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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 14, 2025 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING MAY 14, 2025 MINUTES Prior to the meeting, the Commission conducted a walking tour of Martin’s Meadows, 17107 Navajo Street NW, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:06 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Natalie Hanson, Jonathan Gwinn, Margaret Miller, Peter Miller, and Emily Thomsen Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 9, 2025 Motion by Commissioner M. Miller, Second by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the minutes of April 9, 2025. Motion passed 6-0 (P. Miller present). Commissioner Thomsen requested to discuss the coordinated hikes first, as she needs to leave the meeting at 6:30 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS d. Idea of Coordinating Hikes in the Preserves for Andover Residents Commissioner Thomsen asked if a liability waiver would be needed to lead hikes. Mr. Kytonen did not believe they would, but verified that he could check on that. Commissioner Hanson asked how the hikes would be advertised and how people could RSVP. Commissioner P. Miller noted that they could try to advertise within the Union Herald. Commissioner M. Miller stated that they could advertise the hikes at FunFest. Mr. Kytonen stated that they could have an online sign up on the website as they would want to limit to a certain number of people. Commissioner Gwinn stated that they could have a QR code available for sign-ups. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen stated that Commissioner Lindberg was also interested, and perhaps he and Commissioner Thomsen could work on it together. Commissioner Gwinn believed that it could be advertised at FunFest. Commissioner Thomsen commented that they could just go on a walk but they could focus on different things during different seasons such as birds, seed collecting, dragonfly and monarch monitoring. Commissioner P. Miller commented that this would seem to follow a similar process as the Urban Night Sky concept. Commissioner Hanson asked how sign-ups would occur. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would follow up on that and provide the details to Commissioner Thomsen. He confirmed that he can work with Commissioners Thomsen and Lindberg to plan for this. Commissioner P. Miller commented that he would like to be included as well. Commissioner Thomsen commented that she would be ready as soon as the City details are worked out. Chair Kovich stated that they had led groups through the preserves in the past and did not have any issues with liability. He noted that there are neighborhood Facebook groups that could be used to advertise the hikes near the preserves. Commissioner Thomsen commented that she would most likely begin with Martins Meadows but would do all preserves. a. Guest Speaker from Conservation Fund Commissioner Gwinn noted that the guest speaker was unable to attend and asked if the group th would be open to holding a special meeting for the purpose of the presentation on May 28. th Mr. Kytonen stated that the City Council workshop on the 27 will be about this Commission and asked if they should wait for that to occur. th The Commission confirmed they would like to schedule the special meeting for May 28 if Mr. Kytonen confirms the room is available and schedules align. RECAP OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Chair Kovich asked for input from Mr. Kytonen on what staff had to say following that meeting. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 3 Mr. Kytonen replied that staff were impressed and supportive of the efforts of the group, acknowledging that the City Council will now have to try to figure this out. He stated that the Commission did everything they could at that meeting. Chair Kovich commented that they laid all the cards on the table, and it is now up to the Council. Mr. Kytonen stated that the Council appreciated the work the Commission is doing, and it will now be an issue of priority and funding. Commissioner Thomsen left the meeting. Commissioner Hanson asked what would happen with the maintenance of the preserves if it is decided that the Commission is no longer needed. Mr. Kytonen commented that he would continue to coordinate and manage the maintenance with Parks and such. Commissioner P. Miller recognized the intent to go big or go home, but asked if a middle ground could be found that would allow the Commission to continue to operate. Mr. Kytonen stated that will be a decision of the Council. Commissioner Gwinn stated that all the information has been presented. Mr. Kytonen stated that the group has been operating for the past four or five years, focusing on educational and other initiatives. Commissioner Hanson referenced the value of preserving land not only for the enjoyment of people but also for wildlife. Chair Kovich recognized that this will be the decision of the City Council and the Commission should continue forward until the decision is made. Commissioner P. Miller commented that while he likes the larger scope of the Commission, he would also be open to continuing in a lesser format as they have been. OTHER BUSINESS (Continued) a. Guest Speaker from Conservation Fund th Tentatively scheduled for May 28 at 6:00 p.m. b. Dalske Woodlands Crossing Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that two grant applicants have been submitted and they are awaiting the results. c. Urban Night Sky Place Commissioner P. Miller commented that he believes there will be a natural alliance between this and the proposed hikes, which is exciting. He stated that he has begun to review the park sites to determine if those could be a good location for this pilot as well, noting that Kelsey Round Lake seems to be a great location. He stated that it would be nice to have official approval for him to be in Northwoods and Martins Meadows, estimating about two nights in each preserve for darkness measurements and astronomy purposes. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would work with Commissioner P. Miller to get that permission and asked if he could have some results to present at the July meeting. d. Idea of Coordinating Hikes in the Preserves for Andover Residents No additional comments. e. Next Meeting: July 9, 2025 th The special meeting schedule for May 28 was also noted. th Commissioner P. Miller asked where the walking tour should be for July 9. It was determined that the walking tour would take place at Dalske at 5 p.m. prior to the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. f. Other Chair Kovich stated that the Commission asked the Council about permission to speak with landowners and to be a part of the rural reserve discussions. He stated that he would want this on th the agenda for the July 9 meeting, noting that the permission to speak with landowners could be given to the Chair of the Commission or a staff member. th Mr. Kytonen stated that he is hoping to get some answers at the May 27 meeting. Chair Kovich stated that perhaps there could be a volunteer group that could assist with maintenance in the preserves. Commissioner Gwinn asked if people could submit feedback at the kiosks within the preserve, suggesting the use of QR codes. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2025 Page 5 Chair Kovich commented that the volunteer group could monitor that and provide feedback to the Commission. He stated that perhaps they should review and determine if any amendments are needed to the preserve rules. He referenced the rule of not allowing people to take plants and stated that it would be nice to allow people to collect berries or forage. He suggested that the preserve rules and QR code items be added to the July agenda. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner P. Miller to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary