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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-23 meeting packet-- 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Agenda October 11, 2023 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 5.00 p.m. 1. Walking tour of Northwoods Preserve (meet at main access on West side off of Hanson Blvd.)— 16437 Hanson Blvd. NW 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 6.00 p.m. 1. Call to order 2. Resident forum 3. Approval of minutes: May 17, 2023 regular meeting 4. Discuss Maple View grant (partnership with Great River Greening) 5. Discuss "preserve pics of the month" 6. Discuss potential joint meeting with the City Council 7. Other business a. Conservation style development discussion b. Next meeting? 8. Adjournment 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes — May 17, 2023 Regular Meeting DATE: October 11, 2023 INTRODUCTION The Nature Preserve Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the May 17, 2023 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 Kytonen Attachment May 17, 2023 meeting minutes REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING MAY 17, 2023 MINUTES Prior to the regular meeting, the Commission met at Martin's Meadows located at 17101 Navajo St. NW to conduct a walking tour of the preserve. The Regular Meeting of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order b Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Jonathan Gwinn, Ryan Lindberg, Margaret Mi Ustimchuk None Kameron Kvtonena� APPROVAL OF MINUTES — March Motion by Commi of March 22, 2023 DISCUSS MAPLE Mr. Will expires at Chair Kovich Mr. Kytonen confirmed tF He noted that additional wildflower plug planting. (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), Erik IcGowan, and Liliya erg, to approve the WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING) hase of the grant partnership at Maple View w o fed that they began the prep work by tilling the tiller got stuck. He stated that they will not be before planting the shrubs. He noted that the I be used by the end of the grant period. would be using the remainder of the funds through the plantir would be done in the prairie area with spraying and nati Commissioner Ingebritson arrived. Mr. Kytonen stated that Dalske is on hold for mowing and trail cutting because of the conditions. DISCUSS "PRESERVE PICS OF THE MONTH" Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — May 17, 2023 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen stated that they implemented this program over the last few months and noted that seems to be well liked. He confirmed that Chair Kovich would be handling this month. Chair Kovich commented that he will be taking photos in Northwoods Preserve. He asked for volunteer for June. Commissioner Miller volunteered to do Maple View in June and Commissioner U volunteered to do Martin's Meadows in July. Commissioner McGowan volunteered for Dalske in August and Commissioner Gwinn for Northwoods in September. DISCUSS FUTURE LAND OPTIONS (MINNESOTA LAND TRUST) Chair Kovich commented that he met with Mr. Kytonen the previous week to discuss the optiol provided by the representative from the Minnesota Land Trust (MLT). He stated that there was question at the listening session as to whether the City has conservation easements over tl preserves. Mr. Kytonen stated that in talks with Mr. Dickinson an easement would not be necessary as preserves would continue in perpetuity because the referendum dollars were used to purchase land. Chair Kovich referenced the Schmelzer property and stated that part of the property is ali encumbered by the scenic river restrictions. He noted that while that portion of the property v not be buildable, it still remains private property compared to the preserves which have p access. He stated that if a development were to come forward, there would then be the que of who would control the undevelopable land. He noted that if an HOA were to possess the space or park, there still would not be public access. Mr. Kytonen noted that while in the past the group did not pursue land that was not develop; there are portions of the existing preserves that would not be developable if the land were privately owned. Commissioner Gwinn asked if that land could be deeded to the City rather than remain in possession of an HOA. Mr. Kytonen provided more information on options that would be available for negotiation a developer come through with a Planned Unit Development (PUD). He noted that the u decision will be of the Schmelzer family as they own the land. Commissioner Ingebritson stated that perhaps Mr. Dickinson should be informed that Commission is going to continue to look at financing options and would like to stay invol should the parcel come forward with a development proposal. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —May 17, 2023 Page 3 Chair Kovich confirmed that he could meet with Mr. Dickinson as a follow-up. He reviewed of the funding sources that were mentioned by the representative from the MLT. Commissioner Gwinn noted another option that could be available to conserve land througl density transferring, which would allow a combination of development and preservation of land He stated that if they are waiting for the results of the resident survey to determine whether referendum would be an option, perhaps they should also focus on creating some zoning tools tha could also provide preservation options. He stated that it appears that there is no direction at thi; time as there is a desire for additional land but no funding. He stated that perhaps they could reacl out through a mailer to determine if there are willing sellers for this purpose and then if the residen survey results support a referendum, they would also know at that time if there are willing sellers Mr. Kytonen stated that he would have to check with Mr. Dickinson to determine if that would within the allowed scope. Chair Kovich commented that perhaps they could review some of the land to determine properties should be included on the list. Commissioner Ingebritson asked the status of the resident survey. Mr. Kytonen stated that the intent was for that to be completed in late winter/early spring and unsure what the hold up was. Commissioner Gwinn stated that in the last update he received it sounded like there was a for a fall survey rather than a spring survey. Chair Kovich asked when the next joint meeting would be with the Commission and City Coui It was noted as May of 2022. He stated that perhaps this would be a good time to schedule a j meeting for the year. Mr. Kytonen stated that with the group next meeting in September, perhaps it would be to schedule a joint meeting with the Council for October or November. Chair Kovich stated that he will also plan to meet with Mr. Dickinson to gauge the level of sul and information that would be helpful for discussions with the Council. He stated that he can speak with the Conservation District to review their priority properties. The group discussed the use of social media to gauge interest of residents. Commissioner Ingebritson stated that he will work on some draft language that they could using their personal pages to gauge resident interest in additional preserve land. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —May 17, 2023 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that he will also obtain feedback from Mr. Dickinson prior to posting of type of information. OTHER BUSINESS a. Martin's Meadows Canoe Options Chair Kovich confirmed the consensus of the Commission with this site for a canoe landing. He commented that a paddlers welcome sign could be posted so that people on the river would be aware they could stop at that location. b. Next Meeting. September 13, 2023 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Gwinn, to adjourn the at 7:26 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary C I T Y O F Lq NDOVE-A L, 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discuss Maple View Grant (Partnership with Great River Greening) DATE: October 11, 2023 REQUEST The City is partnering with Great River Greening (GRG) and has secured a grant for restoration activities in Maple View Preserve. The grant covers activities in the wetland and upland areas. 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. There has been some control work done on buckthorn and other invasives and planting of native forbs and shrubs as well. The last shrub planting occurred in July. Staff will discuss the status of vegetation management and the grant with the Nature Preserve Commission. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discuss "Preserve Pics of the Month" DATE: October 11, 2023 REQUEST At previous meetings, it was suggested that each month, a commissioner could volunteer to take pictures at a nature preserve of choice. These could then be shared on the website and/or social media. So far, this has been happening for the past several months and seems to be working out well. The Nature Preserve Commission is requested to provide feedback as needed. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen rWA 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discuss Potential Joint Meeting with the City Council DATE: October 11, 2023 REQUEST The Nature Preserve Commission (NPQ has met with the City Council a few times over the years to discuss pertinent items related to present and future activities in the four nature preserves and to discuss the future of the NPC in general. The Commission is requested to create a list of discussion items for another potential joint meeting with the City Council. In addition, the timing of the meeting should be discussed. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen