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.
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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