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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-17-23 meeting packetC T YF DOt 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Agenda May 17, 2023 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 5:00 p.m. 1. Walking tour of Martin's Meadows (meet at SW access; review canoe options)-17101 Navajo St. NW 2. Return to Andover City Hall for regular meeting 6:30 p.m. 1. Call to order 2. Resident forum 3. Approval of minutes: March 22, 2023 regular meeting and April 25, 2023 special meeting 4. Discuss Maple View grant (partnership with Great River Greening) 5. Discuss "preserve pics of the month" 6. Discuss future land options (Minnesota Land Trust) 7. Other business a. Martin's Meadows canoe options 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 — March 22, 2023 Regular Meeting and April 25, 2023 Special Meeting DATE: May 17, 2023 INTRODUCTION The Nature Preserve Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the March 22, 2023 regular meeting and April 25, 2023 special 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 March 22, 2023 meeting minutes April 25, 2023 meeting minutes REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 22, 2023 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, Ryan Ingebritson, Margaret Miller, Jamie McGowan, and Liliya Ustimchuk_-.. Commissioners absent: Erik Lindberg Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Wces Technician RESIDENT FORUM = =- No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 14, Motion by Commissioner McGowa = c_ond by Commissioner Gwinn, to approMe the minutes of December 14, 2022. Motion passed a_(2 present). WELCOME NEW Chairperson Kovic ti— edWthe new rrunissibn mom-6 rs. He administered the Oath of Office to Commissi ors Miller % stimclije= UPDATE ONSMTUSF �-- '-T IRES OF THE NATURE PRESERVES _ -- -=- sue= Mr. K, _ nen and Chaim ovich yided ano �e1a_-. A of the Nature Preserves including features of note._ - -- DISCUSS M -P.-_ALE VIEW G _NT (PAR�1VERSHIP WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING) Mr. Kytonen proAVEMan updat n the progress completed thus far using the grant funds and the planned activities for pri -hummer. He noted that there may be opportunities for the group to assist with plantings fell DISCUSS "PRESERVE PIC OF THE MONTH" Mr. Kytonen stated that this concept was suggested at the last meeting. He provided an overview of the photos that were provided by Commissioners in January and February and shared on social media and/or the City website. He stated that they would now want volunteers to take photos for March and April. Commissioner McGowan volunteered for March and Chair Kovich volunteered for April. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —March 22, 2023 Page 2 OTHER BUSINESS a. Funding Sources and Properties b. Community Survey Commissioner Gwinn provided an update on the process thus far noting that the next step would be to await the results of the public opinion survey. Mr. Kytonen stated that the survey was intended to be released to the public in early winter but was delayed. He stated that the City Administrator would like to meet with the Council as well as the different boards and commissions to develop the questions for the survey. Commissioner Gwinn noted a resident that previously addressed the Commission via open forum to provide details on her family farm property and interest in potentially working with the Commission to preserve parts of the property. He stated that they did reach out to follow up with the resident. He asked if there was an update for the land near the Rum River. Chair Kovich stated that three parcels total 120 acres and he has had recent conversations with the City Administrator, Minnesota Land Trust, and Anoka Conservation District. He provided background information on the property which was previously proposed to the Commission for purchase but ultimately did not move forward. He stated that recently there has again been discussion about a desire for preservation. He noted that by default 60 percent of the property would be preserved because of the wetlands and floodplain. He explained how the property could be developed and provided similar examples within Andover. He stated that they have reached out to other agencies to determine if there are funds available to preserve the property, or portions of the property. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he believes there are funds available specifically for property near the Rum River as well. Chair Kovich stated that if the group were interested, perhaps the next step would be to invite the Minnesota Land Trust to attend the next meeting for further discussion. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he is passionate about expanding and preserving natural areas and thanked Chair Kovich for his research. He supported continuing to bring this forward and learn more. Commissioner Ingebritson agreed, noting that it was encouraging that the resident brought the concept of preservation forward. He appreciated the work Commissioner Gwinn has been doing to pursue additional funding opportunities. He recognized that time is of the essence as Andover continues to develop at a rapid pace. Mr. Kytonen noted that when multiple family members are involved there are often differing opinions on what should be done with the land. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — March 22, 2023 Page 3 Chair Kovich stated that they should not focus on just one property and provided some examples of other properties that could be of interest to the Commission. Commissioner McGowan stated that while she was excited about the properties mentioned, she agrees with looking more broadly and continuing to look at different methods of funding. Commissioner Miller asked if there is guidance from the city on a goal for preservation in the community. She commented that there is a lot of land that is not buildable because of things like wetlands. She asked if there is a balance between development and preservation. Mr. Kytonen replied that there is not a set goal to his knowledge. Commissioner Gwinn stated that basically thus far, the Commission used the funds from the referendum to purchase properties to be used as preserves. Chair Kovich provided more historical context on how the preserves were purchased. Commissioner Miller agreed that it makes sense to pursue additional funding sources. Commissioner Ustimchuk agreed that it makes sense to pursue outside funding to preserve as much land as possible. Chair Kovich recommended that the Minnesota Land Trust be invited to the next meeting to provide additional information on funding opportunities. He noted that this may increase the meeting frequency. He stated that the group previously discussed a potential canoe landing for Martins Meadows and has since discovered that should be a shoreline stabilization project. The Commission and staff discussed recent and proposed development activity. Mr. Kytonen noted the previously developed mission statement and felt it would be helpful to review the information with the Commission, given the new members that have joined. Commissioner McGowan commented that she would still be interested in the walk with a Commissioner concept that the group previously discussed, and confirmed that the group is still interested once the weather improves. It was confirmed that the item would be added to the next agenda for further discussion. She also suggested adding a fun fact or educational component to the preserve of the month photos. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that he could assist with the additional information to go along with the photos. C. Next Meeting: May 10, 2023 Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — March 22, 2023 Page 4 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Gwinn, to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSION LISTENING SESSION WITH THE MINNESOTA LAND TRUST APRIL 25, 2023 MINUTES The listening session of the Andover Nature Preserve Commission was called to order by Chairperson Kim Kovich at 5:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: LISTENING SESSION Jonathan Gwinn, Ryan I McGowan, and Liliya U Erik Lindberg Kristina Geiger (MN Chairperson Kovich provided background informi more information from the Minnesc sand Trust. Kristina Geiger stated that she has had about one specific property that had organization is also s v_ in d acknowledged that t ererigina] the desire of the Cirterms ofui open space. Margaret Miller, Jamie intent to learn with srff-rom Anoka Conservation District b�by W13bmmission and noted that her ,tlaerover property owner. She urdW. - _the preserve properties and asked intainin?—MaUditional lands for the purpose of Commissinner-Gw nn jtatedl the �a iori esented a proposal to the City Council in Augu_22 that j wed df£eent funding options to consider. He noted that the next step �� was determined to includVIWHew guns related'to land acquisition on the community survey. Ms. Geiger commented that fundinI-sources and/or organizations that assist with funding and land transfe-r ant to see `t the ultimate owner of the property would be interested in maintaining the pr Chairperson Kovich revi�lre role of the Commission in managing the preserves, with parks staff handling the mainten duties. He also provided background information on the criteria the Commission used to select properties. Ms. Geiger commented that the Minnesota Land Trust does not manage any properties. She explained that the Land Trust works with private property owners to establish conservation easements but can also do fee land acquisitions. She provided details on the funding sources that the Minnesota Land Trust, and other similar organizations use for preservation and/or restoration. She asked for input on the ultimate desire of the Commission, whether those would be City owned or a combination of development and preservation. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —April 25, 2023 Page 2 Chairperson Kovich commented that the preserves are City owned and maintained and would believe that would be the path they would follow into the future. Commissioner Gwinn stated that they have discussed allowing density on one portion of a site in return for preservation on the other portion of the land but would not favor the use of easements. Ms. Geiger commented that the Land Trust mainly uses easements, and it would be easier for the City to manage in its desired manner if the City were the owner of the property. She stated that the Land Trust has worked with developers to institute conservation easements, but in some cases that land still remains private and owned by the HOA. She noted that there could be a way to negotiate with a developer for the City to become fee owner of the easement, where that conservation easement could then become public. She provided more details on how the Land Trust gains its easements, by use of funds or dedication. Chairperson Kovich provided more details on a specific property along the river that was originally considered in the first round of property purchases and renewed interest of the property owner that has arisen. Ms. Geiger commented that it is sometimes helpful to have ordinances that encourage conservation development. Commissioner Gwinn commented that Andover is based on lower density development, even below the recommended MUSA density, which is a challenge. Chairperson Kovich stated that there is more the Commission would like to do to add to the preserves but would need additional funding. Commissioner Gwinn reviewed the concepts that he presented to the City Council in 2022 that could provide funding for preserve acquisition. Ms. Geiger provided more details on the different funding sources that would be available for this type of use along with different contacts the group could reach out to. Chairperson Kovich thanked the guest for sharing this information tonight and noted that the Commission can continue to discuss these options at its next meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —April 25, 2023 Page 3 Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary AC I T Y O F N.JIDOVE- 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: May 17, 2023 REQUEST The City is partnering with Great River Greening (GRG) and has secured a grant for restoration activities in Maple View Nature 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 the last few years. Staff will discuss other proposed activities planned in the preserve in 2023 with the Nature Preserve Commission. Respectfully submitted, 4- / & Kameron Kytonen 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 Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discuss "Preserve Pics of the Month" DATE: May 17, 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. The Nature Preserve Commission is requested to provide feedback as needed. Respectfully submitted, 9-- P- t7 Kameron Kytonen kC I T Y 0 F NDOVE^ 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 Future Land Options (Minnesota Land Trust) DATE: May 17, 2023 REQUEST At the last regular meeting, the Nature Preserve Commission (NPC) discussed potential options for purchasing more land. It was decided to set a special meeting with a representative from the Minnesota Land Trust. That meeting occurred on April 25, 2023. The NPC is requested to discuss this. subject matter and provide feedback as needed. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen