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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 28, 2013© 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Special City Council Meeting Monday, January 28, 2013 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order— 6:00 p.m. 2. Agenda Approval 3. Interviews of Planning & Zoning Commission/Park & Recreation Commission/Open Space Commission Applicants 4. Adjournment �J X ANDOVER COMMISSION INTER VIE WS JANUARY 28, 2013 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 28, 2013, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Tony Howard, Mike Knight, and Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None AGENDA APPROVAL No changes. Motion by Councilmember Trude, Seconded by Councilmember Knight to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. INTERVIEWS Bruce Perry — Open Space Commission Councilmember Trude asked if access was important for open space. Mr. Perry thought that eventually it would be but, may not be something the City needs to consider at the time of purchase. Councilmember Knight asked if open space should be purchased for residents to use and enjoy or to keep the land for future use. Mr. Perry stated the City should purchase the land with future use in mind. Mr. Perry indicated a walking path could be installed rather than a road until the area is developed and then access to the land could be developed. He noted the City has a lot of park land so the open space land should be kept for future use. He thought the Council needed to look for large parcels in the City rather than small, park -like land. Mayor Gamache agreed with Mr. Perry's point on open space land that part of this was for long term. He wondered what Mr. Perry's vision was for open space land and if it should be Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 28, 2013 Page 2 continued in the City. Mr. Perry thought this was positive for the City and something they should continue. Councilmember Bukkila asked if there was discussion regarding putting a road to the open space land that was being considered and what was his position on this. Mr. Perry indicated he did not voice an opinion but would like to see a road going to the parcel; however, he understood it would not be feasible at this time because of the cost. Councilmember Trude wondered how they can get families to appreciate the open space land that has already been purchased. Mr. Perry stated access is not very good so he thought the City needed to provide easier access to the open land. Mayor Gamache asked while being on the Commission, what was Mr. Perry most pleased with that has gotten done. Mr. Perry stated he is pleased with what they have accomplished and it has been a really good experience. Tony Kowalewski — Park & Recreation Commission Councilmember Trude wondered why Mr. Kowalewski wanted to reapply for the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Kowalewski indicated he was the co -chair for the Athletic Complex Task Force and wants to see this completed. Mayor Gamache asked if the Council is meeting enough with the Commissions or would more meetings be beneficial. Mr. Kowalewski would like to see the Council and Commission meet more often. Councilmember Trude thought it would be beneficial to meet more when projects are going. Councilmember Howard asked when they decommission a park what should be maintained. Mr. Kowalewski thought they could use them for gardens or a dog park. He did not like to see parks decommissioned but when they are not being utilized, they need to save on costs. Mayor Gamache asked how things are working on the Park Commission. Mr. Kowalewski thought it was valuable that they all have different insights. He thought Ted Butler did a tremendous job and allowed the Commissioners to talk. He thought the communication is there. Mr. Kowalewski noted their greatest accomplishment was the skate park because something was needed for individuals who do not want to be in competitive sports. He stated another accomplishment was working with severely impaired children and with birdhouses. Councilmember Trude wondered how he felt about the dog park, and if the County should handle that. Mr. Kowalewski stated he would not have any problem if it were to be a joint project with the County and to provide some funds. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 28, 2013 Page 3 Councilmember Howard asked if they added a teen center to the Community Center, would it be a positive influence for the kids in the City. Mr. Kowalewski thought this would be great. He would also like to see an additional indoor skate rink in the future. Hugh Phillips — Open Space Commission Mr. Phillips explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Open Space Commission. Councilmember Trude wondered if Mr. Phillips thought the City should be only looking for large parcels of land for open space or should they also look for small parcels. Mr. Phillips thought the larger the parcel the more private it becomes for refuge and hiking but a small parcel is useful in order to access a piece of land or park. He was not sure he would consider a one- or two -acre parcel of land as open space. Councilmember Knight asked what Mr. Phillips envisioned for prime open space. Mr. Phillips thought it should be held and not used until the future. © Mayor Gamache noted that there are times the Council does not agree with what the Commissions want so he wondered if Mr. Phillips would be okay with that. Mr. Phillips stated not everyone agrees all of the time and he would not have an issue with it. Mr. Phillips wondered how the Commission gets all of their work done when the meetings are short and only once a month. Mayor Gamache stated the Commissioners usually do some research outside of the meeting and bring the information to the meeting for discussion. Shane Stenzel — Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Stenzel explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. He noted he currently works for the Minneapolis Park Board. Councilmember Bukkila asked with his expertise, can he bring something to the Commission that it may not have. Mr. Stenzel stated they need to look at how Andover will look in twenty years and build parks based on that. He felt there needed to be mixed use recreation in the parks. Councilmember Howard wondered what the City should do with decommissioned parks. Mr. Stenzel was not sure because he thought this was a problem in a lot of cities. He thought they could have people adopt a park. Mr. Stenzel asked what the Council's thoughts were on corporate sponsorship in the parks. © Councilmember Bukkila stated they have not really gone there except with the Community Center. Mayor Gamache stated they talked about it a little in regard to concession stands. © Andover City Council lnterviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 28, 2013 Page 4 James Boatwright — Planning Commission/Open Space/Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Boatwright explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Boatwright has watched any of the meetings. Mr. Boatwright indicated he has and thought he could be of some assistance to the Commission and has done a lot of coordination in the landscape business. Mr. Boatwright indicated he was most interested in the Planning and Zoning Commission but would like to help out anywhere the City needs him. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Boatwright has watched any of the recent meetings. Mr. Boatwright indicated he has not. Councilmember Bukkila wondered how Mr. Boatwright would handle an issue with encroachment on easements. Mr. Boatwright stated as long as the land format was not changed, he did not think there would be a real issue. Mayor Gamache stated all of the Commissions are advisory to the Council, and he wondered Q how he would handle a situation where the majority of the City Council votes opposite of what the Commission recommends. Mr. Boatwright explained he would make sure that the Council has received all of the information so they could make an informed decision and he would stick within the ordinance. Councilmember Howard asked what Mr. Boatwright would like to see come to Andover. Mr. Boatwright thought there could be more retail businesses or another golf course. Bert Koehler —Planning Commission /Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Koehler explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated he was interested in the development of the City and has seen the City grow over time. Councilmember Knight asked if he had a concept of what the Planning and Zoning Commission does. Mr. Koehler indicated he did not but is willing to learn. Mr. Koehler indicated he has not seen any Planning and Zoning Commission meetings but he has been to some when it has involved his neighborhood. Councilmember Trude noted public hearings are very important and the Planning and Zoning Commission holds them and takes resident input to make their decisions. Councilmember © Knight stated the Council relies heavily on the Planning and Zoning Commission's input in making decisions. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 28, 2013 Page 5 Councilmember Trude asked what Mr. Koehler liked about the City and what do they need more of Mr. Koehler stated he liked the location of Andover. He would love to see more things for kids in the community and more businesses that cater to kids. Lucas Peterson — Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Peterson explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Peterson has seen things in the parks that could be done differently. Mr. Peterson stated he did not have any other park to compare to the park by his house. Councilmember Howard wondered if Mr. Peterson thought they needed to work on the City trails or parks. Mr. Peterson stated they have just started using the trails and did not see any need for improvement. The trails seem to be in good shape. Councilmember Howard wondered if Mr. Peterson thought a youth center would be a good idea © for the City. Mr. Peterson thought it would be a great idea and it would get the kids out of the house and let them meet other kids. Mayor Gamache asked if Mr. Peterson would have any issues if the Council did not follow what the Park Commission recommended. Mr. Peterson indicated he would not and felt it could be good to have some opposition. He welcomed differing opinions. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Peterson would like to see anything different in the parks. Mr. Peterson stated he would be open to more parks in the City to get people outside. Ted Butler — Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Butler explained to the Council why he would like to continue on the Park & Recreation Commission. He noted he has been an advocate for the parks. Councilmember Trude thanked Mr. Butler for coming to some of their meetings as the Chair of the Commission to explain the Commission's position on items. Councilmember Howard asked what Mr. Butler's vision would be on completing the large park project. Mr. Butler stated he is not an expert on the City's finances but he thought they have put together a really compelling Master Plan for the park. He would hate to see the Master Plan shelved for years before finishing it. Part of him thinks bonding for the park may be the way to go because money is cheap right now. He would like to see the Master Plan done in less than seven years. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 28, 2013 Page 6 Mayor Gamache indicated Mr. Butler has done a great job as Chair on the Park & Recreation Commission. Bob Roettger — Open Space Commission /Planning Commission Mr. Roettger explained to the Council why he would like to be appointed to the Open Space Commission. Councilmember Trude asked what characteristics Mr. Roettger would look for in the land to purchase. Mr. Roettger stated he would look at the price, where it is located in the City, what type of land it is, and could it be purchased fairly cheaply. Mayor Gamache reviewed the open space history with Mr. Roettger. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Roettger has anything he would like to see happen. Mr. Roettger thought it was important to have open space in residential areas to make it seem less dense. 0 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Howard, Seconded by Councilmember Bukkila, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary Timesaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc. Ln