Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 8, 2010 , REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING December 8,2010 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairman Deric Deuschle at 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek, Bruce Perry, Jody Keppers, and Kim Kovich Commissioners absent: There were none Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 10,2010 Motion by Holasek, Second by Olson to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Chairman Deuschle stated that the Council expressed some interest in the parcel at the southeast comer of Crosstown and Andover Boulevards. Commissioner Kovich stated that he thought the Council had previously stated they were not in favor of purchasing this property. Chairman Deuschle stated he believed that was at the time when the Luedtke property was being considered and it was early on in the process before it was known what other properties could be available. Commissioner Perry stated that extending the trail corridor along Coon Creek was also mentioned. Commissioner Holasek stated that the property provided direct access to the creek and good access from the street. Mr. Bednarz stated that the Council requested that the ownership and potential sale price information be updated on this property, The Commission agreed that this should be done. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - November 10, 2010 Page 2 Chairman Deuschle stated that the Council also discussed the Selmer property. There was concern that it is landlocked but there was also discussion that access could be provided through an agreement with the Kuiken Family, future development, or the location of an athletic complex between the site and Hanson Boulevard. Commissioner Holasek stated that the site could work well for soccer fields but he was less sure that it would be suitable for football or baseball fields if they were part of the plan. Commissioner Olson asked if the Park Commission should be involved in determining if this location is appropriate. Mr. Bednarz stated that they could be asked to discuss the idea and provide feedback. Commissioner Keppers asked what the cost of the Selmer property might be. Mr. Bednarz stated that he had previously discussed a range near the estimated market value of the property with the owner. He stated that the Council also requested updated information for this site. The Commission agreed that this should be done. Chairman Deuschle stated that the potential expansion of the trail corridor along Coon Creek was also discussed with the Council. Commissioner Holasek stated that the property at the southeast comer of Crosstown and Andover Boulevards would help fill the gap between Hanson and Crosstown Boulevards. Commissioner Kovich stated that the trail already provided access from Hanson Boulevard to Bunker Hills Regional Park. Chairman Deuschle stated that the Council was more concerned with the undeveloped properties west of the High School as well as the developed properties in other areas along the creek. Mr. Bednarz stated that there is a significant amount of floodplain along the creek west of the high school. He added that there would be an opportunity to establish a trail route in that area as development occurs outside of the floodplain. He suggested that a summary ofthe areas along the creek be prepared to identifY the opportunities and issues in extending the trail corridor. The Commission agreed that this should be done. Chairman Deushcle stated that the Council also suggested that the city newsletter be utilized to get the word out about the open space properties. Commissioner Keppers stated that the regulations that were recently established could be one item. -- --- . Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - November 10, 2010 Page 3 Commissioner Kovich stated that they should also include activities that would draw people in such as skiing and snowshoeing. Chairman Deuschle asked that the newsletter schedule be brought back so that the Commission could plan for future articles. DISCUSS STEWARDSHIP OF OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES a. Martin's Meadows b. White Pine Wilderness Chairman Deuschle stated that staff would prepare drafts of the management plans and asked if there was any additional information the Commission would like included. Commissioner Sabel suggested that the Commission allow public input once the drafts were prepared by using the newsletter, web site and include meeting dates so people could attend and discuss the plans. Commissioner Olson stated that he met with Mike O'Neil who is the outdoor adventure teacher at the high school. He asked him if he had any interest in working with them on the management plans, finding volunteers to help on the properties or any other ideas. Chairman Deuschle stated that White Pine Wilderness would be a good site for wetland management, planting or an outdoor classroom. He added that Mr. Emmerich would be a good resource to meet with the class as well. Commissioner Holasek stated that it would be important to have an understanding in place before the group made any changes to the site. Commissioner Kovich asked if the group should evaluate the management plan information and suggest priorities. Chairman Deuschle stated that was what the tables were intended to do and encouraged input from the Commissioners. Commissioner Olson asked if the Commission had a budget to work with. Mr. Bednarz stated there was not a line item in the budget for their expenses, but money had been made available from other sources for small items like appraisals and signage. He added that the plan needs to show the work that needs to be done on the sites and provide cost estimates so that the Council can choose whether to allocate additional funds to manage the sites. Chairman Deuschle stated he views it as an implementation plan with tasks and a schedule for short term maintenance needs as well as long term improvements as funds or labor becomes Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes-November 10,2010 Page 4 available through budgeting, grants, volunteers and in house help. He added that if they are authorized they could provide a detailed description of the work to be done to get quotes or they could see what budget amount is available and see what work could be done for that amount. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next meeting Mr. Bednarz stated that the next.meeting was on January lih. He reminded the Commissioners that the deadline for commission applications was approaching and that interviews would be held on January 13th. Commissioner Holasek stated he is still considering whether he would reapply so he wanted to complement the Commission on the knowledge that each member brought to the group and their passion for preserving open space. Commissioner Sabel added that she believed they had a common purpose and that was helpful to their discussions. Motion to Adjourn Kovich, second by Keppers. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Courtney Bednarz