Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING JULY 11, 2018 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: Joy Faherty (arrived at 6:03 p.m.), Jim Olson, and Brian Perra Commissioners absent: Gretchen Sabel and Anna Dirkswager Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician OATH OF OFFICE Newly appointed Commissioner Brian Perra completed his oath of office. RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE BOARDWALK UPDATE Mr. Kytonen stated that the City applied for a grant from the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program for the construction of a boardwalk at Dalske Woodlands but advised that the City was not awarded the funding. He stated that the boardwalk was inserted into the 2019 CIP, so there are plans of building a boardwalk regardless of the grant being awarded. Acting Chairperson Kovich asked if the City can apply for the grant again in 2019. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that the City can apply for the grant again in 2019 as well. Commissioner Olson suggested that the City apply for the Lessard-Sams grant through the legislature in 2019 as well. He noted that it is often helpful for people to testify at the legislature in support of the request as well. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that parks and trails are a part of that grant program and perhaps the project would qualify. Mr. Kytonen stated that it is hard to be awarded that money as a City, as the grant tends to award funds to bigger organizations which then disburse the funds to cities. He stated that although it might be difficult for the City to apply, he can look into it further. Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that he will follow up with staff at Anoka Conservation District to gather additional input and determine if it would be a worthwhile attempt. Mr. Kytonen noted that regardless the boardwalk can be constructed because it has been included in the 2019 CIP. He confirmed that he will also reapply for the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program again in 2019. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 14, 2018 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2018 Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Faherty, Second by Commissioner Perra, to approve the minutes of March 14, 2018. Motion passed 4-0. MARTIN’S MEADOWS PRESERVE GRANT UPDATE Mr. Kytonen stated that the grant has expired that the City received for use in Martin’s Meadows. He reviewed photographs of the last volunteer planting event at the preserve, noting that volunteers from Aveda participated. He stated that it would have been nice to have the Commission present at the event, explaining that the event snuck up on him and he did not have sufficient time to notify the group. He estimated that about 200 shrubs were planted during the event. He stated that any unused funds would have been returned per the terms of the grant when it expired at the end of June. DISCUSS JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that Chairperson Sabel did a great job on her presentation, estimating that the discussion lasted about 45 minutes. He stated that the Commission asked the Council for funding to complete the boardwalk, which put the improvement on the radar of the Council. Mr. Kytonen stated that there had been a request to see if there would be funding available to put aside for purchasing additional land but that did not appear to be an option for lack of additional funds. Commissioner Faherty asked if the Council had any new asks of the Commission or any feedback. Commissioner Olson stated that the feedback from the Council was positive. Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that there was discussion of historic displays, mainly suggested by Councilmember Knight. Mr. Kytonen noted that the Council was impressed with the kiosks that Commissioner Faherty designed. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that there was support for the Commission to continue on its role. Mr. Kytonen stated that the big question mark was whether or not another referendum would be supported for additional land purchases in the future. DISCUSS IDEAS FOR HISTORIC DISPLAYS IN NATURE PRESERVES Mr. Kytonen stated that this idea was driven by Councilmember Knight. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2018 Page 3 Commissioner Olson stated that he began thinking and perhaps talking with Councilmember Knight would be a good starting point to gain knowledge on historical information that could be placed at the entrance to the nature preserves. Commissioner Faherty noted that the kiosk could hold that information as well. Mr. Kytonen stated that another option would be to place signage along the trail. Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps the first step would be to contact someone at the Anoka Historical Society. Commissioner Faherty noted that she did reach out to the Historical Society to gain information on the previous owners and then did additional research on Ancestry.com. She suggested reaching out to Councilmember Knight to gain additional knowledge. Acting Chairperson Kovich confirmed that the first step would be to reach out to Councilmember Knight to determine if he has knowledge on the nature preserves. He stated that he would attempt to speak with Councilmember Knight at Fun Fest this weekend. Commissioner Faherty stated that she was planning to go to the Historical Society and will attempt to find additional information from that source. DISCUSS FUN FEST SHIFTS Mr. Kytonen reviewed the shift schedule for Friday and Saturday. Commissioner Faherty volunteered to cover part of the Friday evening shift. Mr. Kytonen reviewed the displays that will be available for the booth. Commissioner Olson suggested that Mr. Kytonen print off the nature preserve maps for visitors to take with them. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: October 10, 2018 Mr. Kytonen stated that the Commission has been meeting every two months and before that was meeting quarterly. He suggested that perhaps the Commission meet in October and meet on site at a preserve prior to the meeting. Commissioner Faherty suggested meeting at Martin’s Meadows for the site visit to view the restoration work that was completed. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – July 11, 2018 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that the kiosk will be completed at Dalske Woods along with signage that has been posted. He suggested visiting Dalske Woods as that preserve will have had the most changes. It was the consensus of the Commission to visit Dalske Woods at 5:00 p.m. and then hold a regular meeting at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Kytonen stated that the new welcome sign was posted at Maple View Preserve. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Faherty, to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary