Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2015 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 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 – February 11, 2015 Commissioner Van Hecke noted on page two, it should state, “Commissioner Van Hecke mentioned a comment made by Mayor Trude that there might be a need to hire additional park staff if there is additional work load required for the maintenance of open space.” Motion by Commissioner Jarson, Second by Commissioner Van Hecke, to approve the minutes of February 11, 2015 as amended. Motion passed 6-0 (Olson present). OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Carlberg administered the oath of office to re-appointed member Jim Olson. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to appoint Gretchen Sabel as Chairperson for 2015. Motion passed 7-0. Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Sabel, to appoint Kim Kovich as Vice Chairperson for 2015. Motion passed 7-0. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg stated that the closing for the 14 acre Kuiken property will occur the following morning. He provided an update regarding the proposed roadway alignment, park and parking area planned by a neighboring developer, noting that the park could provide a second entrance into the open space. He stated that the developer will likely purchase the southern 10 acres of the Selmer-Blanchette property. He explained that portion of the purchase was not funded by open space dollars and therefore the use of the property is not limited. He reviewed the balance of the open space account and asked for direction from the Commission on where they would like to spend those funds. He identified areas the group could focus on for potential purchase. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 11, 2015 Page 2 The Commission discussed a few areas that could be considered for purchase. Mr. Carlberg reviewed the list of priority areas the Commission originally ranked for potential purchase and noted that the Commission was able to purchase land within most of the highly ranked properties. Commissioner Olson referenced the fund balance and stated that perhaps this is the time to research matching fund opportunities. Mr. Carlberg stated that he will reach out to a property owner to gauge their level of interest. OPEN SPACE RULES AND REGULATIONS Mr. Carlberg displayed a photograph of the North Woods Preserve sign, which provides the list of rules and regulations. He stated that perhaps mountain bikes/bicycles and horseback riding should be added to the list of prohibited activities. Chairperson Sabel stated that perhaps the design layout could be changed slightly to list the words in another manner, rather than a funnel shape. Mr. Carlberg displayed the Sunshine Park sign as another example. It was the consensus of the Commission to add bicycles and horses to the list of not allowed activities and to update the format of the sign. Commissioner Van Hecke referenced the flyer drafted by Chairperson Sabel and believed the first paragraph provides the right idea and did not feel the entire list of allowed activities should be included. Chairperson Sabel agreed that the poster could be shortened and the list of allowable activities could be left to the other signage. Mr. Carlberg stated that he would bring back a potential update for the signage. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Sabel stated that a plant inventory should be done for North Woods Preserve to identify areas that should be protected and/or managed in an alternate method. Mr. Carlberg stated that staff could obtain a proposal but noted that service would have a cost. Commissioner Olson stated that a grant was obtained for the service when the original inventory was conducted in 2006 or 2007. a. Next Meeting: April 8, 2015 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 11, 2015 Page 3 Mr. Carlberg asked the Commission to think of what they would like to name the Selmer/Blanchette/Kuiken property. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Perry, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, David L. Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary