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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 11, 2024 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 MINUTES ** Prior to the meeting the Commission met at Woodland Creek Wetland Restoration (3216 South Coon Creek Drive NW) at 5:00 p.m. to conduct a walking tour. 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: Jonathan Gwinn, Erik Lindberg, Margaret Miller, and Peter Miller Commissioners absent: Natalie Hanson and Jamie McGowan Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 14, 2024 Motion by Commissioner P. Miller, Second by Commissioner M. Miller, to approve the minutes of August 14, 2024. Motion passed 5-0. URBAN NIGHT SKY PLACE DISCUSSION Chair Kovich commented that perhaps the group should visit the preserves in the evening to determine if there would be a good site for an urban night sky place. It was noted that Northwoods Preserve or Martins Meadows would perhaps be candidates. DISCUSS POTENTIAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE PRESERVES Mr. Kytonen provided updates on management activities being discussed for Martins Meadows and Northwoods Preserve. He explained that he is provided an annual allocation from the general fund for management activities in the preserves. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen stated that at the last meeting they discussed the culvert concept and the previous boardwalk concept, which would require about the same City contribution. He stated that the Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – September 11, 2024 Page 2 crossing is needed to access and create trails on the other side of the preserve. He noted that in order to apply for the grant again, the blessing of the Commission would be needed. Commissioner Gwinn recognized that the lower grade option would have the same cost to the City and if they want access to the other half of the preserve, they would need the boardwalk. Commissioner P. Miller acknowledged that although the desire was for a lower scale solution, that would have the same cost and therefore the boardwalk seems to be the better option which could increase utilization of that preserve space by the public. Commissioner M. Miller agreed that the boardwalk would enhance the Dalske Preserve experience. Commissioner Lindberg stated that he also supports the boardwalk as that would open up additional space to the public. Chair Kovich recognized that this crossing has been discussed since the property was acquired. He stated that it is clear that the culvert would have more of an impact than the boardwalk and therefore he does support the boardwalk. Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Lindberg, to direct staff to apply for the grant for the Dalske Preserve boardwalk. Motion passed 5-0. DISCUSS WETLAND BANKING IDEAS Commissioner Gwinn referenced a map created by the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) which identified properties that could be candidates for wetland restoration. He recognized that this concept would be a difference from the original intent of the Commission to purchase developable land. Chair Kovich asked if the criteria developed to purchase the open space areas is still applicable. He stated that the original bond money is gone, and perhaps new criteria is developed as there is desirable land that would not be developable, using the example of Woodland Creek. Mr. Kytonen stated that would perhaps involve a bylaw change and discussion with the City Council as well. He confirmed that it seems the Commission is in support of attempting to move in this direction and noted that he would do some research before the next meeting. Commissioner P. Miller asked if there is any way to gauge the usage of the preserves. Mr. Kytonen was not aware of any way to measure that. He reviewed the ways that the City markets the preserves and shares that information with the residents. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – September 11, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner P. Miller commented that when he was at the FunFest booth, most residents had not heard of the preserves. Commissioner Gwinn recognized that is a continued theme and provided examples of different things the Commission has done to promote the preserves. He stated that perhaps there is an event that could be planned at a preserve. Commissioner Lindberg stated that last year he started a running club, which currently has about 250 members. He stated that perhaps they could coordinate a run/walk through a preserve. Chair Kovich acknowledged that this has been a topic of discussion since the preserves were created. He stated that perhaps there could be an update at each meeting where the members can talk about their different ideas for the preserves. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: December 11, 2024 Noted. b. Other None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner P. Miller, to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary