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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 9, 2025 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 9, 2025 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:05 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Jonathan Gwinn, Erik Lindberg, and Emily Thomsen Commissioners absent: Natalie Hanson, Margaret Miller, and Peter Miller Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician OATH OF OFFICE The Oath of Office was administered to Commissioner Thomsen. RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 22, 2025, and March 12, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Thomsen, to approve the minutes of January 22, 2025, and March 12, 2025. Motion passed 4-0. GUEST SPEAKER FROM THE CONSERVATION FUND Chair Kovich noted that this item was postponed to a future meeting. DISCUSS ITEMS FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Mr. Kytonen provided background information on the discussion and ideas considered at the January meeting and March workshop. He stated that a draft PowerPoint presentation was then created to use at the joint meeting. Chair Kovich provided an overview of the presentation, and the Commission provided input. Additional background information was also provided to Commissioner Thomsen. Commissioner Gwinn provided additional details on the items and information that he will present to the City Council. He asked the process that would be followed if the Council agrees with the concepts presented in the presentation to ensure that they can move forward and do not stall out for another year. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen stated that would be a good question to present at the meeting, to determine the next steps and whether any formal action would be required from the City Council. The Commission agreed upon the information and order of information to be presented to the City Council at the joint meeting. nd Mr. Kytonen stated that the joint meeting will be held on April 22 at 6:00 p.m. in this same room. OTHER BUSINESS a. Dalske Woodlands crossing Mr. Kytonen stated that the City applied for two grants for the Dalske Woodlands boardwalk, noting that they should know by mid-summer if they are successful. b. Urban Night Sky Place Chair Kovich commented that he did look around at potential locations and believes the northeast corner of Northwoods Preserve could be a good fit. c. Idea of coordinating hikes in our preserves for Andover residents Commissioner Lindberg provided some background information on how the concept arose. He stated that perhaps this is something that could be done every other month, or quarterly. He thought it could be a good idea to get more people involved and introduced to the preserves. Commissioner Thomsen stated that she would love to lead a hike, noting her experience as a Naturalist at Eastman Nature Center. Mr. Kytonen agreed that this concept would be a great way to introduce more people to the preserves. Commissioner Lindberg asked if they could have a sign-up available online, and it was confirmed that could be an option. Mr. Kytonen suggested that the Commission form a small subgroup to create the details for this program, which could then be presented to the full Commission. Commissioner Lindberg stated that it would also be nice to identify some of the unique features for each preserve that could be featured on the hike. It was noted that Commissioners Thomsen and Lindberg could begin planning. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2025 Page 3 d. Next Meeting: May 14, 2025 Noted. e. Other Chair Kovich suggested the concept of creating a Friends of the Preserves group who could assist with volunteering in the preserves. It was noted that could be placed on a future agenda for additional discussion. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lindberg, Second by Commissioner Thomsen, to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary