Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 13, 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 (arrived at 7:01 p.m.) Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Donna Aasness, resident RESIDENT FORUM Donna Aasness stated that she really likes the new parking lot off of Hanson Boulevard NW providing access to North Woods preserve and commented that it looks very nice. Commissioner Van Hecke arrived at 7:01 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 9, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Perry, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to approve the minutes of July 9, 2014. Motion passed 6-0-1 (Olson present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg provided an update on properties discussed at the previous meeting. He advised that he did pass on the information about the available parcel on Round Lake and believed the opportunity would be passed to the Park and Recreation Commission at a future meeting. He referenced the Selmer property and noted that the property owner is back at the negotiation table with the City. He provided additional information and advised that the City Council will discuss the possible open space purchase via closed session the following week. He noted that there could be a possibility in purchasing land from Kuiken as well, if that property owner is also interested. OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE a. Access to North Woods Preserve from Hanson Boulevard NW Mr. Carlberg reported that the parking lot was finished today. He stated that perhaps a natural barrier of trees will be planted around the parking area and confirmed that the visibility from Hanson will remain a focus. He reported on planned road and signal improvements at the intersection of 161st Avenue NW and Hanson Boulevard NW being done by the Anoka County Highway Department. He stated that if the City allows the County’s contractor to park their construction trailer in the lot temporarily the contractor will donate the materials and construct the paved approach off of Hanson into the parking area. He advised that the gravel parking area was constructed by the City’s Public Works Department with some materials being had onsite, noting that there would be space available for approximately 14 vehicles. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2014 Page 2 b. Signage of Aasness Property Mr. Carlberg reported that because of the wet conditions thus far Public Works staff has not been able to install the open space boundary signage along the property lines but that it will be done before summer is over. He noted that staff will create a winding walking mowed trail as well, possibly with wood chips in areas where needed. He advised of a trail connection that will also be obtained through the platting of the White Pines Wilderness 2nd Addition development. Chair Sabel confirmed that there will be sufficient parking for the public even with the construction trailer. Mr. Carlberg stated that he is unsure that the site should be publicized much until after the open space signs can be installed. He stated that the Commission will review the management plan for the open space area following the tour of the property in October. c. Kiosks Mr. Carlberg advised that the Eagle Scouts are creating their own designs for the kiosk option selected by the Commission at the previous meeting and are working with staff throughout that process. FUN FEST RECAP Mr. Carlberg asked for input from the Commission on the event. Commissioner Perry stated that he was surprised at the response of the public to the Commission, noting that the group was well received. Commissioner Jarson stated that he also was encouraged by the number of residents that were interested in the information and advised that half of the residents he had spoken with had actually been to an open space area. Commissioner Myers stated that most of the questions he received were regarding what is allowed in terms of activity within the open space. He believed that it would be helpful to have a handout with allowed activities in the future. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that the Commission would like to continue to staff a booth with the Parks and Recreation Commission at future Fun Fest events. Commissioner Kovich noted that he enjoyed being able to speak with the Park and Recreation Commission members as well. Chairperson Sabel stated that it may be helpful to list running areas and trails within the City. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2014 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: September 10, 2014 (6:00 p.m. – Tour of Martin’s Meadows) Chairperson Sabel stated that she would like to change the tour time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mr. Carlberg confirmed that the tour will begin at 5:30 at the Martin’s Meadows open space area meeting on the Navajo Street access point with the regular meeting to follow at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. He noted that he also forwarded a list of bird observed at the open space area by a local birdwatcher. He also reported the available balance in the open space account. The Commission discussed plants and vegetation found in open space areas and parks within Andover. Chairperson Sabel stated that it would be nice to partner with the Parks and Recreation Commission to raise awareness of the parks and open space areas. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Jarson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary