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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 16, 2021u 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda June 16, 2021 Andover City Hall Council Chambers 6.00 p.m. 1. Walking Tour of Dalske Woodlands Preserve — 400 181" Ave. NW 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: April 14, 2021 Regular Meeting 4. Discuss Maple View Preserve Planting Day with Great River Greening 5. Discuss Potential Crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve 6. Discuss Items for Joint Meeting with City Council 7. Discuss Participation in Fun Fest Booth 8. Other Business a. Next meeting? 9. Adjournment (A quorum may be present at walking tour. No votes will occur.) C U X REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPA CE AD VISOR Y COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 16, 2021 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 7:15 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Chairperson Kovich noted that prior to the meeting the group toured the Dalske Woods Preserve. Commissioners present: Shelby Holubiw, Ryan Ingebritson, and Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg and Jen Vedadi Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OFMINUTES—APRIL 14, 2021 Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Holubiw, to approve the minutes of April 14, 2021. Motion passed 4-0. DISCUSS MAPLE VIEW PRESERVE PLANTING DAY WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING Mr. Kytonen stated that the planting day took place on May 15"' as part of the grant with Great River Greening at Maple View Preserve. He stated that the volunteers worked for two to three hours planting 75 trees and shrubs. Commissioner Holubiw commented that she enjoyed participating in the event noting that the volunteers ranged from community members to college students. She commented that the plantings are pollinator friendly. Commissioner Olson asked who organized the event. Mr. Kytonen stated that Great River Greening organized the event and completed the bulk of the volunteer recruitment as well. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Chairperson Kovich noted that the group walked through the preserve earlier tonight, including a walk through the swamp into the southern portion of the preserve. © Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —June 16, 2021 Page 2 Commissioner Holubiw commented that it was a very peaceful walk, and she enjoyed the ferns and oaks. She stated that the area is accessible, and it would be great to have a crossing. Commissioner Ingebritson stated that there has been a lot of discussion about a possible bridge and what would be financially justifiable. He stated that this was the first time he was able to cross and access the southern portion. He commented that he believes it would be justifiable to spend the funds for an affordable crossing. He noted that Dalske is the smallest preserve and therefore it would be fantastic to be able to add a loop on the southern portion of the site. Chairperson Kovich commented that it was worth the walk, noting that they walked the entire southern boundary. Mr. Kytonen stated that he did some research at an Isanti County park and displayed some pictures of the boardwalk at that location. He noted that he spoke with the staff for Isanti County parks who stated that the boardwalk was constructed in 1997 and provided additional details included the cost. He stated that this would have to be discussed with the Council to determine if this would be acceptable for a low traffic area like Dalske. The Commission agreed that would be a much more acceptable option and cost for a crossing at Dalske. Chairperson Kovich provided details on another crossing example he noticed in Wisconsin. Mr. Kytonen noted that $25,000 was included in the 2023 CIP for the crossing. Chairperson Kovich stated that he could pass the information he has onto staff for further investigation towards the estimated cost for that style of a crossing. Mr. Kytonen stated that there are lower cost options for a crossing and therefore the factor will be whether the Council is willing to accept that lower grade for a crossing in this location. Chairperson Kovich commented that he recently took photos of the southern portion of Dalske that he would send to the Commission members, along with the photos of the Wisconsin crossing. Mr. Kytonen stated that the City can apply for the grant again as well. DISCUSS ITEMS FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Chairperson Kovich asked and received confirmation that the Commission should meet once more before the joint meeting with the Council. He stated that the Commission meeting should take place in September, on the second Wednesday of the month and meet with the Council after that © time. He commented that if there are cost estimates and photos of the lower cost options, he believes that it would make for a stronger case to the Council for the Dalske crossing. Commissioner Olson commented that he would be willing to put together an estimate of the cost. It was confirmed that 150 feet should be used for the estimate to be cautious. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —June 16, 2021 Page 3 Chairperson Kovich stated that obviously the Dalske crossing would be on the agenda for the joint meeting. He noted that the final agenda could be discussed and agreed upon at the September meeting. Mr. Kytonen stated that it would be helpful to have a concrete list as soon as possible in order to be prepared prior to that September meeting. Chairperson Kovich noted that he has the list that was previously created and would email that to Mr. Kytonen and the Commission. He stated that he will also speak with the Mayor to get on the radar of the Council to schedule the joint meeting date this fall. DISCUSS PAR TICIPA TION IN FUN FEST BOOTH Mr. Kytonen stated that a sign-up sheet will be emailed out soon and members interested in participating should sign up for their desired timeslot. Commissioner Olson commented that the event is a very good opportunity to interact with the public and educate them on the preserves. He noted that there continues to be more new residents attending the event that are not aware of the preserves. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Kovich noted that Dalske could be marketed as the preserve in which people can see what Andover was like before it was developed. He noted that it is very quiet and different from the other preserves. a. Next Meeting. September 8, 2021 The Commission decided to tour Martin's Meadows prior to the September meeting, tentatively beginning at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Ingebritson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician 0 Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary