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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 10, 20174 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 10, 2017 City Hall Conference Room C (Old Lunchroom) 1. Call to Order— 6:00 p.m. 2. Agenda Approval 3. Interviews of Planning & Zoning Commission/Park & Recreation Commission/Open Space Advisory Commission/Commission Applicants 4. Adjournment XJ LJ ANLb 6 A Y 0 joq,--A ANDOVER COMMISSIONINTER VIEWS —JANUARY 10, 2017 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Julie Trude, January 10, 2017, 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 . 1_X!1pool 17V\_w villyl:f1 The agenda was approved as presented. INTERVIEWS OF PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION / PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION / OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION / COMMISSION 0 APPLICANTS Dawn Perra — Park & Recreation Commission Dawn Perra stated her family recently moved into a newly built home near Maple View Open Space. She added the Park and Recreation Commission is a good fit for her as she has three children, two high school students and an elementary school student, and their family uses the parks regularly. Mayor Trude asked Ms. Perra to review the leadership positions she held at the PACT Charter School, as noted on her resume. Ms. Perra stated she was originally interested in an issue that was being reviewed by the PACT Steering Committee over ten years ago, and she started attending their meetings. She added she served as an Officer and then Vice -Chair before becoming Chairperson, serving on various task forces as well as overseeing elementary school program development. Ms. Perra stated her tenure on the PACT Committee was an invaluable experience as it was necessary to compromise and encompass many points of view when making decisions and providing feedback and input directly to the School Board. Councilmember Holthus asked Ms. Perra what her favorite park is in Andover, and how long she has been a resident. Ms. Perra stated her family loves Purple Park. She added her family moved to Andover in 1974 when she was a small child, and she grew up in the City. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 2 Councilmember Goodrich asked Ms. Perra what she perceived her role to be on the Park and Recreation Commission, and whether she had any special interest or project that she wanted to pursue. Ms. Perra stated she is interested in learning more about the Commission and doesn't have any specific interests now. Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Perra what she likes best about Andover. Ms. Perra stated she appreciates that Andover has maintained its family-oriented community feel and sense of integrity despite rapid growth. Councilmember Bukkila asked whether Ms. Perra has read previous Commission minutes or watched meetings, and what she perceives the role of the Commission to be. Ms. Perra confirmed that she has read Commission minutes and watched meetings, and she is interested in placement of elements within play areas, an issue of interest to her as she was involved in play area development on the PACT Committee. She stated she believes parks are an important part of the community, and they help give Andover its homey, family-oriented feel. Mayor Trude asked Ms. Perra if she is involved in other community activities. Ms. Perra stated her family is very involved in baseball in the community, and are often at Sunshine Park for © baseball, which is a beautiful park, although it has a parking issue. Councilmember Holthus asked Ms. Perra if she hobbies or interests. Ms. Perra stated she and her family like to be outside, and she loves the trails at Bunker Hill Regional Park. She added she currently works in Adult Education for the School District. Councilmember Knight asked Ms. Perra what she envisions for the future of Andover. Ms. Perra stated she would like to help maintain the family -friendly nature of the community, as well as its rural aspects and nature areas. Mayor Trude asked what role Ms. Perra would bring to the Park and Recreation Commission, and whether the meeting schedule is acceptable for her. Ms. Perra stated the meeting schedule is fine for her, and she loves to talk to neighbors and get input from the community, which is an important aspect of the Commission's work. Councilmember Holthus stated the Park and Recreation Commission is made up of people with differing ideas and opinions, making decisions with a limited budget. Ms. Perra stated, during her tenure as PACT Committee Chair, she chaired a Task Force that reviewed a proposed school expansion project. She added the Committee had to work together to determine why the expansion was necessary, and what needed to be done to make it happen. Tim Cleven — Planning & Zoning Commission Tim Cleven stated he hopes to continue to work on planning and development issues with the other Commissioners on behalf of the City. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 3 Mayor Trude stated the City Council appreciates that Commissioners take the time to do homework and research, and Mr. Cleven's perspective is invaluable. She asked him to review his background. Mr. Cleven stated he is retired after his career as a professional electrical engineer, master electrician, and Naval engineer with experience around the world, including the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Australia and England. He added he agrees that the Planning and Zoning Commissioners should continually review developments as planning issues are constantly changing. Councilmember Knight asked where Mr. Cleven is from. Mr. Cleven stated he grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. He added his father was a fire fighter, and instilled in him an interest in fire codes and fire safety. Councilmember Holthus asked what Mr. Cleven foresees as a vision for the City of Andover, and what he envisions for the rural reserve area. Mr. Cleven stated the community will continue to experience population growth, and commercial properties will move into Andover because of this. He added he hopes to see more young people moving to Andover. He noted the changing land use is inevitable as the City expands, but residents don't want the rural areas to change. © Councilmember Goodrich stated he has watched the Commission's meetings and he values Mr. Cleven's participation, as he is engaged and knowledgeable. He asked whether there was anything that Mr. Cleven would like to see change regarding the work of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Cleven stated the Commission works well together despite diverse backgrounds and opinions. He added developable land is getting used up, and the Commission needs to be proactive about single family housing. He noted he does not think that any changes are currently necessary, but many people are looking at Andover as a great place to bring up their families. Councilmember Bukkila asked whether Mr. Cleven has any comments about zoning and land use in Andover. Mr. Cleven stated he believes the City's zoning restrictions are adequate for now, but must be addressed as population growth occurs. He added the Commission has been reviewing large acreage properties that are being divided into multiple single-family lots, which impacts zoning, and should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Mayor Trude asked whether Mr. Cleven has served a full term. Mr. Cleven stated he stepped in after a Commissioner quit and completed two years of that term, and one full term, for a total of five years on the Commission. Councilmember Holthus stated Mr. Cleven joined the Commission when the Land Use Chart was close to adoption. Mr. Cleven confirmed this. Mayor Trude expressed her appreciation for Mr. Cleven's service to the City of Andover, as well as the world perspective that he brings to the work of the Planning and Zoning Commission. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 4 Ryan Ingebritson — Open Space Commission Ryan Ingebritson stated his family moved to Andover a year ago, and he hopes to become more involved in the community. He added he recently saw that Andover was looking for Commissioners, and he felt this would be a good way to get involved. He noted he felt that the Open Space Commission would be a good fit for him, because he grew up in the country. Councilmember Holthus asked Mr. Ingebritson where he is from. Mr. Ingebritson stated he grew up on a 350 -acre farm near Staples, Minnesota that was mainly pasture and woods. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Ingebritson what he does for a living. Mr. Ingebritson stated he is employed by a Plymouth company that services and repairs machines around the Twin Cities. Councilmember Goodrich asked whether he is familiar with Andover's Open Space program, and if he has any thoughts about how, if at all, the land should be developed. Mr. Ingebritson stated he has done research and talked to City staff. He added he has learned about the different levels of land development in the City. He noted, in his opinion, if a property hasn't been cut © through already, it should be left alone. Mr. Ingebritson stated some trails could be developed for Nordic skiers and mountain bikes. He added he is a mountain biker, and he enjoys biking in Elm Creek Preserve, and at a mountain bike trail in Elk River. He reiterated, however, he is a big supporter of leaving the open spaces pristine. Councilmember Knight stated open space can be treated two ways: either passive enjoyment of nature or doing something busy. He asked for Mr. Ingebritson's opinion on these two uses. Mr. Ingebritson stated he is a moderate, and he would support doing some of each. He added residents who live near open space have strong opinions about this, and it's important to get neighborhood input. Mayor Trude stated residents have voted to leave open space trails unpaved, and prohibit mountain biking. She added a Park and Recreation Commissioner recently felt it was important to bring another use into the Open Space program, and the Commission is revisiting this issue. She asked Mr. Ingebritson for his opinion. He stated he feels that there's nothing wrong with being open to new experiences and uses. Councilmember Holthus asked whether Mr. Ingebritson has visited the City's open spaces. He stated he has not, as he has two small children - an infant and a toddler - but he and his wife hope © to bring their young family to visit the City's open space areas soon. Mayor Trude stated the City's open spaces are perfect for kids to get out and see wildlife. She added the Open Space Commission meetings often feature interesting guest speakers such as © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 5 naturalists and plant experts. Mr. Ingebritson expressed interest in these areas, adding he was a member of the FFA and Horticulture Club in high school. Councilmember Holthus asked Mr. Ingebritson where he lived. He stated he lives on 141'` Avenue, west of the Fire Station. He added there are 2 small parks and a big open space near his home. Scott Skrypek — Park and Recreation Commission Councilmember Bukkila stated the Park and Recreation Commission meets a few times a month, to make decisions about park amenities as well as equipment and maintenance needs and work within the constraints of the Capital Improvement Budget. She asked whether Mr. Skrypek was interested in that kind of work. Scott Skrypek confirmed this, adding he was a Field Director for North Metro Soccer Club for many years, and has a lot of experience with field design and maintenance. He noted he retired from his position with North Metro Soccer Club because his daughters no longer play soccer. Mr. Skrypek stated he spent many years making sure the fields were the greatest, which included © researching different field maintenance methods. He added he hopes to provide some insight for the Park and Recreation Commission regarding fiscally responsible decisions, reducing waste and providing benefit to the City. He noted he consulted with a turf expert who recommended resting fields 2 days in a row, so he maintained that policy and it was extremely beneficial. Councilmember Holthus asked Mr. Skrypek what his favorite park is in the City, and whether he is familiar with any parks other than those with soccer fields. Mr. Skrypek stated he is familiar with all the City parks and his favorite is Pine Hills North. He added he submitted a photo to the City that he took during a soccer game in that park, on a foggy night with the floodlights shining on the field and players. He noted that photo is currently on the City website. Mr. Skrypek expressed the importance of allowing fields to be off line. He added it is necessary to compromise and find other game locations. He added Andover Station North has fabulous baseball fields and is a great location for a park. Councilmember Knight asked whether Mr. Skrypek is familiar with Fox Meadows Park. Mr. Skrypek confirmed this, stating he remembers there was an issue with users of the Frisbee golf course bringing alcohol into the park. He added he believes the park is currently vacant. Councilmember Bukkila stated it is the Park and Recreation Commission's next redevelopment project. She added the neighborhood is very sensitive about possible future uses of the park, and asked Mr. Skrypek for his opinion. Mr. Skrypek stated he remembers there was a resident who put up a gigantic fence there. He added team sports activities, such as soccer, are very different from individual sports like Frisbee golf, and the Park and Recreation Commission will need to be sensitive to the neighborhood when it comes to fields, lighting and parks amenities. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 6 Mayor Trude stated the Council hopes to create a good balance of community members serving on the Commission. Mr. Skrypek thanked the Council for giving him the opportunity to interview for the open Commission position. He added he is driven by his passion for creating a healthy environment for kids. Jeff Sims — Planning and Zoning Commission Jeff Sims stated he has been on Andover's Planning and Zoning Commission. He added he began his involvement with the Commission when the Comprehensive Plan was being drafted. Councilmember Knight asked Mr. Sims for his opinion on the City's current zoning. Mr. Sims stated he hopes the Commission can schedule regular joint workshops with the City Council to gain a better understanding of the Council's position regarding current planning and zoning issues. He added it can be frustrating to put time and effort into recommendations that are not supported by the Council. Mayor Trude stated she supports scheduling City Council joint meetings with the Commissions. Councilmember Holthus stated residents feel they can speak more openly at Commission © meetings, which are a less formal setting than the City Council meetings. Mr. Sims agreed. Mayor Trude asked whether Mr. Sims had any suggestions about how to encourage community involvement in planning and zoning. Mr. Sims stated he has tried to be consistent with the objectives and goals of the Comp Plan adopted by the City Council in 2008. He added the Comp Plan reflects the City's reluctance to change its vision to accommodate developers. He noted, for example, the Country Oaks North development project represented a larger deviation from the Comp Plan than The Preserve, and the developer could get utilities while the Preserve could not. Mr. Sims stated he would recommend putting more teeth into the Comp Plan to make it harder to make changes that would accommodate developers. Councilmember Holthus stated City staff could be asked to review the Comp Plan prior to a joint meeting between the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Sims agreed, stating he is open to the City Council's ideas and recommendations. He added he has tried to be a voice on the Planning and Zoning Commission in favor of supporting the City's current zoning as laid out in the Comp Plan. Anna Dirkswager — Open Space Commission Anna Dirkswager stated she has served on the Open Space Commission for the past year. She added she enjoys working with the Commissioners, visiting open space areas and prioritizing and researching objectives, and would be disappointed to leave the Commission now. She noted she Oworked as a grant writer for the DNR for 8 years before transitioning to her current job, working from home for Clean Energy Minnesota. © Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 7 Ms. Dirkswager stated she and her husband have 2 children, and they are a big outdoors family. She added they use the City's parks often and are involved in their neighborhood community. She stressed the importance of knowing your neighbors and being an active part of the community. Councilmember Knight asked whether she sees open space use as passive or active. Ms. Dirkswager stated the City's open space areas are more passive in terms of recreational use. Mayor Trude asked about Ms. Dirkswager's experience writing natural resources grants. She added the Commission needs people with strong leadership and communication skills, to continue to build momentum. Ms. Dirkswager stated she loves organization and writing; and she has as natural resource management and economics background. She stressed the importance of open communication between the City Council and the Commission, and getting to know your neighbors. Ms. Dirkswager stated she is an amateur photographer and she would be happy to help with taking pictures of the City's open spaces. Angela Marinello Park & Recreation Commission Angela Marinello stated she has served on the Park and Recreation Commission. She added she enjoyed visiting the City's parks with her children and to see and use the amenities and features that she voted for and helped get approved. Mayor -Trude stated the Council appreciates Commissioners who are involved in the community and active in the parks. Ms. Marinello stated she is a strider instructor, teaching kids how to ride striders, or bikes with no pedals, and she brings kids to the parks to learn to ride. She added she likes play areas that do not have structures, where kids can climb and play on natural elements like logs. She expressed support for more such unstructured play areas in the City's parks. Councilmember Bukkila asked whether Ms. Marinello has any thoughts about Kelsey Round Lake Park, and what she would like to see happen there. Ms. Marinello stated she envisions a natural park where families can walk around and enjoy nature. She added not a lot of families have acreage in Andover, and her family goes camping in State Parks, but it's nice to have a place close to home where kids can explore and run around. Councilmember Knight agreed, stating open spaces should be passive so that residents can go and enjoy nature. Mayor Trude stated Kelsey Park is the only passive park. Ms. Marinello stated the Parks Commission has been talking about the term "open space", and how that can be confusing because it is vague and not specific. Mayor Trude agreed that the term "open space" has lost its relevancy as the City's parks have changed. Mayor Trude stated the City Council hopes to improve social media communication about the City's parks and events, and connect volunteers on the various Commissions to each other to facilitate communication and discussion. Ms. Marinello agreed. She stated the City's email Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes —January 10, 2017 Page 8 subscription system could be used to disseminate parks programming and events information. She added she would like to see more "little free libraries" in the parks similar to what was done at Sophie's Park. Councilmember Bukkila stated the City has a Facebook page that could be updated more regularly. Ms. Marinello agreed, stating the Facebook page should be updated at least a few times a day, so that it appears on people's Facebook "feeds" more frequently. Councilmember Knight stated the City's newsletter is a great source of information, and it goes to every residence in Andover. Mayor Trude stated it takes a while to get it out. Ms. Marinello stated there should be more links and information available on the City website's homepage, to make it easy for residents to find what they need. Mayor Trude stated the website is being updated to include a section that explains changes in the newsletter. Ms. Marinello stated she has experience working with government online content delivery, and she made a note to review the City's website. r:1-13L8rRU.UIVIN © Motion by Councilmember Holthus, Seconded by Councilmember Goodrich, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mary Mullen, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OfjSite Secretarial, Inc. E