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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 11, 2023 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2023 MINUTES The Commission conducted a walking tour prior to the regular meeting at Northwoods Preserve, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Acting Chairperson Ryan Ingebritson at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Jonathan Gwinn, Erik Lindberg, and Jamie McGowan Commissioners absent: Kim Kovich, Margaret Miller, and Lilya Ustimchuk Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 17, 2023 Motion by Commissioner McGowan, Second by Commissioner Gwinn, to approve the minutes of May 17, 2023. Motion passed 4-0. DISCUSS MAPLE VIEW GRANT (PARTNERSHIP WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING) Mr. Kytonen reported that the grant did expire and provided a recap of the final work that was done with the contractor prior to that time. He commented that they will continue to work on ongoing maintenance using the City budget and if they were to receive additional grant funds in the future. He commented on the challenges of watering plantings in the preserve which places them at the mercy of the weather. He stated that they have noticed that many oaks are dying from disease and lack of water. DISCUSS “PRESERVE PICS OF THE MONTH” Mr. Kytonen stated that this program has been working well and it has been well received well by residents as well. He confirmed the consensus of the group to keep this program going. He noted that Commissioner Gwinn handled September. Commissioner McGowan volunteered for December at Dalske. Acting Chair Ingebritson volunteered for October at Mapleview. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – October 11, 2023 Page 2 Commissioner Lindberg volunteered for Martins Meadows in November. Acting Chair Ingebritson volunteered for Northwoods in January. Commissioner Gwinn volunteered for Martins Meadows in February. DISCUSS POTENTIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL Mr. Kytonen commented that last year Commissioner Gwinn provided a presentation to the Council about acquisition ideas and noted that it has been two years since the Commission as a whole has met with the City Council. He asked when the Commission would like to meet with the Council and what items they would like to discuss. Commissioner Gwinn commented that the public survey was going to be completed in spring but that was pushed back to fall, and nothing has been heard as of yet. He stated that clarity on that would be helpful. Mr. Kytonen agreed. He noted that the joint meeting would be a workshop setting with agenda items posted ahead of time. Commissioner Gwinn suggested that land acquisition be one of the topics. Acting Chair Ingebritson agreed that should be the main priority. Commissioner Lindberg stated that the kayak landing could be discussed as well to determine if the Council supports moving forward with that. Mr. Kytonen asked if there is interest discussing any type of crossings at Dalske. Acting Chair Lindberg recognized that the mowing trail was not completed this year even though that could have happened in the dry conditions. He confirmed that the group still wants some type of basic crossing in that location to provide access to the other side of the preserve. He asked if that is something that should be discussed with the Council or within the Commission. Mr. Kytonen commented that to do it right, you would want a permanent crossing to provide access. He stated that one question to the Council would be whether it would accept a lower grade crossing. Commissioner McGowan asked if approval would be needed by the Council for the kayak landing. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that it would be a good idea to run it by the Council in the joint session. He noted that he can check with the City Administrator to determine an appropriate date for the joint session. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – October 11, 2023 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS a. Conservation Style Development Discussion Commissioner Gwinn commented that he talked to Chair Kovich about conservation style development which would allow higher density residential development in one area of a site in return for preservation of natural area in another portion of the site. He noted that would be a developer driven opportunity and asked if the Commission would be interested in having more discussions on this concept. Mr. Kytonen stated that perhaps that would be a good topic for the joint meeting with the City Council to gain that input. Commissioner Lindberg commented that he likes that concept. He asked if the natural area would be available for public access. Commissioner Gwinn commented that typically that land is owned by an HOA but there are opportunities to have that land open to the public through an agreement, but that would bring up the issue of maintenance as the City would then be taking on that role. Mr. Kytonen added that there are currently a few examples of low-impact developments that are active in the City, including the Petersen Farms development. These feature narrow streets, ditches and infiltration basins. b. Next Meeting: December 13, 2023 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Lindberg, to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary