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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 16, 20171685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting November 16, 2017 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (10/5/17) 4. Agenda Approval 5. Consider Hockey Tournament Application/Andover Huskies Winter Classic 6. Consider Application for Use Recreational Facilities/Hometown Hockey Minnesota 7. Consider 2017-2018 Hockey Rink Schedule © 8. Anoka County Sheriff's Department 3rd Quarterly Report 9. Outstanding Items 10. 11. Chair's Report 12.Adjournment 7:15 P.M. Or Shortly Thereafter Workshop Session A. Hold Public Information Meeting/Rose Park Neighborhood B. Discuss Parking Issues at Prairie Knoll Park C. Discuss Playground Equipment Replacement Plan (Terrace and Strootman Parks) D. Adjournment LJ PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSIONMEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2017 MINUTES The Regular Bi -Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on November 16, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Shane Stenzel, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl Commissioners John Angell, Ted Butler, Angela Marinello, Mark Miskowiec, and Dawn Perra. Commissioners Absent: None. Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Parks Maintenance Supervisor Jason Grode 10 RESIDENTFORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OFMINUTES Motion by Butler, seconded by Marinello, to approve the October 5, 2017 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, 0 -absent, 1 - present (Angell) vote. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Butler, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 0 -absent vote. CONSIDER HOCKEY TOURNAMENT APPLICATION/ANDOVER HUSKIES WINTER CLASSIC The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider approving the tournament application for the Annual Andover Huskies Winter Classic Tournament at the City Complex Outdoor Hockey Rinks as requested by the Andover Youth Hockey Association (AHYHA) for January 12-14, 2018. Based on the application the dates/times/rinks that are being requested are: Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 2 Friday, January 12, 2018 from 5pm to close at City Complex Outdoor Hockey rinks (both east and west rinks). Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 8am to 6pm at City Complex Outdoor Hockey rinks (both east and west rinks). Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 8am to 6pm at City Complex Outdoor Hockey rinks (both east and west rinks). If the weather is bad on either one of the 2 days, AHYHA will need Sunday, January 14. AHYHA has requested Public Works Parks Maintenance Department to provide rink maintenance during the jamboree. The required fees were submitted with the application. Mr. Blair Buccicone, AHYHA Tournament Director, reviewed the tournament briefly and noted registration is full. Mr. Buccicone noted the tournament will be on January 13 and 14, 2018. There will be 50 total teams with 14 being from Andover. Setup will be done on Friday, January 12, 2018. Motion by Butler, seconded by Angell, to approve the Hockey Tournament Application for the Annual Andover Huskies Winter Classic Tournament at the City Complex Outdoor Hockey Rinks as requested by the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association (AHYHA) for January 12-14, 2017. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 0 -absent vote. CONSIDER APPLICATIONFOR USE OFRECREATIONAL FACILITIES IHOMETO WN HO CKEY MINNESOTA The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for use of the west rink at City Hall Outdoor Complex as requested by Hometown Hockey Minnesota. The day/time/rink that has been requested is as follows: Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 4pm — 6pm at the West Rink at City Hall Outdoor Complex. Since this is a one -day request, the Commission may want to consider waiving the requirements that are to be submitted as part of the Guidelines to use the facility. Mr. Haas noted the free skating rink and east hockey rink will still be open to the public. No representative from Hometown Hockey was present. Commissioner Butler requested ftuther information on the event. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 3 Motion by Marinello, seconded by Miskowiec, to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for the use of the west hockey rink at City Hall Outdoor Complex as requested by Hometown Hockey Minnesota. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 - nays, and 0 -absent vote. CONSIDER 2017— 2018 HOCKEYRINK SCHEDULE Mr. Haas presented the application from the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association (AHYHA). The associations of Anoka, Coon Rapids and St. Francis Youth Hockey Associations have been aware that rinks were available for them to reserve but over the past years none of them have responded since they have their own outdoor rinks that they use. Mr. Haas provided the proposed schedule and the rinks that AHYHA plan on using for the 2017-2018 season. AHYHA will be responsible to provide supervision on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4pm until 8:30pm at City Hall Outdoor Hockey Rink Complex, Prairie Knoll Park and Crooked Lake School Rink. The City will need to provide a warming house attendant on all the other days of the week for these locations. Hawkridge Park will not be utilized this year by AHYHA. Motion by Marinello, seconded by Angell, to approve the Hockey Rink Schedule as proposed. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 0 -absent vote. © ANOKACOUNTYSHERIFF'SDEPARTMENT 3RD QUARTERLYREPORT The 3`d Quarter Anoka County Sheriff's Department Park Activity Report was reviewed. 171%/�:IIZ/�IS�✓ � If 77AZe77�Ya1iii(1 Commissioner Butler stated the Community Center Committee met earlier this week. He reviewed some of the discussions held regarding the future community center expansion. Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items including Completed Projects, On -Going Projects, On -Hold Projects, and Other Items of Interest. Mr. Grode provided the Weekly Parks Maintenance Update. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Lindahl asked about the White Pines Wilderness 3rdh Addition. Mr. Haas stated the Commission's recently reviewed the preliminary plat and the recommendation was cash in lieu of land. C41 H FJ Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Butler, seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:17 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 0 -absent. The Work Session Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on November 16, 2017, 7:18 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Shane Stenzel, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl Commissioners John Angell, Ted Butler, Angela Marinello, Mark Miskowiec, and Dawn Perra. Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Parks Maintenance Supervisor Jason Grode HOLD PUBLIC INFORMA TION MEETINGIROSE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to hold a public information meeting regarding Rose Park. A letter was sent to the neighborhood and a copy and a map showing the residents that were notified was provided. An aerial view of the park was shown to provide a general idea of what is currently in the park. The 3 items that will need to be discussed with the neighborhood are as follows: • The existing shelter is over 30 years old and is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The roof is damaged and leaks when it rains. The Commission is to discuss this with the residents if the current size is adequate or should the shelter be larger than the existing shelter. The existing shelter will be removed over the next few months and the goal is to replace it with a new shelter in 2018. • The playground equipment is now 14 years old and although the equipment is in decent shape it will continue to be evaluated for replacement in the next 2-5 years. The Commission is to discus with the neighborhood if the existing equipment should be replaced with the same activities if they are available, or would the neighborhood prefer to see the entire playground structure removed and replaced with a new playground structure with different activities. • Although there are 2 new baseball fields that were recently constructed at the park, is the neighborhood interested in seeing other types of activities available in the large free space area to the east of the existing ball fields. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 5 © Staff received one letter from Jean and Dale Schmitz since the meeting notification letter was sent out. Their letter requested a larger shelter, updated/upgraded playground equipment and no other activities are needed in the park. Chair Stenzel asked the residents in attendance to voice their opinions on amenities for Rose Park. Ms. Andrea (last name unknown), stated she would not like to see the shelter any larger. She stated the existing playground is for younger children. It would be nice to have some age appropriate equipment for older children to allow the younger children to be on their age group equipment. Mr. Pete Beberg, thanked the Commission for serving. He stated there were two homes that were entered at 4 am recently and the individuals started at Rose Park. He made it a point to go through the park often. He said the park is used a lot and the baseball fields are beautiful. The parking lot is not enough when there are two baseball games going on. He would like to see more equipment for older children. He would like to see the shelter larger if more security is added. The neighbors call the Sheriff's Department when they notice things happening. He would like to have family picnics in the park. Mr. Mike McCollum, has three girls 6, 4, and 2. He noted there are teenagers hanging out © in the park. He would like to see the trail expanded to the playground. The green space would be good for having disc golf. Mr. John Keller who lives at 14044 Orchid Street NW and he appreciates the green space in the park. There are many activities using the green space. The baseball fields are great. New playground equipment would be welcome. Parking is the biggest safety issue. He does not know how the parking problem could be solved. Ms.. Patti Mumane, Andover Baseball Association President, stated the Association appreciates Rose Park. They are also concerned about parking. Getting people in and out of the park is difficult. There are 6-9 year old's that play ball at that park. The greenspace is great. Chair Stenzel asked when ABA plays there and Ms. Mumane stated Monday thru Friday with tournaments on the weekends. ABA is looking at upgrading the dugouts with covers in some of the parks. Ms. Marie Kyle who lives at 14056 Rose Street NW stated she does not see a solution to the traffic. She would like to see new playground equipment especially for older children. She would like to have basketball court. An ice rink would be great too. Mr. (name unknown) lives on south end of Rose Park. He would like to see an improved playground for those families with children. If too much is added, the parking will be even worse. He does not know if adding other things is needed. He noticed some shading material is needed for the ball players. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting, Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 6 ® Ms. Kelly (last name unknown) who lives on Silverod Street NW would like to see the trail expansion to allow for bicycles and strollers to easily access the park. The playground equipment is now for younger kids. She would like age appropriate equipment in the park for young and older kids. Sand volleyball, tennis courts would be issues. Chair Stenzel asked if there are any trees planted and Mr. Grode stated there were some planted but they will take a while to get large enough for shade. Chair Stenzel thanked the residents for coming and noted there are some funds available due to the water tower lease the City has with Verizon for being in the park. He invited residents to contact Mr. Haas with any other suggestions. Commissioner Butler agreed with the concerns about parking. He stated it is better now than it used to be. The parking lot was expanded when the second ball field was added. The Commission should look at adding some more parking spots and making the entrance/exits safer. Chair Stenzel asked if anyone would be opposed to moving the shelter closer to the green space area. A number of residents raised their hands. Mr. Haas stated staff would not recommend that either. Mr. Haas mentioned that the reason the playgrounds are located near the infield areas is that some parents may other children with them that are not © playing and having to watch game close by and having their other children on the equipment right adjacent to them is a benefit. Mr. Haas indicated he will speak with the ABA about spreading the games apart further to help out on the parking situation. Mr. Haas stated the neighborhood will be surveyed before any equipment is ordered/installed for their input. DISCUSS PARKING ISSUES AT PRAIRIE KNOLL PARK Mr. Haas reviewed with the Park and Recreation Commission regarding the last half of October and first week of November which is playoff time for the youth football program. On October 25, when playoff games were going on, the Anoka County Sheriff s Department received a call from a resident about vehicles parking in the ditch along 146'x' Lane NW west of Prairie Road. The Sheriffs Department responded to the call and issued 3 citations. There were multiple individuals that moved their vehicles, so they were not cited. By moving the vehicles elsewhere, the drivers really had no place to park except on 148th Lane NW (north side of the park) and on Prairie Road since the south, north and east parking lots were full. There is no parking allowed along both sides of 146th Lane NW west of Prairie Road past the park. There are also a couple sections posted no parking on both sides of Prairie Road north and south of 146`' Lane NW so it does not restrict the site distance concerns for vehicles wanting to access onto Prairie Road or to cross the intersection. An aerial view of the park identifying those no parking areas was provided in the packet. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes—November 16, 2017 Page 7 To resolve the concerns that have been raised by the neighbors (mostly concerned with drivers parking in the ditch or grassy areas or designated no parking areas) and by the Sheriff's Department regarding safety specifically the parking on Prairie Road, there are options for the Park and Recreation Commission to consider. The options are: • Recommend to the City Council to allow parking on the north side of 146' Lane NW west of Prairie Road. The concerns with removing no parking is that the existing street is narrow (24 feet) which will limit the movement of vehicles traveling east and west on 146`h Lane NW especially emergency vehicles. The other concern is if the City were to allow parking on the north side of the street, damage will occur from vehicles parking on shoulders and grassy areas which will create maintenance issues with the Public Works Department. If the Commission would prefer a nice -looking area along the street, it is recommended to continue restricting no parking on both sides of the street. • Recommend to the City Council to restrict parking on the east side of Prairie Road north and south of 146`h Lane NW. Posting no parking along this section will eliminate crossing Prairie Road which is posted as a 50 mph by MNDOT. • Restrict the number of games being played on any given night. Staff would suggest that no more than 2 games be played on any given night. The games could be played at the same time or could be played back to back. Most games are being back to back since the referee officials referee both games. Staff has discussed Q with the football association in the past about spacing out the start time for the second game but that was a concern with the referees as they are not being paid to wait that long in-between games. Once the association schedules 3 games there could be as many as 6 teams at the park at the same time or if the association schedules 4 games there could be as many as 8 teams at the park at the same time. With having 6 or more teams at the park at the same time is creating traffic concerns as there is not enough parking stalls to accommodate that many teams and spectators especially during the playoff games. It really comes down to two items: First item is safety. The second item are concerns of the neighbors located near the park. This was not the first time the Sheriffs Department had been dispatched to the park regarding issues with parking. It has happened on numerous occasions over the past few years and the residents have continued to bring these concerns to City staff and to the Sheriff Department's attention that something needs to be done. A letter was sent to the neighbors that live around the park was provided for Commission review along with a map of the area identifying the property owners that were notified. The safety and parking concerns will be presented to the City Council at their Work Session meeting on November 28, 2017. H Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 8 © Commissioner Miskowicc asked if the issue is people wanting to park close to their particular game. Mr. Haas stated when there are eight teams present there are many cars. Chair Stenzel stated he was at the park and people parked fairly well in the north lot and the other lots were full along with parking on the streets. This was during a playoff game. He cited other parks with parking issues during tournaments, etc. but just occasionally. He does not feel generally parking is a problem. Mr. Haas stated the neighbors are looking for enforcement of no parking areas. Commissioner Butler stated there is no funding available to pave and stripe the north parking lot. If it is only a couple times a year it could be worked with the association. Commissioner Lindahl asked about game scheduling. Mr. Jason Strasser, Andover Football Association President, reviewed the scheduling of the tournaments. He stated when the people arrive for the second game the north lot is not lighted. Mr. Strasser stated they often turn on the lights on both fields even when there are not games to help light the area. He has spoken to the Sheriffs Deputies that monitor the parking. Games are typically scheduled 1 '/z hours apart and games typically last 1 '/a hours. Andover has the largest football association in the North Metro. Most of the time Prairie Knoll Park has had adequate parking. Football is a short season. It was mentioned that better signage would help in the no parking areas. Mr. Haas stated they can look at additional signage. © Mr. Dan Thinnes and Brian (last name unknown), representing the Andover Area Lacrosse Association (AALA), stated there is a parking problem and parents have tried to park on 146"' Lane NW. They do use the parking area at the north end of the park when using smaller field. The south parking lot is not large enough to handle the overlap of games but there is overflow parking signs in the south parking lot to direct drivers to park in the parking lot. He also stated that adding security lights along the trail would be nice and additional lighting in the north parking lot would be helpful. Brian from AALA stated there are a lot of people not aware of the north parking lot. AALA have been unable to communicate to the visiting teams but there is enforcement and the Sheriff Department is there often. Lt. Paul Lenzmeier, Anoka County Sheriff Department, was present at the meeting. He stated this was a problem 12 years ago also. There are not enough spots for parking and the Deputies are frustrated with dealing with this issue. There needs to be better signage for the no parking areas and better signage for the overflow parking. If the games could be spaced better that would help. His main concern is Prairie Road and allowing parking on both sides would be a bad choice. He would rather have parking on the north side of 146`h Lane NW rather than on Prairie Road. Chair Stenzel asked if calls are related to parking on 146`h Lane NW and Lt. Lenzmeier stated they are. Mr. Haas stated the City can designate the additional no parking areas by resolution. Mr. Haas stated a sight distance analysis was done at the intersection of 146h Lane NW and Prairie Road so © allowing vehicle parking closer to the intersection would not be recommended by staff. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 9 © Parking on the east side of Prairie Road presents more danger but neither are desirable. Chair Butler asked if signage can be improved. Mr. Haas stated they will address signage. Commissioner Butler left the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Mr. Gary Aus who lives on 146th Lane NW stated that on 146th Lane NW all it takes is one person to park in the ditch and others follow. The street is not wide enough for a fire truck to pass if vehicles are parked on both sides of the street. He stated the existing no parking signs help tremendously. He has seen as many as 50 cars parked on Prairie Road on both sides of the road. Cars are going over 50 mph on that road. He doesn't think there should be parking on the east side. He feels the speed should remain at 35 mph. The games are scheduled too close together. He asked why other parks can't be used for football games. Commissioner Lindahl asked how many times Mr. Aus sees cars parked on both sides of Prairie Road. Mr. Aus stated there generally are more vehicles parked there for the football games. There are cars parking in the ditch at the south end of the park by the overflow parking lot sign that is posted. Mr. Aus has had his mailbox knocked over, his driveway used for a turn around and his lawn has been torn up. Mr. Aus said this park has been an issue since he moved into his house. Mr. Jim Linehan who lives on north side of the park on 1481h Lane NW, stated he thought the north parking lot was going to be paved. He'd like to know how much is spent on maintenance. The lot needs to be paved with curbing. He stated parking on Prairie Road is dumb. He asked if it will take someone being killed before something is done. Something needs to be done with the pavilion. They are using the power box to get on the roof. He has made a lot of calls to the Sheriffs Department, but he is tired of looking after that park. He cannot have his windows open in the summer because of the dust. He stated the north lot is full often but if it was paved more people would park there. Ms. Gina (last name unknown) stated the no parking area has been enforced. She thinks more signage would be helpful. Parking on Prairie Road is very dangerous. Mr. Dan Thinnes, AALA, stated when the south parking lot was being paved, the north parking lot was used. He suggested expanding the north parking lot father to the east. Chair Stenzel suggested Football and Lacrosse Associations get together and petition the City to put in a pedestrian crossing on Prairie Road or speak with the adjacent landowner on the east side of Prairie Knoll Park north of 146th Lane NW to mow the property and rent/lease it so additional parking could be provided as an additional overflow parking lot. Mr. Strasser stated the football association has reduced its' use of Prairie Knoll Park fields over the past couple years. They only play 2-3 days per week. They practice on baseball fields throughout the City and use Sunshine Park fields for games and practices. H Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes —November 16, 2017 Page 10 © Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Marinello, to recommend to the City Council to pave the north lot of Prairie Knoll Park and add lighting along the path. Motion carried on a 6 - ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Butler) vote. DISCUSS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN (TERRACE AND STROOTMANPARKS). Mr. Haas requested the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss playground equipment replacement plan for 2018. With Purple Park playground equipment being on hold for 1 year until the Community Center exploration plan has been completed and received by the City Council, it is recommended by staff to consider replacing one of the following playground structures at either Strootman Park or Terrace Park. Mr. Haas provided the following information on each of the structures as follows: Strootman Park (Park 46C on the Park Map) — This park is in the rural part of the City in a 2.5 -acre lot development. The existing playground equipment was installed in 2002. The equipment is outdated, and the fall zone areas are sand with rotting timber borders. Some of the rubber surfaces that exist in the area are starting to peel off, the swing set sits too high and the paint is peeling off the metal on the equipment. Some of the welds are also rusty. © Terrace Park (Park 47C on the Park Map) — This park is in the urban part of the City which are generally about a third of an acre in size. The existing playground equipment was installed in 2002 and is in a little bit better condition than the equipment at Strootman Park but is still outdated. The fall zone is sand, and all the timber borders need to be removed. Of these two parks, Terrace Park is getting more use than Strootman Park. The Commission may want to hold off on the playground equipment replacement at Strootman Park until such time the Commission has had an opportunity to evaluate this park as part of the study to determine if this is one of those parks where the playground equipment is not replaced at all or is downsized. From a location perspective Terrace Park is the only park in this general area and having the playground structure replaced at this park makes sense. Mr. Haas noted Pine Hills South Park is already scheduled to be refurbished in 2018. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Marinello, to recommend the City Council replace the playground structure at Terrace Park. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Butler) vote. ADJOURNMENT OF WORK SESSION MEETING Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to adjourn the work session meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried on a 6 -ayes, 0 -nays, and 1 -absent (Butler) vote. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes—November 16, 2017 Page 11 Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. LL H