Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 14, 2015 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:02 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 Commissioners absent: None Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director Donna Aasness, Resident RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 10, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Van Hecke, to approve the minutes of December 10, 2014. Motion passed 6-0-1 (Olson present). APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2014 Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Jarson, to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2014 joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion passed 7-0. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg provided an update on the pipeline easement the Commission had previously discussed. He advised that the attorney for Selmer/Blanchette has cleared the property of the pipeline easement and therefore the remaining funds that were being held will be released. He referenced the Ganter property, which was purchased by Mr. Wold and advised that the Council will be discussing that issue at their meeting on January 27th. He displayed a map of the Selmer/Blanchette property as well as neighboring parcels, including the land proposed for development by Mr. Wold. He referenced a black ash swamp and noted that area was identified through the review of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) of the Lower Rum River Management Organization (LRRWMO) and that may become an issue that slows the development process as well as the road out to Hanson Boulevard NW. He stated that may also delay the decision in regard to the ten acres of the Selmer/Blanchette purchase by the Commission. He noted that he will provide an update to the Commission in February following the Council discussion at their January 27th meeting. He confirmed that until this situation is known a portion of the open space funds will be in limbo. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2015 Page 2 REVIEW MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATES Mr. Carlberg stated that he is working with the Anoka County Highway Department to post directional signage on 7th Avenue NW at 173 Avenue NW for the Martin’s Meadows open space, which should be installed in the spring. He noted that the City would also be installing additional directional signage at Navajo Street NW and 173rd Avenue NW. He advised that the kiosk has been fully installed and stated that he will be dropping literature off later this week. RECAP JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mr. Carlberg stated that he believed the Park Commission would seriously discuss the possibility of purchasing some of the south end of the Selmer/Blanchette property for use as a park. Commissioner Kovich stated that it would be a shame for the south ten acres to be cut down for use as sports fields. Chairperson Sabel stated that the idea of programing was discussed as was the creation of a committee to further discuss the matter. She confirmed that she and Commissioner Van Hecke would be interested in joining two interested members of the Park and Recreation Commission and two naturalists to create the committee. She also mentioned the possibility of sending someone from this Commission to attend the meetings of the Park and Recreation Commission in order to act as a liaison between the two groups. NAMING OF RECENTLY ACQUIRED OPEN SPACE – SELMER/BLANCHETTE PROPERTY Mr. Carlberg stated that once the ultimate size of the Selmer/Blanchette parcel is decided, a name would also need to be chosen for the property. He asked the Commission to think about possible names for the area. Chairperson Sabel stated that North Woods Preserve could be used for the entire area with different titles for each unit such as south unit and north unit similar to what they do for other nature areas. Commissioner Kovich believed an original name would be a better idea and stated that there is still plenty of time to think of a name. Chairperson Sabel stated that by naming the different parcels under one title that would help the area to be connected but could still be distinguished by the different unit names, similar to what is done for national parks. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2015 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Carlberg stated that Commissioners Jarson and Olson are scheduled for Council interviews on January 21st for possible reappointment to the Commission. He confirmed that there are other residents possibly interested in joining the Commission that will also be interviewed. He stated that at some point this year, perhaps in May or June, he will schedule a joint meeting with this Commission and the City Council, as the two groups typically meet on an annual basis. a. Next Meeting: February 11, 2015 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Jarson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary