Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 10, 2019 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 6:10 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Joy Faherty, Ryan Ingebritson, and Jim Olson (arrived at 6:22 p.m.) Commissioners absent: Anna Dirkswager, Kim Kovich, and Brian Perra Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician RESIDENT FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. DISCUSS MAPLE VIEW GRANT (PARTNERSHIP WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING) Mr. Kytonen stated that the grant was awarded in the amount of $43,000 and will be used for restoration of 17 total acres including nine acres of wetland and eight acres of upland areas. He noted that the City will also be providing $5,000 in matching funds and will have until June 15, 2023 to use the grant funds. He stated that once the snow melts, he will meet with Great River Greening to develop a plan and then hire a contractor to complete work. He noted that he will continue to update the Commission. Chairperson Sabel noted that it would be helpful to share information with the public on the activities. Commissioner Faherty suggested placing educational materials on the restoration activities in the kiosk. Chairperson Sabel provided the following suggestions for the kiosk sign: notice that work is being done, project details, why the work is being done, timeframe, source of the funds, and a warning to watch for construction vehicles and that sometimes trails may be closed. DISCUSS STATUS OF DALSKE WOODLANDS BOARDWALK Mr. Kytonen stated that the City applied for a grant for the boardwalk, noting that they also applied in 2018 but that request was denied. Commissioner Olson arrived at 6:22 p.m. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – April 10, 2018 Page 2 Mr. Kytonen stated that after construction of a similar boardwalk near Crosstown, it was determined that additional funds would be needed, above the previous request. He stated that in 2018 the request was made for $40,000 but the application this year was submitted for $80,000. Commissioner Olson asked if this would need to be a permanent boardwalk. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that this would be a permanent boardwalk. Commissioner Olson stated that perhaps a cheaper option would be available. Mr. Kytonen stated that he did receive some follow-up questions from the grant administrator. He confirmed that matching funds of 25 percent would be needed if the grant is awarded. DISCUSS POTENTIAL OF INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES AT THE PRESERVES Chairperson Sabel stated that this topic has been discussed previously. She stated that she would like to pursue interpretive activities that could increase resident activity and awareness of the preserves. She used the example of a walk with a naturalist, that could be held a few times per year. Commissioner Olson stated that he would agree there should be a balance of preservation and raising awareness and increased use of the areas by the public. He stated that there should be some constraints to ensure that the preserves do not become as active as parks. Commissioner Ingebritson agreed that tax dollars have been invested and therefore people should be aware of the amenity. Chairperson Sabel stated that she will then investigate opportunities with the goal of beginning in 2020. Commissioner Faherty stated that she is always surprised that not many people are aware of the preserves. She stated that perhaps FunFest would be an opportunity to discuss those kinds of activities. She stated that she could also research opportunities for public activity in the preserves. She referenced an activity that families enjoy in national parks and noted that perhaps a similar finding activity would be appropriate for the preserves. Mr. Kytonen asked if it would be appropriate for a Commission member to lead a tour of a preserve. Chairperson Sabel confirmed that could be an option. She noted that the DNR or other non- profits may also have naturalists available. DISCUSS POTENTIAL FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Mr. Kytonen stated that Commissioner Dirkswager sent an email requesting to hold a joint meeting with the City Council. He explained that because of the new Councilmember, Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – April 10, 2018 Page 3 Commissioner Dirkswager thought it would be valuable to go on a hike through a preserve and then have a short discussion meeting afterwards where the groups could discuss the opportunity to save for future land acquisitions. Chairperson Sabel stated that she likes the idea of holding a joint walk through a preserve. It was the consensus of the Commission to meet jointly with the City Council to host a walk through a preserve and follow up discussion in either August or September. It was determined that Martins Meadows would be the preserve location. Chairperson Sabel stated that in the past the Council has been invited to come along on a walk through a preserve and the Commission met after the walk, with a joint workshop being held on a different date. She stated that perhaps the option be provided for the City Council to select a date to do the walk and joint meeting. She noted that if the Council does not want to suggest a date, perhaps September 11th is provided as the date. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that he would follow up to determine a potential walk and joint meeting. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: September 11, 2019 Mr. Kytonen confirmed that he will send out an email to plan for booth staffing for FunFest in July. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 14, 2018 Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Faherty, to approve the minutes of November 14, 2018. Motion passed 4-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Ingebritson, Second by Commissioner Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary