Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 9, 2014 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:15 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, Jim Olson (arrived at 7:18 p.m.), 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 – March 12, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Jarson, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of March 12, 2014. Motion passed 4-0-2 (Kovich and Van Hecke present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg reported that the Commission was able to view tonight the Aasness land purchased and was pleased to see it was nicer than expected. He presented the Preliminary Plat of Country Oaks North (Putnam property) that has been submitted to the City. Commissioner Olson arrived at 7:18 p.m. Mr. Carlberg continued to review the draft development plan and proposed access points. He referenced the Selmer parcel noting that the alternate offer received by the property owner has fallen away and there may be opportunity for the Commission to pursue that parcel again should the property owner be interested. He confirmed the amount available in the open space fund. He reviewed the number of sewer connections that would be available for development in the area. He believed the best position of the Commission is to simply wait at this point to see what comes forward. Commissioner Van Hecke questioned if the draft development plans would include almost a clear cut of the Putnam property. Mr. Carlberg noted that there would be areas of preservation around the perimeter of the development but advised that the storm water management for urban development works against tree preservation. Commissioner Olson stated that the Council had the opportunity to preserve the trees north of Constance by not extending the MUSA line. Mr. Carlberg noted that there are low impact developments that could come forward but acknowledged that the cost is higher with that option and the terrain has to be right. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Commission does have an opportunity to preserve trees that would be removed for development in that area through the purchase of additional open space. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Carlberg stated that the Commission only has a certain amount of money and the intent of the Commission is to preserve large pieces of land that could otherwise be developed. Chairperson Sabel advised that the Aasness family would be interested in selling additional land to the Commission in the future. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that another 37 acres could be purchased from the Aasness family but noted that it would most likely be at least eight to ten years before that would occur. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps the Aasness family would be willing to enter into a conservation easement and/or first right of refusal. Mr. Carlberg noted that it could be difficult for the Commission to enter into a first right of refusal, as the funds would need to be available when the purchase is offered. He agreed that staff could look into that but noted that the funds of the Commission will be depleted prior to the next eight years. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps Sarah Strommen of BWSR would be willing to come back to the Commission to provide information on funds that would be available for Conservation Easements. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Carlberg noted that the Commission will be walking the Martin’s Meadows property prior to the May 14th regular meeting. a. Schedule Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission on May 1st at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Carlberg advised that the Parks and Recreation Commission selected May 1st at 7:00 p.m. to hold the joint meeting with the OSAC. He noted that the meeting would be similar to a Worksession and would not be cablecast. He believed that this would be a good opportunity for the two groups to begin an open dialogue. He confirmed that this is the regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks Commission. Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Olson, to schedule a joint meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission on May 1st at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. b. Next Meeting May 14, 2014 Mr. Carlberg advised that Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. at Martin’s Meadows prior to the regular meeting. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2014 Page 3 He advised that he did receive a draft copy of the resident survey results, noting that the survey was conducted via telephone. The Commission discussed methods for improving the resident knowledge of open space and publicizing the locations such as newspaper articles, a photo contest, and programming. Commissioner Perry noted that now that funds have been spent and land has been acquired, the Commission could also focus on education of those areas to increase use. Mr. Carlberg noted that more established entrances and/or signage could also increase use. He stated that once the Council reviews and approves the resident survey he will provide a copy to the Commission to review. He confirmed that staff will also develop an agenda for the May 1st joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission and send that to the Commission. Chairperson Sabel stated that the Commission has once again agreed to staff a booth at Funfest and will begin discussions at the May 14th meeting. She asked the Commission to think of ideas prior to the May meeting. She referenced the management plans and questioned if the discussion had been finished on that. Mr. Carlberg noted that he is working on them as some of the maps and information was outdated and will bring the updated information back to the Commission in the future. Chairperson Sabel asked that the Commission be alerted when Mr. Carlberg walks the open space areas with other staff members to discuss the management plans and maintenance. She mentioned the possibility of Emmerich conducting excavation on the open space side of the pond when he conducts the wetland work on his development in order to create more open water for the adjacent open space area. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that staff could review that option. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary