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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 14, 2024 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 MINUTES ** Prior to the meeting the Commission completed a walking tour of Northwoods Preserve located at 16437 Hanson Boulevard NW beginning at 5 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, and Erik Lindberg Commissioners absent: Jamie McGowan Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician and Dave Berkowitz, Director of Public Works/City Engineer RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen reviewed background information on the goal to have a crossing of the County ditch at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. Mr. Berkowitz stated that he spoke with Chairperson Kovich the previous week to discuss some options for Dalske and a crossing. He stated that they did discuss a culvert, which would be an option, and provided details on that process. He stated that there is a large tributary upstream that would need to be modeled, even extending north to Ham Lake. He provided an estimate on the cost for design and construction of a culvert, along with mitigation that would need to be completed and potential wetland impacts. He stated that entire process would have a cost of about $75,000. He stated that when they applied for the grant for the boardwalk, which was $150,000, it would have had a 50/50 split, therefore the City would have contributed $75,000. He stated that the cost for the culvert would be the same cost to the City for that boardwalk. He noted that he has kept the door open for the boardwalk grant. He stated that public works staff support the boardwalk as that would allow any equipment necessary to maintain trails to cross. He commented that the gravel trail would be required for ADA access but over time that would return to a vegetative state and vegetation would also grow up around the boardwalk to make that look more natural. He stated that staff could resubmit the grant application for the boardwalk, but there would need to be commitment that the project would move forward. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 2 Commissioner P. Miller asked the age of the original boardwalk at Kelsey which was replaced. Mr. Berkowitz believed the original boardwalk was installed in the late 1980’s. He explained that the boardwalks now use helical piers for support and therefore has a very long lifespan. He recognized that nothing is maintenance free, but the desire would be to have something that requires minimal maintenance. Commissioner Gwinn asked the width of the required ADA trail. Mr. Berkowitz replied that the width of the boardwalk would be eight feet with kick plates on the side of the boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen replied that the trail would need to be ten feet wide, which is slightly wider than the existing trail. Commissioner Hanson asked if the ADA trail is simply needed to the boardwalk. Mr. Berkowitz replied that the requirement for the ADA trail would also go slightly past the other side of the boardwalk. Chairperson Kovich thanked Mr. Berkowitz for his input. He stated that the Board would return to their regular agenda order and come back to this item for discussion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 8, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Miller, Second by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the minutes of May 8, 2024. Motion passed 6-0. URBAN NIGHT SKY PLACE DISCUSSION Todd Burlet, Starry Skies North, introduced himself and the intent of the organization which is a nonprofit with the goal of educational outreach. He provided details on an urban night sky place, which is a recognizable place within a community that is not necessarily dark but is a place people are free to go at night to experience a natural night environment within an urban setting. He reviewed the benefits of becoming an urban night sky place as well as the benefits to their visitors. He reviewed the eligibility requirements and application process. Commissioner Lindberg asked if there is a cost or annual fee. Mr. Burlet replied that there is no cost for participation, noting that the organization is a nonprofit and run by volunteers. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner P. Miller stated that this was his idea and therefore he would be willing to assist with the steps necessary to become an urban night sky place. Commissioner Lindberg asked if there is a preserve in mind for this designation. He asked if camping is allowed within any of the preserves. Mr. Kytonen replied that the preserves are currently closed at dusk, or perhaps 10 p.m. Commissioner P. Miller stated that he has considered all four of the preserves and stated that they will need to consider parking and access. He stated that he would be thrilled to just use one preserve for this designation. Commissioner Hanson asked if the representative has been part of this initiative in other states. Mr. Burlet replied that he is a Maple Grove resident, and this organization is specific to Minnesota, although there are similar organizations in other states. He provided details on events being sponsored in other communities focused on the night sky. He stated that the organization is funded by donations and the members of the organization, such as himself, pay dues. He confirmed that there are four communities currently in the process of becoming an urban night sky place. Chairperson Kovich commented that Northwoods Preserve would work but potentially Martin’s Meadows could work as well. DISCUSS POTENTIAL WETLAND RESTORATION AT MARTIN’S MEADOWS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen stated that they are still working with Anoka Conservation District (ACD) and US Fish and Wildlife to potentially receive funding for a wetland restoration project at Martin’s Meadows. He stated that the estimated cost would be $20,000 but with the exception of some in- kind staff time, the City would not need to contribute funding if the grant is approved. Chairperson Kovich recognized that there has been some discussion about potentially adding to the preserve, but he has been told by the City to leave the discussion to staff and he agrees as there are negotiations taking place. He stated that if that parcel were acquired, it could be a great fit for the urban night sky place. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Chairperson Kovich stated that he spent some time working with ACD on the culvert concept but upon more research the cost became too high for that level of crossing. He stated that there would be two options then, the boardwalk or nothing. He stated that the impacts they were worried about before would be mitigated over time as the gravel trail would eventually turn back to grass. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 4 Commissioner Hanson stated that if they are going to have the ADA access, perhaps they also do a loop and advertise as such. Chairperson Kovich commented that the trail is close to ADA compliant already. He stated that half of Dalske is not accessible and that would be an easy way to expand the preserve. Mr. Kytonen commented that the gravel will help to maintain the integrity of the trail as well. Chairperson Kovich acknowledged that if the City is going to maintain a trail on the other side of the preserve, that equipment would need to be able to get over there, which is another reason to support the boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen agreed that a boardwalk would also allow the City to have access to complete maintenance including tree removals and pruning needed for safety. Commissioner P. Miller asked if there are plans for where trails may go on that other side of the preserve. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that he does have a ghost plat for the trail. Commissioner Hanson asked the type of environment on the other side of the preserve. Mr. Kytonen provided details on the characteristic of that side of the preserve, noting that the trails would be heavily used on the south side because of the site characteristics. Commissioner Hanson stated that it would be important to consider whether people would want to walk within that area and whether it would be different than other types of areas within the preserves. Mr. Kytonen commented that area would have some unique characteristics that differ from other preserves. Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps people should visit the preserve before the next meeting. Commissioner P. Miller commented that Dalske is different from the other preserves and the additional access would make it a more complete experience as it would double the length of the trail that exists today. Chairperson Kovich referenced property to the west that could perhaps be added to the preserve through future development. Commissioner Gwinn commented that this has been a discussion for the past two or three years and he would be interested in pursuing this crossing. He stated that they could not seem to justify expansion of the preserves if they do not even have full access of this preserve. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 5 Commissioner Hanson commented that it is almost not worth going to visit Dalske with the current access and therefore extending that access would make sense. Chairperson Kovich commented that he would support taking a formal vote at the next meeting. Mr. Kytonen stated that he could bring that request to the next meeting, and it would then go before the Council to apply for the grant funds once again. DISCUSS WETLAND BANKING IDEAS Commissioner Gwinn provided background information on wetland banking and wetland replacement requirements. He stated that if the Commission is interested in learning more, he could invite a guest to come and share more details. Chairperson Kovich asked the number of potential sites that would qualify. Commissioner Gwinn commented that the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization has a map which grades potential areas and identified some of those areas within Andover. He stated that currently there is not availability within Andover to purchase wetland credits within the city. He noted that some developers choose to complete onsite wetland restoration/mitigation rather than purchasing from the wetland bank. Commissioner Hanson asked how the Commission would be considered this versus the City Council. Commissioner Gwinn commented that his thought would be that the area used for wetland credits could also be turned into a preserve. He provided details about the area created in Blaine for this purpose which has trails. He confirmed that the Commission would be interested in having additional information on this topic. Chairperson Kovich suggested that the map be presented at the next meeting to see what the opportunities would be. DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Mr. Kytonen noted that this is an ongoing opportunity where Commission members can identify things they would like to be involved in. Chairperson Kovich noted that Commissioner P. Miller will work on the night sky place concept while Commissioner Gwinn will continue his work on the concept of wetland banking. Commissioner M. Miller stated that she will continue to work on a newsletter article. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 6 Commissioner Hanson commented that she will continue to look for grant opportunities, can assist with Facebook posts, and could be involved in anything with Martin’s Meadows. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: September 11, 2024 Commissioner Gwinn asked if there would be another walking tour. Chairperson Kovich commented that he will work with Mr. Kytonen to pick a location for the walking tour prior to the meeting. Commissioner Gwinn asked if they could go to Woodland Creek, even though that is not a preserve. Chairperson Kovich confirmed they could do that. b. Conservation Easement North of Northwoods Preserve No update. c. Preserve Pics of the Month Schedule Commissioner Hanson stated that she has a lot of photos of butterflies within Martin’s Meadows that could be used. It was confirmed that could be used for August. She volunteered to continue taking the photos to share each month going forward. d. Newsletter Article Commissioner Gwinn volunteered to write the next article. e. Other Commissioner Lindberg stated that he likes the urban night sky place idea and the possibility of having groups, such as Cub Scouts, to experience the outdoors close to home. He stated that perhaps there could be an overnight permit available for some groups, which would also generate revenue. He acknowledged that it could also be a way to bring people into Andover. Commissioner Gwinn commented on the importance of buffering the preserves. Commissioner M. Miller commented that because there is not a financial investment needed, it would seem to be a benefit to having the designation. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2024 Page 7 Mr. Kytonen stated that the only hurdle would be to change the by-laws of the preserves to allow access after the posted closing time. He noted that he could investigate what would be allowed in terms of night access. Commissioner Gwinn commented that his only concern would be with overpublicizing the preserve locations and having too many people in those areas. He stated that perhaps permits are allowed for certain nights in order to preserve what is special about those spaces. Commissioner P. Miller stated that they would also need to consider the neighbors of the preserves and the impact that night access could have on them. He stated that it would be great to have use for educational groups. He shared the concern with overuse but believed that currently the preserves are underused. He stated that perhaps there is a permit or license for those that would be in the preserve after a set time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner M. Miller, to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary