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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 12, 2025 NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION WORKSHOP MARCH 12, 2025 MINUTES The Workshop 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, and Emily Thomsen Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg and Peter Miller Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician DISCUSS LAND REVIEW AND POTENTIAL QUANTIFIABLE ACQUISITION GOALS AND OPPORTUNITIES, FUNDING OPTIONS, AND OTHER APPLICABLE TOPICS Chairperson Kovich reviewed the purpose and intent of the workshop. The Commission reviewed some of the land they had expressed interest in acquiring for additional preserve space. It was recognized that one of the questions that has arisen throughout this has been the process and who the appropriate party would be to reach out to the landowners/developers to discuss potential land acquisition. Chairperson Kovich volunteered to find the answer to the process and the appropriate party to reach out to landowners/developers to discuss potential land acquisition. Commissioner Gwinn noted the additional tool of conservation development, which would provide the developer with the opportunity for smaller lots in return for the preservation of open space within the development. Mr. Kytonen provided an update on land that has been placed in a conservation easement, which means that the land is preserved but does not provide public access. Chairperson Kovich noted that these would be opportunities to expand each of the four preserves which can be presented to the City Council at the joint meeting. It was determined that they will have a small working group create the presentation for the City Council, which will be reviewed by the Commission at its April meeting. Commissioner Gwinn noted that people are concerned with the speed at which Andover is developing, even if it may be slower than some other metropolitan communities, and explained that preservation of open space is a way for the community to maintain the more rural character. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – March 12, 2025 Page 2 Commissioner Thomsen identified another piece of property along the river which is not high priority for development as only one home could be constructed but noted that it is a great piece of property that the Commission could add to the list as a lower priority. Chairperson Kovich noted new opportunities which include the Rural Reserve and provided background information. He stated that the Commission can express its interest to the City Council about being involved in the discussion moving forward. He asked that members of the Commission think about how the Commission could be involved in that process and bring those ideas to the next meeting. The Commission discussed some potential ideas to discuss with the City Council related to the Rural Reserve. Chairperson Kovich moved the discussion to the next topic of how to potentially fund acquisitions. Commissioner Gwinn provided additional details on potential funding options the group could investigate and consider. He stated that he would reach out to a representative from one of the organizations to perhaps make a presentation to the Commission at its April meeting. Chairperson Kovich commented that he would meet with staff from Anoka Conservation District to gather more information on another potential funding source. Commissioner Gwinn provided additional information on the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary and the funds that the city was able to generate from that project. He stated that if they were able to do something like that in Andover, they would be able to use some of the funds generated to fund additional land acquisitions, although he recognized the investment and work that would need to go into creating that. It was confirmed that they would not bring this concept forward to the City Council at this time and would instead speak to the Council about Woodland Creek Wetland Restoration. The Commission discussed the process that would be followed to create the presentation to share with the City Council and it would be shared with the Commission at the April meeting to gain additional input. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: April 9, 2025 Noted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – March 12, 2025 Page 3 Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary