Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING JULY 12, 2017 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:05 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Rebecca Dahlberg, Anna Dirkswager, Joy Faherty, Kim Kovich, Jim Olson Commissioners absent: Aaron Jarson Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician Kathy Mulier, Resident RESIDENT FORUM Kathy Mulier stated that she attended FunFest and there was discussion with mixing bicycling with the walkers in the preserves. She stated that the wide tire bikes go at different speeds and therefore she did not feel that mixing the activities would be safe. She stated that perhaps if there were different paths for cycling and walking, that would prevent collisions, but there would still be issues with erosion. Commissioner Faherty stated that there are some paths in other communities that have gates for the bicycle trail, which they close when erosion risks are higher. Commissioner Kovich agreed that it would not be safe to mix biking and walking within the preserve areas. Commissioner Olson agreed that bikes should not be allowed in the preserves. He stated that the trails are to provide access to that natural space for the public to enjoy while park areas and trails are meant for biking. Commissioner Dirkswager confirmed the consensus of the Commission that biking should continue not be allowed in the preserve areas. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 10, 2017 Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to approve the minutes of May 10, 2017. Motion passed 6-0. RECAP OF MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL AND NEXT STEPS Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2017 Page 2 Commissioner Kovich stated that the Commission reviewed the list of items they have prepared with the Council. He stated that there was discussion of the bridge for Dalske Woods in order to provide access and the capital funds that would be needed for that project. He stated that they also discussed the trails. Commissioner Faherty agreed that the list worked well to provide an overview of the preserve areas and the tasks that would be needed. Commissioner Kovich stated that the Council did not provide input on the funding for the bridge. Commissioner Faherty stated that it seemed that the Council was interested and agreeable. She stated that there was also discussion on the kiosks, regarding the continuity with the signage and templates as well as the upcoming construction of a new kiosk. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Council also had input on certain items they would find helpful in the kiosk and were agreeable with the information the Commission plans to install in the kiosks. Mr. Kytonen stated that there was talk of adding the bridge to the 2019 CIP. RECAP OF FUNFEST Commissioner Olson stated that there was a lot of interest from new Andover residents that were curious to the location of the preserve areas. He stated that there was discussion regarding amenities ranging from the preserves, to natural parks, and regular active parks. Commissioner Faherty stated that the pictures and maps tended to draw residents over to the booth which allowed the Commissioners to spark a discussion. She stated that the open space maps were very popular. Commissioner Olson noted that it would be helpful to have additional maps printed for the next event. Commissioner Dirkswager agreed that it would be helpful to print a larger batch of maps to provide to residents. Mr. Kytonen stated that residents also commented that it would be helpful to have the actual addresses of the preserves so that residents could enter that into their GPS. He noted that staff has been working with its GIS Department to get the addresses on the trail and location maps. DISCUSSION OF GRANT OPPORTUNITIES Mr. Kytonen stated that they did apply for a grant with the Constitutional amendment, with Great River Greening, to do some work in the Mapleview Preserve; specifically, for invasives in the wetland and to add native shrubbery. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2017 Page 3 Commissioner Dirkswager asked if excess funds from Martins Meadows could be used in other preserve areas. Mr. Kytonen stated that they could possibly allocate for other projects, as long as they are habitat restoration related. He stated that he will be working with Great River Greening to determine the funds that will be spent in Martins Meadows and if there are excess funds, then an amendment can be filed to allocate those funds to another project within another preserve area. He stated that he will bring back additional information to the Commission in September. Commissioner Dirkswager asked if there should be time at the September meeting to also review the high-level priority list to determine where excess funds could be spent, should they be available. Chairperson Sabel asked if there is going to be a tour in September. Commissioner Kovich noted that the Commission has not seen the new trails in Mapleview and confirmed the consensus of the Commission to tour Mapleview prior to the September meeting. It was determined that the tour would commence at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting would take place at City Hall at 7 p.m. Commissioner Faherty asked and received confirmation that the new kiosk would be constructed and installed at Mapleview prior to the tour. She stated that she would attempt to have the Mapleview poster completed prior to the September meeting so the Commission could view that in the kiosk at the tour. DISCUSSION OF DOING SPOTS IN FIELD AT OUR PRESERVES WITH QCTV Chairperson Sabel stated that she received a call from QCTV to appear on the News and Views segment. She stated that at that taping she talked with QCTV staff about possibly taping segments in the preserve areas which could be turned into a segment on a program or for PSAs. She confirmed the consensus of the Commission to pursue that opportunity and asked for volunteers to tape segments. Commissioner Dirkswager asked what the Commissioners would say. Chairperson Sabel noted that could be determined prior to the segments and would probably be a cooperative effort between QCTV staff and the Commission members. She stated that she is willing to be the contact and asked who would want to appear on camera. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that she would be happy to help but would like to have an idea of what will be asked or what she should be talking about. Commissioner Olson agreed that it would be helpful to have an outline so that each of the Commissioners featured would be following the same type of outline. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2017 Page 4 Chairperson Sabel stated that the Commission would want people to know where the preserves are located and why you would want to visit. Commissioner Dirkswager stated that it would maybe be helpful to know how the preserves came about and providing a bit of history as to how the City was able to purchase these properties. Commissioner Olson agreed that most of the residents that approached the booth at FunFest were new families to Andover and were not aware of how the City was able to purchase the properties. Commissioner Dahlberg stated that she would be willing to help as well, but would feel more comforted with having an outline of what she should be talking about. Commissioner Kovich stated that he would also be willing to participate. Mr. Kytonen stated that perhaps the best option to move forward would be to speak with QCTV staff to determine what they are looking for, the length of the program and the type of activity and questions that should be in the video. Chairperson Sabel stated that she would follow-up with QCTV and would email the Commission with the response. KIOSK SIGNAGE UPDATE Commissioner Faherty asked Mr. Kytonen to send her an email with all the email addresses for the Commission members, so that she is able to send out drafts via email to receive input and possible edits. She reviewed the kiosk materials that she has already completed and the Commission has already seen. She stated that she would need help from the Commission in gaining photographs of certain elements that they would like to feature in the kiosks, as she cannot use the stock images she found online because of copyrighting. Commissioner Dirkswager thanked Commissioner Faherty for all of the time and effort she has put into the draft documents for the kiosks. Mr. Kytonen stated that there may be some online options for shared photos that are not copyrighted. Commissioner Faherty confirmed that the new kiosk would be a horizontal design. She noted that it would also be helpful to find a free poison ivy poster that they could use for the kiosks. Commissioner Dirkswager asked if the preserve entrance signs have been made to become consistent with each other and incorporate preserve in the place of open space. Mr. Kytonen stated that staff is still working to finalize the new signs for the entrance to the preserves. He noted that two of the updated signs and maps have been installed already. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2017 Page 5 Commissioner Dirkswager stated that there is an entrance sign for a preserve from a neighborhood that does not have the rules posted and she often sees children trying to ride their bikes back that way. Commissioner Kovich stated that it would be helpful for Dalske to have a guiding sign that says preserve with an arrow as that would encourage the visitor to keep going, especially because of the posted no trespassing and keep out signs. OTHER BUSINESS None. a. Next Meeting: September 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Mapleview with Regular Meeting to Follow at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Dirkswager, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary