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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-11-24 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 September 11, 2024 Andover City Hall Conference Room A & B 5.00 p.m. 1. Walking tour of Woodland Creek Wetland Restoration — (meet at small parking lot SE of Creekridge Park — 3216 South Coon Creek Drive 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: August 14, 2024 regular meeting 4. Urban Night Sky Place discussion (Verbal) 5. Discuss potential vegetation management activities in the preserves (Verbal) 6. Discuss potential crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve 7. Discuss wetland banking ideas (Verbal) 8. Other business a. Next meeting? b. Other? 9. Adjournment V'NDOVEA C I T Y 0 F 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 — August 14, 2024 Regular Meeting DATE: September 11, 2024 INTRODUCTION The Nature Preserve Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the August 14, 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, Z-J* Kam Kytonen Attachment August 14, 2024 meeting minutes REGULAR NATURE PRESERVE COMMISSIONMEETING AUGUST 14, 2024 MINUTES ** Prior to the meeting the Commission completed a walking tour of Northwoods Preserve located at 16437 Hanson Boulevard NW beginning at 5 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: Natalie Hanson, Jonathan Gwinn, Margaret Miller, Peter Miller, and Erik Lindberg Commissioners absent: Jamie McGowan Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician and Dave Berkowitz, Director of Public Works/City Engineer RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. DISCUSS POTENTL4L CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen reviewed background information on the goal to have a crossing of the County ditch at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. Mr. Berkowitz stated that he spoke with Chairperson Kovich the previous week to discuss some options for Dalske and a crossing. He stated that they did discuss a culvert, which would be an option, and provided details on that process. He stated that there is a large tributary upstream that would need to be modeled, even extending north to Ham Lake. He provided an estimate on the cost for design and construction of a culvert, along with mitigation that would need to be completed and potential wetland impacts. He stated that entire process would have a cost of about $75,000. He stated that when they applied for the grant for the boardwalk, which was $150,000, it would have had a 50/50 split, therefore the City would have contributed $75,000. He stated that the cost for the culvert would be the same cost to the City for that boardwalk. He noted that he has kept the door open for the boardwalk grant. He stated that public works staff support the boardwalk as that would allow any equipment necessary to maintain trails to cross. He commented that the gravel trail would be required for ADA access but over time that would return to a vegetative state and vegetation would also grow up around the boardwalk to make that look more natural. He stated that staff could resubmit the grant application for the boardwalk, but there would need to be commitment that the project would move forward. Commissioner P. Miller asked the age of the original boardwalk at Kelsey which was replaced. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 2 Mr. Berkowitz believed the original boardwalk was installed in the late 1980's. He explained that the boardwalks now use helical piers for support and therefore has a very long lifespan. He recognized that nothing is maintenance free, but the desire would be to have something that requires minimal maintenance. Commissioner Gwinn asked the width of the required ADA trail. Mr. Berkowitz replied that the width of the boardwalk would be eight feet with kick plates on the side of the boardwalk. Chairperson Kovich thanked Mr. Berkowitz for his inp to their regular agenda order and come batik to this item APPROVAL OF MINUTES.— May 8, 2024 Motion by C May 8, 2024. URBAN Todd Burlet, Starry Sk''. nonprofit with the goal which is a recogi are free to go a reviewed the ber. He reviewed the to Commissioner Lindberg stated that the Board would return cussion. to approve the minutes of 'oduced himself and the intent of the organization which is a it outreach. He provided details on an urban night sky place, a community that is not necessarily dark but is a place people e a natural night environment within an urban setting. He i urban night sky place as well as the benefits to their visitors. ,nts and application process. there is a cost or annual fee. Mr. Burlet replied that there is no cost for participation, noting that the organization is a nonprofit and run by volunteers. Commissioner P. Miller stated that this was his idea and therefore he would be willing to assist with the steps necessary to become an urban night sky place. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner Lindberg asked if there is a preserve in mind for this designation. He asked if camping is allowed within any of the preserves. Mr. Kytonen replied that the preserves are currently closed at dusk, or perhaps 10 p.m. Commissioner P. Miller stated that he has considered all four of the preserves and stated that they will need to consider parking and access. He stated that he would be thrilled to just use one preserve for this designation. Commissioner Hanson asked if the representative has been part of this initiative in other states Mr. Burlet replied that he is a Maple Grove resident, and this organization is specific to Minnesota, although there are similar organizations in other states He provided details on events being sponsored in other communities focused on the night sky. He stated tliat the organization is funded by donations and the members of the organization; such as himself, pay dues. He confirmed that there are four communities currently in the process,of becoming an urban night sky place. Chairperson Kovich commented Meadows could work as well. DISCUSS POTENTIAL WE PRESERVE Mr. Kytonen stated i Fish and Wildlife to Meadows. He stated kind staff time: the C work but v6tontially Martin's MARTIN'S MEADOWS noka 'Conservation District (ACD) and US a wetland restoration project at Martin's $20,000 but with the exception of some in- :unding if the grant is approved. Chairperson Kovich recognized that there has been some discussion about potentially adding to the preserve, but he has been told by the_City to leave the discussion to staff and he agrees as there are negotiations taking place He stated that if that parcel were acquired, it could be a great fit for the urban nidit skv place. DISCUSS POTENTIAL CROSSING AT DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE Chairperson Kovich stated t_hathe spent some time working with ACD on the culvert concept but upon more research the cost became too high for that level of crossing. He stated that there would be two options then, the boardwalk or nothing. He stated that the impacts they were worried about before would be mitigated over time as the gravel trail would eventually turn back to grass. Commissioner Hanson stated that if they are going to have the ADA access, perhaps they also do a loop and advertise as such. