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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP December 18, 2002 ~ 0.0---' lu~ I ~ l -03 CITY of ANDOVER ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION INTERVIEWS - DECEMBER 18, 2001 The Andover City Council interviewed eighteen candidates for the two positions on the Park and Recreation Commission. Mayor Gamache started the interviews at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Ortte!, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Paula Boshart Ms. Boshart explained that she talked to Dorrie Peterson on the Park Commission and she wants to get more involved with the Community. Councilmember Orttel asked what the most important thing she would like to see done. Mrs. Boshart stated she would like to see the Community Center built along with the swimming part. Councilmember Trude asked if she had a special interest in any particular sport or activity and what she would bring to the Park Commission that was not there. Ms. Boshart stated they liked to use the walking trails. She stated she would like to see more trails especially along Andover Boulevard. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should select her instead of someone else. Ms. Boshart stated she could bring a new point of view to the Commission and she was willing to learn. She does not have any special interests and this would be a new challenge for her. Councilmember Knight asked if there were anything she would like changed or improved in regard to the parks. Ms. Boshart stated she would like to see more soccer and football fields accessible to everyone in the cornmunity. Mayor Gamache asked if meeting twice a month would be a problem. Ms. Boshart stated it would not. He asked what her observations are of the Cornmunity Center. She stated she would support it one hundred percent and would like to see the activities indoors open to everyone in the cornmunity and the surrounding communities also. Ms. Boshart stated she volunteers for boy scouts and rnakes sure they get their Eagle Scout Awards. . _._-~ ..--.....-µ Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 2 Bernie Bauhof Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. Bauhof stated he thought it would be the preservation of the parks. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe is supportive of the Cornmunity Center. Mr. Bauhofstated he has not heard about it but would support it and getting it close to home is an advantage. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him. Mr. Bauhof stated he has excellent planning, problem solving and management skills. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe is familiar with the park system and if there was anything lacking or need to be changed. Mr. Bauhof stated he has a problem with snowmobiles using the parks and would like a resolution to this. Mayor Gamache asked if he has any experience with City Government. Mr. Bauhof stated he worked with International Falls in relocating a call center. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has kept up on the issues. Mr. Bauhof stated he has. Mr. Bauhof stated he helped start Champlin's soccer program and umpired and coached Little League. He asked where the Parks Commission gets their direction. Councilmember Jacobson stated it is from the Council, residents and other places. Councilmember Trude stated they make recommendations to the Council. Robert LaBarr Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. LaBarr stated it was keeping up with the population. He stated it is a matter of balancing residential with cornmercial and they would need to provide adequate park and recreation space. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has a particular interest in sports or activities. Mr. LaBarr stated he would like to see the development of adult based sports in the community. Councilmember Jacobson asked what he thought the Park Commission does or should be doing. Mr. LaBarr stated he has not seen any meetings and is not sure what they do. He thinks they should be bringing up ideas for the Council to look further into for improvements in the City. CounciImember Trude asked if he would be supportive or interested in joining the Community Center. Mr. LaBarr stated he would. Councilmember Knight asked what he considers to be the best aspect of the park system. Mr. LaBarr _. - - . .. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 3 stated he thought it draws families to the area along with the schools. Having a YMCA would assist in bringing builders and other retail to the City. Mayor Gamache asked how long they have lived in Andover. Mr. LaBarr stated two years. Mayor Gamache asked ifhe has been involved in any Government agencies. Mr. LaBarr stated he has not but has been involved in military aspects. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has been on committees. Mr. LaBarr stated he was involved in some committees in the military where they reviewed and suggested changes. He would like to take a more active role in how the park money is used. He stated he uses the parks a lot and enjoys them. Steve Overbv Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. Overby stated he does not know the park system well enough. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe was involved in any activity or would like to change anything. Mr. Overby stated he did not know. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should select him rather than the other applicants. Mr. Overby stated he intends to be in the community for a while and has a child that he would like to see grow up in a safe community. Councilmember Knight asked what he sees as the Park system's best thing. Mr. Overby stated the City has nice facilities and would like more supervision at the parks. Mayor Gamache asked why they moved to Andover. Mr. Overby stated it is a nice area with bike trails and close to Minneapolis. Mayor Gamache asked what his opinion of the Community Center is. Mr. Overby stated what he has read about it, the center would be great. Mr. Overby stated he used to be an Eagle Scout and helped develop a park in Woodbury when he was younger. Michael Rohricht Councilmember Orttel asked how long he has lived in Andover. Mr. Rohricht stated they have lived here since 1998. Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. Rohricht stated money and safety in the Community. He stated some of the safety skills he learned in rnanagement could be applied to the Parks. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe had watched any Park meetings and what his thoughts are. Mr. Rohricht stated he has not but he thought the Cornmunity Center is a great idea for the kids to be at _. ~ - . - ·4_ .._ . . Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 4 after school. She asked ifhis family is interested in any activities. He stated they were interested in baseball, basketball, hockey, racquetball and volleyball. Councilmember Trude asked if they would utilize the Community Center. He stated they would. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him over the other candidates. Mr. Rohricht stated he wanted to give back to the coÍnmunity and he felt he has something to offer. Being a manager he has many skills and being an engineer he feels he could use those skills for this commission. He stated one of the reasons they moved to Andover was for the parks and recreation around the area. Mayor Gamache asked what he felt the community is lacking as far as parks and recreation. Mr. Rohricht stated he thought it was the Community Center and he felt they are on the right road with the YMCA activity. One area they can improve on is cornmunication to the residents in regard to the Community Center. Mr. Rohricht asked what they would expect of him. Mayor Gamache stated they are looking for people that can understand the issues and leadership skills. Councilmember Knight stated they would expect him to attend meetings consistently and listen. Councilmember Orttel stated they expect them to make decisions under pressure. Mayor Gamache asked if he was involved in any government in his previous city. Mr. Rohricht stated he was involved with sport related items. Veronica Kowalewski Councilmember Orttel asked how long they have lived in Andover. Ms. Kowalewski stated eleven years. Councilmember Orttel asked what she thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. She stated the growth of the community. Councilmember Trude asked if there were any sports or interests her family is interested in. Ms. Kowalewski stated they played soccer and she did not realize how many soccer fields there were in Andover. Councilmember Jacobson asked if she knew what the Park Commission does or should be doing. Ms. Kowalewski stated she does not know what they do but they should be looking at the demographics of the community. Councilmember Knight asked what she sees as the plus and minus of the park system. Ms. Kowalewski stated the minus are some of the parks have been vandalized and the pluses are there are a lot of parks around and bike trails with different things at each one. Councilmember Knight asked why she wants to be on the Park and Rec Commission. She stated she likes the parks and is interested in them. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 5 Mayor Gamache asked if she knew anything in regard to the Community Center and her overall view of how it would fit in. Ms. Kowalewski stated she thought it would be a nice enhancement for Andover. Mayor Gamache asked if she has been involved in any other commissions. She stated she has not. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick her over the others. Ms. Kowalewski stated she has an interest and not a personal agenda; she is interested in becoming involved where she could contribute and learn. Councilmember Orttel asked if she had any probtems with being under pressure. Ms. Kowalewski stated she did not. Councilmember Trude asked what she would like to see done with publicity in the parks system. Ms. Kowalewski stated she looked on the website for information on the parks and she felt the website would be helpful if navigated correctly. Steve Freita1l Councilmember Orttel asked what he sees as the most important issue in the parks in the next five years. Mr. Freitag stated ongoing maintenance and trails are something the cornmunity is looking for. Councilmember Trude asked why he wants to be part of the Park Commission. Mr. Freitag stated he likes to work with people and fmd solutions on certain things. He thinks he would fit in and be an asset. He likes to compromise and problem solve. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him over the others. Mr. Freitag stated he would not bring in special interest to the position even though he is on the soccer board and he is able to not keep his own interests on the top of the list when making decisions. He likes to see cooperation and problem solving done. Councilmember Knight asked what he sees as the plus and minus of the park system in whole. Mr. Freitag stated he feels there is a nice location of parks in the City and the park system is good and can only be improved. He stated there is a good trail system that connects parks together. There is still some development and some things holding it back are budget constraints and they need to find ways around it. Mayor Gamache asked how he feels the process of the Cornmunity Center has worked. Mr. Freitag stated he thinks they have gotten more encouragement to rush things through than to take their time. He likes the whole idea of the Community Center and what is scheduled to go in but he would like them to make sure all the processes have gone through. He thought the area could support it. -- ~- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 6 Lvnn Squires Councilmember Orttel asked how long she has lived in Andover. Ms. Squires stated she has been here five years. He asked what she thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. She stated they would need to make sure there is enough space for parks with the growth in the City. Councilmember Trude asked how she felt about the Cornmunity Center. Ms. Squires stated she would support this especially with the YMCA involved. Councilmember Trude asked what her experience would be. Ms. Squires stated she is good at problem solving, presenting ideas clearly and brainstorming. Councilmember Jacobson asked if she knew what the Park Commission does. Ms. Squires stated they set regulations; make decisions as far as planning parks and maintaining them. He asked what she felt were the positive and negative aspects of the park systems. She stated she is impressed with the number of trails and maintenance of the parks with the additions being made. Mayor Gamache asked if there was anything negative she has seen in the park system. Ms. Squires stated she does not think she has enough information to find a negative. He asked what the drawing point of Andover was. She stated it is close enough to Minneapolis and likes the younger demographics along with home values. He asked if she has had any past experience with commissions. She stated she has not. Randv Peterson Councilmember Orttel asked how long he has lived in Andover and what is the single most important issue facing the parks. Mr. Peterson stated he has lived here for five years and he felt equipment was an issue, particularly facilities. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe was supportive of the Cornmunity Center. Mr. Peterson stated he was interested in it. She asked ifhe used any of the parks in the Community. He stated he has used the parks in Shadowbrook. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifhe ever attended or watched the Park Commission meetings. Mr. Peterson stated he has. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him over the others. Mr. Peterson stated he has an open mind with regard to the issues. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe has had any government involvement. Mr. Peterson stated he has helped out with campaigns and been an aid for a politician. Councilmember Knight asked if he was familiar with the dealings of a park commission. Mr. Peterson stated he was. Mayor Gamache asked if they are moving in the right direction involving the Community Center and does he have any visions or direction. Mr. Peterson stated he thought the Council was moving in the - - - -. - -~. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 7 right direction on this project. Councilrnember Orttel asked ifhe would have any problem making decisions under pressure. Mr. Peterson stated he would not. Councilrnember Trude asked what is the positive and negative of the Park system. Mr. Peterson stated he likes the trail system and he thought it was rnoving in the right direction. He stated he would like to see more trails tied together. They use the trails a lot and also has his kids in organized sports. Elizabeth Brouse Councilrnember Orttel asked how long she has been in Andover. Ms. Brouse stated she has been here 1.5 years. He asked what the single most important issue is. She stated keeping the parks maintained and accessible to everyone is important and keeping the equipment safe. Councilrnember Trude asked what types of activities her family is involved in. Mrs. Brouse stated they are involved in baseball, soccer, hockey, scouting, ride the bike trails and use the skate park. They have planted trees and been to a lot of the parks. Councilmember Trude asked if she would bring a different perspective to the Park Commission. Ms. Brouse stated what she has seen is that a lot of the equipment is for younger children and the older children do not have much. Councilmember Jacobson asked what she would bring to the Park Commission that would stand out over the others. Mrs. Brouse stated she has spent the last twelve years in a lot of parks and knows what works for older people and young children. They are involved in a wide range of activities so she does not have anything she is focused on in particular. Councilrnember Knight asked what she sees as a negative in the park system. Ms. Brouse stated there needs to be better maintenance at the parks. Mayor Gamache asked if she was involved in other communities with other organizations. Ms. Brouse stated she was not because her children are smaller. She was a Girl Scout leader for fifteen girls and she volunteered at school a lot. Councilmember Knight asked if she knew how the Park Commission operates. Mrs. Brouse stated she did. Mayor Gamache asked why they moved to Andover. Ms. Brouse stated they liked the newer schools and the construction-taking place along with lot size. Councilmember Trude asked if she was familiar with the Community Center. Ms. Brouse stated she would be very much in favor of this. Ms. Brouse asked what the Council is looking for in a Commission member. Councilmember - Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page S Jacobson stated they would want someone open to the issues. Councilmember Knight stated they would want them to attend the meetings. She stated this is something she would like to do and would be interested in. Ron Nelson Councilmember Orttel asked how long he has lived in Andover. Mr. Nelson stated they have lived here for eight years. Councilmember Orttel asked what the major issue is related to the parks in the next five years. Mr. Nelson stated he was not sure but thinks they need a place for the kids to go to keep them out of trouble and have a place where families can go. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe was familiar with the Cornmunity Center. Mr. Nelson stated he was not but thought it was a fantastic idea for many different reasons. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him over the others. Mr. Nelson stated he is not sure ifhe brings anything special and he does not have any type of agenda. He likes to keep busy and would like to bring something back to the City. He could bring in a different viewpoint of the trails system and how it works in other cities from a policeman's viewpoint. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe was an active user of the park system. Mr. Nelson stated they were not but they have used the trails in Bunker Park. Dan Maslosk; Councilmember Orttel asked how long he has lived in Andover. Mr. Masloski stated he has lived here for 4.5 years arid taught at Andover Elementary for five years. Councilmember Orttel asked what the single most important issue facing Andover in the next five years. Mr. Masloski stated he found Andover is a growing community and there are new things on the horizon. He stated he would like to be a part of it. Councilmember Trude asked as the arena manager, is it running at a break even or is the City still subsidizing it. Mr. Masloski stated it is basically covering SO% of revenue to expenses and they think it will be at 92% this year. Councilmember Jacobson asked what is the biggest asset and negative about Andover's park system. Mr. Masloski stated he sees things being funneled to City Hall such as the trails. The biggest asset is everything is being funneled into one area but they are not putting a lot outside of the center of the City. He stated the City could develop a park for leisure activities. Councilmember Knight asked what the biggest plus is. Mr. Masloski stated the trail system going to different parks and schools. -- - ---.- . Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes-December 18,2002 Page 9 Mayor Gamache asked ifhe had any problem with two meetings a month. Mr. Masloski stated he may have a couple of issues with his job because he is required to go to all the events and some are on Thursdays but he talked to his employers and they said they understood and would allow this as long as his work was not disrupted. Teri Larkin Councilmember Orttel asked how long she has lived in Andover. Ms. Larkin stated she moved here about fourteen months ago. He asked what would be the most important issue facing the parks in the City. She stated when she looked at the committee she did not know what it entailed and thought she could learn more and contribute. He asked what areas she is interested in. She stated she is interested in community events fund raising. When she was in college she was interested in Park design. Councilmember Trude asked if there is a certain aspect of the park system that she would like to see developed that is not there now. Ms. Larkin stated she would like to see the parks used more. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick her over someone else. Ms. Larkin stated she is dedicated and familiar with different events and she has fresh ideas she could bring to the Commission. She is not looking to doing this as a profession so she is open minded. Mayor Gamache asked if she knew anything about the Cornmunity Center. Ms. Larkin stated she did not. He asked if the park meetings would work for her. She stated they would. He asked if there was anything lacking in the park system that they should be working on. She stated she has not been in the City for very long so she does not know. Bill Wilken Councilmember Orttel asked how long has he lived in Andover. Mr. Wilken stated he has lived here for one year. Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. Wilken stated he felt the park system is still new and feels it is important to have a balance in the parks. Councilmember Trude asked what he thought needed balance. Mr. Wilken stated there is an emphasis to focus on the youth activities at this time. They should try not to over focus on the youth aspect of the parks. Councilmember Trude asked what they should be looking at for the parks. He stated that disk golf is popular but he has not seen anything like this in the area. Councilmember Jacobson asked if he has seen or been to a meeting. Mr. Wilken stated he has. Councilmember Jacobson asked what he would change or improve. Mr. Wilken stated he couldn't think of anything to be critical about. -- . - . . ---- . .- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 10 Councilmember Knight asked what he feels is the biggest plus to the park system. Mr. Wilken stated it is hard to fmd some of the parks or access to them. Mayor Gamache asked the main reason he to moved to Andover. Mr. Wilken stated they were restless where they lived before and felt Andover was a beautiful place to live. He stated at his work he has worked on different committees. Joel Larkin Councilmember Orttel asked how long he has lived in Andover. Mr. Larkin stated he grew up around Crooked Lake and built in Andover about sixteen months ago but has been in the area for thirty years. Councilmember Orttel asked what the single most important issue related to parks the City is facing in the next five years. Mr. Larkin stated he is not really sure except to make sure the Park Commission is facilitating the parks as efficiently as possible. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has seen any Park Commission meetings. Mr. Larkin stated he has. She asked what he would do differently ifhe were on the commission. He stated he would not necessarily do anything differently but he is living in an area where there are a lot of new people. He does not have an agenda but would have block parties and fmd out what the residents would want. Councilmember Jacobson asked why they should pick him over the others. Mr. Larkin stated he is not doing this to promote anything. He just wants to contribute to the community. He has good decision making skills and works in business with budgets and is wary of the figures and projects and does not think this is beyond his scope. Councilmember Knight asked what he thought were the positive and negative points of the Park system are. Mr. Larkin stated the positive is the opportunity to shape the community to make it nice. Mayor Gamache asked what his opinion is in regards to the Community Center. Mr. Larkin stated he thought a lot of people do not realize the scope of the Community Center and the cost and benefit. He does not think the City has communicated the Community Center to the residents very well. Councilmember Trude asked what his involvement was with the board he was on at Qwest. Mr. Larkin stated he worked with a philanthropic group of bringing phone access to seniors for 911. Councilmember Trude stated in the application he stated he has helped out Coon Rapids with their youth programs and fields. He stated when he was in college he helped to manage the fields and manage the time. Thomas Goodmanson Councilmember Orttel asked how long has he lived in Andover. Mr. Goodmanson stated he has - -.- -- - - Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 11 lived in Andover for one and a half years but lived in Coon Rapids for a long time. CounciImember Orttel asked what the biggest issue is facing the parks commission in the next five years. Mr. Goodmanson stated it is a fairly new community and he thinks the parks will be over used in the coming years with the number of kids in the community. He stated they need to keep up with the growth. Councilmember Jacobson asked how he would handle looking at both sides of an issue. Mr. Goodmanson stated it is a matter of compromise and a lot of diplomacy. CounciImember Trude asked if he has followed the Community Center infonnation. Mr. Goodmanson stated he has. She asked what his perception is of the Community Center. He stated he likes the idea of a corporate partnership taking some of the tax burden off of residents. CounciImember Knight asked ifhe has found any good or bad points involving the park system. Mr. Goodmanson stated the parks always seem clean and well maintained. Mayor Gamache asked if he would have time to make the meetings twice a month. Mr. Goodmanson stated he would. Jed Clark Councilmember Orttel asked how long has he lived in Andover. Mr. Clark stated he has lived here four years. Councilmember Orttel asked what he thought the single most important issue facing the parks in the next five years was. Mr. Clark stated the kid's population is growing so there will be a demand on space. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe is supportive of the Cornmunity Center. Mr. Clark stated he is very supportive of it and he thinks it is a great addition to the community. She asked how involved they are in activities. He stated they are very active with various sports and activities. Councilmember Jacobson asked if it is a good policy to have people on the Park Commission also on other cornmissions. Mr. Clark stated it is important the Commissioners do not have biased opinions. They need to have an open mind and make sure things are fair. He is very open-minded and fact driven and he thinks he can bring a very open and fact based way to the Commission without being biased. Councilmember Knight asked what he sees as the pluses and minuses of the Park and Commission and operational system of the City. Mr. Clark stated he has been very impressed with the sports programs with an established base. The City has set the budding associations up for success. There are some holes in the system that can be improved upon. He likes the trail system in Andover. Mayor Gamache asked ifhe has served on committees in any other cornmunities. Mr. Clark stated he has not. .~ ~.- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 12 Council Discussion A lengthy discussion ensued, resulting in the appointment of Thomas Goodmanson and Dan Masloski. Jed Clark was selected as first alternative and Elizabeth Brouse was selected as second alternate. Motion by Councilmember Orttel, Seconded by Councilmember Jacobson to appoint Thomas Goodmanson and Dan Masloski to the Park and Recreation Commission and Jed Clark for first alternate and Elizabeth Brouse for second alternate for three years. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Trude to keep Jim Linda1l as the chairman of the Park Commission. Mayor Gamache stated the option would be to have Dave Blackstad as chairman of the Commission. Councilmembers Trude, Jacobson and Knight did not think appointing Mr. Blackstad as chairman would work. Councilmember Orttel stated the change of authority might change the way things are handled. Discussion ensued regarding appointment of a chairman for the Commission. Motion carried 3 aye, 2 nays (Orttel, Gamache). Councilmember Knight stated he would like the Park Commission removed from the scheduling of the park complexes and that responsibility given to a staff member. Mayor Gamache stated the Commission was just given that responsibility. Assistant City Engineer Todd Haas stated he is currently scheduling the teams for different sports along with the Commission. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Mayor Gamache to appoint Dave Blackstad as the Vice Chairman of the Park Commission. Motion carried 3 ayes, 2 nays (Trude, Jacobson). Councilmember Knight asked what the protocol is in this. He stated Dave Blackstad was already Chairman. Mr. Haas stated at one point, they would get back to the same person again, if the same Commission members were on the board for a long period of time. Motion by Councilmember Orttel, Seconded by Councilmember Jacobson to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, - ----- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2002 Page 13 Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary ----------.