HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 9, 2008
1
2 REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
3 JULY 9, 2008
4 MINUTES
5
6
7 The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by
8 Chairman Deric Deuschle, July 9, 2008, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
9 Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
10
11 Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppers, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek,
12 Bruce Perry and Kim Kovich
13 Commissioners absent:
14 Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz
15 Others
16
17 COMMUNITY TOUR
18
19 The Commission toured potential preservation sites until 8:30 pm.
20
21 Commissioner Kovich left the meeting at 8:30 pm.
22
23 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
24
25 June 11, 2008
26
27 Motion by Keppers, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried
28 unanimously.
29
30
31 DISCUSS FINALIZATION OF DRAFT CORRIDORS
32
33 Chairman Deuschle presented a map of revised corridors. He stated that the map attempted to
34 address the Council's comments from the June 24th Work Session by adding a corridor in the eastern
35 part of the city.
36
37 Commissioner Holasek asked if nearly all of the undeveloped area in that part of the city was
38 included in the new corridor. Chairman Deuschle responded that was correct.
39
40 The Commission. was generally in favor of the changes and reaffirmed that the map will be
41 considered a draft at this time.
42
43 Commissioner Perry suggested the Commission discuss the draft definition for corridors that was
44 included in the packet. The Commission discussed and was generally in favor of the definition.
45
46 Commissioner Olson asked how this fits with the timing of the Comprehensive Plan.
Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 9, 2008
Page 2
1 Mr. Bednarz noted that this definition will be presented with the map to the Council prior to
2 finalization of the Comprehensive Plan so that they may be included if the Council chooses to do so.
3
4 DISCUSS STEPS LEADING UP TO OPEN HOUSE
5
6 Chairman Deuschle indicated that he had spoken with a Star Tribune reporter and had scheduled an
7 interview for an article closer to September.
8
9 Commissioner Sabel asked if the Commission had determined a date for the meeting. After some
10 discussion, the Commission determined that September 17th would be an acceptable meeting date.
11 The Commission noted that the date may need to change if guest speakers had a conflict with that
12 date.
13
14 Commissioner Perry asked if an open house was the correct structure for the meeting.
15
16 Commissioner Holasek was concerned that the term open house may lead people to believe they can
17 arrive at any time. This may be counterproductive if information is shared at the beginning of the
18 meeting in a presentation. He suggested an information meeting.
19
20 Commissioner Sable indicated that she has had success with the information meeting format where a
21 structured presentation is made at the beginning of the meeting and plenty of time is allocated to
22 answering questions afterward.
23
24 The Commission agreed that an information meeting was the correct format.
25
26 Chairman Deuschle stated he believed the role of the Commission would be to thank residents for
27 coming and ask how they can help.
28
29 Commissioner Perry stated that information should be distributed before the meeting to generate
30 interest in attending the meeting.
31
32 Commissioner Sabel asked who would be invited to the meeting.
33
34 Chairman Deuschle stated that the Commission had discussed a variety of mass media techniques
35 and also a direct mailing to property owners with properties above a certain acreage.
36
37 Commissioner Olson believed that the information should not be too technical or people may not
38 read it. He stressed the need to get the message across with general concepts.
39
40 Commissioner Holasek sated that the information should address questions beyond just tax
41 implications.
42
43 The Commission discussed guest speakers for the information meeting including Sarah Strommen
37
38 Courtney Bednarz
Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting
Minutes - July 9, 2008
Page 3
1 from the Minnesota Land Trust and Paul Bockenstedt, the botanist from Bonestroo, Inc.
2
3 Mr. Bednarz indicated that Commissioner Kovich said he also had some ideas for guest speakers.
4 Chairman Deuschle asked Mr. Bednarz to follow-up with Commissioner Kovich to ensure that a
5 broad range of experts could be invited.
6
7 The Commission discussed what should be included in a direct mailing to property owners with
8 properties above a certain acreage.
9
10 Commissioner Sabel asked Commissioner Olson how Pheasants Forever generates interest in
11 preservation. Commissioner Olson stated that personal relationships, whether through hunting or
12 membership in the organization are common ways of talking to people about preservation. He
13 indicated that he would contact the people who work directly with property owners.
14
15 Commissioner Sable reviewed a plan for short television spots on QCTV. The draft outline included
16 spots for each Commissioner on topics like: an overview ofthe open space effort, the history ofthe
17 city, the Rum River, Kelsey Round Lake Park, forests and corridors with biodiversity, and the
18 resource inventory field work. The group thought that preservation tools could be mixed in to the
19 spots to give examples of how they would work. Commissioner Sabel indicated she would refine the
20 outline and schedule some time with QCTV.
21
22 The Commission discussed how to use the information sheets included in the packet and the types of
23 information that should be posted to the web site. It was determined that staff would work on the
24 items that were not specifically assigned to a commissioner.
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26
27 OTHER BUSINESS
28
29 Commissioner Sabel presented an overview ofthe recently adopted LCCMR Statewide Conservation
30 & Preservation Plan. The plan provides goals for improving the environment and areas of focus for
31 funding from the state. It is a large and detailed document that will take some time to review.
32
33 Motion by Sabel, Seconded by Keppers, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
34 adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
35
36 Respectfully submitted,
37
38 Courtney Bednarz