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 4 Chairperson Kovich commented that the trail is close to ADA compliant already. He stated that half of Dalske is not accessible and that would be an easy way to expand the preserve. Mr. Kytonen commented that the gravel will help to maintain the integrity of the trail as well. Chairperson Kovich acknowledged that if the City is going to maintain a trail on the other side of the preserve, that equipment would need to be able to get over there, which is another reason to support the boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen agreed that a boardwalk would also allow the City to have access to complete maintenance including tree removals and pruning needed for safety. Commissioner P. Miller asked if there are plans for..where trails may go on that other side of the preserve. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that he does have a Commissioner Hanson asked the Mr. Kytonen provided details on the would be heavily used on the south Commissioner Han to walk within that preserves. Mr. additional acce trail that exists make i Chairperson Kovich referen through future development it ler whether people would want other types of areas within the ue characteristics that differ from other should visit the preserve before the next meeting. at``Dalske is different from the other preserves and the complete experience as it would double the length of the I roperty to the west that could perhaps be added to the preserve Commissioner Gwinn commented that this has been a discussion for the past two or three years and he would be interested in pursuing this crossing. He stated that they could not seem to justify expansion of the preserves if they do not even have full access of this preserve. Commissioner Hanson commented that it is almost not worth going to visit Dalske with the current access and therefore extending that access would make sense. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 5 Chairperson Kovich commented that he would support taking a formal vote at the next meeting. Mr. Kytonen stated that he could bring that request to the next meeting, and it would then go before the Council to apply for the grant funds once again. DISCUSS WETLAND BANKING IDEAS Commissioner Gwinn provided background information replacement requirements. He stated that if the Commissi could invite a guest to come and share more details. Chairperson Kovich asked the number of Commissioner Gwinn commented that the Lower Rum River Organization has a map which grades potential areas and identified s Andover. He stated that currently there is not availabilitywithin Ani credits within the city. He noted that some developers choose to restoration/mitigation rather than purchasing from the wetland bank. Commissioner Hanson asked how Council. banking and wetland 3 in learning more, he hed Management those areas within purchase wetland ate onsite wetland this versus the City Commissioner Gwinn commented#hat his thought would bethat.the area used for wetland credits to a could also be turned inpreserve, ;,He provided -details about the area created in Blaine for this purpose which has trails He confirmed that the Commission would be interested in having additional information on this tonic. Chairperson Kovich noted that Commissioner P. Miller will work on the night sky place concept while Commissioner Gwinn will continue his work on the concept of wetland banking. Commissioner M. Miller stated that she will continue to work on a newsletter article. Commissioner Hanson commented that she will continue to look for grant opportunities, can assist with Facebook posts, and could be involved in anything with Martin's Meadows. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 6 OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting. September 11, 2024 Commissioner Gwinn asked if there would be another walking tour. Chairperson Kovich commented that he will work with Mr. Kytonen to pick a location for the walking tour prior to the meeting. Commissioner Gwinn asked if they could go to Woodland preserve. Chairperson Kovich confirmed they could do that. b. Conservation Easement North No update. C. Preserve Pics of the Month Scheda Commissioner Hanson stated that she has a =lot of i that could be used. It was confirmed that could be taking the photos to share each month going forwa d. Other t even though that is not a Preserve within Martin's Meadows he volunteered to continue Commissioner Lindberg stated that he likes the urban night sky place idea and the possibility of having groups, such -as Cub Scouts, to experience the outdoors close to home. He stated that perhaps there could bean overnight permit available for some groups, which would also generate revenue. He acknowledged that it could also be a way to bring people into Andover. Commissioner Gwinn commented on the importance of buffering the preserves Commissioner M. Miller commented that because there is not a financial investment needed, it would seem to be a benefit to having the designation. Mr. Kytonen stated that the only hurdle would be to change the by-laws of the preserves to allow access after the posted closing time. He noted that he could investigate what would be allowed in terms of night access. Regular Nature Preserve Commission Meeting Minutes —August 14, 2024 Page 7 Commissioner Gwinn commented that his only concern would be with overpublicizing the preserve locations and having too many people in those areas. He stated that perhaps permits are allowed for certain nights in order to preserve what is special about those spaces. Commissioner P. Miller stated that they would also need to consider the neighbors of the preserves and the impact that night access could have on them. He stated that it would be great to have use for educational groups. He shared the concern with overuse but believed that currently the preserves are underused. He stated that perhaps there is a permit or license for those that would be in the preserve after a set time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Gwinn, 7:36 p.m. Motion passed 6-0.,__. Respectfully Kameron Kytonen ; Natural Resources Technici Drafted y.:;: Amanda Staple, Recording , to adjourn the meeting at VC I T Y 0 F '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: Discuss Potential Crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve DATE: September 11, 2024 INTRODUCTION The upland areas of Dalske Woodlands Preserve are currently separated by a wetland area that encompasses a county ditch. This prevents users from being able to safely cross from the northern upland area into the southern upland area. DISCUSSION To foster full access and to expand the trail network, some sort of crossing is needed. There has been discussion on different options including a boardwalk, which the City could apply for a grant with the DNR. The boardwalk would likely be the best option for longevity and safety. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss the status of a potential future crossing at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. If interested, a vote would be necessary in supporting of construction of the boardwalk. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen