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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 12, 2025 REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 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, Erik Lindberg, Margaret Miller, and Peter Miller Commissioners absent: Emily Thomsen Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 8, 2025 Motion by Commissioner M. Miller, Second by Commissioner P. Miller, to approve the minutes of October 8, 2025. Motion passed 6-0 (Lindberg present). DISCUSS POTENTIAL TRANSITION OF NPC TO A REDEFINED ADVISORY COMMISSION Mr. Kytonen noted the discussion that has occurred about the potential future of the Commission since the joint meeting in April. He stated that at a September meeting, the Council expressed interest in this group becoming more of an environmental commission. He noted that City staff were tasked with exploring similar groups in other cities, which he reviewed at the last meeting with this Commission. He asked for input from the group on its thoughts since the last meeting. Commissioner Gwynn asked for more information on the additional cities the Commission asked him to review. Mr. Kytonen stated that he did follow up with the City of Blaine, which has a group similar to this group, the Natural Resources Conservation Board, and provided an overview of the tasks of that group. Commissioner Gwinn stated that seven seems to be an appropriate number for members, as that allows for a few members to be absent while still having a quorum. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – November 12, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen stated that the City Council will discuss this again at its next meeting. He stated that members of the Commission could attend if desired, but was unsure if they would be invited to join the conversation. Chairperson Kovich stated that the purpose of this meeting was to develop a list of reasons supporting why the Commission should exist and its purpose going forward. He stated that if supported, he will meet with the Mayor to share the input from the Commission. He stated that Commissioner Thomsen emailed her list to him prior to the meeting. He shared his list and Commissioner Thomsen’s list with the other members of the Commission. He began to review the lists, noting that the majority of metro communities have similar commissions. He reviewed the proposed areas of focus, including education and communication. Commissioner Gwinn suggested holding an open house meeting to help explain the transition to residents. Commissioner Lindberg suggested the inclusion of events such as FunFest. Commissioner Hanson also suggested increased social media engagement with posts featuring different things in the preserves or environmental matters. Commissioner Lindberg noted that they could use the recordings they previously made in the preserves, which could be formatted into a shorter format to feature and advertise the preserves. Commissioner M. Miller commented that it would also be great to better advertise the preserve walks that Commissioner Thomsen has hosted. Mr. Kytonen noted pollinator initiatives that could be tasked to the group as well. Chairperson Kovich continued to review the list, noting the next focus of increased engagement. The group discussed different tasks and the category that those would fall under. The group supported the name of the Natural Resources Commission. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he would want to ensure that the preserves remain protected and are not reclassified in the future for a different purpose. There was additional discussion about how the group could perhaps reclassify parks that are not considered traditional parks with playgrounds, to bring more attention to them. Commissioner Gwinn noted that could also assist in making smarter financial decisions in the future in terms of less long-term maintenance costs or investments into different park areas. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would caution against the word reclassify, explaining that preserves were purchased through referendum funds, whereas parkland is typically dedicated. He stated that Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – November 12, 2025 Page 3 they want residents to know that their contributions through the referendum purchased these preserve areas. It was suggested that perhaps the term rename be used rather than reclassify; using the example of nature park. It was noted that perhaps the area of focus falls under collaboration with other commissions and groups. Chairperson Kovich moved to the next item related to a potential budget. Commissioner Hanson suggested including the ability to pursue grant funds. Chairperson Kovich continued to review the draft list. Commissioner Gwinn stated that it would be nice for the group to have input on development and zoning through the Comprehensive Plan process. Commissioner P. Miller stated that it would also be nice to have the ability to provide input on lighting. Commissioner M. Miller referenced different programs, such as GreenStep Cities and the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, which seem to be education-based while encouraging and supporting the environment. She asked if that could fall under this umbrella. Mr. Kytonen agreed that those types of programs would fall under the umbrella of the group to recommend, noting that it would be the decision of the City Council as to whether it would want to participate in GreenStep Cities. The Commission continued to discuss and provide grammatical suggestions for the remaining items on the list. There was additional discussion about incentives that could potentially be offered to increase sustainability for homeowners. Commissioner Gwinn asked if there should be a priority map and list for potential preservation of land. Chairperson Kovich commented that the Commission did have a map and list in the beginning when the focus was on acquisition. Commissioner P. Miller stated that it would seem to be reasonable to update that. Chairperson Kovich confirmed support from the Commission on the drafted list with the additions and amendments as discussed. DISCUSS DRAFT LANGUAGE PROPOSED ON “WELCOME” SIGNS Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes – November 12, 2025 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that he met with Commissioners M. Miller and Thomsen the previous week to create draft language for “welcome” signs and presented that draft. The Commission supported the draft, and Mr. Kytonen stated that staff could continue to work on the sign internally. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Kytonen noted that the next step would be the meeting with the City Council, and after that, more information will be known about the future. He noted that this is Commissioner Lindberg’s last meeting. The Commission thanked Commissioner Lindberg for his service on the Commission. a. Next Meeting: TBD Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner P. Miller, to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary