HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.11.07 meeting packet
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
Andover Open Space Advisory Commission
Meeting Agenda
July 11, 2007
Andover City Hall
Council Chambers
7:00 D.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Introductions
3. Oath of Office
4. Identify Candidates/Elect Secretary
5. Review Andover Open Space Advisory Commission By-Laws
6. Discuss Open Space Goals, Objectives and Policies/Comprehensive Plan
7. General Discussion
8. Other Business
9. Adjournment
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1
2 ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING - JULY 11,2007
3 MINUTES
4
5
6 The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by
7 Chairman Deric Deuschle, July 11, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
8 Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
9
10 Commissioners present: Deric Deuschle, Gretchen Sabel, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek,
11 Bruce Perry and Kim Kovich
12 Commissioners absent: Jody Keppers
13 Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz
14 Others
15
16
17 INTRODUCTIONS
18
19 Chairman Deuschle started the meeting asking everyone to introduce themselves. Each of the
20 Commissioners introduced themselves explaining where they live in the City and their history
21 with the City.
22
23 OATH OF OFFICE
24
25 The Chairman and Commission read the Oath of Office.
26
27 IDENTIFY CANDIDATESIELECT SECRETARY
28
29 The City Council identified Commissioner Deric Deuschle as Chairman and Commissioner Gretchen
30 Sabel as Vice Chairman.
31
32 Chairman Deuschle asked if anyone wants to volunteer to be the Secretary of the Commission. No
33 one volunteered. Chairman Deuschle asked Mr. Bednarz to explain what the job consisted of.
34
35 Mr. Bednarz explained what the secretary's job will be on the Commission. After an explanation,
36 Commissioner Kim Kovich volunteered as Secretary of the Commission.
37
38 Motion by Perry, Seconded by Holasek, to elect Commissioner Kovich as Secretary of the
39 Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
40
41 REVIEW ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION BY-LAWS
42
43 Mr. Bednarz reviewed the By-Laws with the Commission.
44
45 Chairman Deuschle asked the Commission if there were any questions regarding By-Law 1.07. He
46 explained that as the meetings progress he thought they would have questions and discussions
47 regarding these items.
48
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Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 2
1 DISCUSSION OPEN SPACE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES/COMPREHENSIVE
2 PLAN
3
4 Mr. Bednarz reviewed the Parks and Open Space chapter of the Comprehensive Plan with the
5 Commission.
6
7 Chairman Deuschle asked what the schedule was for completing the Comprehensive Plan update.
8 Mr. Bednarz stated their goal is to submit it to the Met Council by the end of 2007.
9
10 Commissioner Sabel asked if they have any representation from the Park Commission on this
11 Commission. Mr. Bednarz stated there was not because the City Council wanted this to be a
12 separate Commission.
13
14 Commissioner Perry stated in Goal 2, Item A states they are going to "Consider development of
15 passive, nature related recreation or conservancy areas on sites otherwise considered unsuitable
16 for development." He stated this bothered him. Chairman Deuschle agreed and did not think
17 "unsuitable" should be used. Mr. Bednarz stated Item A is a carry over from previous
18 Comprehensive Plans but may have more to say with regard to not being active use such as ball
19 fields or parks. He understood what the Commission was saying and agreed it could be worded
20 better.
21
22 Chairman Deuschle thought they should go through these items more thoroughly and discuss
23 them at the next meeting. He wondered if it was the intention of keeping the Parks and Open
24 Space categories together in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bednarz stated it has been up to this
25 point because that is the format of the Comprehensive Plan provided by Met Council.
26 .
27 Commissioner Olson thought the open space and parks information should be divided into 2
28 chapters. Chairman Deuschle agreed so there is not confusion but thought they might want to
29 have the City Council review and decide if they wanted these to be broken into two separate
30 chapters.
31
32 Commissioner Perry agreed with what Chairman Deuschle was saying and would like to see
33 them as separate. Chairman Deuschle did not want it to sound like they wanted to run this
34 separate from the Parks and Recreation Commission because some of this does overlap.
35
36 Commissioner Holasek thought they should be separate because parks and open space are two
37 separate things where parks are more active and open space is passive.
38
39 Commissioner Sabel asked if trails would be part of the transportation plan. Mr. Bednarz stated
40 anything to do with trails will be in the transportation plan with the exception of the two regional
41 trails listed in the chapter.
42
43 Commissioner Holasek asked if all trails are considered transportation or are some considered
44 recreational. He thought they all start out as recreational and transfer to transportation trails. Mr.
Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 3
1 Bednarz stated there are still some passive trails out there but there are not many. Most are
2 paved trails. He stated they also have regional and local trails they use for connections and
3 transportation. He stated these are the three classes of trails in the City.
4
5 Chairman Deuschle asked if there was more discussion on the separation of the plan with the
6 Park Commission.
7
8 Commissioner Kovich stated the criteria for the parks are much different than the criteria for the
9 open space. He was inclined to agree with the rest of the Commission that they should be
10 separated. Commissioner Olson stated he got the impression from the Council that they want to
11 keep the open space separate from parks.
12
13 Commissioner Sabel asked if the Met Council would be ok with them separating the layout. Mr.
14 Bednarz thought they would be fine with it as long as they met all of the criteria.
15
16 Commissioner Perry asked if Mr. Bednarz knew how many other cities have Open Space
17 Commissions. Mr. Bednarz thought there were eight other cities and two counties at this point.
18 He stated it is becoming more common today than it was years ago.
19
20 Commission consensus was to recommend to the Council that the Park and Recreation and Open
21 Space be separated into separate chapters.
22
23 Mr. Bednarz stated he would prefer the Commission to continue working on this section until
24 they are familiar and comfortable with the entire chapter before making a formal
25 recommendation to the Council.
26
27 Chairman Deuschle understood but thought this was a large chapter and he wondered if the
28 Council would be ok with them doing it this way. Mr. Bednarz did not think they would have a
29 problem with that.
30
31 Commissioner Sabel thought when they look at the criteria it puts the two Commissions at odds.
32 She thought the parks are active and they need to work through this wording.
33
34 Chairman Deuschle thought they might need to have a joint meeting down the road with the
35 Parks Commission to go over the plans.
36
37 Commissioner Holasek stated there are a lot of different uses that probably would not be
38 objectionable for open space such as a picnic table or some other passive thing. Chairman
39 Deuschle thought there would need to be some discussion with the Park and Recreation
40 Commission on items like this.
41
42 Commissioner Sabel stated her one concern with separating the Open Space from the Parks is
43 they do not want to sever their options such as park dedications. Commissioner Perry thought
44 maybe ten years down the road, open space may be better used as recreational. Commissioner
Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 4
1 Sabel thought there was something in the bond issue referendum requiring open space not be
2 used as recreational. Mr. Bednarz stated this is correct and he would get the information
3 regarding this for the Commission.
4
5 Mr. Bednarz did not think there was any harm in park selection criteria overlapping or
6 duplicating open space selection criteria. He thought there may be some benefit to this.
7
8 Chairman Deuschle wondered if they would be able to review developments for possible open
9 space areas. Mr. Bednarz stated he thought they should be able to review developments before
10 final approval to see if there is an opportunity for open space within them.
11
12 Commissioner Kovich asked if the City has looked at cluster developments because often times
13 they include open space areas. Mr. Bednarz stated they have brought this as an item to Council
14 several times since he has been with the City without success. He stated the Council has not
15 wanted to move from the 2.5 acre rural development to a cluster development.
16
17 Chairman Deuschle thought this may be a future discussion item. Commissioner Sabel
18 wondered if they should review this in more depth for a future meeting. Chairman Deuschle
19 thought that would be a good idea. He stated he was willing to entertain additions, subtractions
20 or thoughts on these items. He thought it would be a great idea to have people come in and talk
21 about different issues related to open space.
22
23 Commissioner Kovich asked Mr. Bednarz if there was any other information he could bring back
24 to the Commission for further discussion regarding open space. He stated he would like to have
25 a copy of the referendum for reference. He thought it would be a good idea if they could get
26 other cities lists of criteria for reference. Mr. Bednarz stated he could get them this information.
27
28 Chairman Deuschle wondered if it was premature to have an alternative development
29 presentation at the next meeting. Commissioner Sabel thought they should talk about their goals,
30 boundaries and what they can accomplish and then start looking at tools and what they can do.
31
32 Consensus of the Commission was to look at a draft and discuss changes to the criteria at the next
33 meeting.
34
35 GENERAL DISCUSSION
36
37 Chairman Deuschle asked if the Commission was in favor of having a brief presentation on
38 alternative development for open space. The Commission thought that was a good idea but they
39 should wait until they get more of an idea about what the Commission hopes to accomplish.
40
41 Chairman Deuschle asked Mr. Bednarz if they should schedule regular meeting dates or schedule
42 them as they go along. Mr. Bednarz stated he would prefer to have regular scheduled meetings. The
43 Commission thought the second Wednesday of each month works best.
44
Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 5
1 Motion by Kovich, Seconded by Holasek, to schedule the Open Space Commission meetings on the
2 second Wednesday of each month with exceptions for the date to be changed by the group as needed.
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4
5 . Meeting Regulations/Subcommittees
6
7 Commissioner Sabel wondered if they could meet with two or more members or have
8 subcommittees. Mr. Bednarz stated they would need to meet all open meeting guidelines.
9
10 Chairman Deuschle thought it would be a good idea to have Roberts Rules of Order along with open
11 meeting guidelines for them to refer to.
12
13 . Inventory Proposals from Companies
14
15 Mr. Bednarz stated they have had two different proposals for natural resource inventories and he
16 wondered if the Commission would like to see the proposals at the next meeting. Chairman
17 Deuschle wondered if the Council would want something like that to be included in the
18 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bednarz did not think it needed to be included in the Comprehensive Plan
19 but thought it might be helpful for next year when DNR Grants became available.
20
21 Commissioner Kovich stated he could probably provide information to the group without charge
22 through the Conservation District. Mr. Bednarz thought they may be looking for more information
23 such as ranking wetlands and he thought for the next step they needed someone to go out and
24 physically look at the land to provide rankings for the Commission.
25
26 Commissioner Olson thought it seemed like there was a fair amount of information out there. He
27 thought they might want to look at that first to see what there is and then they have these companies
28 come in for presentations.
29
30 Commissioner Holasek wondered what the companies would provide. Mr. Bednarz stated they
31 would put together a report with maps along with site-specific items such as type and grade of
32 natural features.
33
34 Commissioner Holasek thought it was too soon to have a report done. He thought after more
35 meetings, they will know better what they want to do and at that time they might want to look at this.
36
37 Commissioner Sabel thought for her it would be useful to have a report done sooner in order to get
38 started on planning open spaces and purchasing land. She thought this was an opportunity they
39 should seriously consider taking.
40
41 Commissioner Kovich agreed with Commissioner Holasek and thought it would be too early for a
42 report. He thought they should wait until they get a better handle on what the Commission is
43 supposed to look at and what their guidelines should be.
44
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Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 6
1 Chairman Deuschle stated he was somewhat at an impasse regarding this because his company does
2 inventories and surveys. He did not want to sound negative regarding this but he did not want to
3 duplicate what the City already has done. He thought they should have an independent biologist
4 prioritize these areas without having a complete inventory done so as not to duplicate work already
5 done for the City. He thought someone could give them twenty top natural resources available in the
6 City for purchase. He thought they, as a group, could look at the resources themselves and then
7 decide what would be pristine. He also thought they could entertain proposals from the companies
8 but was somewhat reluctant to waste their time if they are not serious about hiring someone.
9
10 Chairman Deuschle thought this report would be more use to the City as a whole for planning. He
11 did not know if it should be done just for the Open Space Commission. Commissioner Kovich
12 thought each of the Commissioners has some type of expertise and they could all bring something
13 forward regarding this.
14
15 Chairman Deuschle asked if Mr. Bednarz could include a Statement of Qualifications from the
16 different companies for Commission review at the next meeting so they know what kind of
17 information they would provide.
18
19 . Receiving Communication from the City
20
21 Commissioner Sabel stated she would prefer to receive information by email rather than by paper.
22 Commissioner Perry stated he preferred paper to email because he would print it out anyway.
23 Commissioner Holasek stated he would prefer paper but would not need a CSO to deliver it, it could
24 be sent by mail. Commissioner Olson stated he liked one page communication by email but would
25 not like to have the packet emailed. Chairman Deuschle stated he liked to have electronic copies for
26 his filing rather than filing paper. After further discussion it was determined that meeting
27 notifications would be e-mailed and the packet would be delivered by a CSO.
28
29 . Website Update Request
30
31 Commissioner Sabel asked if there is an Open Space Commission page on the City's website. Mr.
32 Bednarz stated at this point they do not have a page for them.
33
34 Commissioner Sabel stated she would like to see the different Commission and Council packets
35 posted on the website so everything is transparent to residents. Mr. Bednarz stated he would make
36 sure the Commission's information is posted to the website.
37
38 Commissioner Perry thought they could put information into the newsletter when needed along with
39 on the website.
40
41 OTHER BUSINESS
42
43 There was no other business.
44
Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 11, 2007
Page 7
1 Motion by Olson, Seconded by Kovich, to adjourn, Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
2 adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
3
4 Respectfully submitted,
5
6 Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary
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: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission
FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planne~
SUBJECT: Items 1-4 from agenda
DATE: July 11, 2007
INTRODUCTION
This item is intended to summarize the first four items on the agenda.
DISCUSSION
1. Call to Order
The Chairperson will call to order the July 11, 2007 meeting of the Andover Open Space
Advisory Commission.
2. Introductions
It is suggested that Commissioners introduce themselves to one another and share any brief
background information that may be of interest.
3. Oath of Office
The Commissioners will be asked to raise their right hand and read the attached oath of
office. The Commissioners can read the oath together. The staff representative will collect
and sign the certificates as the witness.
4. Identify CandidateslElect Secretary
The by-laws establish three officers for the Commission. Chairperson Deuschle and Vice
Chairperson Sabel were appointed by Council. The third officer is a secretary. Advisory
commission secretaries are typically responsible for knowing the rules of procedure (in this
case Roberts Rules of Order) and also for being a general information resource. If both of
the other officers are absent, the secretary would run the meeting. Additionally, some grant
applications may require more than two officers signatures.
The Commission is asked to poll its members to see who is interested in serving as the
secretary. If more than one person is interested, a sealed ballot election will be conducted.
The ballots will be tallied by the staff representative at the meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED
Please address these items as indicated above.
Attachment
Oath of Office
.
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: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission
FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planne~
SUBJECT: Review Andover Open Space Advisory Commission By-Laws
DATE: July 11, 2007
INTRODUCTION
A brief presentation of the approved Andover Open Space Advisory Commission By-Laws
will be made by staff.
DISCUSSION
The Commission should feel free to discuss the by-laws. The Commission may also wish to
prioritize the various responsibilities. Staff anticipates that it will take several meetings to
develop a course of action to address each of the responsibilities.
ACTION REOUESTED
Please review and discuss the attached by-laws.
Attachment
AndoverOpen Space Advisory Commission By-Laws
.
.
ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION BY-LAWS
1.01 ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION
There is hereby created an Open Space Advisory Commission, pursuant to authority given by
Minnesota Statutes, and shall have the membership, responsibilities, and authority as set forth
below.
1.02 MEMBERSHIP, APPOINTMENTS
The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members, with members being Andover
residents and appointed by the City Council. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion
of a departing member's term by action of the City Council. The Administration and
Community Development Departments will serve in a staff support capacity.
1.03 MEMBERSIDP, TERM OF APPOINTMENTS
The term of each commissioner shall be three (3) years. Commissioners shall serve until their
successor is appointed and qualified. The City Council reserves the right to waive this rule.
Initial appointments shall include three (3) three-year terms, two (2) two-year terms, and two (1)
one-year terms.
1.04 OFFICERS
The City Council shall appoint a chairperson and vice chairperson for the Commission. The
Commission will hold elections for the position of secretary. They shall have duties as implied
by their titles.
1.05 MEETINGS
All meetings of the Commission shall be held in conformance with the Minnesota Open Meeting
Law. Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed. The Commission shall hold monthly meetings
as necessary at a time and place to be set by the Commission, and such special meetings as may
be called as deemed necessary by the Commission Chairperson, Secretary, or the City Council.
The Commission shall keep and preserve accurate minutes of each meeting of the Commission
or any committee thereof and these minutes shall be kept on file in the City Clerk's office. The
Commission shall adopt rules of conduct for its meetings and the transaction of its business. A
majority of members shall constitute a quorum for taking action. Each member shall have one
vote.
1.06 ATTENDENCE
Any Commissioner who fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings, (without a valid excuse)
of which notice was properly given, may be subject to expulsion from the Commission. Any
expulsion does not become effective until accepted by the City Council.
- ----.--.-
.
#
1.07 GENERAL POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Open Space Advisory Commission is commissioned to make recommendations to the
Council on the following items:
a. The open space criteria established in the Comprehensive Plan
b. Whether available inventory information is sufficient or whether a more detailed resource
inventory needs to be done
c. Which programs are available to help the city leverage funding
d. Publicity, policies for approaching property owners and informing the community
e. The property identification and selection process
f. . The method of land valuation and acquisition
g. Standard conservation easement requirements
h. Whether land under consideration meets the criteria established in the Comprehensive
Plan
1. Land to be acquired
J. Seeking gifts of land or grants in furtherance of goals
k. Policies on accepting gifts of land
1. A process for ongoing monitoring of the land and program in general
m. Rules for its meetings and the transaction of its business
n. Policies that fulfill the goals of the approved referendum for open space purchases.
o. Short and long term plans and goals and appropriate strategies to accomplish these goals.
p. Commissioners shall serve with compensation set by the City Council. Expenses that are
deemed necessary and budgeted may be incurred.
1.08 FINANCES OF THE COMMISSION
The Open Space Advisory Commission will have no taxing authority. The City Finance
Department will serve as the Fiscal Agent for the Commission and will provide timely reporting
to the Commission on revenues and expenses. The finance department will also administer
grants and the budgets associated with those grants. An audit of funds shall be made annually
and be made in conjunction with the funds of the City.
1.09 EFFECTIVE DATE
This framework shall become effective upon the appointment of the full Commission by the
Andover City Council.
Adopted by the City Council ofthe City of Andover this 3rd day of July, 2007.
CITY OF ANDOVER
ATTEST:
Victoria V olk, City Clerk Michael R. Gamache, Mayor
REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JULY 3,2007
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Acting Mayor
Ken Orttel, July 3, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Julie Trude
Councilmember absent: Mike Gamache
Also present: City Attorney, Scott Baumgartner
City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz
City Administrator, Jim Dickinson
Community Development Director, Will Neumeister
Others
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RESIDENT FORUM
No one wished to address the Council.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Remove from Consent Items for discussion Item 3, (Approve Ordinance Amendment/City Code 4-4-
1/Grass Height).
Councilmember Jacobson indicated on item 10 there were a few changes he found. Under the By-
Laws 1.03 Membership it reads "the Term Member". Member should be deleted so it reads "The
Term of each Commissioner". Under 1.08, the second line begins with the word Department, it
reads "This Commission is a Board" and the word "Board" should be stricken and replaced with
"Commission" .
Councilmember Trude thought they should alphabetize the list of powers so if they have to refer to
them later it would be easier to refer to.
Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to approve the Agenda as amended above. Motion
carried unanimously.
-~_._-
~
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission
FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Plannett
SUBJECT: Discuss Open Space Goals, Objectives and Policies/Comprehensive Plan
DATE: July 11, 2007
INTRODUCTION
A brief presentation will be made by staff.
DISCUSSION
The attached draft of the Parks 'and Open Space Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan has been
reviewed by staff, the Park and Recreation Commission and the City Council. The Open Space
Advisory Commission is authorized to reyiew and edit the sections concerning open space. It is
the city's goal to have the entire Comprehensive Plan ready for submittal to the Metropolitan
Council by the end of this year. As a result, the Commission will have several opportunities, as
necessary, to discuss, edit and review this item.
ACTION REQUESTED
Please review and discuss the attached chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Attachment
Draft Parks and Open Space Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan
..
Goal 1: Provide parks and facilities that meet present park needs and plan
for the future needs of the city
Objectives:
a. Maintain and upgrade current park facilities
b. Evaluate existing conditions and future growth projections to determine
the types of parks and facilities needed to complete the park
system
c. Provide more passive recreation opportunities
d. Provide for a balance among active and passive recreation areas and
activities
e. Provide recreation facilities for all age groups and abilities within the city
f. Design and maintain recreation areas with appropriate lighting,
landscaping, parking, and shelter design
g. Consider the Site Selection Criteria established in the Parks and Open
Space Plan and the standards of the National Recreation and Park
Association in the planning and design of the park system
Policies:
. Implement a maintenance schedule for the grounds and facilities within the
current park system
. Aggregate resources from local, state and federal sources to complete planned
improvements as scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan
. Maintain and Update the Park Study as a guide for the number, size, type and
location of parks and facilities needed to complete the park system to serve the
needs of residents
. Accept only lands suitable for park and recreation purposes as fulfillment of the
parkland dedication requirements.
. Utilize the Capital Improvement Plan to schedule replacement of existing park
facilities and installation of new facilities
. Utilize the Park and Recreation Commission to advise the Council on matters
relating to parks, recreation and park facilities
. Provide regulations and policies for park use and park dedication
-----
. Consider the adopted Guidelines for Field Usage by Youth Athletic Associations
. Work cooperatively with other organizations and government agencies to
enhance local and regional park systems
Goal 2: Promote, protect, preserve and enhance the City's natural
and open space for the enjoyment of residents, protection of water
and air quality and the preservation of wildlife habitat
Objectives:
a. Consider development of passive; nature-related recreation or
conservancy areas on sites otherwise considered unsuitable for
development
b. Identify appropriate areas for preservation through analysis of
natural features, the Site Selection Criteria established in the Parks
and Open Space Plan and the Land Use Plan
c. Plan for and Provide connections with the park and trail systems in a
manner that both preserves and allows public enjoyment of natural areas
Policies:
. Work collaboratively with property owners in the preservation of open space
. Utilize conservation easements, fee title acquisition and other methods as
necessary to permanently protect open space
. Prepare, implement and monitor the effectiveness of conservation plans that
address the specific characteristics of the various types of natural areas
. Utilize the Open Space Advisory Commission to advise the Council on matters
concerning preservation of open space
. Prevent incompatible land uses from locating adjacent to parks and
open space areas through implementation of the Land Use Plan and
zoning regulations
. Work cooperatively with other organizations and government agencies to acquire
and enhance open space areas within the city
Chapter Five: Parks and Open Space Plan
The City of Andover provides a variety of recreation opportunities to its residents
through implementation of the Parks and Open Space Plan. The City recognizes that
the anticipated growth in population will increase demands on existing facilities and
programs. This chapter provides description of the various parks and recreation
facilities, the tools used to plan the park system and also establishes site selection
criteria for both parks and open space. Goals, policies and objectives are presented in
Chapter One: Foundation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Parks
The City of Andover contains 65 parks ranging in size from under an acre to more than
100 acres. Anoka County operates two regional parks that serve Andover residents.
There are no State or Federal parks within the city limits. Figure 5.1 shows the location
of all parks and trails within the City. Figure 5.2 identifies the type of facilities in each
park.
Types of Parks
The Metropolitan Council has categorized local and regional parks according to factors
such as size, use, service area, location and site attributes (Figure 5.3). All types of
local facilities can be found within the City including mini-parks, neighborhood
parks\playgrounds, community playfields, and community parks. The City uses these
categories in the selection of park locations to ensure a variety of park types and
facilities are available to serve the needs of residents.
Regional Parks
The two regional parks that serve Andover residents are Bunker Hills Regional Park
and Rum River Central Regional Park (Figure 5.4).
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Bunk~r Hills Regional Park is a 1600 acre regional park reserve located in the
southeast corner of Andover and extends into the adjacent cities of Blaine, Coon
Rapids and Ham Lake. The park includes a variety of passive and active recreation
facilities such as picnic areas, campgrounds, playgrounds, an indoor and outdoor
archery range; a water park with multiple slides, a sand play area, a proposed lazy river,
plus a wave pool; native prairie, wetland, oak savannah areas, a small lake, shade plant
gardens, abundant wildlife, hiking, biking, horse and cross country skiing trails, a
veterans memorial, and an 18-hole professional golf course. A horse stable and arena
offer riding lessons, trail rides, hayrides and campfire opportunities. An activities center
offers public meeting rooms and offices full time park staff. A year-round full service
restaurant with banquet and meeting facilities offers seasonal theatre and serves as the
golf course clubhouse. An overall master plan for the park is available from the Anoka
County Park & Recreation Department. More information can also be found on their
Website: www.anokacountyparks.com
Rum River Central Regional Park
Rum River Central Regional Park is a 434 acre regional park located adjacent to the
northwest corner of the city on the west bank of the Rum River. A substantial
improvement project completed in 1999 allowed the park to reopen with picnic areas
and pavilion, playground equipment, boat launch and fishing deck, as well as hiking,
biking, horse and cross country skiing trails. Expansion of the park area has been
discussed by the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission. This expansion
would likely not affect adjacent residential property within Andover due to the park being
separated by the Rum River. An overall master plan for the park is available from the
Anoka County Park & Recreation Department. More information can also be found on
their Website: www.anokacountyparks.com
Regional Trails
The two regional trails that pass through Andover are the Central Anoka
County Regional Trail and the ih Avenue Regional Trail (Figure 5.4).
Funding for these trails is provided by city, county, state and federal
sources. Figure D shows the location of these trails in the city. A county
wide trails map is available from the Anoka County Parks Department and
also from their website: www.anokacountyparks.com
Central Anoka County Regional Trail
This trail extends along Bunker Lake Boulevard and will connect Bunker Hills Regional
Park west to the Mississippi West County Park in the City of Anoka and east into
Linwood Township. Presently there are two gaps in the trail within Andover. One exists
between Bunker Hills ParI< and Hanson Boulevard to the west. A portion of this trail will
be constructed with the Hanson Boulevard Improvement project with completion in
2008. However, a safe crossing of the Burlington Northern Railroad needs to be
resolved before the trail will connect with Bunker Hills Regional Park. The second gap
is between Round Lake Boulevard and ih Avenue. This trail segment will likely be
constructed at the time this section of Bunker Lake Boulevard is reconstructed by
Anoka County.
7th Avenue Regional Trail
This trail presently exists south of the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and ih
Avenue and continues south to the Mississippi River Regional Trail to provide a
continuous route that connects with the Minneapolis park system. The ih Avenue
Regional Trail is planned to extend north along ih Avenue to the Rum River Central
Regional Park in the future.
Recreation Facilities
Recreation facilities are an essential component of active use parks. The development
of recreation facilities requires an understanding of community needs based on
population, service radius, and space requirements. Standards established by the
National Recreation and Parks Association provide guidelines for such development.
The city has used these guidelines in the preparation of a Park Study with community
input. This document evaluates the present park system and facilities and uses growth
projections from the Land Use Plan to determine the steps necessary to complete the
park system. The plan is amended periodically to document changes to the park
system and to adjust the park dedication rate.
Additionally, the city maintains a detailed list of park facilities including their type, age
and expected life. This list aids routine maintenance of facilities and is used to
determine the types of facilities and improvements that need to be included in the
Capital Improvement Plan.
Open Space
A plan for the preservation of open space is necessary to protect natural areas from
development, as well as to protect water and air quality and preserve wildlife habitat.
The city has worked cooperatively with a variety of resource protection organizations
and government agencies to enhance natural areas within the existing park system and
to protect floodplain and wetlands in areas outside of the park system. In 2006, the
voters approved a bond referendum to provide a dedicated funding source for the
preservation of open space. . INSERT PROGRESS PRIOR TO FINAL DRAFT...
Since that time the city has established an Open Space Advisory Commission,
prepared a community wide natural resource inventory and established policies to guide
this effort...
Site Selection Criteria And Acquisition Policies
The city has established criteria to evaluate sites for their potential to fulfill the needs
identified by the plans and studies described earlier in this chapter. The following
criteria are used to properly evaluate sites for the location of parks, recreation facilities
and open space preservation areas.
a) Open Space: The City of Andover will select open space sites based on the
following criteria:
i) The area provides an opportunity to protect and preserve significant
local natural resources, including:
. Groundwater recharge areas and natural hydrological systems
. Forests and native plant communities
. Buffer areas adjacent to Wetlands
. Unique biological, geological, historical and archaeological sites,
. Lands containing significant areas of natural habitat, and threatened
or endangered species of plants or animals
. Educationally valuable features
. Sites of exceptional aesthetic quality
ii) The area to be protected is of sufficient in size to preserve and enhance
natural resources
iii) The area presents an opportunity to protect significant natural
resources that would otherwise be negatively affected by urban
development or negligence
iv) The area connects or expands corridors of floodplain and wetlands.
v) The area provides opportunities for passive recreation and observation
of the natural environment along trail corridors
vi) The area provides views of the natural environment along major
transportation corridors
b) Park Land: The City of Andover will select park sites based on the following
criteria:
i) The area is in close proximity to particular natural resources, such as
lakes, rivers and other unique features
ii) The area is sufficient in size to allow the user to experience the natural
resource and enjoy compatible recreation activities without degrading
the natural resource or the visitor's exp~rience
iii) The area is suitable for recreation opportunities that complement those
provided by other city parks and county and regional agencies
iv) The area is geographically located to fulfill and not duplicate the type of
park and facilities needed to serve the present needs of residents and
the needs of the long range projected population in the service area
v) The area is located where it will be easily accessible
vi) The area is physically suitable for types of facilities that are needed in
the service area
vii) The area has sufficient size and flexibility to provide a
variety of recreation opportunities and the capacity to be
adapted to the changing needs of residents in the future
viii) The area can provide linkage to the trail system, open
space corridors or other. parks
c) Public Controls or Ownership: The City of Andover recognizes that official
public controls and/or public ownership may be desirable and in some cases
essential to:
i) Assure public land availability for future generations although the current
need may not be imperative
ii) Protect a significant resource threatened by development, deterioration,
neglect or inordinate increase in land values
iii) Preserve unique or significant landscape features, including geographical,
historical and archaeological
iv) Provide open space
v) Meet both active and passive recreation needs
d) Methods of Acquisition: To assure protection and availability of public land,
the City of Andover shall utilize various methods of acquisition, including but
not limited to:
i) City purchase
. Negotiated purchase with willing seller when possible
. Eminent domain may be utilized if an overriding public need can be
established and 2006 Open Space Bond Referendum funds are not
utilized
ii) County or regional funding
iii) State purchase
iv) Conservation Easements
v) Purchase or transfer of development rights
vi) Assistance and/or cost-sharing with other agencies
vii) Donations/bequests/foundations
viii) Tax forfeited land
IMPLEMENTATION
The Park Study summarizes the types of parks and facilities that are needed to
complete the park system. The park facilities maintenance list and policies track the
condition and useful life of existing facilities. These documents are used to determine
the improvements that need to be included in the city's Capital Improvement Plan. As
described earlier in this chapter, the Park and Recreation Commission and City Council
make decisions about the location of new parks based on the needs identified in the
Park Study, the goals, objectives and policies of this plan and the selection criteria
established in this chapter. These goals will be implemented based on overall public
policy and finance considerations.
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: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission
FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Plannei/z
SUBJECT: Items 7-9 from agenda
DATE: July 11, 2007
INTRODUCTION
This item is intended to summarize the last three items on the agenda.
DISCUSSION
7. General Discussion
The Commission is free to discuss any other items. of interest. This may include direction to
staff on items to be prepared for the next meeting.
8. Other Business
This will be a standard item on the agenda intended for information sharing or anything that
does not fit elsewhere on the agenda.
9. Adjournment
A motion, second and majority vote are needed to adjourn the meeting.
ACTION REOUESTED
Please address these items as indicated above.
--
Courtney Bednarz
From: Courtney Bednarz
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 2:23 PM
Subject: First Meeting
Commissioners,
The first meeting has been scheduled for July 11 t 2007. A draft agenda is attached. A packet of materials will be
delivered by a Community Service Officer on Friday, July 6th. If you have any questions before the meeting, please feel
free to call me. If you want to get a head start, feel free to review the attached documents (Items 5 & 6 on the agenda).
Item 5 will be approved by the Council on July 3rd. Item 6 is a draft for the commission to work with.
The Commissioners appointed by the Council are as follows (please note that the terms are staggered to prevent
complete turnover of the Commission and re-application is encouraged!
3 years Deric Deuschle, Chair
3 years Gretchen Sabel, Vice-Chair
3 years Winslow Holasek
2 years Kim Kovich
2 years Bruce Perry
1 year Jody Keppers
1 year Jim Olson
Respectfully,
Courtney Bednarz
City Planner
Andover, Minnesota
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW
Andover, Minnesota 55304
(763) 767-5147 direct
(763) 755-5100 main
(763) 755-8923 fax
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