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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 9, 2009 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 .WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairman Deric Deischle, December 9,2009,7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppel's, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek, Bruce Perry and Kim Kovich Commissioners absent: None City Councilmembers Present: Mayor Mike Gamache, Mike Knight, Don Jacobson, and Julie Trude Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson Others UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES FOR THE OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Chair Deuschle reported that the Commission has come a long ways in the past two and a half years and accomplished many things during that time. He advised that the City is currently working to close the sale of the first open space property. He stated that the Commission would possibly like to contribute more to the City and thought that it may be beneficial for the Commission to be a part of the development review process. DISCUSS POTENTIAL FOR INFORMAL AND VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS Chair Deuschle stated that the Commission had discussed possibly becoming a part of the development review process, stressing that the Commission would like to be involved early in the process and that participation would be strictly voluntary. Councilmember Trude suggested holding an open house for known developers in the area to advise them of this option and to provide the information to the developers in advance of their plans for development. Councilmember Jacobson stated that he would be against this option being a required step in the development process as he did not think that any additional hurdles need to be added into that process. Chair Deuschle stressed that this participation would be strictly voluntary and would not be a Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - December 9, 2009 Page 2 required part of the development review process. Commissioner Kovich stated that the assistance of the Open Space Commission could be seen as an added benefit for developers and explained that land would not necessarily need to be donated but could also be purchased as open space. The Commission and the Council discussed the development review process and the best time in that process for the Open Space Commission to be involved. Chair Deuschle stated that the Commission would continue to work with Mr. Bednarz to develop information that could be included for developers in the packet that is provided prior to the application submittal. UPDATE ON DISCUSSION WITH PROPERTY OWNERS Chair Deuschle briefed the Commission and Council on the White Pines property and explained that while the Commission did have interest in a portion of the property the owner only had a vague idea of which portion he would be interested in selling. He advised that the owner would be in contact with Mr. Bednarz to provide more specific information. He then reviewed the Jackel property and advised that the Commission also had interest in a portion of that property. It was discussed that the property would need to be restored because of the current condition and that the owner may desire a higher value than what the property would be wOlih. Chair Deuschle summarized the activity in regard to the Selmer property. He stated that the Commission would be more interested in one section over another but advised that Mr. Selmer would need to speak with his sister in regard to a potential sale, as she is half owner. The Commission and Council discussed the different oppOliunities for property acquisition in the City, including the desire to purchase property along the creek in the southern portion of the City. Methods for funding and thoughts on the potential property acquisition in the future were also discussed. Planning Commissioner Dean Daninger confirmed that Meadow Creek school may have a piece of property available for purchase and volunteered to open the lines of communication between the school and the City. Chair Deuschle reported that the first open space purchase should be finalized in the next week. The Commission and Council discussed the possibility of holding a ribbon cutting once the process was complete. The Council and Commission discussed the desire to acquire property along the creek in the southern pOliion ofthe City. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - December 9, 2009 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS A. Next Meeting Chair Deuschle stated that the next meeting of the Commission would be the regularly scheduled meeting of January 13,2010 at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Keppel'S, Seconded by Olson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary