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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 17, 2013C I T Y O F p ND OVE 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 January 17, 2013 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (1/3/13) 4. Consider Grant Opportunity National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) /Strootman Park/Natural Resource Technician 5. Update of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) /Natural Resource Technician 6. Hold Public Information Meeting/ Green Acres Park 7. Hold Public Information Meeting /Northwoods East Park 8. Update of Master Plan of Sports Complex/12 -31, Cont. © 9. Anoka County Sherifrs Department 4th Quarterly Report 10. Park Dedication Improvement Fund 4th Quarterly Report/Finance Department 11. Outstanding Items 12. 13. Chair's Report 14. Adjournment We ANLb 6 V 9 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING —JANUARY 17, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on January 17, 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, Tony Kowalewski, Alisa Lewnau, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec and Shaun Van Vark Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician 40 RESIDENT FOR UM There were no comments at this time. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to close the resident forum. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent, 0- present vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Kowalewski, to approve the January 3, 2013, Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 7- ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent, 0- present vote. CONSIDER GRANT OPPORTUNITY NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION (NFWF) / STROOTMAN PARK / NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICIAN Mr. Haas introduced Kameron Kytonen and advised that he would be presenting the next two agenda items to the Commission. Mr. Kytonen advised of a grant opportunity through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for Strootman Park. He suggested applying for $20,000 in grant funds for the park. He presented an aerial photograph of Strootman Park and identified i areas where non - native, invasive species currently lie. He advised that volunteers could bd used where applicable. He explained that if the grant is awarded, the City would need L: Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 2 © to match the grant dollar for dollar through cash or in -kind services. He noted that it has been determined that at least 75 percent of the match will be able to be met through in kind services, including parks staff time and equipment usage as well as volunteers. He stated that it is requested to allow staff to apply for the NFWF grant with the intention of improving Strootman Park. Commissioner Kowalewski questioned how the volunteers would be obtained and if sign - up sheets would be used for phases of the improvements. Mr. Kytonen stated that the City has relationships with certain organizations that have assisted with volunteerism in the parks in the past and advised that he could reach out to those groups for assistance. Chair Butler questioned the success rate for the removal of buckthorn. Mr. Kytonen explained that buckthorn is difficult to remove without the proper knowledge and the time to follow -up. He believed that with the funding and proper process the invasive species could be successfully removed. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Melberg, to approve the ability of staff to apply for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant with the © intent of improving Strootman Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. UPDATE OF EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) / NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICIAN Mr. Kytonen presented information on the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which is a devastating insect that attacks all species of ash trees. Since the first appearance in Detroit, Michigan in 2002 the insect has killed millions of ash trees in the states and Canada. He displayed a map of the Country and identified areas where EAB has been found, noting that the insect was found in St. Paul in 2009, Minneapolis in 2010 and Shoreview in 2011. He urged the Commissioners and residents watching not to move firewood outside out of the County in attempt to further prevent the spread of EAB. He described the symptoms of EAB infestation and advised that once infected the tree typically dies within three to five years. He stated that the City's park system has a large quantity of ash trees, which are in danger. He stated that the City needs to urge everyone not to transport firewood outside of the County, not plant additional ash trees, watch the existing stock of ash trees for infection, and further investigate whether treatment options would be feasible. Chair Butler questioned the type of trees being planted in the parks. Mr. Kytonen advised that a variety of trees are being planted in order to increase the diversity in tree species to prevent the spread of EAB including oak, maples, and other varieties. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 3 HOLD PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING / GREEN ACRES PARK Mr. Haas stated that the Commission will now hold a public information meeting for the proposed improvements to Green Acres Park. He reported that a notification was sent to residents advising them of the meeting tonight and stated that the results of the neighborhood survey was included in the packet, and had been presented to the Park Commission on December 20, 2012. He displayed an aerial photograph of Green Acres Park identifying the newly proposed layout of the ball field and playground equipment and the proposed improvements. Chair Butler advised that the Commission has discussed these improvements and opened the floor for public comment regarding the reconfiguration of the ball field and the updated playground equipment. Dennis Hager stated that he has lived next door to Green Acres Park for the past 35 years. He was unsure why the ball field is proposed to be reoriented in that manner as he believed that the proposed orientation would cause additional balls to be hit into the roadway. He advised that the current orientation causes balls to be hit into his yard but noted that his house has never been hit. He agreed that the playground equipment should be updated but believed that the ball field should remain in the current configuration. He © advised that he and a few neighbors created the ball field many years ago and put much thought into the layout to increase safety. Chair Butler explained that the proposed configuration would move the playground equipment closer to the ball fields to allow parents to watch their children playing on the equipment while also watching the ball game. Mr. Hager did not believe that it would be safe to move the playground equipment to that area of the park as the area is bordered by two streets and is the busiest area for traffic. He also believed that the green space where the playground equipment and ball field used to be would be unused. He noted that if the older children use the ball field, they will easily hit his house. Chair Butler stated that foul balls could hit his house with the current configuration. He noted that fencing will also be installed bordering the first and third base lines. Mr. Hager recognized the foul balls could hit his house with the current layout but explained that if the ball field is moved the children would be hitting the ball towards his house. He also believed that many balls will be hit into the road. Commissioner Miskowiec confirmed that Mr. Hager believes that the current layout of the ball field would be the safest. C Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 4 © Jan West stated that she lives across the street from the park and has lived there for 32 years. She advised that she does childcare and takes the children to the park almost daily during warm weather. She believed that the proposed area for the playground equipment would be very unsafe and dangerous for the children. She noted that children could go to either side of the playground and would be able to run into the street, most likely before she would be able to catch them. She stated that the current location would allow for expansion to the south. She stated that with the current configuration the balls traveling outside of the field would simply go into the large open space area that is unused. She stated that she is in favor of improving the playground equipment but did not want to see the location of the ball field or playground equipment changed. She believed that a child would be hit by a car if the playground equipment were moved to the proposed location. She also recommended a bathroom that is not paid for by the baseball association, as if the children need to go to the bathroom she needs to take them all back home because the portable bathroom is only available during the baseball season. Becky Hager addressed the Commission. She stated that people do not stop at the stop sign and there have been accidents in the area. She was worried about the safety of the children with the proposed location for the park. She believed that to protect the safety of the children the playground equipment should not be moved. She acknowledged that parents would like the playground equipment closer to the ball field but believed that the other location would be dangerous. She advised that adult females also use the ball field © and stated that if the ball field is reoriented those adults will hit a ball through her window without question. Chair Butler stated that the proposed location of the playground equipment is the actually further from Ivywood than the current location, but acknowledged that the equipment would be closer to Heather Street. Mrs. Hager stated that Heather Street is the street that she is more concerned about. She commented that the playground equipment is in need of updating and urged the Commission to select material that is difficult to vandalize. Mr. Haas noted that the City will present a list of equipment and the cost and advised that residents will have input during the selection process. Mr. Hager acknowledged that while parents who are at the field for an hour would like the two areas closer together, he and the neighbors are there all the time. He was very concerned with the traffic from Heather Street. Commissioner Kowalewski suggested that a fence be installed around the play equipment in order to provide a boundary to the roadway. Commissioner Van Vark questioned the desire to relocate the ball field and playground ® equipment, other than to accommodate the parents at the field with children using both areas. S Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 5 Chair Butler advised that the current orientation of the ball field makes one team face into the sun and the reorientation would remove that burden. He stated that fences need to be installed along the first and third base lines to prevent children from being hit while sitting on the bench. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that he is inclined to believe the residents present tonight in regard to the safety threats as they have lived there for 35 years. He stated that there are a number of people saying the new design is unsafe. He suggested leaving the current orientation. Commissioner Lewnau agreed that it would be difficult to watch two sides of the play equipment to keep children from the road. Chair Butler stated that even if the current orientation is kept, the field will need to be shifted somewhat to reconfigure and install fencing. He noted that the field would need to be shifted towards the playground equipment and advised that there will be constraints no matter which option is chosen. Virgil West stated that he lives across the street from the park and suggested reconfiguring the orientation of the ball field to make home plate where first base © currently lies. Mr. Haas noted that option may cause challenges as well. He stated that this ball field is for children aged six and seven and is not designed for older children and adults. Commissioner Kowalewski noted that signs could be installed identifying the age range for the field. Commissioner Van Vark stated that the ball field, especially the outfield, does not have to be perfect for children aged six and seven. He stated that if playground equipment bordering two streets can be avoided, it should be. Chair Butler questioned the cost to install decorative fencing on the south side. Mr. Haas noted that he could investigate the cost. He stated that this is in attempt to go through and provide function to the parks. He noted that parents like to play basketball and would like the playground equipment near the courts. Chair Butler suggested keeping the proposed layout with the installation of decorative fencing around the playground. Commissioner Lewnau presented an alternate layout for the ball field and playground equipment. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 6 Commissioner Miskowiec stated that this proposed configuration by Commissioner Lewnau would provide the best option to meet the desires of everyone. Mr. Hager agreed that design would be much safer. Mrs. West confirmed that she would also like this proposed design. Chair Butler confirmed the consensus of the Commission to select the design proposed by Commissioner Lewnau. Mr. Haas noted that staff will work with the proposed design for the park and bring it back at a future meeting. He confirmed that he would also send the information to the residents in attendance tonight. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to table the adoption of the proposed design for the improvements to Green Acres Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. HOLD PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING I NORTHWOODS EAST PARK Mr. Haas advised that this is the public information meeting for the improvements © proposed for Northwoods East Park, noting that resident notice was sent out and the results of the resident survey were included in the Commission packet. He displayed an aerial photograph of the park and highlighted the proposed reconfiguration and updates to the playground equipment. Jeannette Dewandeler stated that she lives near the park site and is present to simply assist in the decision for the reconfiguration of the park and the type of playground equipment. Mr. Haas noted that the Commission will need to make a decision regarding how much will be spent on the upgrading of the playground equipment, noting that some funds may need to be shifted to the Green Acres Park in order to fund the additional fencing. He noted that once the amount is known he will contact the resident so that she may assist in the process of selecting the playground equipment. Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to table the decision regarding the Northwoods East Park playground improvements. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. UPDATE OF MASTER PLAN OF SPORTS COMPLEX I12 -31, CONT. Mr. Haas displayed a Master Plan for the proposed park and advised that the City has © purchased this land in attempt to create a sports complex on the site. He advised that this is the first time the public is able to see the Master Plan for the site and identified the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —January 17, 2013 Page 7 features that will be incorporated into the site. He noted that the consultant was able to incorporate the suggestions made by the Commission through the previous workshop sessions. He presented the preliminary Master Plan cost estimate, which is split between three phases. He estimated a total cost of $1,636,205 for phase one, which will establish the parking area, creation of the fields and irrigation of the sports fields. He provided additional input regarding the lighting and advised that by eliminating the option to reorient the sports fields would reduce the cost of the field lights by $200,000. Chair Butler agreed that option would be beneficial at the cost savings of $200,000. Mr. Haas advised that this item will go before the City Council at 6:00 p.m. the following Tuesday. He advised that an open house for the public has been tentatively scheduled for February 7`11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. He identified active and passive portions of the proposed park and welcomed the input of the public. Chair Butler stated that he feels this could be a very central park for the City and has the option to be a premier park. He acknowledged the cost to complete the other phases of the project and stated that he would like to see the Council develop a plan for long -term funding. Commissioner Kowalewski stated that he believed the irrigation would be linked to the irrigation of the park across the street as well and did not think that should be linked to later phase of the project. Mr. Haas noted that the connection to the park across the street will be completed separately from the park project and through a separate funding source. ANOKA COUNTYSHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 4TH QUARTERLYREPORT Mr. Haas briefly reviewed the activity of the Sheriff's Department within the parks. PARK DEPARTMENT IMPROVEMENT FUND 4' QUARTERLY REPORT / FINANCE DEPARTMENT Mr. Haas advised that the Park Department Improvement Fund Fourth Quarter Report was included in the Commission packet for review and briefly mentioned a few items included in the Report. 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. L�� Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes –January 17, 2013 Page 8 Q CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Kowalewski congratulated the Andover girls' hockey team and advised of upcoming games for the boys' and girls' teams, noting that the weather will be very cold. Chair Butler noted that applications for Commissioners up for reappointment must submit by tomorrow. He also advised of the Winter Classic youth hockey event by the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association that is being held over the weekend at the City Hall Outdoor Hockey Rink Facility. The public was encouraged to attend the event. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Van Vark, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. r -a L H