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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 4, 2013C I T Y O F p N 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 April 4, 2013 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (3/21/13) 4. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/TCMABL Dodgers 5. Discuss Crooked Lake School Hockey Rink, Cont. 6. Consider Use of Misc. Park Funds /Pine Hills Park Irrigation Improvements 7. Outstanding Items 8. © 9. Chair's Report 10. Adjournment 7:15 P.M. Or Shortly Thereafter Workshop Session A. Discuss 2014 -2018 Park Capital Improvement Plan, Cont. B. Adjournment E 0 ANLb 6 W A X PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSIONMEETING APRIL 4, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on April 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Commissioners Alisa Lewnau, Mark Miskowiec, and Shane Stenzel Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Andrew Melberg and Shaun Van Vark Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Others APPROVAL OFAGENDA Mr. Haas suggested an item be added to the agenda "Recommend Accepting Donation/North Metro Soccer Association/Tulip Street Sports Complex/12 -31" This item will be added as Item 3A. Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to approve the agenda adding Recommend Accepting Donation/North Metro Soccer Association/Tulip Street Sports Complex /12 -31. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OFMINUTES Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to recommend approval of the minutes of the March 21, 2013 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 2 © RECOMMEND ACCEPTING DONATION/NORTH METRO SOCCER ASSOCLITION/TULIP STREET SPORTS COMPLEX112 -31 Mr. Haas reviewed this item is in regards to recommending approval of a resolution accepting the donation made by North Metro Soccer Association to be used towards improvements for the new Tulip Street Sports Complex. Ms. Barb Anderson, President of the North Metro Soccer Association was present at the meeting to present the donation to the City of Andover that will be utilized in making improvements at the new Sports Complex. Ms. Barb Anderson stated the donation is from thousands of players for the new park. North Metro Soccer Association is making an investment in the community. She showed various jerseys from the different types of players, coaches and referees. Chair Butler thanked North Metro Soccer Association for their ongoing partnership with the City of Andover. The amount of the donation is $40,000. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Stenzel, to approve a resolution accepting the donation made by North Metro Soccer Association to be used towards improvements for the new Tulip Street Sports Complex in the amount of $40,000. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. Mr. Haas noted this donation will be presented to the City Council at their April 16, 2013 meeting. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHED ULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES /TCMABL DODGERS Mr. Haas reviewed the Commission is requested to consider approving an Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of the Andover Station North (ASN) Ball Field Facility as requested by Twin Cities Men's Adult Baseball League (TCMABL). The Sundays being requested are as follows: May 19 June 2, 16, and 30 July 28 August 18 and 25 The team would be using the middle field at ASN from 4 -8pm on the days requested. © There are no conflicts with any of the Andover Baseball Association tournaments that already have been approved. The team has already paid the required fees that were due Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 3 © for the use of the field since they are considered adult rec play and they have also provided the required certificate of insurance. The Park & Recreation Commission is requested to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of the middle field at ASN as requested by TCMABL. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if the fields are lighted on Sundays. Mr. Haas stated they can be lighted but this group would not be using the lights. Chair Butler asked if there were any conflicts in the event another tournament had to be postponed and Mr. Haas stated there are no conflicts. Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of the middle field at ASN as requested by TCMABL. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. DISCUSS CROOKED LAKE SCHOOL HOCKEY RINK, CONT. Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing the possibility of removing the Crooked Lake School Hockey Rink due to the challenges that have been raised by the Parks Maintenance Department. This item was tabled from the February 21, 2013 meeting to allow the Commission to have more time to think about removing the hockey and free skating rink at the school. Mr. Haas reviewed the challenges that have been raised for Crooked Lake Elementary School Hockey Rink as follows: • The location of the rink is secluded and located very far back from the county road (Bunker Lake Boulevard). So it has been difficult to know when it is open or not. • Although the rink is located on school district property, the rink is pushed right up against residential property, which is private. • When the Parks Department Maintenance Crew plows the snow from the rink, much of the snow removal ends up onto private property since there is really nowhere to put the snow. • When the school district plows the adjacent parking lots, some of the snow ends up on the ice. • Having issues with the trees growing into the rink areas. • Having issues with salt and debris from the parking lot ending up on the free skate rink due to the slope of the parking, which drains towards the free skate rink. • The free skate rink is very small and narrow. • Towards the end of the skating season, the melting of the snow from the parking lot flows onto the free skating rink. © • Melting snow from the hockey rink does flow onto Edelweiss Street NW, which can cause issues for that street. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 4 © • It is difficult for hockey players to get to the hockey rink because of the downslope from the warming house to the hockey rink. Once you get past the downslope, it is also very hazardous getting to the entry gate of the hockey rink. • Parking our equipment at the site is very often difficult. The Parks Maintenance Crew always seems to be in someone's way. • Getting out of the school parking lot is a challenge at certain times of the day. • Small kids are present when we do maintenance very often. They love the snow being blown over them. • Unfortunately once the rink has been cleaned, the school kids enjoy throwing snowballs onto the ice. Staff has discussed this with school representatives in the past but it continues to be an ongoing problem for the Park Maintenance Crew. • Currently all wiring for the hockey rink lighting is above ground and does overhang pretty low to the rink and also is not very attractive. • The rink lighting is very out dated and should be replaced. • There is no security fencing to keep vehicles from driving around behind the school and the playground area. • The base of the rink could use some upgrades, clay or more hard pack gravel if it were to stay. • The basic layout and location of these rinks are just not very good for the City of Andover. If the rinks were located closer to an existing neighborhood, the rinks would probably get used more. Based on what staff has seen and heard, the rinks are not getting as much use as the other rinks such as City Hall Outdoor Rinks. The overall condition of the rink boards, posts and fencing are in decent shape as is the building. If the rink is relocated to another City Park, Parks Maintenance Department will do what they can to salvage the existing rink. The building is currently property of the school district since it was constructed by the Parent Teacher Organization. Mr. Haas continued the timing for removing the hockey and free skating rink now is appropriate. The Anoka Hennepin School District is on board along with the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association to removing the hockey and free skating rink this year. The Public Works Parks Department are recommending the Commission recommend to the City Council the removal of the hockey and free skating rink so that hockey boards and lighting removal process can begin. Commissioner Miskowiec stated he is not willing to close down this rink until a replacement rink is found. He would recommend keeping it open until another location is found. Chair Butler stated he has some concerns about the maintenance issues with keeping this open. The alternate rink is at Hawk Ridge for the next hockey season. He suggested as part of the five year plan another rink location be found. © Commissioner Miskowiec stated there was a newspaper article about the rink and the reporter said on the occasions he visited the rink it was heavily used. 1410 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 5 Chair Butler asked if there was a lot of use at Hawk Ridge and Mr. Haas stated Kevin Starr, Park Maintenance Supervisor, said Hawk Ridge gets a lot of use. Mr. Haas stated there are many issues and the Parks Maintenance Crew is suggesting to close this rink. Chair Butler asked what the cost is for having a rink and Mr. Haas stated he does not know the amount. This will be discussed in the work session this evening. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if $12,000 (rink at Prairie Knoll) would be a good estimate and Mr. Haas stated it would be a good estimate amount for a hockey rink. Chair Butler asked if there was any feasibility of constructing a new rink somewhere yet this year and Mr. Haas stated most likely any new rink would need some grading, survey work, etc. It could not be done yet this year. It would save money to do ball field grading at the same time as the hockey rink grading. Mr. Mike Antilla stated their concerns are the same as those voiced this evening. If this rink is closed Hawk Ridge would be used four nights a week by the Hockey Association, which would limit public use. If Crooked Lake rink is closed the Hockey Association would be losing a rink. Chair Butler asked if the Crooked Lake rink could be left open one more year. © Commissioner Lindahl asked if there could be some sort of a diversion created for the water drainage and Mr. Haas stated that would not work. Mr. Haas stated keeping this rink open is a difficult struggle for the Parks Maintenance Department. Commissioner Lewnau asked if this rink can only be used for two months a year and Mr. Antilla stated depends on the weather. Mr. Haas stated this year the rink was good for 2 'h months. Commissioner Stenzel suggested tabling this until after the work session where alternate rink locations can be reviewed. Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to table recommendation to the City Council to close the hockey and free skating rink located at Crooked Lake Elementary School. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. CONSIDER USE OF MISC. PARK FUNDS /PINE HILLS PARK IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider use of miscellaneous park funds to make irrigation improvements to Pine Hills Park ball field. FJ Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 6 The reason staff is making this request is due to the irrigation improvements that are planned later on this summer for the new Sports Complex that will be constructed by the Public Works Parks Maintenance Department. Since a trenching machine will be rented to install the irrigation system at the new Sports Complex, it seems appropriate to take advantage of the trenching machine to install the irrigation system now at Pine Hills Park along with the Sports Complex improvements. A grass infield would be constructed at Pine Hills Park including modifying the outer edge of the aggregate lime infield with more grass to reduce the size of the infield to ball field standards. The infield will be reconstructed similar to what has been done at ASN middle field. The irrigation system would be installed after the spring/summer season is over with the hope that the baseball association would be able to use the field for the fall season, otherwise they may have to look at other options temporarily until the field is ready. The estimated cost to irrigate both the infield and outfield is approximately $5700 plus the cost of the sod /topsoil. The funding of the parks and sod would be funded by the $15,000 miscellaneous park improvement fund that is allocated for these types of projects. Mr. Haas noted this project could wait and be included as part of the Capital Improvement Plan but the funding of the project would be from the same pot of money (park improvement funds) so there is nothing to gain by waiting. The expenditure for this project is appropriate from the $15,000 miscellaneous park improvement fund and staff © recommends approval. Mr. Haas stated he has spoken with the Baseball Association and they are in favor of these improvements to Pine Hills Park. An estimate for the cost of the sod /topsoil would be approximately $2000. Commissioner Miskowiec asked when the Tulip Street irrigation would be done and Mr. Haas stated after the grading is done and the topsoil is spread. Commissioner Stenzel asked when this project would begin and Mr. Haas stated after the baseball season is done. Mr. Brad Schotzko, Andover Baseball Association, stated the season would be done by the middle of July. This field would be used for the 12 -13 year old players. Mr. Schotzko stated with a grass infield the Association could host some tournaments. Chair Butler stated he would be in favor of using miscellaneous park funds for this. Commissioner Lindahl stated this field would be utilized much more with irrigation and would look nice across the street from the Tulip Street Park. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Stenzel, for approval of use of miscellaneous park funds to make irrigation improvements to Pine Hills Park ball field up to $8000. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent (Commissioners Melberg © and Van Vark) vote. 1401 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 7 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. Staff has scheduled the June 6th Park Commission Meeting at Sunshine Park gazebo for the first outdoor meeting. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Lindahl reminded residents not to use athletic fields until they are officially opened. Chair Butler is looking at Timber Trails, Andover Lions, or Hidden Creek North for an adopt -a -park project by the Park Commission. Any groups or associations interested in adopting a park should contact Mr. Haas at City Hall. Chair Butler stated there are a spring and fall cleanup and is not a huge commitment. © ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:33 p.m. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. The Workshop Session of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on April 4, 2013 at 7:35 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Alisa Lewnau, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec, Shane Stenzel and Shaun Van Vark. Commissioners Absent: Melberg and Van Vark Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Others DISCUSS 2014 — 2018 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT © Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the 2014- 2018 Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The target date for draft CIP is June 7th. A Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 8 © projected fund balance sheet was provided for Commission review. Mr. Haas noted the Commission should pay attention to the status of 2013 end of the year balance. The Commission should discuss if there is a project that you may want to consider a project for 2014. Based on last year's CIP, no significant improvements are planned for 2014. The only larger improvement that has been identified is in 2015 but at this point a park has not been identified. The Park Improvement Fund does not include the park dedication fee from the Wal -Mart project. The park dedication fee is anticipated to be received within the next 2 weeks but until the fee has been received, it is not included in the projected fund balance sheet. It is anticipated that approximately $132,000 will be dedicated. Mr. Haas noted 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. 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 $50,000.00 or more. An updated Park Improvement Fund Projected Fund Balance spreadsheet was distributed © since the Wal -Mart property closed earlier this week. Chair Butler reviewed the ending fund balance for: 2013 $290,052 2014 $326,552 2015 $243,052 2016 $289,552 2017 $336,052 2018 $382,552 Chair Butler suggested a top priority being the replacement of the Crooked Lake Hockey Rink as well as Prairie Knoll Park north and south parking lots. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if the $100,000 was for Tulip Street Park and Mr. Haas stated it is not from Park Dedication but from Park Levy. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if the Council would be looking at more than the $100,000 from the Park Commission. Mr. Haas stated the lights are not planned to be installed until 2014. Mr. Haas stated there is a plan for security lighting for the parking lot but that does not need to go in right away. Chair Butler asked if the Council has made any further decisions on how the Tulip Street Park will be funded. Mr. Haas stated they are still looking at it. Chair Butler stated the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 9 Park and Recreation Commission should still be able to go forward to set the capital improvement plan. Commissioner Miskowiec stated losing a field will cause problems for a lot of people. Commissioner Lindahl asked about Watertower Park and suggested development of that park continue as previously planned. Commissioner Lindahl asked if Hidden Creek North Park would be large enough for a hockey rink and Mr. Haas stated it is not large enough. Mr. Haas stated there is a free skating rink there now. Parks close to Crooked Lake School would be Rose or Wild Iris Parks. Commissioner Lindahl asked if Wild Iris infield could be flooded for a hockey rink. He suggested a one year rink be set up there if Crooked Lake was closed. Mr. Haas stated he does not know if that would work as it would be too much set -up and work for one year. Commissioner Lindahl asked about Terrace Park and Mr. Haas stated that would not be a good location for a hockey rink. Mr. Haas stated there is a possibility of a second ball field and a hockey rink at Rose Park. The problem with that would be the hockey rink needs to be close to the parking Q lot. Chair Butler stated the City has an issue with warming houses. He suggested expanding Prairie Knoll building for additional warming house space and to consider a warming house improvement at Hawk Ridge. The Prairie Knoll warming house currently has a restroom in it. The Hawk Ridge warming house trailer has been rented by the City over the past few years. Chair Butler suggested staff research locations for a new hockey rink before closing Crooked Lake hockey rink. A warming house trailer could be rented. Mr. Haas showed a map of Hidden Creek Park, which showed no room for a hockey rink. He showed a map of Rose Park. Chair Butler suggested Rose Park is suitable for 6 -7 year old baseball. Mr. Haas showed where a second ball field could be constructed. Commissioner Miskowiec suggested Green Acres ball field be moved to Rose Park and construct the hockey rink at Green Acres. Mr. Haas showed on the Rose Park Map a possible location for a hockey rink and a parking lot. Commissioner Miskowiec stated he believes there would be a better location for the hockey rink. Commissioner Lindahl stated the hockey rink could be in the northeast corner of Rose Park. H Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 10 © Chair Butler suggested a location for another ball field, moving the existing field and putting the hockey rink in place of the existing ball field. Commissioner Miskowiec suggested for Rose Park there be two ball fields and the hockey rink in another Park. Commissioner Lewnau suggested Hidden Creek North and Mr. Haas stated the area is not large enough for a hockey rink. Commissioner Lindahl stated football uses the Rose Park ball field for practice. Mr. Haas stated the closest park to Crooked Lake is Fox Meadows Park. He indicated where a hockey rink could be constructed. This is an underutilized park. Mr. Haas stated Fox Meadows would be probably the best location. Commissioner Lindahl suggested a line of trees be planted along the line between Fox Meadows and the 15830 property. Mr. Haas stated he can have staff sketch out a plan for this park. Chair Butler stated this would be a distance from Crooked Lake Hockey Rink. Commissioner Lindahl suggested staff speak with the Hockey Association about this option. Mr. Haas showed the map of Crooked Lake Hockey Rink. Mr. Haas showed a map of Terrace Park. Mr. Haas stated there used to be a free skating rink there and it was difficult for the Park Maintenance Department to access. There would not be sufficient room for a hockey rink. Commissioner Lewnau suggested Andover Station North. Mr. Haas stated the EDA owns a lot there and is hoping to sell it. Chair Butler stated that lot would be a good location for the Hockey Rink. Chair Butler asked if the EDA would consider letting a hockey rink be constructed there. Hockey rinks need to be situated North -South due to the angle of the sun. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the EDA be petitioned for temporary usage of the lot at Andover Station North for a hockey rink. Staff was directed to research the selling price of the lot. Mr. Haas will put this item on the EDA's Meeting Agenda. The consensus was to ask the EDA for temporary usage of the hot at Andover Station North for a hockey rink. Chair Butler suggested $10,000 - $12,000 be earmarked for this hockey rink to replace Crooked Lake rink. Commissioner Lewnau suggested two hockey rinks one at Andover Station North and one at Fox Meadows. Ho Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —April 4, 2013 Page 11 Chair Butler reviewed priorities. Priority one would be a second ball field at Rose Park with irrigation and a small soccer /football /lacrosse field. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the existing ball field be relocated within the park. Staff will sketch up a proposed plan for Rose Park. Chair Butler stated Priority two would be a hockey rink at ASN. Priority three would be a hockey rink at Fox Meadows Park. Commissioner Lindahl would like to see trees planted at Fox Meadows Park along the property line of the adjoining residential lot to create a buffer. Mr. Haas asked for a volunteer for the Skate Board Park Task Force. Some equipment is needed for the younger skaters. Commissioner Melberg was suggested as a member of the Task Force. No action is necessary until May or June on the Park Capital Improvement Plan. ADJOURNMENT OF WORKSHOP SESSION Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to adjourn the workshop session at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, 0 -nays, 2- absent © (Commissioners Melberg and Van Vark) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.