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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-22 minutesREGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 14, 2022 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: Jonathan Gwinn, Erik Lindberg, and Ryan Ingebritson Commissioners absent: Jim Olson, Jamie McGowan, and Jen Vedadi Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — October 12, 2022 Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Gwinn, to approve the minutes of October 12, 2022. Motion passed 4-0. DISCUSS STATUS OF POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS Mr. Kytonen stated that staff was unable to mow a path across because of the snow and noted that they would revisit that in the spring. He noted that they could also put signage alerting people that they could cross, at their own risk. He asked if the Commission would be interested in revisiting the idea of a crossing. Chair Kovich stated that he is unsure. He noted that they could begin with the mowed path and see how that works as that would be the most natural. Commissioner Ingebritson commented that he would like to keep the discussion open on a lower grade boardwalk as the ground is very lumpy in the winter months where people would walk across. Chair Kovich commented that the mowing equipment mowing across could create more flat area to pass as well. Commissioner Gwinn asked the average cost for a lower grade crossing. Chair Kovich believed that the cost previously discussed was about $25,000. He stated that he would prefer to follow the wait and see approach and if something more is needed, they could discuss that and make a recommendation to the Council. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — December 14, 2022 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen commented that staff would attempt to cut a path as soon as it is dry in the spring. Commissioner Ingebritson commented that perhaps after that is cut, the Commission would walk through that preserve. It was noted that the Council could also be invited to provide more context as well. DISCUSS MAPLE VIEW GRANT (PARTNERSHIP WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING) Mr. Kytonen commented that there are still funds left, therefore he met with Great River Greening j to discuss opportunities. He provided details on a potential planting that could be done that would exhaust the remaining grant funds. He stated that if the project moves forward in the spring, the Commission could be a part of that. He noted that the plantings from the previous event did not hold up well because of the dry conditions. DISCUSS PRESERVE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Mr. Kytonen referenced the ideas that had been brought forward from Commissioner Vedadi, noting one opportunity that was completed working with Davinci Academy. Chair Kovich commented that the tours that were taped with QCTV in the past were popular, and it was noted that they are still available on the website. Commissioner Gwinn stated that when he staffed the Funfest booth, about 90 percent of the people were still not aware of the preserves. He stated that because of that reason he would like to focus more on things that promote and educate residents about the preserves. Commissioner Lindberg stated that the group had previously discussed sharing photos from the preserves on social media in order to increase awareness. Commissioner Ingebritson stated that when he visited Dalske in November he went live on Facebook on the Andover Community page. He stated that he could do that every time he visits a preserve. Chair Kovich stated that perhaps each preserve should have its own character such as hiking, open space, the river, etc. He referenced the idea of making a canoe landing at Martins Meadows that the group had previously talked about. He noted that if it were not allowed in the rules, then perhaps the Commission could change the rules. He explained that Martins Meadows does not tell people much about what is at the preserve, so perhaps something is added to provide more identification. Mr. Kytonen stated that perhaps each Commissioner is assigned during a different month to take photos in the preserves and share them. Those photos could be posted to the City Facebook page and the City website. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — December 14, 2022 Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Gwinn commented that he is still awaiting input from staff on the timing of the survey. Mr. Kytonen commented that there will be a resident survey completed in the first half of 2023 and there will be a question related to whether there could be support for purchasing more land for preserves. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he would assist with development of the questions. He asked if there was any progress on the potential of working with parks on the passive parks. Mr. Kytonen commented that was placed on hold and fizzled out. He provided details on another park project that moved forward to create a wet meadow. This is at Pine Hills North on the west side. He stated that he was contacted by a resident in far NW Andover that has interest in preserving his properties as nature preserve land. Chair Kovich stated that the Commission did have contact with that family years ago but that ultimately did not move forward. He noted potential funding that could be available for that type of use. Mr. Kytonen stated that he will continue to keep the Commission informed on that topic. a. Next Meeting: March 22, 2023 b. Preliminary Meetings: May 10, 2023; September 13, 2023; December 13, 2023 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Gwinn, to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary