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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 21, 20130 C I T Y O F N 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting February 21, 2013 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (2/7/13) 4. Review Mark Smith Sketch Plan 5. Update of Green Acres Park Improvements 6. Discuss Crooked Lake School Hockey Rink 7. Update on the Evos Equipment 8. Update of Master Plan of Sports Complex/12 -31, Cont. 9. Outstanding Items 10. 11. Chair's Report 12. Adjournment i INNE411m) `f PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSIONMEETING — FEBRUARY21, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on February 21, 2013 at 7:03 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: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Others RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to recommend approval of the minutes of the February 7, 2013 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- Present (Van Vark) 0- absent vote. REVIEW OF MARK SMITH SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas reviewed, the Commission is requested to review and determine the park dedication requirements for the proposed Mark Smith Sketch Plan. A copy of the sketch plan was provided for Commission review. Mr. Haas provided a map showing the location of the property. He noted the sketch plan does indicate the existing park boundaries of Hickory Meadows Park along with the additional park property the developer would like to dedicate to the City, which would be adjacent to the existing Hickory Meadows Park. The location of a park in this area was suggested by the Commission during the sketch plan review back in 2006. Minutes from the September 7, 2006 Park Commission meeting were provided as a reference. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —February 21, 2013 Page 2 © Mr. Haas stated Staff has reviewed the sketch plan and recommends not taking any more property than is necessary to fulfill the future planned improvements that are identified in the Future Facilities Chart for Hickory Meadows Park. The drawing identifies a smaller area which may accomplish the goal of the park which could include enough area for a small shelter and a half basketball court. Any property the Commission requests to be dedicated will be calculated based on the formula per City Code 11 -3 -7 (C). The more land required to be dedicated the lesser the park dedication fee portion will be. It was noted the preliminary plat for this area will be brought before the Commission at its March 2, 2013 meeting. Mr. Haas stated he is looking for a recommendation on what would be done with the additional parkland. Commissioner Miskowiec asked what the total acreage would be with the two parcels. Mr. Haas stated between .5 acres and .75 acres. Mr. Haas stated this would be considered a mini park as no parking lot or field would be part of the park. Chair Butler asked about the connection to the trail by Coon Creek and noted it would be east of the park. Mr. Haas stated staff is looking at the Hickory Meadows 2nd Addition taking a trail easement through one of the lots for access to the trail. Chair Butler stated that trail connection would only benefit approximately twelve homes and it may be better for those residents to access the north access to the trail. Mr. Haas stated the traffic will be under 1000 cars per day for that area. Chair Butler reminded the Commission that a small park was added to this area a few years ago. Mr. Mark Smith, 2120 Otter Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, is the property owner for this parcel. He suggested a gap be added so people could walk between the properties. Commissioner Lindahl stated if a connection to a trail is constructed there is quite a bit of maintenance needed for that connection. The Commission is requested to review the proposed preliminary plat and give direction as to park dedication requirements to the City Council. Chair Butler suggested following staff's recommendation and taking the small lot for expansion of Hickory Meadows Park. The Commission will have another opportunity to review this project as part of the preliminary plat review. UPDATE OF GREEN ACRES PA RK IMPRO VEMENTS Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing possible improvements to Green Acres Park. This item had been tabled at the last meeting to allow Staff time to discuss the removal of the ball field after the 2013 baseball season at Green Acres Park with the Andover Baseball Association (ABA). Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — February 21, 2013 Page 3 © Mr. Haas continued as far as the existing playground equipment, the recommendation is to replace the equipment but not to relocate the structure from its current location. Staff recommends replacing the existing equipment with a playground structure that is designed for 2 -12 year olds. The Commission should consider the request from one of the residents about constructing a small shelter which would include a picnic table. There is $32,000 available for the playground equipment. The Commission will need to determine the amount to be allocated on equipment and determine if the remainder should be used to construct a small shelter or utilize the available funds for the relocation of the ball field at another park. Northwoods East Park was allocated $24,000 for equipment, concrete border edging for around the equipment and fall zone, wood fiber for fall zones and ADA access. The Public Works Maintenance Staff would like to reiterate that the ball field should be eliminated at this point for the following reasons: • Parking is one issue as there is not a designated parking lot. Vehicles are currently parking in the street. • The park is not large enough to accommodate the older individuals that have used the field in the past for fun ball. With the relocation of the ball field, baseballs and softballs would still end up on Ivywood Street and Heather Street and © possibly even in the neighbors' yards across the street. The park should be considered to be designated as a mini park (currently designated as a neighborhood park) because of the lack of parking. The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing possible improvements to Green Acres Park. Staff is recommending the ball field not be relocated within this park. The ABA would like to see the ball field relocated to Terrace Park. They would like to see the fields back to back and an addition of a small parking lot. The Commission is requested to determine how much they would like to spend on the playground equipment. Chair Butler invited any residents to speak on this matter and stated there are two items for consideration. Mr. Dennis Hager stated he does not have a problem removing the ball field but questioned what would be done with the backstop. Mr. Haas stated it would be salvaged. Mr. Hager stated the backstop was put up to prevent balls from going into his driveway. He felt the kids will continue to play ball in the park and recommended leaving the backstop there. Chair Butler asked Mr. Hager if he would be happy to seed the infield area and just keep an open play area. Mr. Hager stated he would be happy with that. The ball diamond could be seeded but the backstop should remain. © Commissioner Miskowiec stated the park is too small for organized ball. If a suitable home could be found, the field should be moved to another park. He suggested the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —February 21, 2013 Page 4 © moving be delayed until a suitable park to move it to is determined. Chair Butler stated the field would remain for the upcoming season. Mr. Haas stated the timing is in question. Commissioner Stenzel suggested the field remain until an appropriate park is determined. He would like to see the backstop remain as well as the benches. Commissioner Melberg stated the staff recommendation states they are concerned about safety. Commissioner Van Vark stated the playground will be discussed when the ballfield is moved. Chair Butler suggested the infield be removed and seeded with the backstop remaining and the greenspace be used for casual games. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the open greenspace not be encroached with the playground equipment. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Van Vark, to seed the infield area and leaving the backstop remain after this summer season contingent on © finding another park for construction of a new field. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays 0- absent vote. Chair Butler stated $24,000 was allocated for Northwoods East Park. Chair Butler suggested $24,000 be allocated for Green Acres Park with the option of the neighborhood doing some fundraising if they wish. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to allocate $24,000 for playground equipment at Green Acres Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0- nays 0- absent vote. UPDATE ON CROOKED LAKE SCHOOL HOCKEY RINK 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. Mr. Haas stated this item was tabled from the last meeting to allow Staff the opportunity to discuss this with the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association ( AHYHA) President Mark Chevalier. After the discussion, AHYHA does not have an issue with eliminating the hockey and free skating rink at the school. Staff mentioned to AHYHA that Hawkridge Park is available for practice for 2013 -2014 season and they do not have an ® issue with that. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — February 21, 2013 Page 5 © The challenges brought up by the Park Maintenance Department were again reviewed. Mr. Haas noted 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 the property of the school district since it was constructed by the Parent Teacher Organization. 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. Mr. Haas noted an email was received from Mark Chevalier stating the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association is in support of removing the rink from Crooked Lake provided a rink be provided in the southwestern region of the City and consider providing some form of warming house. Commissioner Miskowiec suggested the "hot spots" be located — the areas where the younger kids live. He would like to see some demographic reports when considering rink relocation. Mr. Mike Antilla, AHYHA, stated the Board agreed the Crooked Lake ice is not good ice and they are in favor of moving the rink. Their biggest concern is the lack of warming house space. The current trailer at Hawkridge Park is not sufficient for the teams utilizing the ice rink. Chair Butler stated the AHYHA would be asked to use Hawkridge rink until another rink could be added as part of another Park's funding. He stated the warming house will be addressed by the Commission. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if AHYHA has an idea for a suitable replacement rink. Mr. Antilla stated Rose Park was discussed. AHYHA could also look at demographics to suggest a suitable spot for a new rink. Mr. Haas stated the boards would most likely need to be rebuilt. Chair Butler stated the Commission will need to decide in the future on a new rink along with a warming house facility. Commissioner Miskowiec stated a warming house facility is very important but another item to be added to the wish list for the Commission. Commissioner Van Vark asked if some of the dollars saved if the rink was eliminated can be applied to making a better warming house facility. Chair Butler asked what the size of the trailer at Hawkridge Park is and Mr. Antilla stated approximately 10 x 30. Mr. Antilla stated the City Hall rinks are utilized the most and the Crooked Lake School rink was not utilized. Chair Butler suggested the rink be removed and warming house improvement options be looked at. [Am] Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — February 21, 2013 Page 6 Commissioner Miskowiec suggested more time be taken to look at this since a suitable new rink location has not been determined. Motion by Commissioner Miskowiec, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to table consideration of removal of the Crooked Lake School Hockey until April 2013. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays 0- absent vote. UPDATE ON THE EVOS EQUIPMENT Mr. Haas reviewed this item is an update for the Park and Recreation Commission as to the status of the Evos equipment the Commission had expressed interest in the fall of 2012. This item was tabled from the last meeting to give staff an opportunity to see if the Andover Elementary School would be interested in relocating the Evos play structure from Champlin Elementary School to Andover Elementary School. Staff recommends that a structure of this type is more suited for installation at an elementary school rather than a City park. Discussions continue with Tom Redmann of the Anoka Hennepin School District to find a location at one of the elementary schools here in Andover (Crooked Lake, Andover, or Rum River). It was noted the school district has indicated they are not interested in selling the © structure to the City of Andover but certainly are interested in having the structure relocated to another elementary school if one of the elementary schools were interested. It may take City cost participation to relocate the play structure to an Andover school. Crooked Lake Elementary School Principal has indicated they are not interested in the Evos equipment since they just replaced their playground equipment a few years ago. Informational; no Commission action is necessary at this time. UPDATE OF MASTER PLAN OF SPORTS COMPLEX112 -31, CONT. Chair Butler provided an update of the Master Plan for the Sports Complex, Project 12- 31. He noted the City Council reviewed the final draft of the Master Plan at their meeting on February 19, 2013. A number of residents attended the Council Meeting. The Master Plan was well received with a few tweaks including moving the Disc Golf to another area of the Complex. The residents in attendance provided good input regarding lighting, restrooms, paved parking lots, and ideas to help control vandalism. The Park and Recreation Commission will get an opportunity to review the plans as soon as they become available from WSB later on this spring. 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. Mr. Haas noted a trail will be constructed along the north side of Bunker Lake Blvd between 7`h Avenue (CSAH Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —February 21, 2013 Page 7 © 7) and Underclift Street NW as part of the reconstruction of Bunker Lake Blvd road reconstruction project. A trail along the east side of Nightingale Street NW north of Crosstown Boulevard NW is planned for construction in 2013 as part of the Nightingale Street NW reconstruction project. CHAIR'S REPORT Chair Butler stated he serves on the Community Center Advisory Commission. There have been discussions about expanding the Community Center and the Park Commission is being asked what they would like to see in an expansion. A work session will be planned to discuss this at the March 7, 2013 Park Commission meeting. Chair Butler suggested also discussing 2013 events at the work session. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Lewnau, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, © Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. [4]