accessing the site from 172nd and Aztec; she also displayed pictures she had taken throughout the site. Mr. Carlberg noted that the fencing issue may become mute then since the snowmobiles are not accessing the site from the river. The meeting adjourned at 8: 00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David L. Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary