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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK May 17, 2000 ~ 0-.0 u.JLL;ttuî (o-lo- Db CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW,· ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304· (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 Special City Council Workshop - Wednesday, May 17,2000 Call to Order -7:00 PM Discussion Items 1. Presentation of High School Site Plan. 2. Discuss Crosstown Pedestrian Crossing V s Ballfield Construction. 3. Discuss Andover Boulevard - MSA Road. 4. Discuss Signalization (Andover Blvd. & Crosstown). 5. Discuss Improvements to Crosstown (turn lanes, etc.). 6. Discuss Extension of Municipal Utilities. 7. Other Business Adjournment CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP-MAY 17, 2000 MINUTES A Special Workshop of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on May 17,2000,7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Julie Johnson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Engineer, Scott Erickson Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg City Administrator, Richard Fursman Others ISSUES RELATING TO THE HIGH SCHOOL Present this evening were: Roger Giroux, District 11 Superintendent; Michael Sullivan, Tom Heideman and Dan Cook, District 11 School Board; Tom Durand and Dick Nybeck, District 11; Jay Pomeroy of Anderson, Johnson Associates; and Todd Blank of SEH. Presentation of High School Site Plan: Mr. Durand announced the Agricultural Preserve designation has been lifted on the property for the high schoo!. Mr. Pomeroy then presented two possible layouts of the high schoo!. The first assumed they would be using ball fields at Sunshine Park. The intersection of Andover and Crosstown Boulevard would be moved north and the entrance to the school would be off Andover extension. The football fields, stadium and parking would be located on the south and east side of the site, with soccer, gym and baseball fields on the north and west area of the site. The second scenario assumes the fields at Sunshine Park will not be used, but the City would construct four ball fields, a soccer field and possibly some parking to the west of the high school facilities. Mr. Durand stated once they know how much land they need, they will begin negotiations with the land owners. More land will be needed if the additional sports fields are to be constructed on the site. They have not discussed whether the school district or the City wi!! own the underlying land for those fields. They are open. Mr. Pomeroy anticipated there would be a joint powers agreement between the school district and the City for the use of the fields and parking. Councilmember Knight suggested screening along the north property line, possibly planting a stand of mature evergreen trees all the way down the line. Mr. Durand stated they have money in the budget for foliage, plus there are trees that can be relocated. The tennis courts will have high fencing Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 2 around them which will also create screening. He didn't think they will be lighted. The neighbors (High School Issues/Presentation of High School Site Plan, Continued) had talked about benning that area. They are concerned with forcing the water to turn back to the south. At the present time they are showing a flat area between the school site and the residential area with screening. Mr. Durand wondered about the impact of lighting on the residents to the east of Crosstown Boulevard. He also asked for input on the ponding shown off Crosstown Boulevard. Constructing the football field five to six feet below grade would lessen the impact oflighting and noise. Possibly the varsity baseball field will be lighted. There could also be light and noise issues related to the practice fields on the north. Council felt a below-grade football field would lessen the impact to the residents on the east side, plus they are in a wooded area. Mr. Durand noted there is no intent to provide vehicle access to the site from the residential neighborhood to the north; however, those students will be walkers. He asked if a walkway should be provided from Raven Street within the neighborhood or should they be directed up to Crosstown and along the trail system. The Council preferred providing a trail from that deadend street. It was suggested the street be vacated and a walking path be provided. It was also noted that the neighborhood already has No Parking along the streets, so the issue of students parking in the neighborhood rather than in the school's parking lot should be abated. Mr. Erickson will review the plans regarding a walking path from Woodland Estates. Council also suggested a meeting be held with the neighborhood about narrowing the street and creating a walkway at Raven. Mr. Durand stated 600 parking stalls are being provided for 1400 students, plus parking for about 140 staff members. He would also like to see another gym constructed if funds are available. If they are not, provisions are being made for a future gym and for portable classrooms. At some point additional classrooms will be constructed and the portables phased out. Discuss Crosstown Pedestrian Crossing Vs Ballfield Construction: Discussion was on the issue of constructing a pedestrian crossing, probably a tunnel, under Crosstown Boulevard to access the fields at Sunshine Park from the high school versus the cost of constructing the additional sports fields immediately west of the high school facility. Mr. Blank stated they haven't picked a specific location for the tunnel. It would be wherever it works best for both the school and the property on the east side of the road. The intent would be to stay away from the house. Mr. Erickson stated the construction and engineering cost estimate for the four ball fields and one soccer fields, including irrigation, plus a parking lot and design costs is anticipated to be $465,000. Dave Blackstad, Andover Baseball Association, stated the associations could use the four fields proposed to the west of the high school facility, which should provide sufficient fields for some time. He noted that if the associations have time to mobilize, they could do a fair amount of the work on -- ., . --- -, ..-. il Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 3 a volunteer basis as was done in Sunshine Park. That would reduce the costs considerably. Mr. (High School Issues/Crosstown Pedestrian Crossing Vs Ballfield Construction, Continued) Durand stated the State has given millions of dollars toward the cost of building soccer fields. Possibly a joint project between the City and the school district may be attractive for getting some funding. The Council agreed that should be pursued. Mr. Sullivan thought as long as it makes sense in the design of the project and doesn't increase the price, he saw no objection to constructing the additional sports fields and parking lot on the school site rather than using the fields at Sunshine Park. The community would have access to and use of those fields. They have to find out how much more the land will be needed and the costs. Mr. Nybeck noted the parking lot that would be constructed on the west by the ball fields could be used for overflow parking. Parking at Sunshine Park could be used for overflow parking for events as well. Mr. Durand stated the school district has about 24 months to spend the bond money, so there may be some possibility of delaying payment from the City for a period of time. There was general agreement that it makes more sense to spend the money on additional fields rather than on an underground tunnel. It is an opportunity to work together and to maximize the use of tax dollars. It may also be better if the school owns the land with a joint powers agreement for the City to construct and use the fields and parking lot. Discuss Improvements to Crosstown Boulevard: Council noted the county shows no plans to widen Crosstown Boulevard within the next 10 years. Mr. Durand stated after this meeting they will meet with the Anoka County Highway Department. The intent is to begin discussions on the issue. Mr. Pomeroy stated a traffic study will be done of the area. The Council was concerned with getting 4,000 to 6,000 out of the site on game nights. Mr. Durand stated they will meet with the county to discuss lighting the intersection of Crosstown and Andover Boulevards. During events, the direct access to Crosstown will be opened; otherwise it would normally be gated. Discuss Andover Boulevard - MSA Road: The Council asked if the width of an MSA road will be sufficient for Andover extension in front of the high school. Mr. Erickson thought so. The intent would be to build the extension to the property line of the school district. They are evaluating the exact alignment beyond the school on the Eveland property. Those alignments and costs will be brought back to the Council. Mr. Durand asked of the state aid road means 55 mph. The Council stated yes, but thought it could be lowered past schools. Turn lanes will be needed. Something may need to be done where it dead ends. Possibly the road does not need to go beyond the driveway of the Eveland property. ----- -->.- --. I Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 4 (High School Issues/Andover Boulevard - MSA Road, Continued) Council felt the City should be looking to build that portion of the State Aid road next season. Mr. Erickson stated the project would be designed and bid for spring construction, 2001. It should also include the realignment of the intersection of Andover at Crosstown Boulevard. Mr. Pomeroy stated they have done grading studies for both options, He would like to have the issues resolved by mid- June so they can get things on the computer and jump into the specifications. Mr. Durand stated they will not know land costs until they meet with the land owner. Mr. Erickson anticipated there will be a trail along Crosstown to connect with the other trails and also along Andover Boulevard. Discussion was whether the trail should be on the north or south side of Andover extension. Mr. Durand anticipated the property south of Andover extension will want to be used by biology classes, though the decision has not yet been made about purchasing any land south of Andover extension. Mr. Sullivan stated the school district would consider preserving a nature area from the street to the creek if it doesn't add too much to the land acquisition costs. No specific decision was made on whether there will be a trail on the north or south side of Andover extension. Discussion was on the school boundaries and potential traffic patterns. Mr. Blank stated they can provide copies of the attendance areas for generating traffic. He anticipated an SO-foot right of way will be needed at some locations for turn lanes. Mr. Erickson understood the school district will be dedicating the necessary right of way along Crosstown to upgrade that street. Mr. Durand stated they need to know the elevation and specific alignment of Andover extension. He estimated about 15 more acres will be needed for the site to construct the additional sports fields and parking lot to the west. They will need to determine the costs and then make their budget work. Discuss Extension of Municipal Utilities: Mr. Blank stated sewer and water will come in at the intersection of Andover extension, up the new street and into the school site at the student parking lot entrance. There is a watermain on Crosstown Boulevard which will eventually connect to the northeast comer and loop around. Mr. Erickson stated a feasibility report will be done, which will include costs from Crosstown Boulevard to Round Lake Boulevard, the ultimate MUSA boundary. That should be coming to the Council within the next month. Staff will continue working on the details with the school district and engineers. I Special Andover City Council Workshop Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 5 Commercial activity: Council member Orttel stated the City has made a decision not to have any commercial activity in any proximity of the schools. What is the school district's policy? Mr. Sullivan would prefer the commercial activities be kept away from the campuses. Mr. Carlberg stated the City may want to take another look at the property north of Crosstown Boulevard between Nightingale and Public Works. Discussion was that that could be a transitional commercial area, and the Council may want to review that again. The Council agreed. Mr. Durand stated their next step is to meet with the property owners, then the county to discuss road improvements and then with the residents in Woodland Estates. Mr. Carlberg stated Staff will work through the site plan issues. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Johnson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, '\V\~~~ \ Martella A. Peach Recording Secretary -~--- ~----..--_.