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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 10, 2024 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 10, 2024 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:03 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Jonathan Gwinn, Ryan Ingebritson, Margaret Miller, Jamie McGowan, and Liliya Ustimchuk Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 11, 2023 Motion by Commissioner McGowan, Second by Commissioner Ingebritson, to approve the minutes of October 11, 2023. Motion passed 4-0 (Kovich present). DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen commented that they have revisited the options for a crossing at Dalske. He noted that in the dry conditions of the previous season, they could have most likely mowed a path across. He recognized that perhaps this is a topic the Commission would like to discuss with the City Council. Commissioner McGowan stated that if the conditions were not too wet this spring, they could mow a path and then determine whether it would be worth pursuing a crossing. Mr. Kytonen commented that they would not be able to mow trails on the other side without a hard surface, like a boardwalk, because of the heavy equipment needed. Commissioner Gwinn asked if there was a reason that the mowing did not occur during the dry season that just occurred. Mr. Kytonen replied that they just did not get to that. Commissioner Ingebritson stated that this is probably a quiet time for staff and perhaps the heavy equipment could get across the frozen ground to clear some trails. Mr. Kytonen commented that perhaps after the ground fully freezes this next weekend, they could attempt to pursue that option. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2024 Page 2 Commissioner Gwinn commented that the only permanent solution will be a boardwalk. He believed that this should be a topic to be discussed with the City Council rather than delaying this further. Mr. Kytonen agreed that this is a high priority item to discuss with the City Council. He noted that the City could apply for another grant opportunity. He provided photos of the boardwalk that was recently installed at Kelsey Round Lake Park, which is similar to what would have been built at Dalske if the group had chosen to move forward with the boardwalk under the previous grant that had been awarded and rejected by the City. He noted a cost of about $250,000 for the boardwalk. Chair Kovich noted that the Kelsey Round Lake boardwalk is used more in one day than the Dalske boardwalk would be used in one year. He stated that they missed the opportunity to mow last year in the dry conditions. He stated that only about one third of the preserve is being used. He believed that a contractor should be hired, noting that they could place something to cross with the equipment to clear the trails. He estimated about 800 yards of trail to be cut and believed that a contractor could complete the work for $6,000 or less. He stated that would provide more trails in the preserve and the contractor could also clean out the trash. Mr. Kytonen stated that a contractor was hired to create the existing trail loop in 2017 with a forestry mower at a cost of about $2,000. Chair Kovich commented that his estimate of $6,000 was the most that it could cost. Commissioner Gwinn asked how often trail maintenance is needed. Mr. Kytonen replied that once the trail is created, staff just completes mowing to maintain the trail. Chair Kovich suggested that they obtain an estimate from a contractor in order to have that information for the discussion with the City Council. Mr. Kytonen commented that the joint meeting will most likely take place in March. He stated that he can attempt to obtain some estimates from contractors. He stated that ultimately the Commission will need to decide on the caliber of boardwalk desired as that will come up at the joint meeting. DISCUSS POTENTIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL Mr. Kytonen commented that the meeting is potentially scheduled for March. Chair Kovich commented that it would be helpful for the Commission to meet again prior to the joint meeting. He summarized some of the previously mentioned topics for the joint meeting. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner Gwinn volunteered to put something together combining conservation development and land acquisition. He confirmed that could also encompass the integration of this group in plat review. Chair Kovich stated that there are grant funds available for land acquisition as well and provided examples of land that could be eligible for that type of acquisition. Commissioner Gwinn commented on the importance of the resident survey results in order to show support for additional land acquisition. Chair Kovich asked that the Commission prioritize the list for the joint meeting. It was determined that the list should be resident survey, Dalske, canoe/kayak landing, and land acquisition/conservation. DISCUSS GOALS AND MISSIONS Chair Kovich stated that the group should determine whether it wants to transition to maintenance, or continue to preserve land in Andover. He stated that if the goal is to acquire more land, they need to meet more often, perhaps every other month. Mr. Kytonen stated that the group had been meeting quarterly. Chair Kovich reviewed the mission statement and asked whether that would need to be amended. Commissioner Gwinn agreed that there would be benefit in meeting more frequently in order to move forward on some of the items. Commissioner Ustimchuk commented that there should be a goal to acquire more land. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: March 13, 2024 Chair Kovich stated that the intent is to meet with the City Council in March and therefore the group should meet in March in order to prepare for the joint meeting. b. Meeting Schedule for 2024 thththth The following dates were agreed for 2024: March 13, May 8, July 10, September 11, and th November 13. Commissioner Ingebritson commented that this will be his last meeting with the Commission. He recognized the hard work of Mr. Kytonen and appreciated the contributions of the Commission. He believed that a good focus would be to expand the existing preserves. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2024 Page 4 Commissioner Gwinn agreed, noting that larger spaces provide more benefit to wildlife and also attract more people. c. Preserve Pics of the Month Schedule Commissioner McGowan volunteered to do Dalske for January. Commissioner Ustimchuk volunteered to do Northwoods in February. Commissioner Gwinn volunteered to do Martins Meadows in March. Chair Kovich volunteered to do Maple View in April. Chair Kovich stated that there would be benefit in gathering additional information from other entities in terms of land acquisition and potential funding. Commissioners Gwinn and Ustimchuk volunteered to meet with a representative from Anoka Conservation District to further discuss the topic. He believed that there would also be benefit in speaking with City staff about Peterson Farms and opportunities within that development. Mr. Kytonen suggested that Chair Kovich speak with Mr. Dickinson. Commissioner Ingebritson commented on a local Andover running group that has been formed and stated that could be a potential partnership to advertise and use the preserves. He stated that there are most likely other local interest groups that could be reached out to as well. Commissioner Gwinn noted that they could also try to form an interest group that supports the preserves. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Ustimchuk, to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary