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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.14.14 meeting packettwo 7 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 May 14, 2014 Andover City Hall Conference Room A &B 6.00 p.m. 1. Tour of Martin's Meadows 2. Return to City Hall for regular meeting 7:30 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: April 9, 2014 Regular Meeting May 1, 2014 Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission 4. Guest Speaker — Sarah Strommen 5. Open Space Acquisition Update 6. Recap of Joint Meeting with Park and Recreation Commission 7. Other Business a. Next meeting: June 11, 2014 b. Joint meeting with City Council: May 27, 2014 S. Adjournment k T Y O F 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: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes — April 9, 2014 & May 1, 2014 DATE: May 14, 2014 INTRODUCTION The Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the April 9, 2014 meeting and the May 1, 2014 joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission. DISCUSSION Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. Attachment April 9, 2014 minutes May 1, 2014 Joint meeting minutes Respectfully submitted, c David L. Carlberg REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 9, 2014 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:15 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, Jim Olson (arrived at 7:18 p.m.), Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director RESIDENT FOR UM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —March 12, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Jarson, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of March 12, 2014. Motion passed 4 -0 -2 (Kovich and Van Hecke present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg reported that the Commission was able to view tonight the Aasness land purchased and was pleased to see it was nicer than expected. He presented the Preliminary Plat of Country Oaks North (Putnam property) that has been submitted to the City. Commissioner Olson arrived at 7:18 p.m. Mr. Carlberg continued to review the draft development plan and proposed access points. He referenced the Selmer parcel noting that the alternate offer received by the property owner has fallen away and there may be opportunity for the Commission to pursue that parcel again should the property owner be interested. He confinned the amount available in the open space fund. He reviewed the number of sewer connections that would be available for development in the area. He believed the best position of the Commission is to simply wait at this point to see what comes forward. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the draft development plans would include almost a clear cut of the Putnam property. Mr. Carlberg noted that there would be areas of preservation around the perimeter of the development but advised that the storm water management for urban development works against tree preservation. Commissioner Olson stated that the Council had the opportunity to preserve the trees north of Constance by not extending the MUSA line. Mr. Carlberg noted. that there are low impact developments that could come forward but acknowledged that the cost is higher with that option and the terrain has to be right. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Commission does have an opportunity to preserve trees that would be removed for development in that area through the purchase of additional open space. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 9, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Carlberg stated that the Commission only has a certain amount of money and the intent of the Commission is to preserve large pieces of land that could otherwise be developed. Chairperson Sabel advised that the Aasness family would be interested in selling additional land to the Commission in the future. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that another 37 acres could be purchased from the Aasness family but noted that it would most likely be at least eight to ten years before that would occur. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps the Aasness family would be willing to enter into a conservation easement and /or first right of refusal. Mr. Carlberg noted that it could be difficult for the Commission to enter into a first right of refusal, as the funds would need to be available when the purchase is offered. He agreed that staff could look into that but noted that the funds of the Commission will be depleted prior to the next eight years. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps Sarah Strommen of BWSR would be willing to come back to the Commission to provide information on funds that would be available for Conservation Easements. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Carlberg noted that the Commission will be walking the Martin's Meadows property prior to the May 14`h regular meeting. a. Schedule Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission on May P at 7. 00 p. m. Mr. Carlberg advised that the Parks and Recreation Commission selected May 15` at 7:00 p.m. to hold the joint meeting with the OSAC. He noted that the meeting would be similar to a Worksession and would not be cablecast. He believed that this would be a good opportunity for the two groups to begin an open dialogue. He confirmed that this is the regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks Commission. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to schedule a joint meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission on May 151 at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed 7 -0. b. Next Meeting May 14, 2014 Mr. Carlberg advised that Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. at Martin's Meadows prior to the regular meeting. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —April 9, 2014 Page 3 He advised that he did receive a draft copy of the resident survey results, noting that the survey was conducted via telephone. The Commission discussed methods for improving the resident knowledge of open space and publicizing the locations such as newspaper articles, a photo contest, and programming. Commissioner Perry noted that now that fiends have been spent and land has been acquired, the Commission could also focus on education of those areas to increase use. Mr. Carlberg noted that more established entrances and /or signage could also increase use. He stated that once the Council reviews and approves the resident survey he will provide a copy to the Commission to review. He confirmed that staff will also develop an agenda for the May 1s` joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission and send that to the Commission. Chairperson Sabel stated that the Commission has once again agreed to staff a booth at Funfest and will begin discussions at the May 10 meeting. She asked the Commission to think of ideas prior to the May meeting. She referenced the management plans and questioned if the discussion had been finished on that. Mr. Carlberg noted that he is working on them as some of the maps and information was outdated and will bring the updated information back to the Commission in the future. Chairperson Sabel asked that the Commission be alerted when Mr. Carlberg walks the open space areas with other staff members to discuss the management plans and maintenance. She mentioned the possibility of Emmerich conducting excavation on the open space side of the pond when he conducts the wetland work on his development in order to create more open water for the adjacent open space area. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that staff could review that option. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. Motion passed 7 -0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION OPEN SPA CE ADVISORY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSESSION MEETING MAY], 2014 MINUTES The Joint Worksession Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chair Gretchen Sabel and Chair Ted Butler on May 1, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Park and Recreation Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Commissioners Sarah Elstrom, Alisa Lewnau, Jim Lindahl, Angela Marinello, Mark Miskowiec, and Shane Stenzel Park and Recreation Commissioners Absent: None Open Space Advisory Commissioners Present: Chair Gretchen Sabel, Commissioners Aaron Jarson, James Myers, Jim Olson, Bruce Perry, Suzanne Van Hecke Open Space Advisory Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Kim Kovich Also Present: Community Development Director Dave Carlberg Others APPROVE AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec to approve the agenda as amended to add discussion of North Parking Lot of Prairie Knoll Park as Item 1 A for consideration of the Park Commission only. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, . 0- absent vote. DISCUSS NORTH PARKING LOT OF PRAIRIE KNOLL PARK Chair Butler stated an alternate bid was requested - $121,000 south parking lot 117,000 for north parking lot. Question before the Commission is whether the north parking lot Andover Park Commission /Open Space Advisory Commission Joint Worksession Minutes — May 1, 2014 Page 2 should be included if the bid comes in under the engineers estimate. The engineering estimate for both was $138,000. $100,000 was approved in the CIP. The consensus was just to do the south parking lot engineering study. Motion by Commissioner Stenzel, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau to only include the south parking lot engineering study. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. At the suggestion of Chair Sabel, everyone introduced themselves. DISCUSS GOALS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE OPEN SPACE AND PARK LAND Chair Sabel reviewed the presentation made to the City Council giving an overview of the Open Space Advisory Commission including review of Martin's Meadows, North Woods Preserve (formerly known as White Pine Wilderness) and other properties. There is $484,000 remaining from the $2M and they are currently in the third round of site search. They have identified study areas based on location of natural features and corridors. She reviewed the Open Space nine (9) point evaluation criteria. A recent acquisition was the Aasness Property. The Selmer /Blanchette Property was also reviewed. Chair Sabel reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss goals and opportunities with the Open Space Advisory Commission. A copy of the Open Space Evaluation Criteria that has been established was provided for Commissioner review: 1. Prerequisite: The Area to be Protected is Sufficient in Size and location to Preserve and Enhance Natural Resources. 2. The Area Presents an Opportunity to Protect Significant Natural Resources That Would Otherwise be Negatively Affected by Development or Negligence. Considerations include the development potential or property and lack of protection by regulations such as wetland and floodplain regulations or existing easements. 3. Lands Important as Native Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Scoring based on existence of habitat for native animal species. Additional consideration given for the size of the area (less than one acre, more than one acre or larger), width of the area (greater or less than 100 feet) and whether the area connects areas of native animal species habitat. 4. Potential to be contiguous to additional conservation area. 5. Native Plant Communities (Identified in DNR Subsection Profile of Anoka Sand Plain) Consideration based on size and quality of the area. Additional scoring if threatened or endangered species of plants or animals are present (DNR NHIS Data). Andover Park Commission /Open Space Advisory Commission Joint Worksession Minutes — May 1, 2014 Page 3 6. Buffer Adjacent to Upland Native Plant and Animal Communities Scoring based on effectiveness in protecting or connecting native plant communities. 7. Buffer Adjacent to Lakes, Streams, Wetlands and Natural Watershed Systems Scoring based on width of area and its ability to protect these features. Additional scoring if the buffer area is adjacent to area within the DNR Public Waters Inventory or Coon Creek. 8. The Area Provides Opportunities for Passive Recreation and Observation of the Natural Environment for the General Public Scoring based on public access and whether the area is visible to the general public. 9. Other Notable features (Historical, Educational, Archaeological, Aesthetic, Other) Scoring assigned as documented on a case -by -case basis. The Open Space Advisory Commission will be looking for other potential parcels to purchase yet this year. Commissioner Miskowiec asked what would be done with the Aasness Property open field. Commissioner Van Hecke stated there is already growth that requires no maintenance. Mr. Carlberg stated they will come up with a management plan for the property which includes prairie restoration and plantings for pollinators. Chair Butler asked about access to the Open Space areas. He questioned what are the right amenities to have for residents. He asked how to make residents aware of the open spaces. He questioned if a parking lot can be put in why not a small shelter. Commissioner Olson said the referendum is open for interpretation. Each property has its own unique needs as far as access. The Open Space Advisory Commission has needed to act to purchase property when it is available and changes can be made in the future. He stated it is a developing process as properties have been purchased are relatively new. Commissioner VanHecke stated in the survey it was obvious that residents are not aware of the open space. She would like to see some signage on the open space properties. Hiking is the best use of these open space properties. Mr. Carlberg stated that two Eagle Scouts are working on signage and kiosks for two of the areas. The residents need to be educated as to the location of the open space properties. Commissioner Van Hecke stated a shelter near the entrance to the Open Space properties would not encourage littering along the trails. Chair Butler stated the Park Commission is currently dealing with small parcels of parkland. Currently there are 70 parks in Andover. There are a lot of small parks scattered throughout the City. The Park Commission is trying not to take too many small 1 -2 acre parks and trying to focus resources into larger parks. Andover Park Commission /Open Space Advisory Commission Joint Worksession Minutes —May 1, 2014 Page 4 Commissioner Lewnau left the meeting at 7:20 p.m. Commissioner Lindahl stated City maintenance devotes a lot of manpower in maintaining the smaller parks and have requested the Park Commission try to minimize those smaller park acquisitions. Commissioner Stenzel stated the survey showed the residents think we have enough parks. He asked Mr. Carlberg why the Open Space Advisory Commission was separate from the Park Commission. Most cities have Parks and Open Space Advisory Commissions together. Mr. Carlberg stated he believes the charge for the Open Space Advisory Commission was to advise the Council how to spend the $2M referendum monies. Commissioner Olson stated the Open Space Advisory Commission is not a permanent commission for the City. Commissioner Stenzel asked how the two Commissions can work together in the future. An example of where coordination may have been helpful was Northwoods Park not being built near the Northwoods Open Space. The Open Space Advisory Commission was not aware a park would not be constructed at Northwoods. Chair Butler stated this was discussed in 2010. At that time, the development looked very differently than it turned out. A missed opportunity was to talk to the Open Space Advisory Commission before the purchase was made to have a park at the entrance to the open space property. He suggests prior to future Open Space purchases a joint meeting be held with the Park Commission. Mr. Carlberg said if Selmer and Kuiken happen the Open Space Advisory Commission will be done, as all monies will have been spent. The Open Space Advisory Commission may meet quarterly to review the management plans for the properties. Commissioner Lindahl stated the access to White Pines would not have a good crossing off County Road 20. The traffic into the development to access the North Woods Preserve Open Space would be a concern. Commissioner Olson stated when the property was purchased it did not allow room for a park. Commissioner Olson stated all three properties purchased have been wished to be preserved by the landowners. Commissioner Lindahl stated there is a park '/a mile from White Pines. Chair Sabel stated there will be opportunities in the future to work with the Park Commission on the upcoming properties being considered for purchase. Andover Park Commission /Open Space Advisory Commission Joint Worksession Minutes —May 1, 2014 Page 5 Commissioner Miskowiec asked about the Met Council 2040 plan and inclusion for the sewer district. Commissioner Olson stated the Met Council is trying to push everyone back in the City. Commissioner Olson asked what criteria the Park Commission uses when deciding on a park compared to the number of lots. Commissioner Lindahl stated each situation is considered separately. He suggested the Park Commission have a list similar for evaluation criteria. Chair Butler stated a couple larger parks are needed in the City. The number of housing units are considered as well as the neighboring resident's access to other parks. Chair Sabel asked if ball fields can be put on sod fields. Commissioner Stenzel stated they tend to move but can be done. More is spent on maintenance in the long term. Chair Butler stated the City has some parks that are wetland but the City attempts to avoid them. Commissioner Van Hecke asked about the trail on Wintergreen and 167`h lane. Mr. Carlberg stated there would be a trail along the east side of Wintergreen and likely a trail along 167`h Lane out to Hanson Blvd. NW. Commissioner Stenzel indicated Ward Lake on the map. Commissioner Stenzel stated the Park Commission's CIP included a discussion of Round Lake. He suggested there be a study or master plan for that lake to look at acquiring land that is currently private and converting it back to public space and eventually converting it to all park as a regional draw to the area. The master plan would include Kelsey Park. Mr. Carlberg stated he will see that the Park Commission is updated on the planned purchases and activities of the Open Space Advisory Commission. OTHER BUSINESS May 27, 2014 6 p.m., the City Council has set a work- session to meet with the Park Commission and the Open Space Advisory Commission. Chair Sabel suggested having a co -booth at the Fun Fest again this year with the Park and Recreation Commission and Open Space Advisory Commission. Andover Park Commission /Open Space Advisory Commission Joint Worksession Minutes —May 1, 2014 Page 6 Motion by Commissioner Stenzel, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the joint Worksession meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau) vote. Motion by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the joint Worksession meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Kovich) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 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: David L. Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Open Space Acquisition of Property Update DATE: May 14, 2014 INTRODUCTION Staff has continued to work with property owners to pursue acquisition of open space property east of Hanson Boulevard NW and north of 161 s` Avenue NW. DISCUSSION An update will be provided at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A discussion will be held at the meeting. Respectfully submitted, David L. Carlberg