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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-14-24 meeting packetkC I T Y 0 F NDOVEA 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Agenda August 14, 2024 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 5.00 P.M. 1. Walking tour of Northwoods Preserve — 16437 Hanson Blvd. NW (meet at main west entrance) 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 8, 2024 regular meeting 4. Urban Night Sky Place discussion 5. Discuss potential wetland restoration at Martin's Meadows Preserve 6. Discuss potential crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve (Verbal) 7. Discuss wetland banking ideas (Verbal) 8. Discussion of opportunities of commission members (Verbal) 9. Other business a. Next meeting? b. Conservation easement north of Northwoods Preserve c. Preserve pics of the month schedule d. Newsletter article? e. Other? 10. Adjournment C I T Y O F 3 NDOVEA 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 8, 2024 Regular Meeting DATE: August 14, 2024 INTRODUCTION The Nature Preserve Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the May 8, 2024 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, fz-6&7 Kameron Kytonen Attachment May 8, 2024 meeting minutes REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSIONMEETING MAY8, 2024 MINUTES • Prior to the regular meeting, the Commission conducting a walking tour of Maple View Preserve located at 1251 167th Avenue NW beginning at 5:00 p.m. 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: Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Natalie Hanson, Jonathan Jamie McGowan Erik Lindberg Kameron Kvtonen Nadir, APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Motion by Commissioner McGowan, S of March 13, 2024. Motion passed 6-0. REVIEW OF Miller, Peter Miller, to approve the minutes the members attended the joint meeting. Mr. Kytonen reported that the joint meeting occurred`n March and that portion of the agenda was about 20 minutes in length. He welcomed any discussion and/or feedback but believed that it went well, with the main focus on potential opportunities to expand the preserves. Chairperson Kovach commented that the format went well. He stated that the Council provided support for the concept of expanding to the existing preserves. Commissioner McGowan commented that it seemed that the City Council was willing to work with the Commission on this and would be willing to act on behalf of the Commission when necessary. Commissioner P. Miller commented that the Council even seemed receptive to considering a future referendum as a funding source. Commissioner Gwinn stated that they also discussed the boardwalk/crossing but that seemed to go in circles. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — May 8, 2024 Page 2 DISCUSS POTENITAL WETLAND RESTORATION AT MARTIN'S MEADOWS PRESER VE Mr. Kytonen commented that the design is pretty much completed for this project, which is being led by the Anoka Conservation District and provided an overview of the plans. He reviewed the estimated $20,000 cost for the project, noting that the City will not have to contribute funds towards the project. He stated that the City would assume the maintenance responsibilities and reviewed some of those tasks. He noted that the Luedtkes will also need to sign an agreement, agreeing to the project. Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner M. Miller, to recommend approval of the wetland restoration project at Martin's Meadows. Motion passed 6-0. DISCUSS POTENTLAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen stated that this challenge has existed and has been discussed since the property was acquired, providing a brief recap of the most recent discussion with the Council at the joint meeting. Chairperson Kovich stated that he met with staff from Anoka Conservation District (ACD) at the preserve and was made aware of an opportunity for ACD to assist with buckthorn removal. He stated that ACD is also willing to put a project together that would include a culvert and some trails to get across. He asked if the Board supported ACD putting together a plan. Commissioner McGowan asked if there is a similar example that has been done by another community. Chairperson Kovich stated that he is unsure as he did not ask that, but he could ask that question. Commissioner McGowan stated that example might be good to bring with the plans to show the Council that it has worked. Commissioner M. Miller asked if the culvert would support the trail needed for maintenance on the other side. Chairperson Kovich commented that the culvert would be easy and then it would just be building up enough for a trail to get equipment across. Commissioner Gwinn asked if mitigation costs would be involved for wetland replacement. Mr. Kytonen stated that those questions are unanswered at this time. Chairperson Kovich commented that those answers would come through the proposal. He confirmed that the Commission supports requesting ACD to develop the proposal as discussed. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — May 8, 2024 Page 3 Chairperson Kovich shared images that he took from Martin's Meadows and the possibility to preserve additional land. Commissioner Gwinn commented that he believes that this should be the first priority with the potential funding, restoration potential, and speed of development. Mr. Kytonen commented that there has been prairie restoration in the open area within Martin's Meadows. DISCUSS WETLAND BANKING IDEAS Commissioner Gwinn commented on the wetland banking that nearby communities have completed. He reviewed the benefits provided by the project while also protecting the area. He asked if the Commission would be interested in learning more information, and if so, he would reach out to the City of Blaine to gather data and potentially meet with their Natural Sources Commission. He noted that this could be another tool in the box which would provide environmental benefit and generate revenue. Commissioner P. Miller stated that he would be interested in more information. The Commission agreed that they would like more information and how this could tie into the preserves. UPDATE ON IDEAS OF POTENTL4L EXPANSION OF PRESERVES Chairperson Kovich stated that the most recent discussion relating to expansion involves Northwoods Preserve and provided an update on the conservation easement that is days away from being executed. He identified other potential expansion opportunities for other preserves. He also noted a parcel adjacent to Peterson Farms, which has not yet been acquired by the developer. He stated that the Commission could ask staff to reach out to the property owners to discuss the opportunity of preservation, through a conservation easement, and the funding that would be available from the Minnesota Land Trust. Commissioner Hanson provided clarity on land that is owned by the HOA. Mr. Kytonen stated that he would need permission from his supervisor and the City Administrator before reaching out to that family to determine their interest in the idea. Commissioner Hanson commented that she would have concern with leaving a section for a road. Chairperson Kovich commented that the City has interest in the through road connection. Mr. Kytonen stated that the possibility of a road would be years, or even decades out. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — May 8, 2024 Page 4 Chairperson Kovich confirmed the consensus of the Commission to speak with staff to determine if they could reach out to the family to see if there would be an interest in a conservation easement. He noted that if this were a time sensitive matter once the discussions begin, a special meeting could be called. DISCUSSION OF OPPORTUNITIES OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Chairperson Kovich stated that he put this on the agenda to determine if there were other things the Commission members were interested in, outside of attending meetings, using the example of Commissioner Gwinn and his efforts. He noted that in the past there was a member interested in education and she held some programs in the preserves. Mr. Kytonen used the example of newsletter articles as well. Commissioner Hanson commented that she would be interested in submitting some potential social media posts. Mr. Kytonen stated that Commissioner Hanson could submit her ideas to him, and he would then forward to the appropriate party. Commissioner Hanson stated that she could also look into potential grants they could apply for. Mr. Kytonen noted that while he does some of that already, he would always be interested in help. Commissioner McGowan asked if perhaps a member of the City Council would be interested in a walk the preserve event with her. Commissioner McGowan left the meeting. Commissioner M. Miller stated that she would be willing to assist in updating the Commission website page. OTHER BUSINESS a. Urban Night Sky Place Discussion Commissioner P. Miller provided information on the Dark Sky International organization, which has a local chapter in the metro, and the different dark sky or night sky category designations. He stated that he would be interested in learning more information on how this could apply to the preserves and will bring back additional information at a future meeting. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes — May 8, 2024 Page 5 b. Next Meeting. July 10, 2024 It was noted that prior to the meeting the Commission would complete a walking tour, with the location to be determined. C. Preserve Pics of the Month Schedule The Commission reviewed and confirmed the preserve pic of the month schedule. d. Newsletter Article Mr. Kytonen acknowledged the most recent article and thanked the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, Second by Commissioner Hanson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. 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 Nature Preserve Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Urban Night Sky Place Discussion DATE: August 14, 2024 REQUEST At the May 8', 2024 meeting, Commissioner Peter Miller shared information on a program call Urban Night Sky Places, which showcases places that are accessible and have unique qualities to allow folks to appreciate the lighting and night sky. These are areas near or surrounded by large urban environments. A guest speaker will be on hand to discuss the program in more detail. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen C I T Y O F 0,45V NDOVE8* 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 Wetland Restoration at Martin's Meadows Preserve DATE: August 14, 2024 REQUEST The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) has grant money available for wetland restoration projects in the Rum River corridor. They have identified portions of Martin's Meadows Preserve as a potential favorable site for this type of project. It would involve plugging select ditch areas to help restore hydrology needed to support native wetland vegetation and control invasive buckthorn. The final design is mostly complete and the next step is getting support from the City. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen