HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 11, 2008
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6 REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
7 JUNE 11,2008
8 MINUTES
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11 The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by
12 Chairman Deric Deuschle, June 11,2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
13 Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
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15 Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppers, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek
16 (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), and Bruce Perry
17 Commissioners absent: Kim Kovich
18 Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz
19 Others
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22 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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24 May 14, 2008
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26 Commissioner Keppers noted on the motion to approve the minutes he was listed as seconding
27 the motion along with being absent and should be removed from being absent.
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29 Motion by Perry, seconded by Keppers, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried on
30 a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Holasek, Kovich) vote.
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33 DISCUSS JUNE 24TH WORK SESSION WITH COUNCIL
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35 Corridors
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37 Mr. Bednarz stated the Council received but did not formally approve the corridors recommended by
38 the Commission. The Council expressed concern that an area designated as part of a corridor would
39 adversely affect development or otherwise obligate the city to purchase the property. The
40 Commission discussed more clearly explaining the purposes of the corridors to alleviate the
41 Council's concerns.
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43 Open House
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45 In the discussion with guest speaker Sarah Strommen, an open house was recommended as one of
46 the best ways to get information to property owners and start a dialogue with them. It was suggested
47 that it is helpful to have partners from other organizations interested in conservation to answer
48 questions about the different types of programs and benefits that are available.
Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - June 11, 2008
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2 Commissioner Perry wondered why they were going to meet with the Council at a worksession. Mr.
3 Bednarz stated the Council was not sure about why the Commission wanted to identify corridors and
4 the meeting will help to explain why corridors should be identified.
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6 Commissioner Olson thought they should update the Council on the discussion Sarah Strommen had
7 with the Commission and maybe have her come to make a presentation to them because she is very
8 knowledgeable.
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10 Commissioner Holasek arrived at 7:10 p.m.
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12 Chairman Deuschle asked ifMr. Bednarz could see if Ms. Strommen could make it to the meeting
13 and also to an open house.
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15 The Commission discussed when they should start planning for an open house along with who they
16 should personally invite and if they should invite possible property owners that would be in the
17 proposed corridors.
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19 The Commission discussed possible days for an open house. It was suggested July 24, 2008 as an
20 open house date.
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23 DISCUSS FIELD WORK FUNDED BY CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE GRANT
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25 The DNR has approved the Conservation Assistance Grant Application in the amount of$10,000.
26 The grant money will be used to fund field work within the study areas. This will include evaluation
27 of the trees and plants and delineation of plant community boundaries. The information will be used
28 to update and add detail to the natural resource inventory. The work will be conducted by a botanist
29 and a city staff person.
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31 Commissioner Olson wondered if they should include the grant award in the newsletter and kind
32 of advertise for residents who want to donate or sell their land for open space.
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34 Chairman Deuschle asked if this is a reimbursable grant. Mr. Bednarz thought they would be
35 expending up front and get reimbursed.
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38 CHECK 2008 WORK PROGRAM FOR NEXT STEPS
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40 Mr. Bednarz reviewed the summer work program with the Commission.
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42 Commissioner Sabel thought they should think about ways too look for public outreach
43 opportunities.
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Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - June 11, 2008
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1 Commissioner Perry thought they should add to their schedule the deadline dates for the
2 newsletter. Commissioner Sabel wondered ifthey could get the cable channel to go along on
3 some outings.
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6 OTHER BUSINESS
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8 a. Possible Land Acquisition by County
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10 Mr. Bednarz reviewed a parcel ofland in NW Andover with the Commission that is a possible
11 acquisition by the County.
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13 b. Next Meeting
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15 The Commission discussed items they would like to discuss at the next meeting.
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17 . A tour of the area before the July 9th Commission meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. This
18 will help to have information before the open house by the Commission.
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21 Motion by Sabel, Seconded by Perry, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
22 adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
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24 Respectfully submitted,
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26 Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary