Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 7, 20170 ANL]56W^- 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting September 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (7/20/17) 4. Agenda Approval 5. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities Application/Friday Family Flag Football 6. Update on Security Lighting/Prairie Knoll Park 7. Update on Rose Park Shelter/14-13 ® 8. Discuss 2018-2022 Playground Equipment Replacement Plan 9. Outstanding Items 10. 11. Chair's Report 12.Adjournment i PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 MINUTES The Regular Bi -Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on September 7, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Shane Stenzel, Vice Chair -Tim Lindahl Commissioners John Angell, Ted Butler, Angela Marinello, and Dawn Perra. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Mark Miskowiec Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Butler, seconded by Marinello, to approve the July 20, 2017 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4 -ayes, 0 -nays, 1 -absent (Miskowiec), 2 - present (Angell and Perra) vote. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Marinello, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Miskowiec) vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES APPLICATION/FRIDAY FAMILY FLAG FOOTBALL Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of Sunshine Park softball fields as requested by Robb Wetenkamp. The group has been using Prairie Knoll Park or Sunshine Park soccer/football field for © the past few years on Friday nights. The first scheduled use of the fields is September 8, 2017 and would end on October 27, 2017 (subject to the weather). Staff recommends the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —September 7, 2017 Page 2 © applicant use Sunshine Park softball fields 1-4 for the fall season (Andover Football Association did not request the use of fields for Friday nights). Two fields would be used every Friday night and they will need to rotate the fields every week. This group is not associated with an organized athletic association. They will be using the field lights, so there is a fee associated with the use of the field since both adults and youth will be using the field. The fee required for the use of 2 field lights is $640 for 8 weeks. A minimum charge of 2 hours per field per night was used to calculate the fee. In addition, the applicant will need to check out a light key and submit the required deposit. Mr. Wetenkamp was present at the meeting. He gave a brief description of the group being friends and family ranging in ages from 12 to 60 years old. There are typically 30- 40 people that play. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Marinello, to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of Sunshine Park softball fields 1-4 as requested by Robb Wetenkamp subject to paying the required fee of $640 for use of the two fields each Friday for 8 weeks. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Miskowiec) vote. UPDATE ON SECURITY LIGHTINGIPRAIRIE KNOLL PARK Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing the idea of having an additional security light in the south parking lot at Prairie Knoll Park. Connexus Energy provided an email identifying the 3 lights. Light OL60078 was previously a 10OW HPS Traditionaire but Connexus Energy could do a simple rewire upgrade to make this a 150W HPS fixture. Mr. Haas noted this has already been upgraded to 150W. Light OL62035 could be upgraded from a 10OW HPS to a 150W HPS would take about an hour to complete with a 2 -man crew at about $200 per hour. Mr. Haas noted Connexus Energy indicated the only time they upgrade from a Traditionaire to LED is if they get knocked down or they are unable to repair. If the Commission is interested in upgrading lights from HPS Traditionaire to LED the cost is about $800 per fixture. The cost of the additional security light is estimated to be $3053.50 which includes the new pole and fixture as well. Mr. Haas showed the location of the lights on a drawing. The pine tree between the two maple trees has been removed and additional tree trimming has been done. If any improvements to the security lights is recommended to be approved, the improvement would be funded from the 2017 miscellaneous fund which is funds from park dedication. X Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — September 7, 2017 Page 3 © Mr. Gary Aus stated the additional lighting is needed because the dark areas are places where kids hang-out. His daughter is afraid to go out in the dark without Mr. Aus watching her. His neighbor has chosen not to call regarding the kids hanging out. He showed some pictures he had taken of the area to the Commission. The pictures were taken approximately 3 years ago. Mr. Aus had to take a day off work to clean up the area. Mr. Aus stated it is important to have the light installed. This happens at least 2-3 times a week where the kids linger. The Sheriff Department does a good job patrolling. Mr. Aus does not know if there is a sign indicating the time the park is closed. This is a trouble spot. A light would take care of the shadows produced by the trees that have grown. Commissioner Marinello asked if there has been any other activity since Mr. Aus was at the Commission meeting and Mr. Aus stated there have been incidents but the Sheriff is doing a good job patrolling the park. Mr. Aus has placed called anonymously to the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Aus provided some examples of things that have been happening. Commissioner Angell asked for Staff's opinion as to what would be the best way to address. Mr. Haas stated it is up to the Commission. Commissioner Perra asked if similar issues are reported in other parks to Mr. Haas. Mr. Haas stated there are not a lot of calls. The neighborhood crime groups have been doing a ® goodjob. Commissioner Butler stated sometimes when a security light is put in it may draw more people to the park after hours. The park is technically open until 11:00 p.m. Mr. Aus stated an added light would make it safer for the Sheriff approaching the cars parked in the dark area. Mr. Aus stated it would be a great addition to the park. Commissioner Lindahl asked Mr. Haas to talk to the Sheriff's Dept. to find out if there are reports. Mr. Haas stated the Sheriff's Dept. has been contacted and most of the incidents reported at Prairie Knoll are parking related. Mr. Haas will speak with the Commander of the Community Service Officer. Chair Stenzel asked how many lights were at Sunshine Park and Mr. Haas stated between 8-10 and they are on a timer. Chair Stenzel stated he visited Prairie Knoll and parked his vehicle in what he thought was the darkest part of the lot. The lights at Prairie Knoll stay on all night. There have not been incidents reported by the Sheriffs Dept. who normally raises concerns with the Commission on specific parks. Chair Stenzel stated compared to other parks the lighting seems to be adequate. Commissioner Perra stated the majority of the parks are not lighted all night. She has heard there are problems having lights on all night. Chair Stenzel asked to have Mr. Haas contact the Sheriffs Department for information on incidents and calls to Prairie Knoll and other parks within the City. 101 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —September 7, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Lindahl suggested waiting to see if the tree trimming makes a difference and getting information from the Sheriffs Department. Chair Stenzel asked Mr. Aus if he sees anything to call the Sheriffs Department so the incidents are reported. Chair Stenzel suggested if Mr. Aus would care to make a donation towards a light it would be reconsidered. UPDATE ON ROSE PARK SHELTER Mr. Haas reviewed a memo from Mr. Todd Lindorff, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, regarding an update on the condition and repairing of the existing shelter at Rose Park. Public Works staff will be removing the shelter over the next few months. The Parks and Recreation Commission will need to determine if the existing structure should be replaced with the same size structure or go with a little larger structure. If the Commission would like to move forward with a new structure, it will be necessary to determine if the Verizon funds that are collected from the lease should be used to fund the new shelter or if park maintenance replacement funds should be used or a combination (shelter value and upgrade). There is approximately $20,000 from the Verizon fund available. The cost of a new shelter like the shelter at Fox Meadows Park would be $33,000 (labor and materials). © The Park and Recreation Commission has expressed interest in meeting with the neighborhood to discuss what other improvements should be considered for the park including the expansion of the existing playground equipment and possibly this would be a good time to discuss the replacement of the shelter. Commissioner Butler suggested there be a more general discussion on how the funds could be spent in Rose Park. Chair Stenzel agreed and suggested a Master Plan be prepared for Rose Park. Chair Stenzel suggested having a workshop in October — November timeframe with the stakeholders in the neighborhood to start creating a Master Plan. Mr. Haas stated the shelter will most likely be torn down. Commissioner Butler suggested leaving the shelter up until after the meeting with the neighborhood is held. Chair Stenzel agreed and said it should remain unless it is deemed a safety hazard. UPDATE ON THE 2018 — 2022 PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN Mr. Haas stated this item is an update on the 2018 — 2022 CIP Park Playground © Equipment Replacement Plan. A copy of the proposed 2018 — 2022 CIP Park Playground Equipment Replacement Plan that was submitted to the Finance Department was Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —September 7, 2017 Page 5 © provided for Commission review. The Parks Maintenance Department has evaluated the older playground structures around the City and has determined the following structures be rebuilt in the next 5 years. To keep up replacement of the equipment that should be done every 20 years it will be necessary to replace 2 structures each year. 2018 — Pine Hills South Park and Purple Park (City Hall) • 2019 — Terrace Park and Strootman Park • 2020 — Hawkridge Park and Sunshine Park • 2021 — Hidden Creek North Park and Prairie Knoll Park • 2022 — Wild Iris Park and Tot Lot Park (138`h Avenue NW) A discussion should be held because of the Community Center/Public Works/City Campus expansion and determine what direction to go with Purple Park (which is top priority from a staffs perspective) as how much the Commission wants to allocate towards the replacement of the playground equipment. Parks Maintenance Supervisor Jason Grode provided a report on the reasons Purple Park Playground should be a priority. Mr. Haas reminded the Commission the Parks Maintenance Department will continue to review the playground structures from year to year so the list may be modified as the condition of the structures change. © As indicated on the sheet provided to the Commission, $50,000 is proposed to be allocated each year for the next 5 years. For quite a few years, Public Works Parks Maintenance Department was making every effort to replace 2 structures a year but with the rising cost of equipment and supplies (concrete borers, wood chips, etc.) the number of playground rebuilds over the last couple years was reduced to 1 a year. To keep up with replacing of older/outdated equipment, additional funds will be needed if the City would like to replace 2 structures a year as $50,000 a year that is currently being budgeted will not be enough to replace 2 structures. The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the 5 Year Playground Equipment Replacement Plan and determine if any adjustments are to be made to the proposed replacement plan and how the Commission would like to proceed. Mr. Haas provided the City Campus Master Plan diagram for Commission review. Mr. Haas requested the Commission discuss and perhaps discussing with Council at a workshop. Commissioner Butler asked if it wouldn't make more sense to plan the new playground in the City Campus Master Plan. Chair Stenzel agreed. Mr. Haas noted there is not a grading plan for the entire site. Commissioner Butler stated Purple Park is used a lot. Mr. Haas noted the YMCA also uses Purple Park for some of their programs. X Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — September 7, 2017 Page 6 Commissioner Butler asked what a comparable structure would cost and Mr. Haas stated $75,000 but there are some grants available. Commissioner Angell stated if the City invests in a large play structure for the City Campus could it be relocated at a minimal cost. Chair Stenzel stated there are a couple different ways to anchor playground equipment — more permanent and a movable method. The anchoring system costs quite a lot. Mr. Haas stated there is a possibility the playground structure could come out of the bond. Chair Stenzel directed Mr. Haas to ask the question about grading. Mr. Haas will bring back some answers to the next meeting. Mr. Haas noted the average is playgrounds should be replaced every 15 years based on staff opinion. Mr. Haas will speak with the manufacturers for their opinion on how long a playground should last. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items including Completed Projects, On -Going Projects, On -Hold Projects, and Other Items of Interest. Commissioner Butler stated the Community Center Task Force did not have a meeting and he will provide an update at the next Commission Meeting. The next Commission Meeting will be held September 21, 2017. CHAIR'S REPORT The Commissioners had nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Butler, seconded by Commissioner Angell, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Miskowiec) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.