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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.13.17 meeting packetCAIT Y O F NDQVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda September 13, 2017 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 6.00 p.m. 1. Walking Tour of Maple View Preserve —1251 167' Ave. NW 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 7.00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: July 12, 2017 Regular Meeting 4. Update on Big Rivers grant with Great River Greening 5. Discussion of doing spots in field at our preserves with QCTV 6. Kiosk signage update 7. Other Business a. Next meeting? 8. Adjournment NO DVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes — July 12, 2017 Regular Meeting DATE: September 13, 2017 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the July 12, 2017 regular meeting. DISCUSSION Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second, and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. Respectfully submitted, Kameron K onen Attachment July 12, 2017 meeting minutes REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING JULY1212017 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:05 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Rebecca Dahlberg, Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Aaron Jarson Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician Kathy Mulier, Resident RESIDENT FORUM Kathy Mulier stated that she attended FunFest and there was discussion with mixing bicycling with the walkers in the preserves. She stated that the wide tire bikes go at different speeds and therefore she did not feel that mixing the activities would be safe. She stated that perhaps if there were different paths for cycling and walking, that would prevent collisions, but there would still be issues with erosion. Commissioner Faherty stated that there are some paths in other communities that have gates for the bicycle trail, which they close when erosion risks are higher. Commissioner Kovich agreed that it would not be safe to mix biking and walking within the preserve areas. Commissioner Olson agreed that bikes should not be allowed in the preserves. He stated that the trails are to provide access to that natural space for the public to enjoy while park areas and trails are meant for biking. Commissioner Dirkswager confirmed the consensus of the Commission that biking should continue not be allowed in the preserve areas. APPROVAL OFMINUTES — MAY 10, 2017 Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to approve the minutes of May 10, 2017. Motion passed 6-0. RECAP OF MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL AND NEXT STEPS Commissioner Kovich stated that the Commission reviewed the list of items they have prepared with the Council. He stated that there was discussion of the bridge for Dalske Woods in order to provide access and the capital funds that would be needed for that project. He stated that they also discussed the trails. Commissioner Faherty agreed that the list worked well to provide an overview of the preserve areas and the tasks that would be needed. Commissioner Kovich stated that the Council did not provide input on the funding for the bridge. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —July 12, 2017 Page 2 Commissioner Faherty stated that it seemed that the Council was interested and agreeable. She stated that there was also discussion on the kiosks, regarding the continuity with the signage and templates as well as the upcoming construction of a new kiosk. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Council also had input on certain items they would find helpful in the kiosk and were agreeable with the information the Commission plans to install in the kiosks. Mr. Kytonen stated that there was talk of adding the bridge to the 2019 CIP. RECAP OF FUNFEST Commissioner Olson stated that there was a lot of interest from new Andover residents that were curious to the location of the preserve areas. He stated that there was discussion regarding amenities ranging from the preserves, to natural parks, and regular active parks. Commissioner Faherty stated that the pictures and maps tended to draw residents over to the booth which allowed the Commissioners to spark a discussion. She stated that the open space maps were very popular. Commissioner Olson noted that it would be helpful to have additional maps printed for the next event. Commissioner Dirkswager agreed that it would be helpful to print a larger batch of maps to provide to residents. Mr. Kytonen stated that residents also commented that it would be helpful to have the actual addresses of the preserves so that residents could enter that into their GPS. He noted that staff has been working with its GIS Department to get the addresses on the trail and location maps. DISCUSSION OF GRANT OPPORTUNITIES Mr. Kytonen stated that they did apply for a grant with the Constitutional amendment, with Great River Greening, to do some work in the Mapleview Preserve; specifically, for invasives in the wetland and to add native shrubbery. Commissioner Dirkswager asked if excess funds from Martins Meadows could be used in other preserve areas. Mr. Kytonen stated that they could possibly allocate for other projects, as long as they are habitat restoration related. He stated that he will be working with Great River Greening to determine the funds that will be spent in Martins Meadows and if there are excess funds, then an amendment can be filed to allocate those funds to another project within another preserve area. He stated that he will bring back additional information to the Commission in September. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —July 12, 2017 Page 3 Commissioner Dirkswager asked if there should be time at the September meeting to also review the high-level priority list to determine where excess funds could be spent, should they be available. Chairperson Sabel asked if there is going to be a tour in September. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Commission has not seen the new trails in Mapleview and confirmed the consensus of the Commission to tour Mapleview prior to the September meeting. It was determined that the tour would commence at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting would take place at City Hall at 7 p.m. Commissioner Faherty asked and received confirmation that the new kiosk would be constructed and installed at Mapleview prior to the tour. She stated that she would attempt to have the Mapleview poster completed prior to the September meeting so the Commission could view that in the kiosk at the tour. DISCUSSION OF DOING SPOTS IN FIELD AT OUR PRESERVES WITH QCTV Chairperson Sabel stated that she received a call from QCTV to appear on the News and Views segment. She stated that at that taping she talked with QCTV staff about possibly taping segments in the preserve areas which could be turned into a segment on a program or for PSAs. She confirmed the consensus of the Commission to pursue that opportunity and asked for volunteers to tape segments. Commissioner Dirkswager asked what the Commissioners would say. Chairperson Sabel noted that could be determined prior to the segments and would probably be a cooperative effort between QCTV staff and the Commission members. She stated that she is willing to be the contact and asked who would want to appear on camera. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she would be happy to help but would like to have an idea of what will be asked or what she should be talking about. Commissioner Olson agreed that it would be helpful to have an outline so that each of the Commissioners featured would be following the same type of outline. Chairperson Sabel stated that the Commission would want people to know where the preserves are located and why you would want to visit. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that it would maybe be helpful to know how the preserves came about and providing a bit of history as to how the City was able to purchase these properties. Commissioner Olson agreed that most of the residents that approached the booth at FunFest were new families to Andover and were not aware of how the City was able to purchase the properties. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —July 12, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Dahlberg stated that she would be willing to help as well, but would feel more comforted with having an outline of what she should be talking about. Commissioner Kovich stated that he would also be willing to participate. Mr. Kytonen stated that perhaps the best option to move forward would be to speak with QCTV staff to determine what they are looking for, the length of the program and the type of activity and questions that should be in the video. Chairperson Sabel stated that she would follow-up with QCTV and would email the Commission with the response. KIOSK SIGNAGE UPDATE Commissioner Faherty asked Mr. Kytonen to send her an email with all the email addresses for the Commission members, so that she is able to send out drafts via email to receive input and possible edits. She reviewed the kiosk materials that she has already completed and the Commission has already seen. She stated that she would need help from the Commission in gaining photographs of certain elements that they would like to feature in the kiosks, as she cannot use the stock images she found online because of copyrighting. Commissioner Dirkswager thanked Commissioner Faherty for all of the time and effort she has put into the draft documents for the kiosks. Mr. Kytonen stated that there may be some online options for shared photos that are not copyrighted. Commissioner Faherty confirmed that the new kiosk would be a horizontal design. She noted that it would also be helpful to find a free poison ivy poster that they could use for the kiosks. Commissioner Dirkswager asked if the preserve entrance signs have been made to become consistent with each other and incorporate preserve in the place of open space. Mr. Kytonen stated that staff is still working to finalize the new signs for the entrance to the preserves. He noted that two of the updated signs and maps have been installed already. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that there is an entrance sign for a preserve from a neighborhood that does not have the rules posted and she often sees children trying to ride their bikes back that way. Commissioner Kovich stated that it would be helpful for Dalske to have a guiding sign that says preserve with an arrow as that would encourage the visitor to keep going, especially because of the posted no trespassing and keep out signs. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —July 12, 2017 Page 5 OTHER BUSINESS ILI[+m a. Next Meeting: September 13, 2017 at 6. 00p.m. at Maple View Preserve with Regular Meeting to Follow at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary I T Y O F (DOVE. 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Update on Big Rivers Grant with Great River Greening DATE: September 13, 2017 REQUEST The City has been partnering with Great River Greening (GRG) on a Big Rivers grant under the Lessard -Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to knock back invasive species and enhance the overall quality of the preserve. To date, buckthorn control, Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) and prairie restoration activities have occurred under this grant. The grant expires in June of 2019. The Natural Resources Technician will give the Commission an update on the current status of this grant and gather ideas on how the remaining funds should be used. An update will also be given on another potential grant opportunity with GRG under the Big Rivers program for enhancement of habitat in Maple View Preserve. Respectfully submitted, Ij-_ Kameron Kytonen 0 F ND O: 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discussion of Doing Spots in Field at our Preserves with QCTV DATE: September 13, 2017 INTRODUCTION OSAC chairperson Gretchen Sabel visited the Quad Cities Television (QCTV) studio in July and participated in a "News and Views" program segment to discuss the current state of the preserves, future initiatives and information about the program as a whole. There was potential interest from QCTV about visiting select preserves and getting footage of interesting features with OSAC members. DISCUSSION The four preserves all have certain features and histories that make them unique in their own ways. Participating in this potential opportunity with QCTV would be a great opportunity to showcase the preserves to residents and expand our services. The idea is to have QCTV visit each site to take footage while interested commissioner(s) talk about them. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss this program in more detail, including defining roles of participating commissioners, its appropriate format and deciding on a date that works. Respectfully submitted, 9Kameron&oen C I T Y O F NDOVE. 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.ANDOVE RMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Kiosk Signage Update DATE: September 13, 2017 REQUEST Select members of the OSAC have been working with City staff on producing pertinent materials for the kiosks in our preserves. Commissioner Faherty will share the draft Maple View and Dalske Woodlands "welcome" posters at the meeting. The Commission is requested to comment on the Maple View and Dalske Woodlands "welcome" posters, discuss the kiosk signage site features content (provided at the meeting) and receive updates from the Natural Resources Technician on the Maple View kiosk constructed as a part of an Eagle Scout proj ect. Respectfully submitted, i l ameron Kytonen Attachments Draft Maple View and Dalske Woodlands "welcome" posters WELCOME TO MAPLE VIEW PRESERVE HISTORY In the mid 1800's this land became part of the Minnesota Territories and was bought by the St. Paul Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad Company by the 1880's. In 2014 The City of Andover purchased 30 acres from the Selmer/Blanchet family and 14 additional acres from the Kuiken family in 2015 for a preserve. Maple View Preserve now includes 44 -acres of woodland and forest ecosystems. It is located within the Anoka Sand Plain Subsection of the Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Morainal Section. Is within the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province of Minnesota. The Anoka Sand Plain mainly consists of flat, sandy lake plains and terraces. Maple view exhibits a variety of plant community types including: dry prairie, wet meadow, wet forest, mesic woodlands, and mesic forests. This variety of plant community types provides a habitat for a diversity animal species. Fall is especially beautiful when the variety of maples turn a brilliant red color. Trails now run through the property for everyone to enjoy all seasons. SITE FEATURES Ecosystems: Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland, Southern Mesic Oak -Basswood Forest, Southern Wet Aspen Forest, Northern Wet Meadow/Carr Jack-in-the-piipit (Arisaema Triphyllum): Flowers from April to June with light to reddish green flowers, often dotted with white or purplish stripes. Its fruit is a cluster of green berries each that ripen to bright red in late summer. Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia Laciniata): Flowers from July to September exhibiting 2 to 25 yellow flower heads at the top of the plant. Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum): Flowers from mid to late summer. The nectar of the flowers attracts bees and butterflies. American Hazelnut (Corylus Americana): A medium to large shrub, growing to a height of 8-18 feet. Nuts and husk turn an orangey brown when mature in late summer and may persist through fall if not snatched up by wildlife first. MAP LEAVE NO TRACE r. . As you walk the trails and explore the preserve tread lightly; helping to preserve the land and animals by not picking plants, flowers or mushrooms. Please keep your dogs on a leash to avoid undue disruption of wildlife. Explore the trails on foot only; no bikes, horses or motorized vehicles. *-Take only pictures leave only footprints. WELCOME TO DALKSE WOODLAND PRESERVE HISTORY In the mid 1800's this land became part of the Minnesota Territories and was bought by the St. Paul Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad Company by the 1880's. Later it was farmed by the Stromgren family who immigrated from Sweden in the late 1880's. The Dalske family purchased 40 acres in 1976 to build a home on this property. Utility and access costs prohibited that plan and it was used for hunting instead. Trappers were allowed to hunt muskrat and beaver, which kept the population in check. The City of Andover purchased 40 acres in August of 2015. Located in the northeast part of Andover, it is adjacent to State Forest Land. The site contains several natural plant communities including a dry-mesic oak forest, wet aspen forest and wet meadow. The wet meadow includes a glacier melt water channel left by the Glacial Lake Grantsburg. As the Laurentide ice sheet decayed, lakes were created in depressions or behind moraines left by glaciers. These lakes shrank or dried as the ice sheet retreated north. This part of the preserve consists of deep peat formed by a peat -producing community such as a forested rich peatland that was flooded by beaver activity and ultimately converted to a wet meadow. This land is promised to be preserved as a home to its special and diverse community of plants and animals. As you walk the trail look for evidence of turkeys who live in the forested areas. SITE FEATURES Five Unique Ecosystems: Dry Mesic Oak Forest, Wet Aspen Forest, Poor Fen, Northern Wet Meadow and Shrub Car Glacier melt water channel Left by the Glacial Lake Grantsburg. A bridge connects the two land portions of the site. Winterberry Holly (Ilex Verticillate) Flowers are about % inch across with 5 to 8 white petals. Berries are a bright red and round, and persist through winter American Hazelnut (Corylus Americana): A medium to large shrub, growing to a height of 8-18 feet. Nuts and husk turn an orangey brown when mature in late summer and may persist through fall if not snatched up by wildlife. Lonicera Dioica (Wild Honeysuckle) Flowers in May through June. The color is typically deep red and sometimes yellow. The fruit is a round oval berry, bright red to orange red. MAP LEAVE NO TRACE As you walk the trails and explore the preserve tread lightly; helping to preserve the land and animals by not picking plants, flowers or mushrooms. Please keepour dogs on a leash to avoid undue disruption of wildlife. Y g P Explore the trails on foot only; no bikes, horses or motorized vehicles. *Take only pictures leave only footprints.