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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 10, 2008 Sl\.NDbVE~ REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10,2008 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairman Deuschle, December 10,2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppers, Kim Kovich and Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Winslow Holasek, Bruce Perry Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 12, 2008 Motion by Kovich, seconded by Sabel, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, O-present, 2-absent (Holasek, Perry) vote. REVIEW PROGRESS ON SELECTED SITES Mr. Bednarz provided an update on the status of negotiations with five property owners in four different areas of the city. Two of the property owners are still considering the information discussed with staff. One had a significantly higher expectation than could be justified and a fourth needed more work between the owner and staff. The Commission discussed each of the properties and noted that the types of public access may be different for each property. Mr. Bednarz indicated that he intended to finalize a summary sheet as discussions progress and to have this information for the commission at their next meeting. The intent would be to have a discussion at that meeting and make recommendations to the Council for the Council to consider at their January 20th meeting. Commissioner Olson stated that he thought a work session with the Council before the January 20th meeting would be a good idea. The Commission agreed. Chairman Deuschle stated that this would be a good opportunity for the Commission to explain how Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - December 10, 2008 Page 2 they arrived at their recommendations and for staff to answer questions about how the propeliies are valued. Commissioner Olson agreed and said they would like to avoid the situation they faced this past spring where this type of conversation did not occur. Commissioner Keppel's added that the Council may choose to change the Commission's recommendation. Chairman Deuschle stated that funding is available through the state this year but there would be no guarantees in the future. Commissioner Olson asked ifthere were other grant opportunities they could explore. Mr. Bednarz stated the DNR has the largest ones. However, the Commission may also wish to explore private or corporate donors, other non-profit organizations or federal grants such as those through the Fish and Wildlife Service. Each ofthese will carry their own goals and limitations. REVIEW NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY FIELDWORK REPORT Mr. Bednarz gave a brief summary ofthe report indicating that it provided a summary of each site and more generalized recommendations for the different types of natural areas that exist in the city. Chairman Deuschle added that the report avoids recommending sites for acquisition and focuses on the conditions of each study area with specific observations. The report also takes a broad brush look at the types of natural areas that still exist in the city. Commissioner Olson asked how many ofthe sites in the report were on the selected properties list. Chairman Deuschle indicated that two of them are. Mr. Bednarz stated that the contract allows for the Commission to review the document and to recommend changes to make it more useful for them. Commissioner Keppel'S asked if the report could include more references for the types of natural areas and the management techniques that are available. The Commission discussed changes to the report. Chairman Deuschle suggested that the report could connect the conditions found on the individual sites more closely with particular management recommendations from the list found at the end of the report. OTHER BUSINESS The Commission discussed their monthly e-newsletter and the items that it will contain. Commissioner Sabel indicated that she would prepare a draft and forward it to the Commissioners. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - December 10, 2008 Page 3 Motion by Kovich, Seconded by Keppel's, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz