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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 22, 2015© PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PARK & REC. COMMISSION OPEN SPACE COMMISSION ANDOVER/YMCA COMMUNITY CENTER INTERVIEWS L01 � J Thursday, January 22, 2015 6:00 pm Kyle Nemeth Planning & Zoning 6:20 pm Tony Howard Andover /YMCA Community Center 6:40 pm Wesley Volkenant Park & Recreation 7:00 pm Peter Miller — - Open Space /LRRWMO/Planning & Zoning 7:20 pm Frank B. Kellogg III Andover /YMCA Community Center 7:40 pm Steve Peterson Planning & Zoning /Economic Dev. /Park & Rec. 8:00 pm Diane Stebner Planning & Zoning /Andover /YMCA Community Center 8:20 pm Clifford Stebner Park & Recreation/Andover /YMCA Community Center • rrl 1� r`L ;''f �? YX �j. .i�S ANDOVER COMMISSION INTERVIEWS —JANUARY 22,2015 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Julie Trude, January 22, 2015, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mike Knight, Sheri Bukkila, Valerie Holthus and James Goodrich Councilmember absent: None Also present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas INTERVIEWS Kyle Nemeth — Planning & Zoning Commission Mr. Nemeth reviewed his history on the Planning Commission and his reason for reapplying. He hoped that given his work background it fit into his role on the Planning Commission. Mayor Trude wondered if Mr. Nemeth felt the City was a little too strict on side yard variances. Mr. Nemeth stated it all depends on what the person wants to do in that area. Councilmember Holthus asked what Mr. Nemeth thought on how the Planning Commission dealt with reworking the land use plan. Mr. Nemeth felt it was good to review the table and update it to current standards. He thought the next thing that will come up is the electric charging station. He found that going through the land use table was a lot of work but very useful and he felt he learned a lot from reviewing it. Councilmember Goodrich asked if he would make any changes in Andover. Mr. Nemeth thought the City was going in the right direction and liked what he has seen. He liked that they have a really nice mix of homes, parks, and activities. Councilmember Goodrich asked how Mr. Nemeth thought about the density in the City. Mr. Nemeth thought there was a good mix right now but anticipated in the future they will need to create more density with more people moving into the area. He stated he was proud of the City for bringing in Arbor Oaks and bringing in the lifestyle mix. Mayor Trude asked if it was important to keep the character of the homes in Andover versus other cities. Mr. Nemeth stated as far as aesthetics go he would prefer a little more front yard which creates a quieter place to live. He thought this was a benefit for living in the City. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 22, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Nemeth hoped he has added to the Commission and added a different perspective and opinion to the City. Tony Howard — Andover/YMCA Community Center Mr. Howard stated he has been involved on the Community Center Board and felt there was still opportunity to raise funds and he would like to help the YMCA and users of the Community Center. He would like to explore some opportunities and bring in a youth center for the Community Center. He would like to see a place for kids to go who do not play sports. He thought they had a great partner in the YMCA and he would like to see the City help them to thrive which is better for the community as a whole. Councilmember Holthus stated she regretted not having a youth center when the Community Center opened and she would like to see one there. Mr. Howard thought they were in a unique situation and he would like to get more people in the community involved. Councilmember Bukkila asked what Mr. Howard thinks the Community Center needs in terms of expansion. Mr. Howard stated the expansion needs to make sense to the community, monetarily. if He thought they should take the YMCA totally out of the picture when discussing expansion. The YMCA has needs they have elected to take on their own. He thought there was a need for additional community rooms, storage and he thought the YMCA is going to take care of themselves. Mr. Howard thought as a parent of two hockey players, going to the Super Rink and buying 70 percent of the ice there, he did not think is right. He thought a second sheet of ice will be profitable and worth the investment in the community. He stated this could be a multi -use arena. Mayor Trude asked how Mr. Howard felt the Community Center was maintained. Mr. Howard felt the staff is amazing at the Community Center. He suggested to Erick the Community Center have a Capital Improvement Plan and thought that was important. Mayor Trude asked how Mr. Howard felt the marketing plan was going. Mr. Howard thought it was going well and advertising was great. There are a lot of positive things in the Center but he would like to see more involvement in the community. Wesley Volkenant —Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Volkenant stated he would like to be on the Park Commission because he is excited about the Timber Rivers and Hidden Creek projects. He stated they do not have kids so do not have the same involvements as other families. They enjoy going on picnics and experiencing the parks in the City. He would be interested in seeing what they can do to bring some of the community involvement in the open spaces. It would be interesting to make use of some of the larger parks and bring in some type of community and neighborhood experience. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 22, 2015 Page 3 Councilmember Trade asked if the Community Center Advisory Commission would be of interest to you. Mr. Volkenant stated he has not considered that. Councilmember Holthus asked what park is closest to him. Mr. Volkenant stated he lives by Oakview but his favorite park would be Lions Park. He stated he liked that there is a parking lot for people to use so there are not complaints about people parking on their street. Mr. Volkenant strongly believed that Government should provide for places, parks, and activities for the community. He stated Andover has provided plenty of places in every neighborhood where people can gather and where parents can feel safe letting their children go and play. He was not sure they had enough large neighborhood parks and thought they could look for a way to provide a broader opportunity with the smaller parks in the City. Peter Miller — Open Space /LRRWMO/Planning & Zoning Mr. Miller thought it was time to get connected to civic activities. He indicated he was on some boards while living in Duluth. Councilmember Goodrich asked which commission he would prefer. Mr. Miller initially thought about the Open Space Commission because it is something that interests him and he is familiar with Planning and Zoning because of his time on the Duluth Planning Commission. Councilmember Holthus wondered how involved he is in the community. Mr. Miller stated they have been to the YMCA a little bit. They have spent a lot of time at Kelsey Round Lake Park and Bunker Lake Park with hiking and walking. Councilmember Holthus asked what kinds of issues he saw along the Rum River. Mr. Miller stated he sees erosion with the high water level. He stated there is a fair amount of water activity but yet nature is prevalent there and it is still a quiet area. Mayor Trade noted the Open Space Commission is winding down with spending the money but they are starting to work on their management plans and Mr. Miller would be welcome to go sit in the meetings there. Councilmember Goodrich asked what Mr. Miller thought should go into an open space. Mr. Miller stated one of the biggest issues is enabling people to get out and enjoy the open spaces. He noted he still liked the pristine feel of nature. Mayor Trade wondered if Mr. Miller saw places where the City can do better. Mr. Miller stated he was disappointed with what happened with erosion control along the river but he has liked the way the City has been guided in placing commercial in certain areas. The more they can have © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 22, 2015 Page 4 pedestrian access the better. Mayor Trude stated she would like to keep Mr. Miller in mind for a watershed commission, if a position opens up. Mr. Miller stated his only interest is to make sure the law is applied fairly even if he personally did not like a project. Councilmember Bukkila asked what his personal opinion is in terms of wetland buffers. Mr. Miller stated it comes down to specific cases but likes to balance things out. Development cannot be prevented but it can be guided. Mr. Miller stated he is a hard worker and is very fact driven and is not afraid to offer his position. The Council recessed at 7:20 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:30 p.m. © Frank B. Kellogg III — AndoverlYMCA Community Center Mr. Kellogg reviewed his background and reason why he was reapplying for the Andover/YMCA Community Center Advisory Commission. Mayor Trude stated the YMCA is talking about expansion and there is talk about a teen center at the Community Center and she wondered what Mr. Kellogg thought about this talk. Mr. Kellogg stated he was not sure. He was really looking forward to 2016 when the Community Center will be in the black. He thought they could be doing more things in the City to help their tax base. Mayor Trude asked how it is going with the Advisory Commission and is it working the way it should. Mr. Kellogg stated they have thought up new ideas to bring in money for the field house. He stated they had a person working within the facility and they needed a person to go out there and get them more business. Councilmember Holthus asked how Mr. Kellogg felt about possible expansion of the Community Center. Mr. Kellogg stated he liked the idea. Councilmember Bukkila brought up about needing a teen center. He indicated he wants a teen center and cares about the youth. He stated if they want to expand they need to find out how to generate more business. Mr. Kellogg stated the beauty of the Commission is they have a YMCA representative. Mayor Trude thought the Community Center needed to be discussed further at a workshop meeting. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 22, 2015 Page 5 Steve Peterson — Planning & Zoning /Economic Dev. /Park & Rec Commissions Mr. Peterson reviewed his background and the reasons for his reapplying for the Planning Commission. He would like to go through the Comprehensive Planning with the City. Councilmember Bukkila asked what has been the good and bad on the Planning Commission. Mr. Peterson stated fences are a big subject and buffering between commercial /industrial and housing. He thought they did a good job of commercial landscaping with Walmart but they could look deeper into that item and see what improvements can be made. Councilmember Holthus thought he did a good job of always bringing walking and biking into the discussion because that brought another viewpoint to look at. Mayor Trude hoped Mr. Peterson would be able to take the time with his new job to still attend all of the meetings. Mr. Peterson indicated he would have more time. Mayor Trude wondered if Mr. Peterson has thought about adding more commercial space in Andover and if so, where would it be. Mr. Peterson thought roadway access is key for © commercial uses. He would want to keep it along Bunker Lake Boulevard or Hanson Boulevard. Diane Stebner — Planning & Zoning /Andover/YMCA Community Center Ms. Stebner stated she has lived in Andover for a year from Minnetonka. She stated they liked the area and Andover is a beautiful City. Mayor Trude asked if Ms. Stebner has found anything in the City that appeals to her or could be improved. Ms. Stebner stated she likes their neighborhood and has a little opportunity to talk to other residents in Andover and everyone loves the schools. Councilmember Holthus asked what her background is. Ms. Stebner reviewed her background with the Council. She stated she enjoys variety and learning new things. She helped volunteering with the tree trust and Emerald Ash Borer this past fall in the City. Mayor Trude explained the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ms. Stebner thought with her role as a full time real estate professional, she could be helpful on the Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Ms. Stebner has any experience with City Government and the way it operates. Ms. Stebner indicated she was new to real estate but did work for eighteen years with a local construction company in Utah so there was a lot of involvement with bids and permit © applications. She stated she wrote some of the bids and worked with the building inspectors and code issues. Councilmember Goodrich asked if she has done anything to prepare herself for the Commission. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 22, 2015 Page 6 Ms. Stebner stated she has watched some of the meetings and reviewed a few of the agendas but she has not looked at the minutes. Ms. Stebner thought this would be a great way to involved in the community and learn. Clifford Stebner — Park & Recreation/Andover/YMCA Community Center Mr. Stebner reviewed with the Council the reason why they moved from Minnetonka to Andover and his reason for applying for the board positions. Mayor Trude asked what selling points for Andover are. Mr. Stebner stated the selling points all depends on their clients' wants and demands. He stated in Andover there are a lot of lots that are larger which are not found in cities to the south. Mayor Trude asked what parks Mr. Stebner has visited and is there a strong interest in that area. Mr. Stebner stated he has not gone to the parks in this area yet and when his kids visit him he likes to go to the parks with them. He stated he will be looking at the parks more closely in the future. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Stebner has been to the community center. Mr. Stebner indicated he has not been to the community center yet but thought they could come up with different activities and ideas and they should reach out to the community to see what kind of activities they want. Councilmember Knight asked what type of activities he would like to see. Mr. Stebner stated as far as parks go, many communities are enjoying rock climbing walls and that could be looked into and benefit the community. Mr. Stebner reviewed his background with the Council. Mr. Stebner asked what the Council saw as the biggest challenge to the Park Commission. Councilmember Holthus stated their biggest challenge was designating regional parks as well as the small local parks. The Council reviewed their notes and appointed the following people to the Commissions: Planning & Zoning Commission Board Members: Steve Peterson © Kyle Nemeth Jeff Sims — 2 year term Alternates: Peter Miller Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes — January 22, 2015 Page 7 Park & Recreation Commission Board Members: Alternates: Alisa Lewnau Sarah Elstrom No Alternate Open Space Commission Board Members: Jim Olson Aaron Jarson Alternates: No Alternate Community Center Advisory Commission Board Members: Alternates: Frank Kellogg III Tony Howard No Alternate Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Goodrich, to appoint the above people to the Commissions. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Bukkila, Seconded by Councilmember Goodrich, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc. W.