Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Drago Flores, Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 9, 2013 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of October 9, 2013. Motion passed 6-0-1 (Flores present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg referenced the upcoming closing that had been scheduled for this Friday. He explained that during the search by the title company an error in the legal description of the property was found that needs to be corrected before a closing can occur. He provided an update on the process to correct the legal description and other information that needs to be obtained. He stated that Donna Aasness would still like to close the following week as long as the error is corrected before that time. He advised that staff will continue to follow up on the matter as both parties would still like to proceed with the transaction. He referenced the Selmer property and noted that the Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved by the City Council to include the Putnam and Ganter properties in the sewer/development plan and has been submitted to the Metropolitan Council. He advised that the Selmer purchase agreement was previously canceled by the property owner. He explained that with the proposed developments for Putnam and Ganter there may not be the opportunity to connect the Selmer property to sewer, which would affect the development value of the property. He suggested that the Commission give that property some time to wait and see what will happen, as the property owner may come back to the City if development opportunities do not come forward. He asked if the Commission would like to consider other properties within the city. Commissioner Kovich believed that the Commission should wait until the Aasness property closes before pursuing other properties. Commissioner Olson questioned the length of time before it is known if the Comprehensive Plan amendment is accepted by the Met Council. Mr. Carlberg provided an estimated review period of the issue, noting that the Met Council considers this to be a very minor amendment. He confirmed that staff will continue to work on the Aasness deal and he will continue to provide updates. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – November 13, 2013 Page 2 MARTIN’S MEADOWS UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that earlier today he visited the Martin’s Meadows open space area and displayed pictures of erosion control efforts that were installed this summer as well as photographs that he took today for comparison purposes. He advised that red reflectors and orange fencing have been installed for the winter season to deter snowmobiles. He commended Kevin Starr for his efforts to correct the erosion problems and deter the snowmobiles and ATVs. He advised that staff will continue to meet to discuss the prairie restoration efforts. Chairperson Sabel expressed appreciation to Kevin Starr for his efforts at the open space area on behalf of the Commission. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Carlberg stated that the City is going to do a community survey in January/February and a series of open space questions will be included. He believed that would be a good opportunity to obtain resident feedback. He noted that he should have copies of the draft questions available at the December meeting. Chairperson Sabel questioned if those with expiring terms would need to reapply. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that two or three Commissioners have expiring terms and advised that he would send a follow up email including the necessary application for those with expiring terms. He advised that Wal-Mart had opened today at 7:30 a.m. Commissioner Flores referenced the person from Anoka that would like to compile a list of birds within the open space and questioned how the City can encourage others to do similar work. Mr. Carlberg advised that an article could be included in the newsletter in the spring to give the matter some publicity and encourage similar efforts. Chairperson Sabel believed that the Commission could focus on an update of the Commission page on the City website in the next year. a. Next Meeting: December 11, 2013 Noted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg, Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary