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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 13, 2025 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 13, 2025 MINUTES st The Commission met to conduct a walking tour of Dalske Woodlands, at 400 181 Avenue NW, Andover, Minnesota, at 5:00 p.m. The Regular 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: Jonathan Gwinn, Margaret Miller, Peter Miller, and Emily Thomsen Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg and Natalie Hanson Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 14, 2025 Motion by Commissioner M. Miller, Second by Commissioner P. Miller, to approve the minutes of May 14, 2025. Further discussion: Commissioner Gwinn noted error on page three, and the Commission suggested a modification. Motion passed 5-0. RECAP OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL AND ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONS Mr. Kytonen commented on the joint meeting of the City Council and Commission, which took place in April, and the discussion that occurred. He stated that there was a meeting with City staff and the Council in May, which had additional discussion related to the Commission and its future initiatives. He provided an update on the mixed reactions to property acquisition and related contact with landowners, as well as other potential initiatives. He commented that another meeting is proposed with the Council in September, and a decision is anticipated prior to the end of the year. Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps a few members of the Commission could meet with a few members of the Council, as that would not constitute a quorum or the need for a regular meeting, Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2025 Page 2 but could still provide the Commission with insight. He acknowledged that the Commission would be in a holding pattern until the decision of the Council is known. Commissioner P. Miller commented that perhaps this group could end up as a subset of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Gwinn asked about the best avenue to continue asking questions. Mr. Kytonen commented that members of the Commission could attend the September meeting and may be provided with an opportunity to speak. He recognized that the decisions to be made will be related to the potential acquisition of land and the future of the Commission. Chairperson Kovich asked and received support from the Commission for him and Commissioner Gwinn to attempt to meet with the Mayor and another member of the Council in a more informal setting to continue discussions. UPDATE ON COORDINATING HIKES IN THE PRESERVES AND RECAP OF FIRST ONE HELD IN JULY Chairperson Kovich commented that he was impressed with the turnout of the recent hike and the variety of ages of those who participated. Commissioner Thomsen commented that 17 people attended, ages eight to 85, and everyone was in great spirits. She stated that she pointed out different things that were flowering and birds. She noted that people were interested in participating in another hike and stated that she would love to do hikes in all four preserves prior to winter. She commented that QCTV even filmed a short video featuring the hike. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that the video could be shared on the City website and/or social media. Commissioner P. Miller noted that it would be nice to have a stock of photos from each season that could be rotated on the website. Commissioner Thomsen commented that someone on the hike is a Master Naturalist and was interested in volunteering in any way he could. She also welcomed other members of the Commission to attend future hikes. DISCUSS POTENTIAL VOLUNTEER GROUP ASSISTING IN MAINTENANCE OF THE PRESERVES Chairperson Kovich recognized that once elements are installed, such as projects through the scouts, there is an obligation for ongoing maintenance. He stated that the suggestion was made that there could be a volunteer group to assist in the maintenance of things within the preserve, such as the kiosk or other items that may need assistance. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2025 Page 3 There was support from the Commission on this concept, and the group was tasked to think about this further prior to the next meeting. It was noted that there are “friends of” groups in other communities, and they could research the things those groups assist with as a guide. DISCUSS OPTION OF QR CODES AT THE KIOSKS IN THE PRESERVES Commissioner Gwinn provided input on his thoughts for QR code signs. Mr. Kytonen commented that he will follow up to gain additional information on potential signage. DISCUSS PRESERVE RULES FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FORAGING AND STARGAZING Mr. Kytonen stated that it is his interpretation that people can forage if desired, as the guidelines currently state, “tread lightly”. Commissioner P. Miller commented that the preserves are open from dawn to dusk, which may not lend towards stargazing. Mr. Kytonen stated that, technically, the parks and preserves are open until 11 p.m. Commissioner P. Miller commented that Kelsy Round Lake Park has a very similar view of the sky to the preserves. He stated that in terms of the Urban Night Sky Place, the park setting may be the better choice. He stated that perhaps they could develop guidelines to allow astronomers within the preserves for skygazing. He stated that perhaps there could be a process for those who want to participate in skygazing in the preserves. He noted that many signs show activities that are discouraged, while he would also like to see things that are encouraged. Commissioner Thomsen stated that she would caution against encouraging foraging, as that could bring with it an extreme group. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would bring forward the topic of welcome signs to the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS a. FunFest Recap Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2025 Page 4 Commissioner Gwinn commented that it was a great event with a lot of people showing interest in the booth. He noted that more people were aware of the preserves, which shows the marketing is working. Commissioner M. Miller agreed, noting that many of the people she spoke with had been to the preserves. b. Dalske Woodlands Crossing Mr. Kytonen stated that the City did apply for two grant opportunities but was not awarded either grant. He noted that they will continue to apply. c. Urban Night Sky Place Commissioner P. Miller commented that he will continue to work on this topic. d. Next Meeting: October 8, 2025 It was the consensus of the Commission to meet in October and December rather than the planned meeting for November. e. Other None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Thomsen, to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary