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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 9, 2012Y 0 F OV . 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Special City Council Meeting Monday, January 9, 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 H ANDOVER COMMISSIONINTER VIEWS JANUARY 9, 2012 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 9, 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 Trade Councilmember absent: None Alicia Jaworski Ms. Jaworski explained to the Council why she would like to be appointed to the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Councilmember Trade asked where Ms. Jaworski's practice is located. Ms. Jaworski replied she opened her firm in Andover four months ago; she works out of her home and travels to her clients' homes. Councilmember Howard gave an overview of the position and explained how the position works with the YMCA manager and facilities manager. Councilmember Trade commented the YMCA/Community Center Commission has a hands -on business management. She asked Ms. Jaworski if the position still appealed to her. Ms. Jaworski replied absolutely. Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Jaworski if she is familiar with the Community Center and how it works. Ms. Jaworski replied she and her family are all very active with the YMCA and are there every day. She stated her son just started taking hockey lessons at the Community Center and she will be hosting her son's birthday party there this weekend. She stated she is familiar with the facility and the space. Ms. Jaworski commented she has not been in Andover long enough to see a fall year cycle of events that go on, but she has seen enough things to know the facility is a core part of activities in the city. Councilmember Knight commented Andover's YMCA/Community Center is used as a model for other cities. He stated the YMCA/Community Center provides services from tots to seniors. Ms. Jaworski replied she noticed there is a movie night coming up and different kinds of teen nights. Councilmember Trade gave an overview of the City's responsibilities and the YMCA's responsibilities. Ms. Jaworski commented the YMCA and the City have a real partnership. Councilmember Bukkila asked Ms. Jaworski where she lived before moving to Andover. Ms. Jaworski replied she moved from New Hampshire, but grew up in Boston. Councilmember Bukkila asked Ms. Jaworski what activities she participated in growing up. Ms. Jaworski replied she played soccer her entire life with town teams. She commented there was no recreation facility in her town; although, there were private clubs that were very expensive to join. She commented the YMCA was not a part of her community or popular in the region. Ms. Jaworski stated she believes in the Y's © Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 2 core values. She stated it is an incredible combination to have the YMCA be a part of the city and the Community Center tied together. She stated it's a great way to use recreation facilities for kids and adults of all ages. Mayor Gamache asked what Ms. Jaworski likes about the facility. Ms. Jaworski replied the YMCA's facility, which she is most familiar with, is an incredible facility. She thinks it is very high end in the way it looks and what it offers. She stated she does not know why residents would pay for a Lifetime Fitness with a facility like this in Andover. She stated the pool is phenomenal for the younger aged kids as well as the play place. Ms. Jaworski stated the only thing she has often wanted as she walked out of YMCA, is a Caribou Coffee kiosk in the lobby to get a cup of coffee before she leaves with the kids. She stated as far as the rest of the Community Center, she has been in the gym for a consignment sale and the hockey arena for the first time last Sunday. Mayor Gamache asked if Ms. Jaworski has been asked to be on the YMCA Board. Ms. Jaworski replied she has not been approached. Councilmember Trude stated if Ms. Jaworski is appointed how she would handle a disagreement on the board and how she would move on from a disagreement. Ms. Jaworski replied she has just completed forty hours of mediation training and is now a Certified Neutral. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Jaworski if she had any questions for the Council. Ms. Jaworski asked the Council about the monthly time commitment. Mayor Gamache replied one meeting that is held on the second Monday of the month. Councilmember Howard commented the Commission does have staff support. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Jaworski if she is still interested. Ms. Jaworski responded yes. The Council thanked Ms. Jaworski for her interest in the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Kyle Nemeth Mr. Nemeth explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Gamache explained the Planning and Zoning Commission meet every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Mr. Nemeth replied Tuesdays would work with his schedule. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Nemeth how firm he is on zoning rules. Mr. Nemeth replied firmness is important and variances can set precedence. He stated if everyone wants the same variance, maybe the code needs to be reviewed. He stated, as a banking regulator, there are rules and statutes that need to be deciphered and city codes would need to be followed. Councilmember Trude noted that Mr. Nemeth had referenced past meeting notes. Mr. Nemeth © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 3 replied as he was reading the notes about the shed variance, he determined that the residents do not come to the City first. He stated he has been on the customer side when he built a shed in his yard. Councilmember Trade stated the Council wants to have members that will voice their opinion. She asked if Mr. Nemeth is comfortable with standing up for himself. Mr. Nemeth replied he has no problem with voicing his opinion. Councilmember Bukkila stated from the minutes Mr. Nemeth had read, did he agree or disagree, and what would he do differently. Mr. Nemeth replied he agreed with the minutes he had read. He thought the City could communicate more to the residents about checking with the City before starting work. He stated he did before he started work on his shed. Mr. Nemeth stated everything was in line in the minutes. Councilmember Bukkila questioned Mr. Nemeth on how Time to Thrift was handled. Mr. Nemeth replied it was handled appropriately. Councilmember Howard talked about compromises and asked Mr. Nemeth if he is willing to compromise. Mr. Nemeth replied he is open to listening; although, codes are set up for a purpose, one of which is safety, and the City does not want haphazard work. He stated he will keep an open mind as he listens to the person voicing their concern and then he will reiterate the code and the law. © Councilmember Howard commented a good example is in the case of the porch. Mr. Nemeth replied there will be times when exceptions will be needed, but the code should be adhered. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Nemeth if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Nemeth replied the Council has answered his questions and the past minutes were straight forward. Mr. Nemeth confirmed that commercial and residential or anything that deals with building code variances goes to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Trade responded yes, if the resident is asking permission beyond the building permit. The Council thanked Mr. Nemeth for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Frank Kellogg Mr. Kellogg explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Councilmember Trade asked about Mr. Kellogg's vision for the YMCA/Community Center. Mr. Kellogg replied he envisions more public and private partnerships. He stated all municipalities have to be self - sufficient and the Commission could grow through business enterprises like offering residents Wi -Fi internet (similar to the City of Chaska) which would add value and bring money back to the community. © Councilmember Trade asked Mr. Kellogg if any of the sections of the YMCA/Community Center are ready to expand or is the economy a factor. Mr. Kellogg replied out of the three years of operation, there has been one down year. He commented risks with private capital are better than with public © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 4 capital. Mr. Kellogg stated the Commission has pushed staff to seek business opportunities for the YMCA/Community Center and sell the facility to residents and to other cities to fill the down times. Mr. Kellogg stated it is a goal to get the utilization. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Kellogg's opinion on an air -dome. Mr. Kellogg replied an air - dome with a large turf should be coordinated and connected to the YMCA/Community Center. He stated the baseball, soccer, and lacrosse associations need large fields and he would talk to these groups about commitments. Mr. Kellogg stated an air -dome in Andover would work well with the volume of kids. Councilmember Howard stated the YMCA/Community Center operations are in the black, he asked Mr. Kellogg if revenues should be used to subsidize an expansion. Mr. Kellogg replied the balance is prudence that is similar to developing the Community Center when the Council went to the public seeking a subsidy and he believes an air -dome would generate more than needed for an asset pay down. Councilmember Trude asked if it is going better with the YMCA's board representative. Mr. Kellogg replied the camaraderie is better. © The Council thanked Mr. Kellogg for his interest in the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Samuel Scott Mr. Scott explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Gamache asked if the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting schedule would be an issue for Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott replied the meeting schedule will work for him. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Scott how he would improve the City. Mr. Scott replied he would like to see more commercial development. He commented Andover is a bedroom community. Mr. Scott stated the YMCA/Community Center has driven economic development in Andover. Mr. Scott stated he heard a rumor that a Super Wal -mart is going in at the Pov's location. He stated this may bring more commercial to Andover which would bring more business and people to the City. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Scott's perception of the Planning and Zoning Commission's job. Mr. Scott replied the Planning and Zoning Commission takes on daily issues like variances, permits and City codes, planning business districts, housing, and open space and parks. Councilmember Knight asked how flexible would Mr. Scott be with variances and codes. Mr. Scott replied variances could be flexible with agreement from neighbors. © Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Scott if he has watched Council meetings or read Council minutes. Mr. Scott replied he has watched some of the Council meetings. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 5 Scott agreed with the outcomes. Mr. Scott replied he sees both sides and empathizes with the residents, but also understands the codes. Councilmember Howard talked about the resident with the shed issue and asked Mr. Scott if it was the right decision. Mr. Scott replied he agreed with the decision that was made. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Scott if he would go against his gut feeling. Mr. Scott replied the resident may not stay in Andover and what is ok with one neighbor now, may not be ok with a new neighbor. Councilmember Trude stated the Council is looking for active members for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Scott replied he has watched the meetings and have read the minutes. He stated participating in the community is important to him. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Scott if he is still active in the Military Reserve. Mr. Scott replied he got out in 2009 after serving eight years and is no longer active in the military. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Scott if he lives in the rural or urban part of Andover. Mr. Scott replied he owns one acre of land in a semi -rural area that is grandfathered into rural. Mr. Scott commented while he was checking the City's website on hunting, he saw there is a bounty on © gophers in Andover. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Scott if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Scott replied he had no further questions, but really would like to become more active in the community. Councilmember Trude stated something may come before the Planning and Zoning Commission that can be controversial for example the size of a parking stall or too many trees required for a development, she asked how Mr. Scott would think through the issue. Mr. Scott replied the codes and variances will be reviewed on a case -by -case basis. The Council thanked Mr. Scott for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Alisa Lewnau Ms. Lewnau explained to the Council why she would like to be appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Lewnau if the Park and Recreation Commission meeting schedule will work for her. Ms. Lewnau replied yes. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Lewnau about park playground equipment and if her children use the equipment geared for young children. Ms. Lewnau replied her children play on all of the playground equipment and her kids really like the rocking horses. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 9, 2012 Page 6 Councilmember Knight asked what other activities her children are involved in. Ms. Lewnau replied her seven year old son plays football, baseball, hockey, and soccer, she plays softball at Sunshine Park in Andover, and her neighbor kids love and use the skate park. Councilmember Knight stated the Park and Recreation Commission has a broader job than just the neighborhood parks. Ms. Lewnau replied growing up in Andover she knows what is needed and used in Andover. Councilmember Trude asked if Ms. Lewnau has read commission minutes or watched their meetings or watched the Council meetings. Ms. Lewnau replied yes, and it is her friend that takes the minutes for the Council. Councilmember Bukkila stated Andover shares their fields with other cities and discussions have been held to charge fees to the organizations; she asked Ms. Lewnau's opinion on charging fees. Ms. Lewnau replied a user fee could be charged and the funds would be used for the up keep of the fields. Councilmember Howard asked what Ms. Lewnau sees as an asset and what needs improvement. Ms. Lewnau replied Andover's trails are assets, but some trails are not plowed in the winter. She commented she would like to improve the coordination of the ball fields, put in more trails especially for the children walking to school and better plowing of the school's parking lots. Ms. Lewnau stated currently there are no women on the Park and Recreation Commission. She commented she has lived in Andover her entire life and could offer her experience. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Lewnau if she has any questions for the Council. Ms. Lewnau asked about the sports planning. Mayor Gamache stated the organizations are run independently and Park and Recreation Commission does the scheduling of the fields. The Council thanked Ms. Lewnau for her interest in the Park and Recreation Commission. Robin Chambers Ms. Chambers explained to the Council why she would like to be appointed to the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Chambers if the YMCA/Community Center Commission meeting schedule would work. Ms. Chambers replied the meeting schedule will work for her. Councilmember Bukkila asked about Ms. Chamber's experience working with the YMCA in Rochester. Ms. Chamber replied Rochester's YMCA was a standalone business and collaborated with the City and community. She stated her job was to work with different organizations and get © them interested in the YMCA facility. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Chambers for examples. Ms. Chambers replied the YMCA worked with the Girl Scouts, immigrants, school districts, and after school programs. She stated the YMCA created a teen center by rehabbing a racket ball court Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 9, 2012 Page 7 for after school programs for young adults. Councilmember Knight asked if Ms. Chambers is familiar with YMCA/Community Center. Ms. Chambers replied she is a member of the YMCA and her family uses the facility. She commented the YMCA facility is beautiful and has amazing potential. Councilmember Howard asked Ms. Chamber's opinion about improvements to the current facility. Ms. Chambers replied there is a need for more toddler activities and more little kid sports. She commented she has approached the YMCA on adding activities for the younger kids like soccer, skating, tap dance, gymnastics, etc. The Council thanked Ms. Chambers for her interest in the YMCA/Community Center Commission. Aaron Jarson Mr. Jarson explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Jarson if the Open Space Advisory Commission meeting schedule will work. Mr. Jarson replied yes. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Jarson's for his concept of the Open Space Advisory Commission's responsibility. Mr. Jarson replied the Commission's responsibilities are preserving fields, trees, and wetlands. He commented he doesn't want to see them bulldozed. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Jarson if he is familiar with the work the Open Space Advisory Commission has done. Mr. Jarson replied the Commission has done a good job. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Jarson's opinion of the trail to the river. Mr. Jarson replied more access work is needed, but his family has used the trail. He commented the trail is well established once you get down the hill. Councilmember Knight asked what Mr. Jarson sees for the future of the Commission. Mr. Jarson stated it depends on how much money remains available. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Jarson is interested in large or small parcels for open space. Mr. Jarson replied it depends on the area, but both sizes are important. Councilmember Trude commented wetlands are not valued. She asked how Mr. Jarson would get public support on the purchase of wooded land that is inaccessible. Mr. Jarson requested clarification whether she meant cannot access the land at all or it is difficult to access. Councilmember Trude stated the Commission is talking to adjacent property owners about access to the open space. Mr. Jarson replied if the residents cannot get to the land at all, it would not be worth anything. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 9, 2012 Page 8 Councilmember Trude asked about the open space Mr. Jarson saw. Mr. Jarson replied the open space by the river is beautiful and has a nice trail. He commented the other parcel of open space has a multitude of tree species. Mayor Gamache asked if Mr. Jarson had any questions for the Council. Mr. Jarson replied no. The Council thanked Mr. Jarson for his interest in the Open Space Advisory Commission. Mary Vanderlaan Ms. Vanderlaan explained to the Council why she would like to be appointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Vanderlaan if the Open Space Advisory Commission meeting schedule would work. Ms. Vanderlaan replied yes. Mayor Gamache asked if Ms. Vanderlaan is familiar with what the Commission has purchased. Ms. Vanderlaan replied not specifically. She stated in prior years the Council was more hands -on due to not having the Commission. Ms. Vanderlaan commented she was on the Council when Andover's first park, Birch Ridge, was dedicated. Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Vanderlaan about her perspective of small and large open space parcels. Ms. Vanderlaan replied open space has to be looked at by the number of people it would serve and her definition of open space is "saved forever." Councilmember Knight stated the Commission is looking at large and small parcels. He asked Ms. Vanderlaan if residential land is preferred over land farther out. Ms. Vanderlaan stated the Commission has to look at the condition of the land. She shared with the Council stories about the old landfills that were in Andover and how waste management contracts were handled. Mayor Gamache asked Ms. Vanderlaan if she had any questions for the Council. Ms. Vanderlaan asked the Council if the fundamentals that were put into place years ago, are serving the City today. Mayor Gamache replied the Comprehensive Plan that was developed before 1985 was done well; residential is growing and rural remains. The Council thanked Ms. Vanderlaan for her interest in the Open Space Advisory Commission. Michael Steel Mr. Steel explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning © Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Steel if the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting schedule will © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 9 work. Mr. Steel replied the meeting schedule would work, unless he is on vacation in Europe. Councilmember Trude commented on a situation involving variances after a resident built, she asked Mr. Steel if he would have any trouble voicing his opinion. Mr. Steel replied he watched a meeting where a resident built a shed incorrectly. He stated the Planning and Zoning Commission used sensitivity with that resident. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Steel if he is strict with rules or uses judgment calls. Mr. Steel replied yes to both. He stated nothing is black and white, and information may be needed or found that would influence a decision. Mr. Steel commented a statement could come back to haunt the Council. Mayor Gamache commented on Mr. Steel's experience with a school expansion and asked if there were any surprises on the project. Mr. Steel replied the number of meetings was a surprise. He stated he kept his own notes from each meeting and also kept copies of all emails (outgoing and incoming) which helped to resolve any miscommunication. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Steel what the City should focus on. Mr. Steel replied on getting businesses. Mr. Steel commented it would be nice to do something great with the Povlitzki land. © He asked how the City handles the tax base of a "bedroom" community. Councilmember Trude replied the staff wears several hats and are cross trained. Mayor Gamache asked what happened in Coon Rapids that made Mr. Steel move to Andover. Mr. Steel replied the City of Coon Rapids allowed Section 8 housing to move in and the neighborhood deteriorated. Councilmember Howard asked Mr. Steel if he has strong opinions. Mr. Steel replied he is opened minded and asks questions to gather information. He stated ordinances can be limiting and are used as guides. Mr. Steel stated he will seek out consequences before making a decision. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Steel's opinion of the Met Council. Mr. Steel replied the Met Council is a political organization. The Council thanked Mr. Steel for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jim Olson Mr. Olson explained to the Council why he would like to be reappointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Olson when the Open Space Advisory Commission meets. Mr. Olson replied the Open Space Advisory Commission meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Councilmember Trude commented residents have gone to the open space at the river and the Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 10 feedback received is access is important; she asked Mr. Olson if the wooded sites should be purchased. Mr. Olson replied the Open Space Advisory Commission is currently looking at two parcels, but access and parking are issues with both parcels. Councilmember Bukkila asked what Mr. Olson has learned going through the process. Mr. Olson replied he was surprised by how many residents were interested in preserving their land and willing to work with the City. He stated he felt the economy and the property taxes caused the interest. Councilmember Knight commented there are hunting issues along the river. Councilmember Trade stated postings should be placed for people to wear orange during hunting season. Mr. Olson stated one property the Open Space Advisory Commission looked at had eight deer stands on it. Councilmember Trade asked what Mr. Olson would like to get done in his next term. Mr. Olson replied put the Open Space Advisory Commission out of business. Councilmember Knight asked about the availability of small parcels and what is happening with the parcels. Mr. Olson replied there are small parcels along the Rum River, but the families do not have consensus on what to do with the parcels. © Councilmember Trade stated a nice trail that has a loop would be good. Mr. Olson replied the trail from Round Lake Boulevard that connects to a funny shaped piece of land that has a lot of wild life would be good open space land. Mayor Gamache stated an area that was going to be developed was pulled back. Mr. Olson replied he would like to see that project resurrected. Councilmember Trade stated the people who donated the money want to see it used now. Mr. Olson replied the parcel along the river would be good land to purchase. He stated he will suggest to the Open Space Advisory Commission to purchase property similar to the Emmerich parcel. Councilmember Trade stated access is important, if the property is too remote there are potential issues with hunting. Councilmember Knight asked if the open space can be combined with the golf course. Council and Mr. Olson's consensus is no. Discussion took place on wetlands. Councilmember Howard stated there is $750,000 in the fund, should it be extended. Mr. Olson replied there will be more available land with the current economy and tax situation. Councilmember Howard asked if the City should have a referendum. Mr. Olson replied the Open Space Advisory Commission had not heard the concerns about access. Councilmember Trade asked Mr. Olson on what the sales point is for the public. Mr. Olson replied the land's value will grow in the future. aMayor Gamache asked Mr. Olson if he had any questions for the Council. Mr. Olson replied no. He stated he will carry the Council's message back to the Open Space Advisory Commission. He stated Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 9, 2012 Page 11 the Commission will continue looking for open space to purchase. Mr. Olson commented the Open Space Advisory Commission held an open house and over 120 residents attended. The Council thanked Mr. Olson for his interest in being reappointed to the Open Space Advisory Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Bukkila, Seconded by Councilmember Howard, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Dahlquist, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. H H