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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 20, 2012C I T Y O F ® N 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting December 20, 2012 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (11/15/12 and 11/29/12) 4. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities /Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association Jamboree 5. Discuss Pleasant Oaks Park Parking Lot, Cont. 6. Outstanding Items 7. 8. Chair's Report © 9. Adjournment 7:15 P.M. Or Shortly Thereafter Workshop Session A. Discuss Master Plan of Sports Complex with Consultant/12 -31 B. Discuss Survey Results for Park Improvements /Green Acres Park C. Discuss Survey Results for Park Improvements /Northwoods East Park D. Adjournment I� ANLb 6 W PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSIONMEETING —DECEMBER 20,2012 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on December 20, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Tony Kowalewski, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Alisa Lewnau, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec, and Shaun Van Vark Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to close the resident forum. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no changes. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Melberg, to approve the November 15, 2012 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- present (Butler and Van Vark), 0- absent vote. There were no changes. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to approve the November 29, 2012 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES /ANDOVER HUSKIES YOUTHHOCKEYASSOCL4TION JAMBOREE Assistant Public Works Director Haas explained that the Commission is requested to consider approving the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities (City Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 2 © Complex Outdoor Hockey Rinks) as requested by the Andover Youth Hockey Association (AHYHA) for a Youth Hockey Jamboree on January 18 -20, 2013. He noted that staff recommends approval of the request as there are no scheduling conflicts. Chris Grandell, Andover Youth Hockey Association, provided additional information on the Youth Hockey Jamboree. He noted that most teams will be able to play two games during the two -day event and advised that there will also be a silent auction with benefits donated to a charity assisting military families. Chair Butler provided positive input on the event, noting that he brought his son to the event the previous year. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Van Vark, to recommend the City Council approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities (City Complex Outdoor Hockey Rinks) as requested by the Andover Youth Hockey Association (AHYHA) for a Youth Hockey Jamboree on January 18 -20, 2013. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. DISCUSS PLEASANT OAKS PARK PARKING LOT, CONT. Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is requested to continue discussion of Pleasant Oaks Park to determine if the existing gravel parking lot should be recommended for removal. He reported that the required notification had been sent and no comments were received. Commissioner Miskowiec believed that the removal of the parking lot should move forward as no comments in opposition have been received. Chair Butler verified the off - street parking options and stated that he would not oppose removal of the parking lot. Mr. Haas mentioned this will need City Council approval to remove the existing parking lot. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to recommend the City Council to remove the gravel parking lot at Pleasant Oaks Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items and provided a brief update on the status of each. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Kowalewski provided an update on the Andover basketball teams and also congratulated the Andover music department on their recent orchestra concert. Commissioner Melberg wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 3 © Commissioner Miskowiec encouraged the Commissioners, when thinking about the Master Park Plan, to also consider the small park across the street and what type of use would be appropriate there. Chair Butler wished everyone happy holidays and thanked the postal workers for their service in this busy time of the year. Mr. Haas reported the upcoming opening dates for the ice rinks, noting that the process should be complete within the next week. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:14 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. The Special Work Session Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on December 20, 2012, 7:15 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Tony Kowalewski, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Alisa Lewnau, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec, and Shaun Van Vark Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Director of Public Works /City Engineer Dave Berkowitz Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas WSB Representatives, Jason Amberg and Brian Bourassa DISCUSS MASTER PLAN OF SPORTS COMPLEX WITH CONSULTANT 112 -31 Director of Public Works /City Engineer Berkowitz provided background information on the process thus far in developing the Master Plan of the Sports Complex. He reported that the previous night the City Council awarded the consulting contract to WSB & Associates and introduced Jason Amberg and Brian Bourassa, the consultant from WSB. Jason Amberg, WSB, stated that he would like to obtain input from the Commission tonight on the concepts he will be presenting. He discussed the potential layout of the site gathered through analysis and identified areas that will be best suited to specific activities, based on the existing conditions of the site. He presented Concept #1 noting that this option has parking distributed throughout the site and identified the areas marked for sledding, winter skating, play area, fire pit, trail concept to the east, small picnic shelter, and multi -use athletic fields. He then presented Concept #2 which proposes two © access points off 161" Avenue that distribute cars into one large parking lot to the south of the property. He identified the areas that would be used for a splash pad, horseshoe pit, a multi - purpose building, sledding, multi -use athletic fields, and a looped nature trail. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — December 20, 2012 Page 4 © Twila Hauck, Andover Football Association and Andover Area Lacrosse Association, questioned the difference in the number of parking stalls provided for each concept. Mr. Amberg advised that the number of parking stalls on each concept plan is very similar. Commissioner Miskowiec commented on the long walk that would be needed for families using the soccer and football fields. He verified that the size of the soccer and football fields is the same in both concept plans presented thus far. Mr. Amberg presented Concept #3, which has one access off Tulip Street and one access off 161St Avenue that distribute cars to two different parking areas. He identified the areas used for a splash pad and play area, shaded seating, small picnic shelter, sand volleyball court, extended nature trail utilizing a boardwalk, sledding, a multi -use athletic field, and an extended green space to allow for greater flexibility of use for the multi -use athletic fields. Mr. Berkowitz explained that with the extended sports field, a row of trees would be removed. He noted that staff would need direction from the Commission regarding the desired level of tree preservation. Chair Butler discussed the potential lighting for the fields. He questioned if the building could be located closer to the sports fields. Mr. Amberg advised of another option within Concept #3 that could be inverted in the southwestern corner of the site layout to move the building closer to the fields. He then presented Concept #4, which has one access off 161St Avenue and has a loop parking lot with two drop -off points. He identified the areas used for a multi - purpose building, expanded green space for multi -use athletic fields, splash pad and play area, sledding, multiple trail loops, and expanded boardwalks through the nature areas. Commissioner Miskowiec questioned if this would be sufficient parking for the park use. He noted that the park currently located across the street could be turned into overflow parking. Mr. Amberg believed that the estimated 160 -180 parking stalls would be sufficient for the park, as long as the lot was paved and striped. Mr. Berkowitz stated that staff would like to see two access points, one off Tulip Street and one off 161 St Avenue, as vehicle parking is not allowed on either of those roadways. Chair Butler noted that the gravel parking lot at the park across the street could be used for overflow parking. Commissioner Van Vark stated that he would like to see a drop -off point for those utilizing the overflow parking from across the street. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 5 © Commissioner Kowalewski stated that perhaps the sports teams could organize their schedules to allow 30 minutes between games, which would provide a better flow for incoming and outgoing traffic. Mr. Amberg noted that this is a great resource and although you could add parking to any of the concepts, he would not like to see the natural features of the park consumed by parking, especially because there is overflow parking available across the street. He displayed each of the four concepts again, identifying major difference between the layouts. He noted that once you park your vehicle in Concept #4 you could walk the entire site without needing to cross another traffic area. He noted that concept also allows for greater flexibility in regard to the multi -use sports fields. Chair Butler stated that while he likes the flexibility gained in Concept #4, he was unsure that he was comfortable with the additional trees that would be removed. He stated that in regard to Concept #4 he does like that a first time user would be able to easily identify where they would like to go once in the parking area. He stated that one access point may cause additional traffic when the transition between games occurs. Shelly Zenner, resident who lives on Tulip Street across the street from the complex, stated that she purchased the house across the street in part because of the large number of trees. She stated that she is very excited to see this park created but would like to see a concept chosen that causes a minimal amount of damage to the natural environment. Chair Butler asked for the input of the resident in regard to a building in the southern portion of the site. Ms. Zenner stated that she would like to see the most natural environment possible. Mr. Amberg stated that the structures in the southern portion of the site are identified as shade buildings and would blend into the natural area. He explained that the structure is meant to provide shade and could even let water run through. Commissioner Lewnau stated that she would like to see the play area and splash pad closer to the fields, noting that would allow her to watch both children if one was playing soccer and the other was using the park or splash pad. Mr. Amberg confirmed that the southern portion of the site for Concept #3 could be inverted, as discussed earlier, to bring that area closer to the fields. Commissioner Van Vark questioned if the expanded sports fields could be located in another area. Mr. Amberg noted that the area identified is the only place that would accommodate the © expanded sports field. Commissioner Kowalewski stated that he would like to see the natural environment preserved as much as possible. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 6 Mr. Berkowitz provided additional information regarding the tree replacement plan and noted that additional trees could be planted each year. Mr. Amberg explained that the Commission may not want to move the park too close to the sports fields as some visitors may not be there for sporting events and may want to keep some distance from those activities. Commissioner Kowalewski confirmed that grant funds could be applied for in regard to prairie restoration. Mr. Berkowitz stated that the green spaces would be irrigated but noted that the other areas in the park will be left to return to a natural state. Chair Butler questioned if there would be space to allow snowshoeing or cross country skiing in Concept #4 and whether the trails would be paved. Mr. Amber stated that there would be a tight squeeze to fit that activity into the other portions of the site. Assistant Public Works Director Haas stated that staff would like to see at least a portion of the trails paved to provide ADA compliance and to assist in providing access for those in wheelchairs to be able to access the fields. He noted that Kelsey Round Lake Park is fairly close to this location and provides 120 acres to be used for that type of activity. He asked for Commission input on the idea of open water features in the complex. Mr. Amberg stated that much more study would need to occur in regard to storm water management but advised that grassy swales could be installed in some of the medians of the parking areas and did not believe that large storm water ponds would be needed. Mr. Berkowitz identified an area to the north where the existing ponds could be expanded in a future phase of the park. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that it would be nice to have an open water feature, trails, and picnic pavilion located in that northern portion. He stated that trees would be lost with any of the concepts chosen and acknowledged that additional trees will be replanted. Chair Butler stated that he likes the traffic flow and experience of going into the park provided by Concept #1 but acknowledged that those options are also provided in Concept #4, with not many more trees removed. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he did not think many people would use the access point off Tulip, except as a possible exit. Chair Butler confirmed consensus towards Concept #4 and an inverted Concept #3. Commissioner Lewnau suggested that the park equipment from the park across the street be moved to the northern portion of the soccer fields to allow for a small play area near Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — December 20, 2012 Page 7 the sports fields for parents to be able to watch children playing sports and other children playing on the park. Further comments were made regarding the differences between the two options. Mr. Amberg confirmed that most Commissioners are in favor of an inverted Concept #3. Ms. Zenner stated that she would prefer Concept #4 as she would not like to see a parking lot from her window. The Commissioners further discussed the options for parking within an inverted Concept #3. Mr. Amberg stated that he could bring Concept #3 back to his office to incorporate the suggestions made tonight and tweak the parking layout. He believed that he would be able to bring the amended concept back to a workshop on January 3`d, with the City Council able to review the concept by the end of January. Mr. Haas noted that an additional workshop could be scheduled for January 17th if necessary. Chair Butler confirmed that the football association would be able to utilize the expanded multi -use sports fields in either direction with portable goals. Ms. Hauck stated that she would like to see the same type of combination soccer and football fields on the southern fields and noted that the portable goals could be used on the expanded field. Mr. Berkowitz noted that the sledding hill would also have an impact on the trees along the hillside. Mr. Haas stated that there is an area somewhat cleared along the hillside that may be able to accommodate the sledding hill. Mr. Berkowitz stated that although there is a clear area, additional trees would need to be cleared in order to provide sufficient space. Chair Butler stated that although the Commission had decided that this park should provide year round use, he did not see a problem with a sledding hill. Ms. Zenner questioned the hours for lighting in the park. Mr. Haas stated that the lighting on the sports fields would be turned off by 11:00 p.m. © since that is when parks are officially closed at the end of each day. Mr. Amberg stated that he would continue to work on the plan and welcomed any input through email. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 8 Commissioner Kowalewski commended Mr. Amberg and WSB for their prompt attention and excellent work. DISCUSS SURVEYRESULTS FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS / GREENACRES PARK Chair Butler explained the Commission is asked to discuss the survey results for park improvements to Green Acres Park. Mr. Haas reported that he has compiled the results of the survey and would like the input of the Commission on what they would like to do with the park. He stated that the baseball association is very interested in keeping the field, although reshaping would be necessary. He stated that if the field is redone he also believed the fencing should be replaced at the same time for a backstop and sideline fencing. He identified the basketball court location and noted that the park equipment should possibly be closer to the court to allow parents to watch multiple children. He confirmed that the fence would be installed along the first and third base lines. Chair Butler stated that he coached his son's games at this field this past year. He advised that the field is not in good shape and stated that without fencing the benches seem very close to the field. He advised that the field is used four times per week, two practice sessions, and two games. He did not believe that outfield fencing is necessary but agreed that additional space may need to be provided between the field and playground equipment. Mr. Haas agreed that staff would prefer to move the playground equipment closer to the basketball court but noted that the distance would not be much further from the field than its current location. He asked that the Commission review the survey results before the January 3`d meeting in order to further discuss the park options at that time before the public input meeting on January 171h Commissioner Lewnau confirmed that there would not be sufficient space to add an additional field. It was the consensus of the Commission to recommend reconfiguration of the baseball field and relocate the playground equipment closer to the basketball court. Chair Butler confirmed that additional trees could be planted along Ivywood Street to provide additional shade. Mr. Haas noted that the survey results did not show a lot of children living in that neighborhood, with the exception of one home daycare facility. He confirmed that the teams using the baseball fields have a younger age range of 6 -7 years old. Chair Butler stated that when he has been at the park he mostly noticed younger siblings of the baseball players using the park equipment and suggested equipment with an age range of 2 -5 years old. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —December 20, 2012 Page 9 ® Brad Schotzko, President of Andover Baseball Association, suggested that the baseball field be moved away from the property line slightly to allow additional space along the first baseline and between the field and the neighboring home. Chair Butler stated that he would not want to see the playground equipment moved too far from the baseball field, as parents will want to watch children playing at the park and playing baseball at the same time. Mr. Schotzko suggested that the baseball field be repositioned closer to the basketball court. Chair Butler agreed that configuration would also assist with the shade issue as the benches would then face away from the sun. Mr. Haas noted that he would draft a plan for that proposed reconfiguration to review at the next meeting. DISCUSS SURVEY RESULTS FOR PARK IMPR0VEMENTS / NOR THWOODS EAST PARK Mr. Haas explained the Commission is asked to discuss the survey results for park improvements to Northwoods East Park. He provided an update on the existing condition of the park, noting that the parking lot and ball field have both been recently updated within the past few years. He advised that the playground equipment will need to be updated. He confirmed that there were not many results obtained from the survey, and questioned the type of playground equipment desired. Chair Butler confirmed that the Commission would like to use equipment for the age range of 2 -12 to accommodate an older range of siblings, as this field is used for 11 -12 year olds. Mr. Haas stated that these items would be on the agenda for the January 3rd meeting and noted that the skate park could also be discussed at that workshop meeting also. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Kowalewski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.