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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.10.19 meeting packet CITY OF NDOVE ' 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N . • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda April 10, 2019 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: November 14, 2018 Regular Meeting 4. Discuss Maple View Grant(Partnership with Great River Greening) 5. Discuss Status of Dalske Woodlands Boardwalk 6. Discuss Potential of Interpretive Activities at the Preserves 7. Discuss Potential for Joint Meeting with City Council 8. Other Business a. Next meeting? 9. Adjournment CITY OFE NDOVE , `` 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 —November 14, 2018 Regular Meeting DATE: April 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the November 14, 2018 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, liz_je. Kameron Kytonen Attachment November 14, 2018 meeting minutes REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2018 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,Andover,Minnesota. Commissioners present: Ryan Ingebritson, Kim Kovich, and Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, and Brian Perra Also present: Kameron Kytonen,Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—July 11, 2018 Motion by Commissioner Kim Kovich, Second by Commissioner Jim Olson, to approve the minutes of July 11, 2018. Motion passed 2-0 (Sabel and Ingebritson present). UPDATE ON THE FOUR NATURE PRESERVES Mr. Kytonen began his update with Martins Meadows and provided photographs of the conditions from October, reviewing some of the management activities that have occurred. He stated that Oak Wilt was identified and have been marked. He noted that the decision will be made whether to remove those trees as they arise or take on more active management. Commissioner Kovich commented that the marked trees should be removed and that he would prioritize removal of other items such as Prickly Ash over more proactive management of Oak Wilt. Mr. Kytonen stated that overall it is a quality site that is doing well. Chairperson Sabel asked how the new development would impact the preserve. Mr. Kytonen identified the location of Peterson Farms and identified a trail that would connect to the preserve, which will provide another public access point for the preserve. He stated that ideally it would be nice to conduct another prairie burn in the preserve. He stated that signage and perhaps another kiosk could be added at that entrance to the preserve. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes—November 14, 2018 Page 2 Chairperson Sabel asked the plans for Outlot A. She stated that it would be nice to have a small parking lot for the preserve entrance rather than simply using the cul-de-sac for parking for the preserve. Mr. Kytonen stated that he will follow up on that to determine future use of the outlot. It was the consensus of the Commission that if the plan is to leave the outlot unbuildable, then perhaps the Commission could work with the property owner to develop an active management plan for the outlot. Mr. Kytonen moved to North Woods Preserve and displayed photographs that he took of the preserve this fall. He reviewed some of the management activities including pruning along the trails. He noted that coming into the preserve from the parking lot there are roots starting to raise up in the trails that could be a tripping hazard. He reviewed some of the options that could be used to mitigate the roots. He noted that one idea would be to involve an Eagle Scout, where the City could dump the woodchips and the Eagle Scout could spread the woodchips along the trails. He stated that there would be an option to leave the trails with the roots because it is a natural setting. It was the consensus of the Commission to leave the roots along the trails as is for the time being as the preserve is meant to be a natural setting. Mr. Kytonen moved on to Maple View Preserve noting that he completed pruning along the trails but advised that they will need to keep an eye on some dying trees along the trails that may need to be removed. He moved to Dalske Preserve and displayed photographs that he took the previous week. He stated that there were discussions with the DNR because there was concern with motorized ATV's accessing the preserve. He stated that the DNR installed signage alerting that motorized vehicles are not allowed and there has been discussion of installing a gate. He noted that there are downed trees that need to be removed and there are a number of dead standing trees. He stated that the dead standing trees create great habitat. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps there could be some welcoming signage as well. He noted that the DNR signage and the blockade seem to make the preserve appear unwelcoming. It was the consensus of the Commission that the blockade should be removed, and the neighboring property owner could alert the County Sheriff if motorized vehicles enter the preserve. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE GRANTS Mr. Kytonen stated that there was a discussion of a possible partnership grant with Great River Greening for Maple. View Preserve and provided an update on funding that could be available through 2023 for restoration of the lowland within the preserve. He confirmed that the plan that was previously created will be used as a guide. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes—November 14, 2018 Page 3 DISCUSSION OF BOARDWALK COSTS AND STATUS OF DALSKF WOODLANDS BOARDWALK Mr. Kytonen stated that the Federal grant opportunity is once again available with an application deadline of February 2019. He confirmed the consensus of the Commission to reapply for the grant. He stated that whether or not the City receives the grant, the boardwalk funding has been included in the 2020 Capital Improvement Plan for the City. Commissioner Olson asked if there has been any additional thought to requesting Lessard Sams funds through the legislature. Commissioner Kovich explained that if Lessard Sams funds are used, public hunting has to be allowed on a portion. He confirmed that there are trail funds within the large pool of money as well. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps Great River Greening would know of additional options for the boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen stated that Great River Greening projects must improve habitat and therefore a boardwalk would not qualify. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting:April 10, 2019 Noted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary CITY OF ND OVE .;`: 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: Discuss Maple View Grant (Partnership with Great River Greening) DATE: April 10, 2019 REQUEST The City has partnered with Great River Greening (GRG)to secure a grant for restoration activities in Maple View Nature Preserve. The grant will cover activities in the wetland and upland areas (total of 17 acres). This grant is provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council through GRG's membership in the Metro Big Rivers Partnership. Staff will discuss the components of the grant with the OSAC. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Attach: Site Map a haw40•, - . . - ._ D M n oo i i i ' . , m Int `--a % .0i. 0 ' E I ,. a Appendix A,Figure 2 Native Plant Community Types • • City of Andover-Maple View 2015 Ecological Assessment and Survey Native Plant Community Types -Northern Wet Meadow/Carr(WMn82) ,ew mgOldfleld Vegetation(Non-Native) n isexi Southern Dry-Mesic Oak(Maple)Woodland(FDs37) -Southern Waste Oak-Basswood Forest(MHs38) • NM Southern Wet Aspen Forest(WFs55) • Q Maple View Open Space Boundary o co 01kr f.. A N uom,faxxtiom 0 100 MO 400 rmroy,m,s.•.r,u.kms. .. is .. . - C0 0 k' 0* 4 C I T Y O F .-. ;f NDOVE ' --*`. 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N . • 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: Discuss Status of Dalske Woodlands Boardwalk DATE: April 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION Dalske Woodlands Preserve is currently separated by a wetland area that encompasses a county ditch. This prevents users from being able to safely cross into the other upland area, which is situated on the southern half DISCUSSION This past winter, the City once again applied for a grant under the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program with hopes of getting funding to build the boardwalk. The boardwalk was inserted into the 2020 CIP, so there are plans to hopefully build a boardwalk, regardless of being awarded a grant- in the future. The City has recently installed a few other boardwalks in the City, and will share some of that cost information with the Commission. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss the future boardwalk at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. Respectfully submitted, Kameron onen CITY OF NDOVE ' 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: Discuss Potential of Interpretive Activities at the Preserves DATE: April 10, 2019 REQUEST The four nature preserves have a bounty of unique plant and animal species. Thus, they offer a worthwhile opportunity to have naturalists lead nature walks and educational tours for interested residents, students, kids, etc. Other cities, including Blaine, provide these opportunities in their select preserves. This may be a good way to get more folks to utilize and enjoy the preserves. The OSAC is requested to discuss this idea in more detail. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen CITY OF -v. ND OVE ' 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: Discuss Potential for Joint Meeting with City Council DATE: April 10, 2019 REQUEST The OSAC has met a couple times over the years with the City Council to discuss pertinent items related to present and future activities in the four nature preserves and to discuss the future of the OSAC in general. In addition, future land acquisition and funding options have been discussed. The Commission is requested to brainstorm ideas for discussion items for another potential joint meeting with the City Council. Respectfully submitted, i, e_______ Kameron Kytonen