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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-9-22 meeting packet1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 65304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda March 9, 2022 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident forum 3. Approval of minutes: December P, 2021 regular meeting 4. Welcome new Commissioners 5. Discuss renaming Open Space Advisory Commission to Andover Nature Preserve Commission 6. Discuss status of promotion ideas and opportunities of the nature preserves ("Get Outside" campaign) 7. Discuss status of potential crossing at Dalske Woodlands 8. Discuss potential meeting dates for this year 9. Other business a. Next meeting? 10. Adjournment 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 — December 8, 2021 Regular Meeting DATE: March 9, 2022 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the December 8, 2021 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, V-V,Tt- Kameron Kytonen Attachment December 8, 2021 meeting minutes REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSIONMEETING DECEMBER 8, 2021 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Erik Lindberg (arrived at 6:52 p.m.), Ryan Ingebritson, Jim Olson, and Jen Vedadi Commissioners absent: None Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician and Kayla Clauson, CFC member RESIDENT FORUM Mr. Kytonen introduced Kayla Clauson who is assisting Andover a few days a week through the Community Forestry Corps Program. Kayla introduced herself noting that she is working with Mr. Kytonen including completion of a tree inventory, inspection of storm utilities and other natural resources related tasks. She noted that she is continuing her education on a master's degree. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —September 8, 2021 Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Olson, to approve the minutes of September 8, 2021. Motion passed 3-0 (Vedadi present). DISCUSS PROMOTIONIDEAS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE NATURE PRESERVES Commissioner Vedadi stated that she believes the preserves are a treasure and also help the next generation see the importance of environmental stewardship. She stated that she would like to see opportunities for people to enjoy the preserves while also educating the public on how to enjoy and care for the preserves. She discussed some partnership opportunities within the preserves. She noted that she spoke with Davinci Academy, and they would be willing to offer a session on the ecology of the Andover/Anoka County area and would bus children to the preserve as part of a field study. Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps the first step would be to determine what the school offers during that week to see if this would be a good fit. He noted that there is a difference between a one -hour session and a six -hour session. He stated that this is a great idea if Commissioner Vedadi would like to run with it. Commissioner Vedadi stated that she will follow up with the school in attempt to schedule a meeting to further discuss opportunities. She stated that if a university student is going to be used for this purpose, the group would need to decide on it at this meeting. She stated that the university student could be used to create the content for the Davinci opportunity and to work on some of the other ideas on the list. She stated that the Anoka Historical Society is also interested in partnering with the group, noting the opportunity to create self -guided historical walking tours in the preserves. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —December 8, 2021 Page 2 Chairperson Kovich commented that Mike Knight would have a lot of information that could be used for that type of tour. The Commission was supportive of that concept and suggested beginning with Martins Meadows Commissioner Vedadi commented that there is a growing movement towards forest schools and preschools. She stated that perhaps they used that concept to develop a day activity for families. She stated that there are a lot of resources available to develop that type of day activity. She suggested that perhaps they start with a preserve playdate activity using that concept. She stated that this concept would be less structured and would perhaps have a find a bird's nest activity and other play activities. Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps this would be a good fit for Northwoods as it would be geared at younger children. Commissioner Vedadi commented that the Davinci opportunity would be in May, the historical tour would most likely be setup by fall, and the playdate could take place during the summer. She noted that the different activities would target young children, elementary/middle school children, families, and people of all ages. Commissioner Ingebritson commented that Maple View is a nice length loop for younger children and there is a playground nearby. He noted that Northwoods is a hit with his kids in the fall because of the apple trees, but it is a long walk. Commissioner Vedadi noted that those are all things to be considered. Mr. Kytonen stated that if Northwoods is selected they could just do a partial trek and not the full loop. Commissioner Kovich noted that Northwoods has the most to offer in terms of what could be seen. Commissioner Vedadi noted that if the play date is done in the summer, they could point out the apple trees and families could come back in the fall. Commissioner Ingebritson noted that Maple View also has berries. He stated that Commissioner Vedadi has some great ideas, targeted people of all ages. Mr. Kytonen suggested that they pick one idea and begin with that. Chairperson Kovich agreed that it would be best to begin with one idea. He stated that the Davinci opportunity would make the most sense and could lead into the play date concept in the summer. He stated that the history opportunity would take the most time to setup. Commissioner Vedadi suggested perhaps the first step would be to reach out to the partners to see the amount of work it would take and the steps that would be necessary. She noted that the Historical Society opportunity would involve working with a student from the university to Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — December 8, 2021 Page 3 develop the content. She noted that the Commission could break into smaller groups to work on the different concepts as well. Chairperson Kovich suggested working on the Davinci opportunity first. He stated that it would be better to focus on one concept and do it well than to try to do multiple things and not do as well. Commissioner Vedadi noted that all of her concepts fall under the concept of getting outside and related marketing could be under "Get Outside Andover" so it builds recognition. She confirmed that she is committed and ready to run with the ideas. Chairperson Kovich thanked Commissioner Vedadi for her work. OTHER BUSINESS a. Recap Joint Meeting with City Council Commissioner Kovich noted that the main topic of discussion was related to a potential boardwalk at Dalske. Commissioner Olson asked for a status update on that item. Mr. Kytonen stated that the decision was to contact an engineering firm to discuss a thorough study of the area prior to the decision of the type of boardwalk. He noted that he and other staff members will meet with a firm later this week to begin discussions. Commissioner Kovich stated that he would have preferred not to do a study because of the added cost but acknowledged that the decision was of the Council. He acknowledged that other entities would be involved in permitting as well, therefore it makes sense to gather that additional information. Commissioner Lindberg arrived Commissioner Vedadi asked if the Council agreed that it would not make sense to construct a boardwalk if the cost were going to be very high. Mr. Kytonen stated that a more expensive option is not necessarily off the table if there is outside funding available to support that cost. Chairperson Kovich stated that the Commission is in agreement that the boardwalk should be as simple and low cost as possible. He stated that the Council seemed receptive about the Commission being involved if a development is adjacent to a preserve. Mr. Kytonen advised of a grant opportunity that the Commission previously applied for. He confirmed that the Commission would be supportive of staff submitting an application. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — December 8, 2021 Page 4 Commissioner Vedadi commented that she would be hesitant on a high -cost boardwalk as funding could be used for other purposes. Commissioner Olson agreed. Mr. Kytonen stated that some forestry mowing may occur this winter at Martin's Meadows and provided additional details. He stated that he and Kayla are working to update the maps and information in the kiosks at the preserves. b. Next Meeting Chairperson Kovich noted that the Commission will next meet in March unless there is something that demands attention prior to that time. Currently planning on Wednesday, March 9t'. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Ingebritson, to adjourn. Motion passed 4-0 (Lindberg and Vedadi present). The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. 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 TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discuss Renaming Open Space Advisory Commission to Andover Nature Preserve Commission DATE: March 9, 2022 INTRODUCTION At a recent City Council workshop, there was a suggestion to change the name of the Open Space Advisory Commission (OSAC) to the Andover Nature Preserve Commission. DISCUSSION Since its inception, this group has been called the Open Space Advisory Commission. A few years back, the properties were renamed from "open spaces" to "nature preserves." The thought was the name of the commission should be consistent with the name of the properties. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss if the Open Space Advisory Commission should be renamed to Andover Nature Preserve Commission. Respectfully submitted, V V-4 Kameron Kytonen ANk6 W 1686 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 Status of Promotion Ideas and Opportunities of the Nature Preserves ("Get Outside" Campaign) DATE: March 9, 2022 INTRODUCTION At the last meeting, Commissioner Vedadi brought forth some ideas for promoting the nature preserves ("Get Outside!" proposal). DISCUSSION The four nature preserves have a lot to offer. Despite this, it's relatively unknown how much use from the public they are getting. Thus, maybe there are some additional promotion and publicity mechanisms to generate more appreciation, usage and community involvement. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to continue to brainstorm how some of these ideas could potentially be acted upon and what progress has been made since the last meeting. Respectfully submitted, Z--� Kameron Kytonen Attachment "Get Outside! Proposal" City of Andover Open Space Commission Project `Get Outside!' Proposal Executive Summary Objective: create new opportunities for community members to experience Andover Nature Preserves to build awareness and appreciation of the preserves and promote (appropriate) usage Goal: facilitate 1-2 `Get Outside!' events in 2022 to promote use and stewardship Strategies: Continue to seek additional opportunities • Partner with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community members to build attractive experiences • Conduct a campaign to promote experiences • Take advantage of free non-profit resources to ensure success with the proposal Event Ideas North Woods: Environmental Stewardship Partner with Davinci Academy Charter School to host an educational session(s) for elementary/middle school age children. The session would focus on understanding the Anoka Sandplain, the diverse and rare plant species found in the preserve, and the local ecosystem as a whole. In the end, students would understand more about Andover's natural world and the importance of preserving ecosystems and habitat. Mapleview: Outdoor Play & Learning Partner with Free Forest School to design and offer 1-2 Forest School experiences for Andover families with young children. The sessions would blend traditional early education learning (under 7 years old) with outdoor play. Sessions would also include environmental stewardship promotion. Dalske: Walk Through the Past Partner with the Minnesota Historical Society to offer a walking tour that showcases Minnesota's historical roots (native american history, settlement, farming, railroad, etc). Focus of the session would be to bring history alive. The session would also include information about woodsman skills used by earlier generations (fur trapping, hunting, foraging, etc). North Woods: Environmental Stewardship Idea When: week of 9-13th, 2022vent Ideas: North Woods: partner with Davinci Academy Charter School to host an educational session(s) for elementary/middle school age children. The session would focus on understanding the Anoka Sandplain, the diverse and rare plant species found in the preserve, and the local ecosystem as a whole. In the end, students would understand more about Andover's natural world and the importance of preserving ecosystems and habitat. Mapleview: Session Development: partnership with University of Minnesota students and Davinci Academy middle school students to design session learning objectives, syllabus, and content. Session Delivery: Session would also be student led, with an Open Space Commission host(s). Considerations: selecting which grades and classrooms/students would participate, transportation from Davinci to North Woods Status: contacted Davinci Academy and they are interested in offering this as an enrichment class for their annual school intercession. They are willing to transport kids to the preserve for a field trip as part of the class. Mapleview: Outdoor Play & Learn Idea When: tbd 2022 Session Development: partnership with a Forest School expert to design learning objectives, syllabus, and content. Session Delivery: Session would also be Forest School facilitator led or led by a community member who could receive training from Forest School experts. Open Space Commission host(s). Considerations: the number of people who can attend to minimize negative environmental impact to the preserves Status: contacted the Free Forest School organization by email and they are willing to help us set these sessions up in our community. Scheduling meeting to discuss in more detail. Dalske: A Walk Through History Idea When: spring or summer 2022 Session Development: partnership with the Minnesota and / or the Anoka County Historical Societies to develop the experience Session Delivery: delivery by a historical society member and/or Andover community members Considerations: timing the sessions to avoid times with heavy mosquitoes and to avoid hunting season on the adjacent state lands Status: exploratory inquiry sent to the Anoka County historical society Promotional Campaign Andover Today Newsletter City of Andover website and Facebook pages Local neighborhood Facebook pages Flyers at Local Andover Businesses Flyers at City Hall, the Andover Community Center, and the YMCA Information in School Newsletters Resources Project Get Outdoors- training for how to sponsor, promote, and facility community outdoor events. 8 hour online leader training is free. Free Forest School- an organization that supports adults to enable outdoor experiences for children. The organization has a focus on honoring the various ways people from different cultural backgrounds experience nature. Anoka County Historical Society- repository of information about Anoka County history and access to knowledgeable history experts Next Steps -* Present proposal to the Andover City Council -3� Receive City Council feedback -* Continue to explore and pursue ideas, based on City Council feedback 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 65304 . (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 Potential Crossing at Dalske Woodlands DATE: March 9, 2022 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 To foster full access, it would be ideal to have a crossing to the southern half. Due to current high standards the boardwalk is expected to be built, finding the funding to make this happen is a challenge. There are grant opportunities, which the City has applied for in the past. However, the City hasn't been successful in getting awarded as of yet. Staff is currently working on an application through the DNR Outdoor Recreation grant program. The application is due in late March of 2022. The boardwalk has been inserted into the 2026 CIP. Thus, there are plans to hopefully build a boardwalk or similar crossing in the future, regardless of being awarded a grant. Finally, the City has hired a consultant to help with design standards based on the site conditions. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss the status of the potential future crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen