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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 25, 2023 NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION LISTENING SESSION WITH THE MINNESOTA LAND TRUST APRIL 25, 2023 MINUTES The listening session of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 5:00 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: Kristina Geiger (MN Land Trust) LISTENING SESSION Chairperson Kovich provided background information on the Commission and the intent to learn more information from the Minnesota Land Trust. Kristina Geiger stated that she has had conversation with staff from Anoka Conservation District about one specific property that had been discussed by the Commission and noted that her organization is also separately in discussion with another Andover property owner. She acknowledged that there were original funds used to purchase the preserve properties and asked the desire of the City in terms of acquiring and/or maintaining additional lands for the purpose of open space. Commissioner Gwinn stated that the Commission presented a proposal to the City Council in August of 2022 that included different funding options to consider. He noted that the next step was determined to include a few questions related to land acquisition on the community survey. Ms. Geiger commented that many funding sources and/or organizations that assist with funding and land transfer want to see that the ultimate owner of the property would be interested in maintaining the property. Chairperson Kovich reviewed the role of the Commission in managing the preserves, with parks staff handling the maintenance duties. He also provided background information on the criteria the Commission used to select properties. Ms. Geiger commented that the Minnesota Land Trust does not manage any properties. She explained that the Land Trust works with private property owners to establish conservation easements but can also do fee land acquisitions. She provided details on the funding sources that the Minnesota Land Trust, and other similar organizations use for preservation and/or restoration. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – April 25, 2023 Page 2 She asked for input on the ultimate desire of the Commission, whether those would be City owned or a combination of development and preservation. Chairperson Kovich commented that the preserves are City owned and maintained and would believe that would be the path they would follow into the future. Commissioner Gwinn stated that they have discussed allowing density on one portion of a site in return for preservation on the other portion of the land but would not favor the use of easements. Ms. Geiger commented that the Land Trust mainly uses easements, and it would be easier for the City to manage in its desired manner if the City were the owner of the property. She stated that the Land Trust has worked with developers to institute conservation easements, but in some cases that land still remains private and owned by the HOA. She noted that there could be a way to negotiate with a developer for the City to become fee owner of the easement, where that conservation easement could then become public. She provided more details on how the Land Trust gains its easements, by use of funds or dedication. Chairperson Kovich provided more details on a specific property along the river that was originally considered in the first round of property purchases and renewed interest of the property owner that has arisen. Ms. Geiger commented that it is sometimes helpful to have ordinances that encourage conservation development. Commissioner Gwinn commented that Andover is based on lower density development, even below the recommended MUSA density, which is a challenge. Chairperson Kovich stated that there is more the Commission would like to do to add to the preserves but would need additional funding. Commissioner Gwinn reviewed the concepts that he presented to the City Council in 2022 that could provide funding for preserve acquisition. Ms. Geiger provided more details on the different funding sources that would be available for this type of use along with different contacts the group could reach out to. Chairperson Kovich thanked the guest for sharing this information tonight and noted that the Commission can continue to discuss these options at its next meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – April 25, 2023 Page 3 Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary