Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:18 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Aaron Jarson, Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioner absent: Jim Olson Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 13, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of August 13, 2014. Motion passed 6-0. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg reported that Mr. Selmer signed the purchase agreement today in the amount of $345,000 for approximately 39.5 acres of property. He referenced the issue of an access road from the Country Oaks North development out to Hanson Boulevard and provided some land sale options for the future. He provided the total balance of the open space account and the amount that would be left if the entire 39.5 acres were purchased for open space, as well as options if less than the 39.5 acres were purchased. He noted that the Commission had previously discussed re-approaching Dennis Kuiken in attempt to acquire land as well as the City had a purchase agreement to buy 10 acres from him in 2012. He stated that the Selmer purchase agreement will move forward to the City Council for approval at their September 16th meeting with a closing date of no later than November 21, 2014. He stated that after the purchase agreement is approved staff will approach Mr. Kuiken. MARTIN’S MEADOWS MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Mr. Carlberg advised that the 2011 Management Plan was included in the Commission packet, along with a draft version with updates from staff. He asked the Commission to review the material at their leisure and provide input if the Commissioners feel amendments or additions would be needed. Commissioner Kovich confirmed that there is $117,000 available for management of this area and that the funds could be used in both the open space and park areas. Mr. Carlberg stated that perhaps he would ask a representative from Great River Greening to attend a meeting in the future to provide input on their recommendations. Commissioner Kovich stated that he would want to ensure that there are sufficient funds to provide maintenance. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Carlberg asked the Commission to review the information and be prepared with any comments at a future meeting, perhaps when a representative from Great River Greening is available. He stated that over the winter staff will continue to work on the Martin’s Meadows as well as the North Woods Preserve management plans, including the addition of the newly acquired Aasness property into the North Woods Preserve Plan. He advised that the Commission will meet on October 8th to tour the newly acquired portion of North Woods Preserve (the Aasness portion) and provided an update of recent staff activity on the site. He noted that staff is hoping to install boundary signage in the near future. He confirmed that he will provide copies of the trail map to the Commissioners once staff is able to update those. Commissioner Myers stated that brush piles are beneficial for wildlife. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Van Hecke stated that perhaps the Commission could sponsor a photo contest where residents can submit photographs taken in the open space areas, which would encourage use of the open space areas. a. Next Meeting: October 8, 2014 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary