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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 10, 2012C I T Y O F ND OVE: © 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order — 6:30 p.m. 2. Agenda Approval 3. Interviews of Planning & Zoning Commission/Park & Recreation Commission/Open Space Commission/Community Center Advisory Commission Applicants 4. Adjournment x 1� ANDOVER COMMISSIONINTER VIEWS JANUARY 10, 2012 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Tony Howard, Mike Knight, and Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Michelle Haykjo Ms. Haykjo explained to the Council why she would like to be appointed to the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Haykjo if she is coaching volleyball at Coon Rapids. Ms. Haykjo replied she does not coach high school ball. She coaches a 17's team, a 12's team in the winter, Community Ed at the Oakview Middle School (sixth grade and seventh or eighth grade) and she has a home business. Mayor Gamache asked if the Community Center Advisory Board's meeting schedule will work. Ms. Haykjo replied the meeting schedule will work. Councilmember Trude asked why Ms. Haykjo wants to be on the board and if there are problems she wanted to work on. Ms. Haykjo replied her interaction with the staff has been positive. She stated she has not done much in the community and the position sounded like it is up her alley. Councilmember Knight stated the YMCA/Community Center is run like a business and the goal is to keep the budget running in the black. He stated Andover's Y is considered a top example of a good partnership and it is used as a model. He asked Ms. Haykjo if she would have any problem fitting in to this business model. Ms. Haykjo replied she was not aware the YMCA/Community Center's budget is in the black or if it received City money, but this news is not surprising to her. She stated the volleyball club charges enough to keep it in the black while making sure to not over charge families. Ms. Haykjo stated the YMCA/Community Center is well run and she is glad the business is in the black. Councilmember Knight stated the City will be paying for the facility for another 25 years. Councilmember Trude stated the YMCA/Community Center receives a taxpayer subsidy for the construction of the facility. Ms. Haykjo commented so the City's operating goal is to keep the business running in the black. Councilmember Trude commented on Ms. Haykjo's background, skills that include website design and publicity which would be helpful to promote the YMCA/Community Center. Ms. Haykjo replied she has noticed the facility is very quiet in the summer. She has talked with Erick about the possibilities for filling the facility in the off season. She commented the facility is air conditioned © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 10, 2012 Page 2 and the schools are not so this is a good advantage. Councilmember Howard asked Ms. Haykjo what she would expand in the facility. Ms. Haykjo replied she would like another volleyball court. She commented the open gym schedules fit nicely and the facility seems to be well supervised by parents. Ms. Haykjo stated she utilizes the facility mostly in the winter. She commented she ran three tournaments this year that were held on weekends. She stated she would like to run summer camps and she is working to get the elementary school kids involved which is a great way to feed the program. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Haykjo about her Community Ed involvement. Ms. Haykjo replied she coaches volleyball through Community Ed and that is how she can promote volleyball at the schools. Councilmember Trude asked about Ms. Haykjo's home business. Ms. Haykjo replied she does all the work from collecting fees, scheduling teams and paying referees. She has done this work for a long time and is well organized. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Haykjo if there is a conflict of interest if she were on the board. Ms. Haykjo replied she does not believe there is a conflict of interest. Ms. Haykjo stated she does get a $2,000 stipend from the volleyball club. Councilmember Bukkila asked Ms. Haykjo what she would do if there were a situation. Ms. Haykjo replied if anything came up she would notify the Commission. Ms. Haykjo stated she could also be a business partner as well. She stated she has a customer service background. The Council thanked Ms. Haykjo for her interest in the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Tim Kirchoff Mr. Kirchoff explained to the Council why he would like to be reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Kirchoff how things are going and if the group is productive or stagnant. Mr. Kirchoff replied lately the group dynamics are more interesting and beneficial. He stated having everyone agree is not a good thing and disagreement helps to shake out different perspectives. He stated with the current dynamics there isn't always agreement and the different perspectives help to see many sides to an issue. Councilmember Knight stated he likes the different perspectives. Mr. Kirchoff replied it brings things out in the open. Discussion took place recently on the new State legislation on variances. Mayor Gamache asked if more meetings are needed with the Council and the Planning and Zoning QCommission. He stated currently we only meet one time in the spring. Mr. Kirchoff replied yes, when the Planning and Zoning Commission becomes more active, more meetings may be needed; otherwise, the one meeting is fine. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 3 Councilmember Howard asked if there are any ordinances that need to be tweaked or adjusted. Mr. Kirchoff suggested the commercial landscaping ordinances, especially for the smaller businesses. Mr. Kirchoff gave an example of the storage place off of Hanson Boulevard. Councilmember Howard asked if the landscaping plan should be upgraded or is it too cost restrictive. Mr. Kirchoff replied Andover has strong ordinances which can be a struggle for small businesses. Councilmember Knight stated planning is the minor part of the Planning and Zoning Commission, should the Commission be doing more. Mr. Kirchoff replied the Planning and Zoning Commission is mostly a reactionary body. He stated there are multiple pieces with the various City departments that have common goals for the good of the City. Councilmember Knight stated the City has more residential than commercial. Mr. Kirchoff agreed. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Kirchoff enjoyed the training session the City staff held. Mr. Kirchoff replied the training session was helpful. Councilmember Trude asked if a training session last year for the new person would have been helpful. Mr. Kirchoff replied yes it would have been beneficial. Mayor Gamache asked if Mr. Kirchoff had any questions for the Council. Mr. Kirchoff stated he © thought he was no longer a Commissioner until he was reappointed. Councilmember Trude responded Mr. Kirchoff will remain a Commissioner until reappointed or replaced. The Council thanked Mr. Kirchoff for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jeff Baker Mr. Baker explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to either the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Park and Recreation Commission, or the Open Space Advisory Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Baker which Commission he is most interested in. Mr. Baker replied the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Open Space Advisory Commission in that order. He stated it is not so important which Commission he serves on, he wants to give back and have input. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Baker is okay with the Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting schedule. Mr. Baker replied yes. Mayor Gamache asked what Mr. Baker believed to be the most important issue for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Baker replied planning for the future. He mentioned the location of the © power station as an example and commented it is too big to move. Councilmember Bukkila asked how Mr. Baker prepared for the interview tonight. Mr. Baker replied he did not prepare. He stated he has no college education, but he has common sense and street © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 4 smarts, and he would bring a logical mind to the group. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Baker how long he has lived in Andover and where does he live. Mr. Baker replied he has lived in Andover for twelve years. He stated he lives off of Prairie Road and 139t` Lane. He stated he owns an American Family Insurance Agency on Crosstown Boulevard. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Baker about his knowledge of what each Commission does. Mr. Baker responded he did not have any specific knowledge, but he is a quick learner. Councilmember Trude asked what Mr. Baker would like to see happen with the parks in Andover. Mr. Baker replied the addition of more bike trails, conservation of open spaces, additional parks in areas that do not have parks, and more open land. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Baker his opinion on the size of the two open space parcels of land the City had purchased recently. Mr. Baker responded both small and large sized parcels are good for the City. He stated the space along the river is great for picnics and the small open space is great for the neighborhood. © Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Baker's opinion on what type of properly the City should buy for future open space. Mr. Baker replied larger open area along the river because Andover does not have much river property left. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Baker for his thoughts on small parcels. Mr. Baker replied a good mixture of open space is important depending on the population. Councilmember Trude stated the Open Space Advisory Commission is looking at large open space that is isolated. She asked if Mr. Baker, as a taxpayer, would be opposed to buying land that does not have good access. Mr. Baker replied it would be an investment for the City. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Baker which Commission he is most interested in now. Mr. Baker replied more interested in Park and Recreation Commission and Open Space Advisory Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Baker if he is associated with any athletic associations. Mr. Baker replied no, he advertises with the Anoka Girls Basketball. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Baker if he has any questions for the Council. Mr. Baker replied the Commissions are a lot more than he expected, but he would like to serve, he is a quick learner and he is a smart guy. © The Council thanked Mr. Baker for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission, Park and Recreation Commission, and the Open Space Advisory Commission. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 10, 2012 Page 5 Charles Krueger Mr. Krueger explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission, the Park and Recreation Commission, or the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Krueger has a concept of what the Open Space Advisory Commission entails. Mr. Krueger replied he has read the articles on the designated open space of Andover. Councilmember Knight stated a referendum was passed and the funds were raised to preserve land as open space within the City. Mr. Krueger commented he used to hold a real estate license, so he has knowledge of acquisitions, contracts and deeds. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Krueger's opinion on large and small parcels for open space. Mr. Krueger replied the dollars would be better spent on smaller pieces of land in different parts of the City. He stated Andover has Bunker Hills Park which is probably one of the nicest parks in the country. He stated from a citizen's perspective, he thinks smaller pristine pieces would prevent large developments from taking over. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Krueger if another bond should be issued to continue purchasing open space for the City. Mr. Krueger replied the City should purchase smaller pieces and use up the money, and then issue another bond. Mr. Krueger commented Anoka is saturated and does not have open space. Councilmember Trude asked if access to open space is necessary. Mr. Krueger replied access is not important. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Krueger if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Krueger asked about the Park and Recreation Commission's responsibilities. Mayor Gamache gave a brief description of the Park and Recreation Commission's responsibilities. Mr. Krueger asked if bonds could be issued for funding Parks and Recreation. Mayor Gamache replied funding for the parks generally comes from developers. The Council thanked Mr. Krueger for his interest in Open Space Advisory Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Valerie Holthus Ms. Holthus explained to the Council why she would like to be reappointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission. © Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Holthus her opinion on small parcels for open space. Ms. Holthus replied the Commission is looking at small parcels. She stated there is a 3 -4 acre property south of © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 6 Sloth Nursury, along Coon Creek, that is being considered. Discussion took place on various properties. Councilmember Trude asked how much money it would cost to look at urban lots. Ms. Holthus responded she did not know. Councilmember Bukkila asked Ms. Holthus for her first choice of Commissions. Ms. Holthus replied the Planning and Zoning Commission is her first choice. Discussion took place on the great response from the residents for the Commission positions. Councilmember Knight stated when the money is gone, would Ms. Holthus be in favor of another referendum. Ms. Holthus replied yes. She stated the City may also want to offer residents recognition in addition to buying the land from residents. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Holthus if the Council should reappoint members. She also asked Ms. Holthus if there was a large learning curve. Ms. Holthus replied the learning curve is large especially with the properties because they are named by the owners. Ms. Holthus stated she knows © the City very well and knows the property owners which helped her learning curve. Ms. Holthus stated there is an advantage of keeping the members as is because of the historical value of knowing the background, procedures and what is important or not important. Councilmember Trude asked if smaller parcels were sought, what would need to change. Ms. Holthus replied the point system would have to be changed because smaller parcels have smaller point values. Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Holthus if parcel access and size are important to the residents. Ms. Holthus replied the Commission believes the smaller properties are not as desirable because they don't have the "up north" feel. Ms. Holthus commented the Open Space Advisory Commission wants to invite the Council on a walk thru or snow shoe of the open space. The Council thanked Ms. Holthus for her interest in the Open Space Advisory Commission. Bruce Satek Mr. Satek explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked how Mr. Satek prepped for the interview. Mr. Satek stated he went on line and reviewed the minutes for December. Mr. Satek commented he heard a rumor that a big © box store has approached the City. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Satek what he thinks the Council's role is with a big box store. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 7 Mr. Satek replied if a big box came to the City, he thinks it would go through and it would be fantastic. Councilmember Knight commented a new Target went in to Hamel and asked Mr. Satek how he felt about it. Mr. Satek replied Target has done well in Hamel and it came in along with other stores. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Satek if traffic studies were done for the Target. Mr. Satek replied yes at two intersections on Highway 55. He stated Hamel got a regular sized Target not a Super or Greatland Target. Councilmember Howard stated Andover's sewer will be expanded, so development and redevelopment is planned for Andover. He asked Mr. Satek how strict he would be on codes and variances. Mr. Satek replied as far as building codes he is strict. He is the code enforcement officer for the City of Independence. Councilmember Howard asked if Mr. Satek would error on the side of the City to get more from a developer. Mr. Satek replied he would, the developer will want a lot from the City and he would look for equality. Councilmember Bukkila commented that Mr. Satek works for one City and lives in another. She asked Mr. Satek what Andover should do differently. Mr. Satek replied Andover has done a great job. He commented that trailers parked on streets are a hazard. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Satek if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Satek did not have any further questions. The Council thanked Mr. Satek for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Steve Peterson Mr. Peterson explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Park and Recreation Commission, or the Open Space Advisory Commission. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Peterson if his firm does traffic safety studies. Mr. Peterson replied his company does do traffic studies and they had built Anoka's new bridge. Councilmember Bukkila commented businesses have suffered due to lack of access. She asked Mr. Peterson, as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, if he would adhere to the codes and variances or be flexible. Mr. Peterson replied access or less access on a main road is better from a safety standpoint, but not a business standpoint. He stated give and take is necessary and if the road is designed correctly both objectives can be achieved and generally a good design solution can be achieved. Mr. Peterson commented on major and minor arterial roads you don't want access that is too close. Councilmember Trude commented if a big box comes in, the Planning and Zoning Commission Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 8 would be involved with variances. Mr. Peterson replied he is familiar with variances. Councilmember Trude asked about the kinds of variances and what should be looked at. Mr. Peterson replied he would look at the city codes, the parcel, and the variances. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Peterson would be strict with code enforcement. Mr. Peterson replied there has to be flexibility in the code and there can be give and take with the developer. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Peterson is familiar with the new State legislative variance rule. Mr. Peterson replied he is very familiar with the rule. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Peterson about setting precedent and if the Planning and Zoning Commission should be flexible. Mr. Peterson replied there are several factors to consider: the time period between the developments, the parcel, and the City's Comprehensive Plan. He stated there is give and take with each parcel and what the City is trying to accomplish. Councilmember Howard stated the City's parking stall standard width is ten feet. He asked how Mr. Peterson would handle a developer who proposed an 8 foot parking stall. Mr. Peterson replied he would not reduce the width of the parking stalls in Andover due to the size of the vehicles that are driven here. He commented generally the amount of stalls for commercial developments are too high than what is actually needed. He suggested a shared parking agreement for commercial properties or reducing the number of parking stalls. Mr. Peterson commented it may not be the best use of the land if the stalls are only used two to three days out of the year. Mayor Gamache commented that Mr. Peterson had served on the Bay Lake Regional Planning Commission; he asked if Mr. Peterson provided information to the Commissioners. Mr. Peterson replied the Bay Lake Regional Planning was located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He stated a better example would be his internship with the City of Minneapolis' Economic Development and Planning Department. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Peterson what was the most interesting project he worked on for Minneapolis. Mr. Peterson replied he worked on the revitalization of the West Broadway commercial corridor. He commented it was difficult because businesses did not want to relocate there due to safety reasons and the City had to invest funds in order to make if feasible for businesses to relocate. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Peterson what drew him to Andover to live. Mr. Peterson replied his wife is a teacher in the area and the trail system and open space. Councilmember Trude stated the Open Space Advisory Commission has funding available to purchase open space. Mr. Peterson replied it may be less expensive to acquire smaller parcels. He commented the residents want open space because once the space is developed it is gone. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Peterson what he would do if there was a conflict of interest. Mr. Peterson replied his certification holds him to a higher ethical standard and he would remove Qhimself from discussions. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Peterson if he has ever chaired or co- chaired a committee and if he © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 9 has run meetings. Mr. Peterson replied he is the chair of his Toastmasters group and is experienced with speaking and giving presentations. Mr. Peterson commented he has also planned and hosted public meetings for his work. Mayor Gamache asked if Mr. Peterson had any questions for the Council. Mr. Peterson asked how many openings are on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Peterson commented the Planning and Zoning Commission would be the best fit with his background. Councilmember Trade asked Mr. Peterson why the Council should select him. Mr. Peterson replied he has good ideas to bring to the Commission: correct the gaps in the trail network especially around the school, create a sense of place for Andover, recruit sit -down restaurants and employment opportunities, the application of US 10 and Hanson Boulevard interchange, ensure the developments coming to the City have quality of nature and longevity, improve substation and landfill screening, extension of the railroad quite zone, and make the gateway more inviting at the Andover Station north area. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Peterson his feelings about a relationship with the Met Council and their expectations for the City. Mr. Peterson replied he went through training with the Met Council. He gave an example of the City of Lake Elmo not wanting Section 8 Housing. He stated that being a part of the seven county metro area, the City's hands are tied on some issues; although he would represent the City of Andover as a resident and as a Commissioner. The Council thanked Mr. Peterson for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Lucas Peterson Mr. Peterson explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission or the Open Space Advisory Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Peterson how he prepared for the interview. Mr. Peterson replied he did not prepare. He stated he reads the City flyer and he attended one meeting about Sophie's South Park. Councilmember Trade asked if Mr. Peterson likes how Sophie's South Park turned out. Mr. Peterson stated with the nice winter weather the park has been busy. Councilmember Trade asked Mr. Peterson if any improvements are needed to the other parks. Mr. Peterson responded he had not looked. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Peterson is familiar with the goals and differences of each Commission. Mr. Peterson replied he is most interested in the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Howard stated the Open Space Advisory Commission acquired two parcels. He asked Mr. Peterson his preference on open space parcel size. Mr. Peterson replied he preferred the Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 10 larger open spaced parcels. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Peterson has any conflicts with the Commission meeting schedule. Mr. Peterson responded he would schedule around his commitments. Mr. Peterson commented if there are others that are more qualified for the Commission to take them and he would wait to serve. Discussion took place about railroad noise and vibration. Mr. Peterson stated he knew the railroad was there and still bought their house. The Council thanked Mr. Peterson for his interest in the Park and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Commission. Shaun Van Vark Shaun Van Vark explained to the Council why he would like to be reappointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Van Vark for his opinion of the Comprehensive Plan for the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Van Vark replied the City needs to promote the parks to the residents and let them know what is available at each park. He commented the Park and Recreation Commission tries to stay ahead of the latest sport or activity fad. Mayor Gamache thanked Mr. Van Vark and the Commission for their work on the skate park. He stated it is a good fit for the park. Mr. Van Vark commented he had a double interest in the skate park and the new location is great and out in the open. He stated small kids use the skate park with parent supervision. Councilmember Trude asked if some aspect of skating should be at every park. Mr. Van Vark replied the skating park should remain centralized and concentrated. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Van Vark about field usage. Mr. Van Vark stated in the past, the groups did not need a pristine field to practice or play. He stated the Park and Recreation Commission encourage the associations to practice where they can. He commented turf is expensive and how many people would benefit from turf. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Van Vark about field user fees. Mr. Van Vark replied he did not think a fee would stop field usage. Mr. Van Vark suggested no fee to use a non - manicured field or pay a fee to use a manicured field. He commented Andover has nice fields that are used by other cities. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Van Vark if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Van Vark replied he has been on the Park and Recreation Commission for 3 years (1 term) and he would like to continue to serve the residents of Andover. The Council thanked Mr. Van Vark for his interest in the Park and Recreation Commission. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2012 Page 11 DISCUSSION OF CANDIDATES The Council discussed the candidates for Commission appointments and made the following decisions: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motion by Councilmember Trude, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila to appoint Shaun Van Vark, Alisa Lewnau, Lucas Peterson (1" Alternate) and Charles Krueger (2nd Alternate) to the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion carried unanimously. YMCA/COMMUNITY CENTER COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motion by Mayor Gamache, Seconded by Councilmember Howard to appoint Councilmember Mike Knight, Frank Kellogg (At Large), Robin Chambers (At Large), Michelle Haykjo (Alternate At Large) to the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Motion carried unanimously. 0 OPEN SPACE AND ADVISORY COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motion by Councilmember Howard, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila to appoint Aaron Jarson, Jim Olson, and Valerie Holthus (Alternate) to the Open Space Advisory Commission. Motion carried unanimously. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motion by Councilmember Trude, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila to appoint Steve Peterson, Kyle Nemeth, and Michael Steel (Alternate) to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Knight, Seconded by Councilmember Howard, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 10 Linda Dahlquist, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.