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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-12 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Nature PreserveCommission(NPC) Meeting Agenda November 12, 2025 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 6:00 p.m. 1.Call to order 2.Resident forum 3.Approval of minutes: October 8, 2025regular meeting 4.Discusspotential transitionof NPCto a redefined advisory commission(Verbal) 5.Discuss draft language proposedon “Welcome” signs(Verbal) 6.Other business 7.Adjournment STAFF REPORT Agenda Item #3 TO: Andover Nature Preserve Commission CC: Sarah Cotton, City Administrator FROM : Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes – October 8, 2025 Regular Meeting DATE: November 12, 2025 INTRODUCTION The Nature Preserve Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the October 8, 2025 regular meeting. BACKGROUND Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. Attachment: October 8, 2025 meeting minutes 1 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8,2025 MINUTES 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: Natalie Hanson, Jonathan Gwinn, Peter Miller (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), and Emily Thomsen Commissioners absent: Erik Lingberg and Margaret Miller Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 13, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Thomsen, to approve the minutes of August 13, 2025. Motion passed 4-0. RECAP OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL, ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONS AND POTENTIAL TRANSITION OF NPC TO A REDEFINED ADVISORY COMMISSION Mr. Kytonen stated that there were two meetings after the joint meeting in April, which took place in May and September. He stated that there was a general consensus that the Council was not interested in this current group pursuing the acquisition of land at this time, but there was interest in this group evolving and turning into an environmental/natural resources type group that would expand beyond the scope of the preserves. He stated that in November, the Council will discuss the concept again in a workshop to determine how the transition could potentially occur. Commissioner Gwinn stated that he was very encouraged by the discussion of the Council. He noted that there was no interest in merging this group with the Parks Commission. He stated that the Council was pleased with the preserve tours and was interested in the educational aspect. Commissioner P. Miller arrived. Commissioner Gwinn stated that there did not seem to be interest in this being called an environmental commission and instead would be more of a stewardship-type commission. Mr. Kytonen believed that this was a good opportunity for this group, as it would broaden the scope beyond just the preserves. Commissioner P. Miller asked if there were examples of what the Council would like the Commission to do that they do not do now. Mr. Kytonen stated that those details have not yet been worked out. Chair Kovich commented that he did meet with the Mayor and left that conversation cautiously optimistic. He stated that the word environmental may not fit the future scope of the group, as the Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes –October 8,2025 Page 2 desire is to have a broader umbrella,and provided additional input. He stated that the Natural Resources Commission may be a good option. Commissioner Hanson agreed with the concept of a Natural Resources Commission. Commissioner Gwinn provided additional input on the link between open space and development and how the two can work together within a concept, perhaps related to density requests. Mr. Kytonen stated that more information will be available after the November meeting, which will provide the Commission with more direction on the future and help define key aspects, such as thename, scope, and goals. Chair Kovich commented that he will meet with the Mayor again prior to the November Council workshop. Mr. Kytonen shared information on similar groups in other communities,including the nameand duties. The Commission suggested that Mr. Kytonen also look at Orono and Blaine. UPDATE ON COORDINATED HIKES IN THE PRESERVES AND RECAP OF FIRST TWO HELD Commissioner Thomsen stated that she would like to host a few more hikes before the snow comes and noted that she would plan to hike at Northwoods and Mapleview. DISCUSS POTENTIAL FOR VOLUNTEER GROUP ASSISTING IN MAINTENANCE OF THE PRESERVES It was noted that there has been some brief discussion,and that can continue as the group moves forward. DISCUSS PRESERVE RULES AND VERBIAGE ON “WELCOME” SIGNS Commissioner Thomsenprovided additional input on the concept for welcome signs showing activities that are welcome in the preserves. Mr. Kytonen agreed that they could begin with the positives and then at the bottom state the activities that are prohibited. He suggested that a subgroup develop a template that could be reviewed by the larger Commission. The Commission agreed with being more positive in the language, using the example of foot traffic only rather than no motorized vehicles. It was noted that the signs could also be more tailored to each preserve. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes –October 8,2025 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS a.Urban Night Sky Place Commissioner P. Miller provided information on the sky quality meter that he usesand the readings that he obtained in different locations in the community. He stated that because the readings are similar,he would prefer a site like Kelsey Round Lake Park for Urban Night Sky activities because of the available parking and access. He noted that he would continue to work on this element. b. Next Meeting: December 10,2025 It was noted that the next scheduled meeting is December 10, 2025,but the group discussed changing that date to November in order to potentially discuss some goal concepts. Mr. Kytonen suggested that the group begin brainstorming, but suggested that the group continue with its next scheduled meeting date of December 10, 2025. Chair Kovichstated the group block the November meeting date to keep their schedules open, th andasked the Board to reserve November 12for a tentative meeting to discuss potential ideas for the future of the group. c.Other No comments. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn,Second by Commissioner P. Miller,to adjourn the meeting at 7:33p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV NORTHWOODS PRESERVE This preserve exists for your enjoyment thanks to an approved bond referendum by Andover residents back in 2006, Open6am -11pm General Rules: -foot traffic only -respect wildlife, trees and other vegetation -dispose of refuse properly, including pet waste -no hunting or trapping animals -no bicycles -no campfires -tread lightly and leave no trace! Ways to enjoy this preserve: -hiking -birdwatchingand nature viewing -dog walking (on a leash) -snowshoeingand cross country skiing -stargazing The above are rules per City Code 8 -4. Thank you for preserving this natural space!