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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 15, 2013C I T Y O F ,© 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 August 15, 2013 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (7/18/13) 4. Consider Request for Cell Tower by Verizon /Rose Park, Cont. 5. Consider Request for Cell Tower by Verizon /Fox Meadows Park 6. Consider Dock at Round Lake Boat Landing, Cont. 7. Update of the Joint Meeting with City Council /2014 -2018 Park Capital Improvement Plan 8. Anoka County Sheriffs Department 2"d Quarterly Report 9. Park Dedication Improvement Fund 2nd Quarterly Report/Finance ® Department 10. Outstanding Items 11. 12. Chair's Report 13. Adjournment ❑tE L W I M11 MJ 'Al �. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSIONMEETING AUGUST 15, 2013 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on August 15, 2013 at 7:03 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Commissioners Jim Lindahl, Andrew Melberg, Mark Miskowiec, Shane Stenzel, and Shaun Van Vark Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Alisa Lewnau Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Others RESIDENT FORUM Mr. Herb Gibson, PHD Baseball Club requested to reserve the Andover Station North ball field middle field this Saturday and Sunday. The application has been completed and submitted to City Hall. Mr. Haas noted they are not affiliated with the Andover Baseball therefore fees will be required. Chair Butler added this item to the agenda. APPROVAL OFAGENDA Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to add consideration of PHD Baseball Club request for fields as item 3A to the agenda. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau) vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no changes to the minutes. Motion by Commissioner VanVark, seconded by Commissioner Melberg, to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2013 Park and Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau). APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR BALL FIELD Mr. Gibson stated the request for fields is for a tournament for 16 -18 year old teams from Iowa and Minnesota. They will have six fields across the metro area. MYAS is Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —August 15, 2013 Page 2 © sponsoring the event and the PHD Baseball Club is hosting it. There are some Andover residents playing on the teams but they are not Andover based teams so there will be some fees. The tournament will be held this coming weekend and the ASN Fields (west and middle) will be used. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to approve the request for fields upon receipt of the completed application, insurance waiver and fees. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau) vote. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CELL TOWER BY VERIZON /ROSE PARK, CONT. Mr. Haas reviewed this item is in regards to a request from Verizon Wireless to place cell tower antennas on Water Tower 1 at Rose Park. This item was tabled from the last meeting as the Commission was concerned with the location of the building. Ms. Sarah Hill representing Verizon Wireless was present at the meeting to present the project and answer any questions the Commission may have. Ms. Sarah Hill, Verizon Wireless reviewed the location of the proposed cell tower on some drawings. The building would be constructed adjacent to the water tower. The name of the site is Crooked Lake. The shelter will be 11 V2 x 20' /z. The drawings have been revised to 12 x 26 shelter. Updated drawings will be provided to City Staff. The fencing would match the existing iron fencing in the area. Chair Butler stated one concern was the location being to the west of the water tower structure. The Commission had requested it be moved to the north of the water tower. Ms. Hill stated that would not be an issue. She will check with Verizon construction department. Chair Butler asked about further screening. Ms. Hill stated the fence could be 8 or 10 foot with some landscaping. Commissioner Lindahl stated the building should not be totally screened to allow for police patrol to see the building. He would prefer screening on the side facing the residential areas. Chair Butler stated the antennas proposed would be on top of the water tower. This would be an extension of a use already in this location. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if Ms. Hill had a picture of the profile of the antennas. The antennas will be painted to match the water tower. Commissioner Miskowiec requested a photo be available to show to the neighbors. Commissioner Stenzel asked if this has gone to public hearing. Mr. Haas stated the public hearing will most likely be held in October. © Mr. Haas stated the fence cannot be under the drip line of the tower. Commissioner Van Vark suggested the fence be combined with the existing fence. n Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — August 15, 2013 Page 3 Chair Butler stated he is comfortable with the proposal and he would be fine with the Planning Commission having the pictures for the public hearing. He would like to move the structure to the north side of the water tower with screening. Verizon should work with staff to determine screening needs. Commissioner Stenzel asked about the lease agreement. Ms. Hill stated the lease agreement is being worked on. Mr. Haas stated the monies received for this would go toward Rose Park. Chair Butler requested the funds be put into the Capital Improvement Fund for Rose Park. Mr. Nevin Winkle 15830 Fox Street Andover. He asked what type of revenue will be generated from this type of cell towers. Chair Butler stated he does not have information on what the income may be. Ms. Hill stated the lease areas they are paying for is the ground space and the cabling to the towers. The lease amount is under negotiations. Chair Butler stated that information would be available at the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Commissioner Van Vark asked for clarification that the revenue would go back to Rose Park. The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue considering the request for a cell tower by Verizon Wireless at Rose Park. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Melberg, to approve the request for a cell tower by Verizon Wireless at Rose Park with the building being placed on the north side and screening to be determined by staff and revenue from the structure goes into the Capital Funding for Rose Park. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau) vote. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CELL TOWER BY VERIZON /FOX MEADOWS, CONT. Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider if Fox Meadows Park would be an appropriate location for a cell tower within the boundary of the park. A proposed site plan from Verizon Wireless was provided for Commission review. Mr. Haas noted if the Park Commission determines that the location of the possible cell tower is acceptable, Verizon will apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). At some point later this year, the CUP will be presented to the Park Commission for an official review and recommendation that will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for their consideration. Mr. Haas showed the location on a © map of the area. U Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —August 15, 2013 Page 4 Mr. James Ries from Buell Consulting, Inc. representing Verizon Wireless was at the meeting to present the project and answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Ries reviewed the proposal and noted they are in very preliminary stages of the plan. Mr. Ries stated it is a single pole with antennas on the exterior of the pole. The antennas could be contained within the interior of the pole. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if he had a picture of what it will look like. Mr. Ries stated photos will be included in the CUP application. The pictures were not ready in time for this meeting. Commissioner Van Vark asked if this would have any effect on future plans for the park. Chair Butler stated he likes the proposed location of the pole as it is away from the residential houses. Chair Butler stated it would not interfere with any future park plans. Commissioner Melberg asked why Fox Meadows Park was selected. Mr. Ries stated Verizon is trying to keep up with demand from their customers. Only residential properties were identified by Verizon as possible sites. A mutual benefit is the revenue. Chair Butler asked if fencing and landscaping would be part of this project. Mr. Ries © stated the fencing and landscape would be incorporated. Commissioner Miskowiec asked why the antennas cannot be put inside the pole. Mr. Ries stated that is a direction they can go. He stated the reason is it is not a good option is that it limits the number of antennas. A standard mount pole offers more flexibility and future users. Commissioner Miskowiec stated he would prefer the antennas being inside of the pole. Chair Butler stated he appreciates the discussion about future added users. He stated he would prefer the stealth pole. Chair Butler stated he realizes there are no commercial properties where the pole could be constructed. Commissioner Melberg stated there is a big difference between adding a tower and building near a water tower and putting a pole out of the middle of nowhere. He does not think this would look good in the park. Mr. Ries stated Verizon's first option would be to put antennas on existing structures but there are not any available. Mr. Ries stated he understands the concerns and noted there are customers demanding service. Chair Butler stated a resident had submitted a question about health effects for residents living near such towers. He noted there is a Federal Law concerning this and prevents © local governments from making decisions based on the unknowns of health concerns. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — August 15, 2013 Page 5 © Ms. Rita Bergson stated she is aware of the issues. She read a prepared letter stating problems she has had with living near the park. She believes the cell tower would be unattractive in the park. She believes a cell tower will reduce her property value. She is surprised the City is considering a tower in such a residential area. She feels the Commission is selling the resident's health for $20,000. Chair Butler stated many requests such as this have come before the Commission, some have been approved and some have been denied. The Commission takes great consideration on matters such as this. Ms. Bobbi Dietz, 15710 Fox Street NW, stated it is a well - established neighborhood, and the tower would be right outside her window. She stated she has never had a problem getting a Verizon connection. She does not feel a park is the right location for a tower. She feels the home values will go down. She does not want to live near a cell tower. Mr. Ries stated the challenge all wireless carriers are facing is covering residential areas. Need to find a way to meet the increased demands in residential areas. The Andover ordinances only allow towers in certain locations. This location allows for the furthest area from the resident's houses as possible. This is one of the few options available. Chair Butler asked how far apart cell towers are. Mr. Ries stated it varies based on topography. It is very site specific. The towers cannot be too close or too far apart for good coverage. Commissioner Miskowiec stated he had a picture of a cell tower at Hastings High School. He noted cell towers are being placed on schools, churches and buildings. He stated he would prefer the "stealth style" tower. Commissioner Lindahl asked if the pole could be placed east of the fire station. He stated it is approximately Y2 mile from the park. Mr. Ries stated it may be too far to the north. Commissioner Van Vark asked if the park was not there, where it would be constructed. He stated this needs to be decided by the Park Commission as to how it would impact the park. The Planning Commission and the City Council will consider other factors. Ms. Dietz asked Mr. Ries how tall the tower would be. Mr. Ries stated the proposal is for 120 -foot tower and cannot exceed 125 feet. Mr. Nevin Winkle showed the location of his house on the map. It feels the structure will look horrible and to put a tower in a City Park is not a good idea. He suggested the tower be constructed on the turkey farm 3 miles up the road. It would not make a difference to have the antennas on the inside as other companies can put their antennas on the outside of the tower. There is a high- pressure gas line that runs through that park. He fears the © tower will be hit by lightning and spark the gas line. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —August 15, 2013 Page 6 Mr. Ries stated the way the tower is engineered it is only possible to mount antennas on the inside of the pole. Mr. Ries stated they are aware of the gas line. Soil tests are done that help the engineers design the grounding ring. Mr. Haas stated when the zoning code was revised there were public hearings and notices were placed in the newspapers. The City Council approved the possibility of putting towers in parks in the City. Ms. Rita Bergson asked how much radiation is emitted from a tower and if other antennas are added how much does it increase. Mr. Ries stated all towers are regulated by the FCC. Commissioner Miskowiec stated the array would be too unsightly. He would consider the stealth tower. Commissioner Van Vark stated constructing a tower within a park is a possibility. He requested the fire station site be reviewed. Commissioner Lindahl stated this park is not utilized but would like the fire station site be reviewed. © Chair Butler stated the staff has done a good job in trying to place this as far from the houses as possible. He would prefer the stealth monopole. Commissioner Stenzel stated he would like to see more information. The consensus was for the request to proceed. CONSIDER DOCKAT ROUND LAKE BOAT LANDING, CONT. Mr. Haas reviewed this item in regard to a resident's request for consideration of a dock at Round Lake Boat Landing. Mr. John Porteson, Eagle Scout, would like the Park Commission to consider his request to build a dock at Round Lake Boat Landing. John was present at the meeting to present the project and answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Porteson appeared before the Commission and provided a written proposal for the dock at Round Lake Boat Landing. The dock would be handicapped accessible. He presented a quote from Menards. This does not include the floats. He has been contacting businesses and groups for donations. He would need assistance from the City with some heavy machinery/labor. Chair Butler stated this is an interesting proposal and actually, a dock has been in the © comprehensive plan for some years. Mr. Porteson noted the dock would need to have a railing. C Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — August 15, 2013 Page 7 Commissioner Miskowiec asked how much the level of the lake varies. Mr. Haas stated it varies from 1 -2 feet. Mr. Haas noted this is not known a recreational lake for such things like waterskiing or swimming. There is some fishing and canoeing done in the lake. No waterfowl hunting is allowed on the lake. Mr. Haas stated it would not require a huge staff commitment. This could be done in the less busy period of the year. DNR grants for a pier have been applied for in the past but the City has been unsuccessful in receiving one. The City would be responsible for installing the dock in the spring and taking it out in the fall. Mr. Porteson stated if it was a floating dock, it could remain in the lake. Commissioner Lindahl stated if this is done, the parking would need to be looked at. Mr. Haas stated they would look at putting in a handicapped parking space closest to the access. Commissioner Van Vark requested staff research what other things may be needed to go along with this plan. Mr. Haas stated he will review what would be needed and talk with Mr. Porteson as to what would be needed from City staff as far as equipment and staff time. Commissioner Lindahl stated he would like to see more specific location information compared to the launch area. He would not want to see the dock encroach in the launch area. Mr. Haas stated it may need to be an "L" shaped dock rather than a "T" shaped dock to allow for boats to back in and out of the water. Commissioner Van Vark asked if there was any county department that could provide more information. Mr. Haas stated the DNR manages this lake. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to approve up to $500 donation from Park Commission 2013 miscellaneous funds to continue to work with City Staff on plans for the request by John Porteson to construct a dock at Round Lake Boat Landing. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. UPDATE OF THE JOINT MEETING WITH CITY CO UNCIL12 014-2 018 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Haas provided a copy of the 2014 -2018 Park Capital Improvement Plan that was approved by the City Council. Staff will be bringing forth the final draft layout of Rose Park within the next couple of months to finalize the location of the fields and the parking lot. The Engineering Department Staff will be preparing plans and specifications over the winter months. Prairie Knoll Park will also be designed over the winter months and staff will be looking at bidding the parking lot improvements with a street reconstruction © project that is planned for next year. As far as irrigating one of the smaller parks, the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — August 15, 2013 Page 8 Parks Maintenance Department will provide a list of parks for the Commission to consider later this fall or winter. No action is required. Chair Butler stated the Plan was well received by the City Council. ANOKA COUNTYSHERIFF'SDEPARTMENT 2nd QUARTERLYREPORT Chair Butler reviewed the list of reports generated by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office regarding city park activity for the 2 °a quarter, 2013. Commissioner Lindahl asked if some barriers can be placed around Hawk Ridge to prevent driving on the soccer fields. Mr. Haas stated that would take a large amount of fencing to prevent this. PARKDEDICATIONIMPROVEMENTFUND 2nd QUARTERLY REPORT /FINANCE DEPARTMENT Mr. Haas reviewed the 2013 Second Quarter Financial Report for the Park Improvement Fund. He provided copies of the Project Commitment Listing Report, Balance Sheet and Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Park Improvement Fund as of June 30, 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. The consensus of the Commission was to hold a meeting at Fox Meadows on September 5, 2013. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Lindahl stated he gave Mr. Haas an article about pickle ball from the Anoka County Shopper. It uses existing tennis court facilities. This may be something the City could look at for the underutilized tennis facilities in the City. Mr. Haas will scan the article and distribute to the Commission. Commissioner Miskowiec noted there are 12 undeveloped parks in the City. He suggested the Commission look at these parks and see what use they could provide. Mr. Haas stated the landlocked park is on the plan to be sold as indicated in the Parks Comprehensive Plan. He would like to have a discussion at an upcoming Commission meeting on these parks. 0 There will be a national men's baseball tournament at Sunshine Park this weekend. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — August 15, 2013 Page 9 ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Stenzel, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1- absent (Lewnau) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. C l4 -01