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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 8, 2024 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING MAY 8, 2024 MINUTES  Prior to the regular meeting, the Commission conducting a walking tour of Maple View th Preserve located at 1251 167 Avenue NW beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Natalie Hanson, Jonathan Gwinn, Margaret Miller, Peter Miller, Jamie McGowan Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 13, 2024 Motion by Commissioner McGowan, Second by Commissioner P. Miller, to approve the minutes of March 13, 2024. Motion passed 6-0. REVIEW OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Chairperson Kovich stated that all but one of the members attended the joint meeting. Mr. Kytonen reported that the joint meeting occurred in March and that portion of the agenda was about 20 minutes in length. He welcomed any discussion and/or feedback but believed that it went well, with the main focus on potential opportunities to expand the preserves. Chairperson Kovich commented that the format went well. He stated that the Council provided support for the concept of expanding to the existing preserves. Commissioner McGowan commented that it seemed that the City Council was willing to work with the Commission on this and would be willing to act on behalf of the Commission when necessary. Commissioner P. Miller commented that the Council even seemed receptive to considering a future referendum as a funding source. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2024 Page 2 Commissioner Gwinn stated that they also discussed the boardwalk/crossing but that seemed to go in circles. DISCUSS POTENITAL WETLAND RESTORATION AT MARTIN’S MEADOWS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen commented that the design is pretty much completed for this project, which is being led by the Anoka Conservation District and provided an overview of the plans. He reviewed the estimated $20,000 cost for the project, noting that the City will not have to contribute funds towards the project. He stated that the City would assume the maintenance responsibilities and reviewed some of those tasks. He noted that the Luedtkes will also need to sign an agreement, agreeing to the project. Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner M. Miller, to recommend approval of the wetland restoration project at Martin’s Meadows. Motion passed 6-0. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen stated that this challenge has existed and has been discussed since the property was acquired, providing a brief recap of the most recent discussion with the Council at the joint meeting. Chairperson Kovich stated that he met with staff from Anoka Conservation District (ACD) at the preserve and was made aware of an opportunity for ACD to assist with buckthorn removal. He stated that ACD is also willing to put a project together that would include a culvert and some trails to get across. He asked if the Board supported ACD putting together a plan. Commissioner McGowan asked if there is a similar example that has been done by another community. Chairperson Kovich stated that he is unsure as he did not ask that, but he could ask that question. Commissioner McGowan stated that example might be good to bring with the plans to show the Council that it has worked. Commissioner M. Miller asked if the culvert would support the trail needed for maintenance on the other side. Chairperson Kovich commented that the culvert would be easy and then it would just be building up enough for a trail to get equipment across. Commissioner Gwinn asked if mitigation costs would be involved for wetland replacement. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2024 Page 3 Mr. Kytonen stated that those questions are unanswered at this time. Chairperson Kovich commented that those answers would come through the proposal. He confirmed that the Commission supports requesting ACD to develop the proposal as discussed. Chairperson Kovich shared images that he took from Martin’s Meadows and the possibility to preserve additional land. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he believes that this should be the first priority with the potential funding, restoration potential, and speed of development. Mr. Kytonen commented that there has been prairie restoration in the open area within Martin’s Meadows. DISCUSS WETLAND BANKING IDEAS Commissioner Gwinn commented on the wetland banking that nearby communities have completed. He reviewed the benefits provided by the project while also protecting the area. He asked if the Commission would be interested in learning more information, and if so, he would reach out to the City of Blaine to gather data and potentially meet with their Natural Sources Commission. He noted that this could be another tool in the box which would provide environmental benefit and generate revenue. Commissioner P. Miller stated that he would be interested in more information. The Commission agreed that they would like more information and how this could tie into the preserves. UPDATE ON IDEAS OF POTENTIAL EXPANSION OF PRESERVES Chairperson Kovich stated that the most recent discussion relating to expansion involves Northwoods Preserve and provided an update on the conservation easement that is days away from being executed. He identified other potential expansion opportunities for other preserves. He also noted a parcel adjacent to Peterson Farms, which has not yet been acquired by the developer. He stated that the Commission could ask staff to reach out to the property owners to discuss the opportunity of preservation, through a conservation easement, and the funding that would be available from the Minnesota Land Trust. Commissioner Hanson provided clarity on land that is owned by the HOA. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would need permission from his supervisor and the City Administrator before reaching out to that family to determine their interest in the idea. Commissioner Hanson commented that she would have concern with leaving a section for a road. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2024 Page 4 Chairperson Kovich commented that the City has interest in the through road connection. Mr. Kytonen stated that the possibility of a road would be years, or even decades out. Chairperson Kovich confirmed the consensus of the Commission to speak with staff to determine if they could reach out to the family to see if there would be an interest in a conservation easement. He noted that if this were a time sensitive matter once the discussions begin, a special meeting could be called. DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Chairperson Kovich stated that he put this on the agenda to determine if there were other things the Commission members were interested in, outside of attending meetings, using the example of Commissioner Gwinn and his efforts. He noted that in the past there was a member interested in education and she held some programs in the preserves. Mr. Kytonen used the example of newsletter articles as well. Commissioner Hanson commented that she would be interested in submitting some potential social media posts. Mr. Kytonen stated that Commissioner Hanson could submit her ideas to him, and he would then forward to the appropriate party. Commissioner Hanson stated that she could also look into potential grants they could apply for. Mr. Kytonen noted that while he does some of that already, he would always be interested in help. Commissioner McGowan asked if perhaps a member of the City Council would be interested in a walk the preserve event with her. Commissioner McGowan left the meeting. Commissioner M. Miller stated that she would be willing to assist in updating the Commission website page. OTHER BUSINESS a. Urban Night Sky Place Discussion Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2024 Page 5 Commissioner P. Miller provided information on the Dark Sky International organization, which has a local chapter in the metro, and the different dark sky or night sky category designations. He stated that he would be interested in learning more information on how this could apply to the preserves and will bring back additional information at a future meeting. b. Next Meeting: July 10, 2024 It was noted that prior to the meeting the Commission would complete a walking tour, with the location to be determined. c. Preserve Pics of the Month Schedule The Commission reviewed and confirmed the preserve pic of the month schedule. d. Newsletter Article Mr. Kytonen acknowledged the most recent article and thanked the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Hanson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary