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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 6, 2013L C I T Y 0 _F NDOVE 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.AN DOVER. MN.US Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Sunshine Park Gazebo June 6, 2013 7-nn P_M_ 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (5/16/13) 4. Consider Tournament Application /Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Men's B Slow Pitch National Championship 5. Discuss Results of Neighborhood Survey /Rose Park 6. Discuss Results of Neighborhood Survey /Fox Meadows Park 7. Discuss 2014 -2018 Park Capital Improvement Plan, Cont. 8. Update on the Andover Fun Fest Booth, Cont. © 9. Discuss Process for Naming of 40 Acre Sports Complex/12- 31/3535 -161St Avenue NW 10. Outstanding Items 11. 12. Chair's Report 13. Adjournment LAW] PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 6, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on June 6, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., at Sunshine Park Gazebo, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Commissioners Alisa Lewnau, Jim Lindahl, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec, Shane Stenzel, and Shaun Van Vark Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Others RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OFAGENDA 0 Chair Butler approved the agenda. APPROVAL OFMINUTES Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2013 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 7 ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent 0- present vote. CONSIDER TOURNAMENT APPLICATION /AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCL4TION (ASA) MEN'S B SLOW PITCH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to approve the softball/baseball tournament application for the upcoming 2013 softball/baseball season as requested by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) for a Men's B Slow Pitch National Championship. Mr. Haas provided a list of the tournaments that have already been approved. The request from the ASA is for August 16- 18 /ASA/Men's B Slow Pitch National Championship /Fields 1 -4 at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas noted the required tournament fee has been paid along with the damage deposit fee. The Public Works Department will be providing field maintenance during the tournament as requested by the applicant. Staff has contacted the Andover Football Association (AFA) representative regarding the tournament that is scheduled for that weekend. AFA will let teams know that practices and games are not to be scheduled for that weekend at the 4 ball fields at Sunshine Park. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —June 6, 2013 Page 2 © Mr. Dan Pfeffer, ASA Commissioner, stated the opportunity to host the tournament came up. He looked at Sunshine Park and found it suitable for the tournament. Currently there are 21 teams signed up. The tournament should bring substantial monies to businesses in the City. Chair Butler asked if this would be a one time tournament. Mr. Pfeffer stated there is always a chance for other tournaments. Usually the tournament is held in Oklahoma City. Minnesota has many more teams than other states. The Mississippi Commissioner suggested Mr. Pfeffer bid on the C Tournament for 2014. That tournament would fall over Labor Day. Chair Butler encouraged him to submit an application. Mr. Pfeffer stated there are opportunities for adult and youth tournaments in the future in Andover. Commissioner Lewnau asked if the scoreboards are protected and Mr. Haas stated they are protected. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to approve the softball/baseball tournament application for the upcoming 2013 softball/baseball season as requested by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) for a Men's B Slow Pitch National Championship on August 16 -18, 2013. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0- nays, 0- absent vote. 0 DISCUSS RESULTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEY /ROSE PARK Mr. Haas reviewed the Commission is requested to discuss the survey results for park improvements regarding Rose Park. He noted a total of 8 surveys were received. Staff compilations of the results were provided for Commission review. Chair Butler stated Rose Park is in a more densely populated area of the City. The City would like to get better utilization out of the Park. Rose Park is one of the last ones with only a single ball field and a play structure. The Commission hasn't done anything recently with Rose Park because of funding needing to be used elsewhere. Commissioner Miskowiec asked about items ii and jj which are results received after the tabulations. Mr. Haas reviewed the results of the surveys for each question on the survey. Three residents indicated they would be serving on a Neighborhood Park Committee. Mr. Haas read the additional two survey responses that were received today. Chair Butler stated the plan is to move an existing baseball field out of another park (Green Acres) and relocate the field to Rose Park. The current location (Green Acres) is not large enough to accommodate a baseball field. The ball field would be for 6 -7 year old baseball. Ms. Jeanne Gunderson, 14120 Orchid St NW, stated she did not receive notification and only knew because of her neighbors telling her. She is concerned about additional traffic in the neighborhood. Currently she feels very safe in her neighborhood and her personal safety with the additional parking lot and traffic may impact her safety. She is not in Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —June 6, 2013 Page 3 favor of a parking lot being put in her backyard. She purchased her home because of the quietness of the neighborhood. Commissioner Miskowiec asked how many spots are in the current parking lot. Chair Butler stated there are 15 spots maximum. Mr. John Keller, 14044 Orchid St. NW, stated his concern is there would be three parking lots. He is concerned with the amount of traffic to put in that small park. The hockey rink would be 10 feet off his property. He would have to look at the hockey boards all year long. He has five kids and believes too much is trying to be put into this park. Right now they see their share of drug sales on the other end of the park. This is too much for one area. Ms. Salina Chowdhury, 14136 Orchid St. NW, was against the improvements to the Park. Mr. Bill Cole, 3419 140th Avenue stated over the past year he has had broken windows and damage to their fence. The players are using his fence as a backstop. If the fields are moved their fence will be destroyed. Ms. Kelly Boettcher, 14129 Quay Street, stated they do not want a parking lot next to their house. They have lived there since 1991. They live next to the watertower but don't have city water. She cannot imagine if there was more traffic in the neighborhood as there has been vandalism on her property multiple times. Mr. Darryl Saby 14024 Orchid Street, feels the plan is to put too much into the Park. His neighbor has a handicapped son who runs out into the street. Added traffic would not be good. He is not concerned about the baseball area. He stated the parking lot area is far enough not to affect his property. Mr. Travis Hughes, 14141 Quay Street, lives on the northeast corner of the park. He has only been there three years. Parking lots would change the current road to a through road. Adding traffic to that area would be dangerous. He does not mind the little league fields as long as they are for the smaller kids. He said the sound from a hockey rink carries and could be a problem later in the evening. Ms. Kimberly Carr, 3511 142nd Lane, stated there are 21 kids under the age of 15. They are constantly riding their bikes. Her concern is the kids come down Quay on the path and if there is added traffic she will not allow her kids to ride their bikes to the park. The only access would be 142nd Avenue. It is difficult to make a left turn onto 142nd Avenue. She stated there were a lot of people in the area that were not notified of this meeting or sent the survey. She has been driving through the puddle at Crooked Lake for years and it is not a problem. She thinks the drainage issue should just be fixed. She would like to see the hockey rink stay at Crooked Lake. A larger playground structure would be nice. © Dale and Kathy Runge, 14026 Rose, stated right now the park is very peaceful. There is a drug problem. The light in the parking lot only works part of the time. The sheriff is aware of the drug problem. He said older teams come in to practice and if the ball field is moved further south foul balls will go into neighbor's yards. The additional traffic would Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —June 6, 2013 Page 4 not be good and this is too much for a small park. Kathy — she does not want a basketball court of any kind. Mr. Travis Hughes, stated previous summer's softballs were being hit off the water tower. Chair Butler stated people like to live near parks as there are many benefits. Parks are built for the community. There will be activity in the parks. Per City Code parks close at l 1pm each evening. Mr. John Bergeson, 4345 1571h Ave NW, asked if the City tracks complaints within a park. Chair Butler stated the sheriff reports are reviewed quarterly. Mr. Haas stated when people call to complain they are referred to the sheriff's department. Mr. Bergeson stated some time ago there were problems and he called the City Hall and was told to call the Sheriff or Police. City Staff works with residents on problems they can resolve. Criminal Activities need to be reported to the Sheriff or Police. Mr. Charles Blesi, 3427 141" Lane, lives on corner of 141St Lane and Quay Street, is not in favor of increased traffic in the area. He is outdoors a lot and he sees the traffic and children in that area. The park is not big enough for what is being proposed. He does not see how that can be near the expensive homes. Chair Butler stated the park was there before the development. Ms. Lori Keller, 14044 Orchid St NW, appreciated being heard along with the other residents. She suggested the ball field be moved and expand the existing parking lot. She suggested a longer ramp when leaving the warming house at Crooked Lake School. Chair Butler stated the Commission is trying to bring improvements to the Parks for the entire community. Chair Butler stated it is not out of the question to fix Crooked Lake School hockey rink. A capital improvement plan will be submitted to the City Council for approval. The City maintenance staff has had issues with maintaining Crooked Lake School hockey rink. DISCUSS RESULTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEY /FOX MEADOWS PARK Mr. Haas reviewed the Commission is requested to discuss the survey results for park improvements regarding Fox Meadows Park. He noted a total of 14 surveys were received. Staff compilations of the results were provided for Commission review. Mr. Haas reviewed the survey results. Four residents were interested in serving on a Neighborhood Park Committee. An email was received from John and Rita Burgeson. Mr. John Burgeson and Rita Burgeson stated if a park is laid out wrong by a City and is causing problems, he believes the City should address the concerns. All the problems © they experienced were made worse after camera surveillance tapes were passed onto the City. They live along the park and wanted to know what decisions are being made this evening. Chair Butler stated decisions made will be included in the 5 year capital improvement plan. Mr. Burgeson stated he thought this meeting was preliminary and no decisions would be made tonight. Chair Butler stated the Commission is picking out the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —June 6, 2013 Page 5 ® parks where the dollars will go for 2014 and establishing some dollar amounts for 2015- 2018. Mr. Burgeson asked when Fox Meadows will come up and Chair Butler stated Fox Meadows is proposed to come up for possible improvements in 2017. The Burgeson's were not included in the survey so they sent in the email. Mr. Burgeson stated he would like to know who submitted the surveys. Mr. Haas stated he only knows the names of 3 people as those individuals indicated interest to serve on the Park Improvement Committee. Mr. Burgeson asked if trees would be removed and Commissioner Miskowiec stated the City tries to retain as many trees as possible. Chair Butler asked what the Burgeson's would like in the park. There have been no problems with the lacrosse teams. They pick up after themselves. He does not think Fox Meadows needs any improvements. Commissioner Lindahl stated they are looking to add to the park and enhance the existing field. Mr. Burgeson stated they would like to be on the Park Improvement Committee. Mr. Haas stated the park needs to be utilized more. Ms. Rita Burgeson stated she understands people have the right to use the park but they have been threatened and vandalized. Commissioner Lindahl stated the Commission is trying to enhance the park for all the residents. Ms. Burgeson stated the park was poorly laid out and no one was willing to help them with their issues. Chair Butler requested a discussion be held about both these parks and the relocation of © the Crooked Lake School hockey rink. Mr. Haas provided a copy of a memorandum update of the meeting the City staff had with Tom Redman of the Anoka Hennepin School District on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the school to evaluate the drainage issues. Chair Butler reviewed the challenges that have been raised for Crooked Lake Elementary School parking lot and the hockey rink. Commissioner Van Vark asked if the rink was redone at Crooked Lake versus moving it somewhere else would the cost be similar. Mr. Haas stated moving the rink would need to be identified in the capital improvement plan and reconstructing the rink at Crooked Lake would require maintenance funds to be allocated. Roughly the dollars to rebuild the hockey rink at Crooked Lake School or at another park would be about the same. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that would not include a warming house. Chair Butler polled the Commissioners on their feelings as to relocating the hockey rink to Rose Park and all indicated they were not in favor of moving the rink to Rose Park. Mr. Haas stated both the school district and the parks maintenance department would like to see hockey rink removed from the Crooked Lake School property. Chair Butler stated he would be in favor of moving the Crooked Lake School hockey rink within the immediate area. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if a free skating rink would fill the needs of the Commission. Chair Butler stated the free skating rinks that are used Q in the City are those next to the hockey rinks. Commissioner Miskowiec suggested at Green Acres Park a ball field could be removed and a free skating rink constructed. A hockey rink would be preferred in the Crooked Lake School area for only a free skate rink. The Hidden Creek North Park location may be an option. Regular Andover Park c& Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — June 6, 2013 Page 6 © Chair Butler polled the Commissioners about their desire to move the hockey rink from Crooked Lake School. Commissioner Lindahl was in favor of moving the rink, Commissioners Lewnau, Stenzel, Miskowiec, Van Vark and Melberg were in favor of keeping the rink at Crooked Lake School. Commissioner Lindahl asked about the possibility of constructing the hockey rink at the old Woodland Creek golf course area if the City takes it over. Mr. Haas stated that may be a possibility. The consensus of the Commission is to keep the rink at Crooked Lake School until an alternative location is found. Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to keep the ice rink at Crooked Lake School until a suitable area is found or until a decision is made to reconstruct the rink at Crooked Lake School. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. DISCUSS 2 014-2 018 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing the 2014 -2018 Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that was tabled from the last meeting to allow staff the opportunity to send out a survey to area residents for both Rose and Fox Meadows Parks. Staff at the last meeting provided approximate costs for improvements to Rose Park that could be included into the CIP. The improvements include the following: Grading of site /storm water ponds, irrigation, fencing of ball fields with sideline fencing and mow strips, bases /pads, benches, outfield fencing (optional), seeding of field /rink area, 3 row bleachers, ag -lime for infields, topsoil, construction material for hockey rink, hockey /free skating lighting system and class 5 parking lot. The estimate improvement costs will be approximately $250,000 - $275,000. Note: There will be some savings if some of the work is performed by the Public Works Department. Mr. Haas provided the updated Projected Park Improvement Fund which was included in the last meeting packet on May 16, 2013. He requested close attention be given to the status of 2013 end of the year balance. There are a number of parks that do not have security lights. The Public Works Parks Department has expressed concern in the past that some of the parks need to be updated with a paved surface parking lot. One of those parks includes Prairie Knoll Park north and south parking lots. If the Commission is interested in knowing the planned improvements for all the parks, review Section F of the Information Packet (2010 Existing and Future Park Facilities Chart). Mr. Haas stated the Commission is requested to recommend to the City Council the 2014 -2018 CIP at this meeting. Depending on what the Commission would like to © recommend for projects, the Finance Department has indicated to the Public Works Department that the ending fund balance for each of the 5 years should have a minimum positive balance of $50,000 or more. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — June 6, 2013 Page 7 © A revised Park Improvement Fund Projected Fund Balance was distributed by Chair Butler. Chair Butler proposed for Rose Park, the expansion of the parking lot to 60 parking spots in addition of a new ball field. It would be determined soccer /football could not use park when there are baseball games on both fields. An estimate of 30 cars per ball field was determined. Security lighting would need to be added. The playground equipment is 6 -7 years old with a 15 year life. The current playground equipment is suitable for 2 -5 year olds. Chair Butler stated at Fox Meadows Park the irrigation would involve drilling a well. Green Acres Park ball field needs to be replaced after this year. Commissioner Stenzel suggested grass infields be used instead of ag -lime on the ball fields in Rose Park. Chair Butler suggested the $35,000 for Crooked Lake Hockey Rink Relocation be removed from the CIP. Chair Butler included $30,000 for paving a hockey rink. The consensus of the Commission was the use of cement rather than blacktop for the paving. Commissioner Stenzel brought up the parking lot at Prairie Knoll Park. The parking lot is not maximized and cars are parking further away from other vehicles. Prairie Knoll Park is used year round and suggested the north and south parking lots be paved. Chair 4 Butler asked what the cost for paving the Prairie Knoll Park south parking lot and Mr. Haas stated approximately $100,000. Mr. Haas stated these parking lots can be added as alternate bids on street construction projects that may be done in 2014. $100,000 was added to 2014 for Prairie Knoll Parking Lot paving. Commissioner Stenzel stated a common issue stated has been parking. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to recommend to the City Council the 2014 -2018 Parks Capital Improvement Plan as presented in amendment. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. UPDATE ON THE ANDOVER FUN FEST BOOTH, CONT. Mr. Haas provided an update regarding the Andover Fun Fest Booth that the Park Commission will be sharing with the Andover Open Space Commission. The Andover Fun Fest is scheduled for Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, 2013. The following Commissioners have been scheduled to man the booth: loam — noon Open Noon — 2pm Ted Butler 2pm — 4pm Andy Melberg © 4pm — 6pm Alisa Lewnau /Shane Stenzel Mr. Haas noted one of the other Commissioners is needed to commit to the loam — 12 noon slot. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —June 6, 2013 Page 8 Commissioners Lindahl or Van Vark indicated they will be in the booth for the loam — 12noon slot. DISCUSS PROCESS FOR NAMING OF 40 ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX112 -31 3535 —16151 Avenue NW Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the process for naming of the 40 Acre Sports Complex, Project 12 -31. At the request of the City Council, the Park Commission will need to determine the process for naming of the 40 acre Sports Complex. Once the name has been determined, the Commission will need to forward the selection to the City Council for consideration and approval. The Sports Complex is scheduled to open in the spring of 2015 so the Commission has some time to select a name. The Commission is requested to discuss the process for naming of the 40 acre Sports Complex, Project 12 -31. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau to hold a park naming contest for the naming of the sports complex. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0- nays, 0- absent vote. Mr. Haas noted there will not be a Park and Recreation Commission Meeting on June 201h or July 4, 2013. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed the outstanding items providing updates on Completed Projects, On- Going Projects, Task Force Updates and Other Items of Interest. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Stenzel stated some of the bins of chalk have gotten wet and are bricks. Mr. Haas stated he will have park maintenance check the bins. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Melberg, to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, © Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.