Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 8, 2017 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Acting Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Rebecca Dahlberg, Anna Dirkswager, Aaron Jarson, Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Gretchen Sabel and Joy Faherty Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician Shane Stenzel, Park Commission Chairperson Mark Miskowiec, Park Commissioner OATH OF OFFICE Acting Chairperson Kovich administered the oath of office to Commissioners Dirkswager and Dahlberg. Commissioner Dahlberg introduced herself to the Commission and provided background information, noting that she owns a local cleaning company with 54 employees. RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 18, 2017 Commissioner Jarson noted on page six, under Kiosk Signage, it should state, “…morning meeting…” Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Jarson, to approve the minutes of January 18, 2017 as amended. Motion passed 3-0-2 (Olson and Dahlberg present). DISCUSSION OF RE-NAMING OPEN SPACES TO “PRESERVES” Park Commission Chairperson Stenzel stated that there was a discussion between the Park Commission and City Council where it was mentioned that there are often questions regarding the difference between a park and open space. He stated that it was determined that perhaps the term should be changed from open space to preserves. Park Commissioner Miskowiec stated that people often think of open space as just open space in the City that is not developed. He stated that open space is not very descriptive and therefore perhaps a better term should be used, such as preserve. Commissioner Olson asked where the confusion is occurring. He stated that the Commission staffs a booth at fun fest and has not encountered a lot of confusion. He stated that the open space is preserving what Andover was. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2017 Page 2 Park Commission Chairperson Stenzel stated that he runs into the confusion more when people are asking about parks and when open space is used it is very general. He explained that when the term open space is used people tend to just think open space that is not developed and where you can do whatever you like. He stated that they are not present to rename the areas but simply ask that the Commission consider something else, such as preserve. Commissioner Olson stated that the group was named, by the City Council, as the Open Space Advisory Committee. Park Commission Chairperson Stenzel stated that the land will also be known as open space by those in the City that know but a different term, such as preserve, could be used for the general public. He stated that once they explain what the open space areas are, people then think other open space areas are okay to go to when in actuality the other land is privately owned. He stated that he likes the open space areas and believe they provide an asset to the community. Mr. Kytonen stated that the group can think about this internally and if a change is desired the group can bring that to the City Council. Acting Chairperson Kovich agreed that he could see the confusion and would not have a problem with using a different term as preserve. Commissioner Olson referenced those that already know the land as open space, the signage that has been installed, and the history of open space. Park Commissioner Stenzel stated that the Park Commission has attempted to accompany some open space areas to provide additional buffer, such as a picnic area or park, next to the open space. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that after reading the information, it appears the City Council has also been considering this topic. He stated that the question would simply be to reclassify the land. Commissioner Jarson noted that one of the spaces already includes that, Northwoods Preserve. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that if the open space area was titled natural area or preserve that might help to detour activities such as dirt biking and snowmobiling. She suggested using preserve, as that would be consistent with Northwoods. Commissioner Dahlberg was unsure that changing the term from open space to preserve would not clear up the confusion. Park Commissioner Miskowiec stated that the term can sometimes detour people from doing activities, such as dirt bikes within the natural areas. He stated that while people would not typically do that activity in a park, they may think it would be permitted in an open space area. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2017 Page 3 Acting Chairperson Kovich asked what would need to change if the decision is made to change the term open space to preserve. Mr. Kytonen replied that they would simply need to update the signage and literature and website. Commissioner Olson stated that he was originally opposed to changing the term but now can understand that confusion and how changing the term could help to detour undesired activities. Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Jarson, to recommend to the City Council that the titles of the open space areas be changed from title open space to title preserve. Motion passed 5-0. CONTINUE DISCUSSION OF OVERALL COMPREHENSIVE PRIORITY LIST FOR ALL OPEN SPACES Mr. Kytonen stated that the Commission has been working to identify the highest priority activities for the open space areas. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that his list of priorities does not appear to match with the information provided in the packet. Mr. Kytonen noted that the routine items that would be completed in-house by staff were removed from the list and this list focuses on items that would need outside help and would need to be included on the CIP. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that he would want to avoid people being confused by what the group is actually doing since those items are not included on the list. Mr. Kytonen noted that this priority list will not be shared publicly and will be used for internal planning purposes. He briefly reviewed the priority list as it was decided upon at the last meeting, noting that the items on the list are more long-term projects that would need grant funding. Commissioner Dirkswager noted that the priorities may shift as funds become available through different grant opportunities. Commissioner Dahlberg commented that as a newcomer to the open spaces, it would be helpful to have a map part way into the open space. She explained that she and her husband studies the map before they left the kiosk but then had trouble remembering which way to go once they were along the path. Mr. Kytonen noted that typically there are paper copies of the map at the kiosk that you can take with you and stated that he will restock the kiosks. It was noted that a small stand could be added within the open space that displays the map and shows you where you are. It was noted that Mapleview could better identify the boundary of the property. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Dahlberg stated that the most common activity she found within the open space areas was people with dogs. She stated that she found Dalske open space to be a bit scary because of the keep out signs and the neighbors that watch out their windows, which does not make you feel welcome. Mr. Kytonen noted that Dalske is the newest addition to the open space properties and therefore additional work needs to be done at that site. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps the property owners near Dalske could be invited to a Commission meeting in attempt to open the lines of communication and be cooperative. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that perhaps it could begin with staff reaching out to the property owners to gain their input. He confirmed the consensus of the Commission with the priority list included in the packet. DISCUSSION OF GRANT OPPORTUNITIES Mr. Kytonen stated that he met with a representative from Great River Greening in February, as the group may have access to additional funds that could be used for restoring and improving the wetland area at Mapleview. He confirmed that it would be a different pool of money outside of the Martins Meadows funds from Great River Greening. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that at the last meeting the group believed that they would be able to pursue another grant application, but noted that there was not sufficient time available and the group can instead plan to apply for the second run in August. She suggested instead of writing the application for just one activity, the application should be written to encompass more management activities. Mr. Kytonen suggested that discussion take place on one of the upcoming agendas. Commissioner Dirkswager noted that the group can apply for funding in multiple open space areas within one application. Mr. Kytonen noted that a subcommittee could be developed if necessary. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that the group may be more successful in obtaining larger grants if there is a coordinated effort between other agencies, using the example of Dalske and the adjacent State owned land. KIOSK SIGNAGE UPDATE Mr. Kytonen stated that Commissioner Faherty was unable to attend the meeting tonight but provided a draft of the content she created for the kiosk at Northwoods Preserve. The Commission provided some small suggestions for change. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2017 Page 5 Commissioner Olson asked if the different ecosystems are going to be identified on the map for people to locate, such as a prairie or aspen forest. He noted that another alternative would be to put a generic photo next to the term that people could use as a guide. The Commission confirmed consensus on the content and expressed appreciation to Commissioner Faherty. Mr. Kytonen stated that the Commission has two kiosks but still need two more kiosks for the other open space areas. He stated that Commissioner Faherty has a potential lead on a Scout that may be in need of a project. Commissioner Dahlberg stated that perhaps a warning be posted in the kiosks near hunting season to alert visitors that neighboring property owners could be hunting. DISCUSSION AGENDA FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Mr. Kytonen stated that the joint meeting date is not etched in stone yet, but they are hoping to have that be the meeting date. Acting Chairperson Kovich suggested asking to hold the joint meeting at a Council worksession after the May 10th Commission meeting date, as that will give the group another opportunity to discuss before meeting with the Council. Mr. Kytonen noted that another option would be to meet with the Council on the same night, following the group’s regular meeting, such as at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that it would be helpful for everyone to be on the same page prior to meeting with the Council. Mr. Kytonen asked which items the Commission would want to discuss with the Council in addition to the priority list and potential name change from open space to preserve. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that it would be helpful to have an update on signage and landowner news from Dalske. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she would also like to receive an update from the Council on their desires for the Commission. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: May 10, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. (Joint meeting with City Council) It was noted at the May 10th regular meeting the agenda should include an update on the kiosk content, plans for the joint meeting with the Council, the desire to rename from open space to preserve, and development of grant opportunities. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2017 Page 6 Commissioner Olson provided an update from when he and Chairperson Sabel walked the restored wetland/open space in Blaine that the city of Blaine improved to sell as wetland credits. It was noted that perhaps that is an opportunity that could be discussed at the joint meeting with the City Council. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary