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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 9, 2010 C I T Y o F 0 NDOVE 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 June 9, 2010 Andover City Hall Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes - April14, 2010 4. Update on Property Negotiations 5. Update on Recommended Changes to the City Code 0 6. Update on Council Direction 7. Discuss Stewardship of Acquired Open Space 8. Other Business a. Next meeting 9. Adjournment 0 0 REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING June 9, 2010 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairman Deric Deuschle, March 10,2010, 7:03 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppers, Jim Olson Winslow Holasek, Bruce Peny and Kim Kovich Commissioners absent: Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 14, 2010 Motion by Peny, Seconded by Keppel'S, to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. UPDATE ON PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS 0 Mr. Bednarz updated the Commission on property negotiations within the last month. He noted that the Park and Recreation Commission and Council had also discussed the potential for open space within the White Pine Wilderness development. Commissioner Keppers stated that it was important to show that the city was not subsidizing private development. Chairman Deuschle stated that the city park location would work well next to the open space. Commissioner Sabel asked about the location of parking. Mr. Bednarz stated that the public streets would provide some parking and potential for a grass parking area could also be considered if necessary. The Commission discussed the Anoka Independent grain property noting that the appraised value was significantly less than the owner had anticipated. UPDATE ON RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE CITY CODE Chairman Deuschle stated that the Park and Recreation Commission had reviewed the code changesthe Open Space Commission had recommended And did not agree with setting hours from dawn to dusk. 0 The Commission discussed the hours open space areas should be open to the public. The Commission agreed that the hours should be consistent with city parks. ---- 0 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - June 9, 2010 Page 2 UPDATE ON COUNCIL DIRECTION Chairman Deuschle reviewed the staff report with the Commission stating that the Council had asked the Commission to revisit areas along Coon Creek for potential preservation of open space. He added that there was only interest by one property owner in that area when owners were initially contacted in that study area. Commissioner Kovich stated that land on both sides of Andover Boulevard was owned by the high school and some prairie restoration work had been done there. Chairman Deuschle asked about the farmland to the west ofthe high school. Mr. Bednarz indicated that the property was enrolled in the agricultural preserve program and every indication is that it will continue to be farmed for years to come. Commissioner Sabel indicated she thought the Council's intent was to focus on connecting a trail between Round Lake Boulevard and Crosstown Boulevard because development has prevented a trail connection farther east. 0 Commissioner Keppers stated that an area along the creek that could be maintained in one parcel and not divided up into backyards would be a good location for a trail. Chairman Deuschle stated that this area may be best approached as opportunities arise through development or other contact with property owners. The Commission agreed that this should be kept on the list of areas of interest. Commissioner Sabel asked for an update on the golf course property. Mr. Bednarz indicated that discussions with the property owner and bank involved in the property had not resulted in any progress toward a future use or sale of the property. DISCUSS STEWARDSHIP OF ACQUIRED OPEN SPACE Chairman Deuschle reviewed the staff report with the Commission. He asked for input from the Commissioners on the management plan. He stated that some management plans have big ideas but no funding to implement them and he did not want that to be the case here. One of the features of the site is a ditch that pmiially drains a wetland on the site. He added that there are aspen trees filling in an area that used to be prairie. 0 Commissioner Holasek stated that nature will take over and restore the area to the way it was before. Commissioner Keppers stated that the plan should show short to mid term goals, such as preventing deterioration ofthe natural areas, and long term goals stating other desirable outcomes. 0 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes-June 9,2010 Page 3 Commissioner Olson stated that volunteer groups such as the Andover 4H group are always looking for projects and they could help on the site. He added that the plan should have several potential projects that volunteers or grants could help implement. Chairman Deuschle asked at what point the city should start talking about a boardwalk to improve access to the site. Mr. Bednarz stated that could be part ofthe management plan. Commissioner Sabel stated that the plan should list the things that must be done to maintain the site. Chairman Deuschle stated that the plan can have priorities and not everything would need to be accomplished right away. 0 OTHER BUSINESS The Commission discussed preparations for Fun Fest with Commissioners Keppers, Sabel and Chairman Deuschle volunteering to represent the Commission at the event. a. Next Meeting July 14,2010 Motion to Adjourn Kovich, seconded by Keppers. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p,m, Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz 0