Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2014 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: Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, Jim Olson, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke (left at 7:57 p.m.) Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Lyle Bradley RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. SWEARING IN OF NEW AND RE-APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Myers introduced himself to the other members of the Commission including his residency, education, and career. Chairperson Sabel noted that Commissioner Myers is also a beekeeper and he will be giving a presentation to the League of Women Voters on Monday, March 10, 2014, a local organization to which she belongs. Commissioner Myers provided additional information on raising bees, mentioning that there are things they could do within the open spaces to increase habitat for pollinators. Mr. Carlberg noted that the knowledge of Commissioner Meyers will be useful in the management plans being development with Great River Greening. Mr. Carlberg administered the oath of office to Chairperson Sabel and Commissioners Myers, and Van Hecke. SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Chairperson Sabel opened the floor for nominations for the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson positions for 2014. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to appoint Gretchen Sabel as Chairperson for 2014. Motion passed 7-0. Motion by Commissioner Sabel, Second by Commissioner Olson, to appoint Kim Kovich as Vice Chairperson for 2014. Motion passed 7-0. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – February 12, 2014 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 8, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of January 8, 2014. Motion passed 6-0-1 (Myers present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg reported that the Aasness purchase has closed and advised of the next steps, which would be taken this spring to survey and mark the open space area. He noted that this would clearly identify the boundaries of the open space area and also deter visitors from traveling onto the Aasness’ property. He discussed access options and noted that Larry Emerich is proposing the White Pines 2nd Addition, which would provide additional access points from the south. He noted that the Commission had discussed the option of sending a mailer to appeal to interested sellers but at the last meeting had decided to postpone that option. He referenced the Selmer property and noted that City staff has met with the developer that has already purchased the Putnam property to obtain his plans for development. He stated that staff also believes that the developer has a purchase agreement on the Ganter property. He advised that Richard Kuiken, owner of the land where the motocross race track is located, seems to have changed his opinion on development and may also be included in this development plan. He noted that the proposed plan for development does not include urban development on the Selmer property. He advised that the Metropolitan Council considered the amendment to include the proposed area in the urban service area as a consent agenda item tonight and noted that once approved the City Council would consider the item to complete the process at their next meeting. He noted that the development plan will move through the process and believed that the Selmer purchase agreement may not remain because of the limited amount of urban service lots. He suggested that the Commission let this move along in the public process and noted that Selmer may come back around to the Commission as an interested seller. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the new open space area would stay with the name of North Woods Preserve. Mr. Carlberg stated that he believed that should remain the same because the two open space areas run contiguous and separate names could be confusing. He noted that residents are recognizing the current name. Commissioner Van Hecke stated that she would be interested in exploring plants and flowers that could attract bees, as suggested by Commissioner Myers, noting that North Woods Preserve is a large space now with the Aasness property being added. Mr. Carlberg displayed a slide show of pictures that were taken by Chairperson Sabel and Commissioner Myers snowshoeing at North Woods Preserve recently. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – February 12, 2014 Page 3 COMMUNITY SURVEY UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that included in the Commission packet were the three questions regarding open space that were approved by the City Council to include in the community survey. He believed that these questions will provide the information desired by the Commission, noting that the last version of the survey was conducted in 2006. He noted that the survey will be conducted in March with the results available this spring. MARTIN’S MEADOWS – METRO BIG RIVERS PHASE 4 GRANT UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that the City will receive $117,000 from Great Rivers Greening, which is a part of the Metro Big Rivers Phase 4 Project. He noted that an excerpt from the Metro Big Rivers Phase 4 Project that mentions the activity for the Martin’s Meadows area was included in the staff report for Commission information. He discussed some of the restoration work, which will occur at the site, which could include plantings to attract pollinators. He noted that while it would be nice to have a floating walkway to access the site, he did not believe the grant funds could be used for that purpose. Chairperson Sabel confirmed that the Commission could review the management plan for the area at the March meeting. The consensus of the Commission was not to pursue the idea of a floating walkway as they prefer the more natural meandering walkway that exists. Commissioner Myers noted that there is a wide variety of plantings available other than simply prairie plantings. Commissioner Kovich questioned the length of time the City would have to spend the grant funds. Mr. Carlberg noted that the City would have until June 30, 2016. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps an observation platform could be created on the site. It was noted that could be a great opportunity for an Eagle Scout project. She noted that the Commission will have to review and update the management plan for North Woods Preserve. Mr. Carlberg noted that the representative working with the City on the grant funds is checking into the possibility of using some of the funds on the North Woods Preserve area but was uncertain. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – February 12, 2014 Page 4 OTHER BUSINESS a. Publicizing of Open Space Properties Chairperson Sabel noted that she is able to post pictures on the Anoka County Facebook page of activity within the parks. She stated that she was interested in adding pictures from the open space on the Andover Facebook page but was unable. Mr. Carlberg noted that he would follow up with staff to determine if that would be possible. He also presented the article for the Commission that will appear in the next edition of the City newsletter. Chairperson Sabel questioned if the website needs updating. Mr. Carlberg accessed the website for open space, within the City website, and it was determined that the website does need updating. Chairperson Sabel suggested that the Commissioners think of activities, which could occur during the summer in the open space areas. Commissioner Van Hecke left the meeting. b. Next Meeting: March 12, 2014 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary