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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 20, 2014C I T Y O F p N 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting March 20, 2014 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (3/6/14) 4. Consider 2014 Tournament Application /Andover Athletic Association 5. Consider 2014 Spring /Summer Softball /Baseball Schedule 6. Consider 2014 Spring /Summer Soccer /Lacrosse Schedule 7. Consider Layout of Way Finding Signs, Project 14 -16 8. Review Draft Parking Lot Plan /Prairie Knoll Park/14 -14 9. Outstanding Items 10. p 11. Chair's Report 12. Adjournment 7:15 P.M. Or Shortly Thereafter Workshop Session A. Consider 2014 Events in City Parks or Facilities B. Discuss 2015 -2019 Park Capital Improvement Plan C. Adjournment 1J '_ • r s ' e: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — MARCH 20, 2014 MINUTES The Regular Bi- Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on March 20, 2014, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Commissioners Sarah Elstrom, Alisa Lewnau, Jim Lindahl, Angela Marinello, Mark Miskowiec, and Shane Stenzel Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas APPROVEAGENDA Chair Butler requested to add an item to the agenda titled Winslow Woods Sketch Plan and suggested considering that item following the athletic association items. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Lewnau, to approve the agenda as amended to consider Winslow Woods as Item 6A. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. Chair Butler closed the resident forum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Lindahl noted on page three, paragraph four, it should state, "...sequestered secluded..." Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Stenzel, to approve the March 6, 2014 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote, 1 — present (Marinello) H Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —March 20, 2014 �j Page 2 CONSIDER 2014 TOURNAMENTAPPLICATION /ANDOVER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider the 2014 Tournament Application by the Andover Athletic Association for the ASA Girls Slow Pitch State Tournament at Sunshine Park on Fields 1 -6, City Hall Field 97, from July 25 -27, 2014. He advised that this request does not conflict with any other the youth tournaments. Pat Wilson, Andover Athletic Association Slow Pitch Softball Director, stated that he had been contacted by the people in Burnsville that normally host this tournament but cannot host the event this year. He explained that is why this request is coming forward after the schedule of tournaments that he had previous submitted. He noted that the age range for the tournament is between the ages of 10 -13. Motion by Lewnau, seconded by Marinello, to recommend the City Council approve the 2014 Tournament Application by the Andover Athletic Association for the ASA Girls Slow Pitch State Tournament at Sunshine Park on Fields 1 -6, City Hall Field #7, from July 25 -27, 2014. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. CONSIDER 2014 SPRING /SUMMER SOFTBALL /BASEBALL SCHEDULE ® Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to consideration of the 2014 of the Spring/Summer Softball /Baseball schedule. He advised that both organizations have agreed to the schedule. Commissioner Stenzel questioned how many children are signed up this year. Mr. Haas advised that there were percentages included in the packet based on the estimates provided which were 691 children estimated by the Andover Athletic Association and 765 children estimated by the Andover Baseball Association. Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Lewnau, to approve the 2014 Spring/summer Softball /Baseball schedule, as submitted. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. CONSIDER 2014 SPRING /SUMMER SOCCER /LACROSSE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to consideration of the 2014 Spring/Summer Soccer /Lacrosse schedule. He advised that two applications were received and all of the required information has been submitted. He noted that both organizations have agreed to the schedule. Commissioner Lindahl referenced the green space between the ball field and soccer field at Hidden Creek North Park and that staff did not recommend use of that area for practice. Mr. Haas noted that the lacrosse association did agree not to use that area. C S Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 3 Commissioner Stenzel confirmed that the enrollment numbers for soccer and lacrosse appear to be increased from the previous year. He explained that he is noting this information for use in other planning discussions. Chair Butler asked for information regarding the amount of practice and game time on the lighted fields for soccer and lacrosse separately. He requested the information be. provided to staff prior to the next meeting of the Park Commission. Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Lewnau, to approve the 2014 Spring/Summer Soccer /Lacrosse schedule, as presented. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. WINSLOW WOODS SKETCH PLAN Chair Butler noted this item was added to the agenda because of a request from residents Russ and Carol Schmeichel. Carol Schmeichel, 1146- 152nd Lane NW, stated that they became aware that Winslow Woods was going to be developed after the Park Commission had heard that application. She stated that the Sophie's South neighborhood is very fortunate to have Sophie's Park and believed that the proposed bike trail coming out of the new development into Sophie's Park is a great idea. She stated that there are already' residents of the neighborhood and adjacent neighborhood using this park and anticipated that the use would double after the new development and easier access is provided. She questioned if additional space could be added to Sophie's Park in order to expand the park. She referenced lot 58 and stated that perhaps a looped nature trail could be created which could create two access points to Sophie's Park. She stated that perhaps a sandbox and some benches could be installed in the additional green space to provide additional play area for the children. She noted that the Sophie's South neighborhood has approximately 100 children and believed the new development would have a similar number of children. She stated that she is not against people using the park and actually, like to encourage people to use the park, she just wanted to see a little more park space provided. Chair Butler stated that he drove out to the area today and noted that it is a nice wooded area. He stated that he does have some concerns with using lot 58 for this purpose. He stated that there is a very narrow connection between lot 58 and Sophie's Park and expressed concern that the neighboring property owners may not fully know that they would be getting themselves into in terms of the public wandering into their yards. He believed that it was great that people are using the park and commended the Schmeichels for their contributions to the park. He explained that it is not realistic to add a park to every 80 -lot development that comes into the City. Mrs. Schmeichel stated that she did speak with the three property owners that would border that area regarding the loss of privacy that would occur. She stated that perhaps if Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 4 © the trail is placed back into the woods a bit there would not be a large number of people wandering into their yard. She stated that they built next to parkland knowing that would be a possibility. She explained that lot 58 is very natural already and therefore would not require a lot of maintenance after the trail is created. She believed that this would be a nice amenity for the neighboring developments to provide some green space area for playing near the existing park. Commissioner Lindahl agreed.that it would be nice to save some of the trees when developments move forward. He stated that his concern with adding trails would be that some of the trails would have to be ADA compliant, which would have additional cost. He stated that it may not be a bad idea if the space were kept more as green space. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that it was his interpretation that lot 58 was heavily populated with wetlands and noted that it would be very costly to create trails on or near wetlands. I Chair Butler confirmed that the Park Commission had considered taking additional land when Sophie's Park was originally created but declined because of the location of the wetlands. Mr. Haas confirmed the location of a seasonal wetland. Mrs. Schmeichel stated that in all of the .years that she has lived in her home there has © only been water there once but agreed that water may increase with the new development. She thanked the Commission for their time tonight. Tony Salzar, 1080 152nd Lane NW, agreed with the comments made by Carol Schmeichel noting that they also chose to purchase their home because of the location of the park. He understood that the City cannot ask for a park within every development but displayed a sketch of the neighborhood identifying at least 82 kids that live within the existing development of 87 lots. He believed that a similar number of children would be living within the new development and suggested expanding Sophie's Park either through lot 58 or lot 51 He stated that at any given night during the spring and through the fall, there are at least 15 kids using the park. . Sara Nienow, 1122 152nd Lane NW, stated that she is also in agreement with the comments made by Carol Schmeichel and Tony Salzar. She believed that it would be beneficial to have extra green space near the park to allow for additional space for the kids to play. She stated that while it is great to see the high use of the park, it would be nice to have more room to contain those that would like to play and keep activity out of the street. She stated that they love Sophie's Park noting that it is beautiful and has great equipment, which draws residents from other neighborhoods as well. Jim Traver, 1134 152nd Street NW, stated that he also agrees with the comments made tonight by his neighbors. He stated that it would be great to expand the park to ® incorporate the use of not only the children that already play there but the additional Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —March 20, 2014 Page 5 © children that will come from the new development. He questioned if other lots for park use were considered at the previous Park Commission meeting. Chair Butler stated that the Commission did not discuss specific lots and instead believed that it would be a better choice to provide a park when the adjacent property to the north develops. Mr. Traver identified lots within the Winslow Woods development that could be used for green space, park or trail connections. Chair Butler noted that area is the area staff recommended for an easement. Mr. Traver referenced the connection shown to Wintergreen Street. Chair Butler noted that the Commission would not have input regarding street connections. Mr. Haas stated that the City Council did ask the developer to investigate the connection to Wintergreen Street. He noted that following the recommendation of the Park Commission tonight, the City Council will make their decisions regarding the street connection to Wintergreen and the issue of the park. He noted that the Commission would also have the option to create an outlot on that area, explaining that if an issue arises the lot could be sold. He noted that if the land were dedicated as park it would need to remain as park. Chair Butler questioned if the Open Space Advisory Commission (OSAC) would have interest in this. Mr. Haas noted that this lot would be smaller than what that Commission considers. He advised that the Chair of the OSAC is present tonight. Commissioner Lindahl stated that if the lot were obtained similar to what the Schmeichels are proposing, perhaps the northern most loop would be created of asphalt and a few loops could be mowed. He stated that it would not be a large burden for the Parks Department because of the location of the existing park. Mr. Haas stated that if the land is accepted there would be an impact to the park dedication. Chair Butler explained that a developer pays a park dedication fee per unit, which is used to fund the park fund, and noted that when land is accepted the park dedication fee is lowered by that value. He noted that the cost to obtain this lot would be equal to approximately $50,000 in park dedication fees. He confirmed that the Commission is asked to take action on this item tonight in order to provide input prior to the next City Council meeting. He stated that the Commission originally recommended accepting cash in lieu of land for this development. Commissioner Lindahl stated that there are another 98 lots being created which will increase the use of Sophie's Park. He stated that the area could be left as green space Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —March 20, 2014 Page 6 © with trails for the near future and there would be an ability to add additional play equipment in the future if needed. Chair Butler stated that adding the additional green space would add additional room for the children to play but noted that there would still only be the same amount of play equipment, should the children want to use the equipment. He was unsure that this would solve the problem of high use. Commissioner Stenzel agreed with the comments made by Chair Butler in that this would not be the best fit. He stated that perhaps if the lot was right behind Sophie's Park that would be a better fit. Commissioner Lewnau stated that her concern would be with the standing water that could accumulate with children playing. Commissioner Marinello referenced the ability to create an outlot which would create the opportunity to try this idea out and it does not work the lot could be sold. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that his would be a great addition to any neighborhood but stated that typically the Commission accepts parkland for active use, such as ball fields. Commissioner Lindahl agreed with the comments of Commissioner Marinello and noted that the land could be sold in the future if necessary. Commissioner Stenzel stated that he would not be in favor of this idea because of the maintenance that would be required. Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Lewnau, to recommend the City Council accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication for Winslow Woods. Motion failed on a 3 -ayes, 4 -nays (Butler, Lindahl, Marinello, and Miskowiec) 0- absent vote. Chair Butler stated that the decision would then be whether to take land through park dedication or an outlot. He believed that if the Commission desired the land they should purchase it as park. Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Marinello, to recommend the City Council accept an outlot created from lot 58, not to include the wetland, in exchange for a portion of the park dedication for Winslow Woods. Further Discussion Mr. Haas noted that this is a draft plan and the final plat will come back before the Commission. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 7 © Commissioner Stenzel stated that he would be against this because of the alignment. He referenced the southern portion of the development, lots one through 12, to create a park on the other side of the developments which could be service the neighboring property should that develop in the future. He stated that he would prefer to have an actual park with play equipment at the south end of the development in order to alleviate the increased use anticipated for Sophie's Park. Chair Butler stated that he would be in favor of expanding the existing park as creating a new park on the southern side of the development would require additional maintenance. Motion carried on a 4 -ayes, 3 -nays (Elstrom, Lewnau, and Stenzel), 0- absent vote. Chair Butler thanked the residents who attended to speak on this issue tonight and described the process that would be followed through the City Council and back before the Park Commission and City Council in the final reviews. He noted that the City Council will review this issue on April l" CONSIDER LAYOUT OF WA Y FINDING SIGNS, PROJECT 14 -16 Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to consideration of layout of the Way Finding Signs. He stated that the Commission previously agreed on the locations of the sign and staff will bring this before the City Council the following Tuesday night and the signs will be created and installed during the spring or summer. Commissioner Stenzel asked for information regarding the aesthetic of the sign. Mr. Haas noted that the sign most likely would be 24" x24" and would be installed on a post. He stated that each sign will have an arrow identifying the location of the sign on the map. He identified a location where kiosks could be desired for the future, noting that there would be an increased cost. He asked for the input of the Commission regarding the routes and mileage identified on the signs. Commissioner Elstrom identified a loop near Woodland Estates and stated that it may be helpful to include the mileage for that area. Mr. Haas stated that there have been issues with parking and the bike route use is not as high as anticipated, so the City is removing the bike route from that area. He confirmed that he will remove that portion from the sign. He identified alternate areas that could include mileage to offset that removal. He confirmed consensus with the colors proposed. REVIEW DRAFT PARKING LOT PLAN / PRAIRIE KNOLL PARK / 14 -14 Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to review of the draft parking lot plan for Prairie Knoll Park. He reported that the City Council directed staff to recommend the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —March 20, 2014 Page 8 © curbing along the north side of the south parking lot to assist with the drainage issues. He noted that there will be raised concrete areas near the entrances and identified a storage pod location that will have a concrete pad with a dumpster. He advised that there would also be curbing proposed along the south side of the northern parking lot. He advised that this project will be bid along with the Prairie Road resurfacing project. Scott Skrypek, North Metro Soccer Association, 14637 Zilla Street, referenced the storage building and noted that there are sometimes instances where parking occurs in front of the storage building that makes accessing the garage impossible. Mr. Haas confirmed that the area would be striped and identified as no parking. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. He displayed photographs of playground equipment that has been selected and will be ordered the following week. He stated that the Park Commission should consider possible locations for outdoor meetings if they would like to begin meeting outdoors in June. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Stenzel stated that spring activities seem to be starting and encouraged users to stay off the fields until they receive the okay from the City. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Lewnau, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:17 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. The Special Work Session Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on March 20, 2014, 8:19 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Commissioners Sarah Elstrom, Alisa Lewnau, Jim Lindahl, Angela Marinello, Mark Miskowiec, and Shane Stenzel Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas CONSIDER 2014 EVENTS IN CITY PARKS OR FACILITIES Chair Butler explained that this item is in regard to potential 2014 events in City parks and /or facilities. He provided examples of previous events that occurred and stated that © he is looking forward to hearing the input of the new Commissioners. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 9 © Commissioner Marinello stated that the company that she works for sends out updates of municipal activities. She noted that she did speak with the CEO and they are willing to add an account for Andover Parks and would provide a link. She stated that could be a method to track which items people find interesting and are subscribing to. She confirmed that there would be no cost to link the Parks Commission. Mr. Haas stated that he would need to check with the IT staff but did not believe that there would be a problem with that option. Chair Butler stated that perhaps the item could be advertised in the newsletter so that residents could sign up. He stated that he did speak with the Chair of the OSAC who was interested in having a joint meeting with the Parks Commission and noted that maybe an option to collaborate between the two groups. Scott Skrypek questioned if there will be a grand opening for the 40 acre park this fall. Mr. Haas stated that a portion of the park will be opened this fall and believed a grand opening would be held in spring 2015 when the full park is available. Mr. Skrypek stated that he could coordinate to have some professional soccer players at the event as well: © Chair Butler stated that the fall weather may be a bit more predictable. Mr. Haas confirmed that the opening could be held in the fall but stated that may give the impression that the park is fully open when it is not yet fully opened. - Mr. Skrypek stated that his plan would be to only hold games at that location this fall. He confirmed that he will speak with the North Metro Soccer Association board. Mr. Haas stated that the City would most likely only allow games and not practices at that location this fall Chair Butler stated that he will schedule the park clean up and hoped for a good turnout from the Commission for that event. Mr. Haas questioned if there is interest from a Commissioner to write a newsletter article. Commissioner Lindahl confirmed that he will compose a newsletter article. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he would be interested in hosting a bike ride and confirmed that Commissioners Stenzel and Lewnau would be interested in participating. He explained that the ride could take trails and roadways that are bike friendly and travel to different parks. He advised that the event could be an annual event to visit different locations each year. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 10 Mr. Haas stated that once a date in worked out he could publish that event in the newsletter. Commissioner Elstrom suggested an organized fundraiser at a park where items or donations for a charity could be collected. She also suggested hosting a 5k. She also suggested tree or. greenery planting which could occur in parks. Commissioner Miskowiec noted that they did some plantings the previous year but advised that there are many parks out there: Mr. Haas confirmed that he could check with staff regarding their planting plans for the upcoming season. He noted that he will bring that information back to the next meeting. DISCUSS 2015 -2019 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Chair Butler explained that this item is in regard to discussion of the 2015 -2019 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).` He noted that this is the time of year when the Commission updates the plan for the next five years. He referenced the Park projects, which were adopted as a five year plan the previous year and goes through 2018. He explained that this is the opportunity to think about plans for 2015 -2019. © Commissioner Stenzel referenced the tower rental. Mr. Haas confirmed that there is not a tower in that location and did not believe the tower would be built. He noted that he would follow up with the finance staff to obtain a determination. Chair Butler reviewed the projects identified for 2014. Commissioner Stenzel suggested moving the Fox Meadows project from 2017 to 2016. Commissioner Miskowiec stated that good progress is being made and agreed that the item could be moved to 2016. Commissioner Stenzel stated that it appears that the sports participation is increasing and believed that additional sports fields would be beneficial as well as updates to other fields within the City, suggested that the funds be obtained through referendum. He suggested the creation of a pinwheel like field setup, which would be a central site for a specific age group. He noted that he is not advocating adding the item onto the CIP at this time but just asked that it be considered for the future. Chair Butler confirmed the addition of Kelsey Round Lake Park to the CIP and moving 40 the placement of Fox Meadows from 2017 to 2016. He referenced the Prairie Knoll Regular Andover Park &- Commission Meeting Minutes — March 20, 2014 Page 11 warming house, noting that it is very small and he would like to look to expand the warming house to about double the existing size. Commissioner Stenzel agreed with the idea of expanding the warming house and questioned if the hockey and football associations would be willing to cost share a portion of that project cost. Chair Butler agreed that it would be appropriate to attempt to partner with those organizations for that project. He stated that he recently visited the community center during the daytime and played pickle ball with a group of seniors and believed it was a great game, not only for seniors but also for families. He stated that he would like to determine if there is a location where a set of pickle ball courts could be installed, as he believed that the courts would receive a lot of use. He noted that users of the indoor courts live in cities all around the metro area and come to Andover to play pickle ball. Mr. Haas noted that perhaps Fox Meadows Park would be an appropriate location. He confirmed that existing tennis courts in Grey Oaks development are private and belong to the homeowners association. Commissioner Lindahl noted that perhaps the development would be willing to convert the courts to pickle ball because of their senior residents. Chair Butler confirmed that staff will research the cost to install a set of pickle ball courts. Mr. Haas noted that Northwood's West Park contains the only two tennis courts in the City and advised that there is additional space at that location where pickle ball courts could be installed. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Lewnau, to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0- absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.