HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.27.07 Discuss Open Space Referendum & Commission Creation
C I T Y o F @
NDOVE
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Discuss Open Space Referendum & Commission Creation
DATE: March 27,2007
INTRODUCTION
On November 7, 2006 the Andover voters approved the "Preservation of Water, WilcQife, and
Natural Habitat Areas" ballot question. With this approval the City council has the ability to levy
taxes to meet what was identified in the approved ballot question below:
"Shall the City of Andover, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an
amount not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance the acquisition of land from willing sellers for the
preservation of natural areas, water and air quality and wildlife habitat? Spending would be
subject to an annual audit."
DISCUSSION
To assist in making the next steps I anticipate that the City will want to utilize a number of
resources along the way such as the Trust For Public Land, DNR and the Anoka County Soil and
Water Conservation District to prepare for the purchase or preservation process. It is also
anticipated that the City Council will want to start the process of advertising for and ultimately
interviewing individuals to serve on a City of Andover established commission to assist the
Council. With Council concurrence. an advertisement seeking "()Pen Space Commission"
applicants will be placed in the next newsletter. Interviews would be scheduled in early June and
the Commission would be in full operation by July.
Council concurrence on how many members the council wants to make UP the Commission is also
sought. Five. Seven. etc.?
Staffhas been reviewing materials from a number of communities/counties that have implemented
open space referendums and will provide these materials to the newly created Commission to help
the new Commissioners to hit the ground running in July. The first recommendations that will
likely be sought from the Commission to the Council are as listed:
I. Types of properties to be purchased.
2. When should the first referendum levy start? 2008?
3. How will an appropriate value be placed on the purchases?
4. Are outside consultants needed to accomplish the tasks?
ACTION REOUESTED
The Council is requested to discuss the timing of the implementation of the ballot question.
identify concerns or desires the Council may have as the implementation proceeds, and decide the
make up of a commission.
"-
.