Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MAY 13, 2015 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:10 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Kim Kovich, Aaron Jarson (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Jim Olson, Bruce Perry and Suzanne Van Hecke Commissioners absent: Jim Myers Also present: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 8, 2015 Motion by Commissioner Perry, Second by Commissioner Olson, to approve the minutes of April 8, 2015. Motion passed 4-0 (Kovich present). OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Dickinson stated that he spoke with Selmer in regard to the possible purchase of about seven to eight acres. He noted that Selmer is interested in approaching developers for the remainder of his lot before considering the offer from the Commission. He advised that he will approach Selmer again in a few weeks and if he is not interested at that time the Commission should move on and consider other parcels. Commissioner Jarson arrived. Mr. Dickinson and the Commission further discussed the adjacent future development and access road. He identified another parcel that might be of interest to the Commission that has a willing seller. He acknowledged that the parcel may not have buildable land and the consensus of the Commission was not to pursue that property. NAMING OF SELMER/BLANCHETTE AND KUIKEN OPEN SPACE Commissioner Van Hecke stated that there were some large Maple trees in the open space area. Commissioner Kovich noted that there were a number of ferns throughout the site. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the park naming policy to give the Commission additional ideas. Commissioner Kovich suggested the Maples of Andover. Mr. Dickinson also suggested Fern Wood. He noted that the decision could be delayed and asked the Commission to think of other possible names for the next meeting. He stated that staff could also bring a list of park and development names to the next meeting to provide additional ideas. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2015 Page 2 Chairperson Sabel also noted the suggestions Ferns Edge and Mahoney Brook. RECAP THE TOUR OF THE RECENTLY ACQUIRED SELMER/BLANCHETTE AND KUIKEN PROPERTIES Commissioner Olson noted that it was nice to have so many of the Councilmembers present on the tour. Commissioner Van Hecke mentioned the fallen, dead trees. Mr. Dickinson stated that the boundaries need to be set and then the focus can be on management of the buckthorn and garlic mustard. Chairperson Sabel stated that she would like Jason involved in developing the management plan. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Sabel stated that there needs to be signage at North Woods Preserve near the new parking lot entrance as she has noticed cars and horses have been through the area. She provided an example of a sign posted at Springbrook, noting that she would like to keep it simple and straightforward. Commissioner Jarson suggested putting a low fence or posts to keep vehicles from leaving the parking lot and going into the open space. a. Next Meeting: June 10, 2015 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Jim Dickinson City Administrator Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary