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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 18, 2004 0 C-N \..;\..~t CL-6..J C I T Y o F UyúJ:b-y) Ié\ -I b -öLt NDOVE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 18, 2004 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on November 18, 2004, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Thomas Goodmanson, Ernest Bedor, Dan Masloski, Chairman Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad, Devon Walton and Valerie Holthus Commissioners Absent:' There were none. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Others RESIDENTS FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Chairman Lindahl corrected the motions for Kimberly Oaks Preliminary Plat Park Dedication and Prairie Cove Preliminary Plat Park Dedication on page 2 to read that the recommendation is to accept cash as park dedication in lieu of land. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to approve the October 7, 2004 Park Commission minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Holthus) vote. APPROVE 2004-2005 HOCKEY RINK SCHEDULE Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to approving the 2004-2005 hockey rink schedule at the three rinks that are available. The Commission's packet includes an application :£rom the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association. The City did not receive an application from St. Francis Youth Hockey Association. Staff recommends approval of the 2004-2005 hockey rink schedule. Dan Terhaar, President of the AHYHA, stated their organization has about 50 new skaters. They requested a few more hours in January because of the schedule for the high - 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-November 18,2004 Page 2 school team. There are no home games scheduled in December. They will likely be adding a minimum of 50 new kids every year and their need for outdoor ice will continue to grow. As they have in the past, they will work with the City in whatever way they can. Commissioner Blackstad thanked the hockey association for the help in putting up the boards. Chairman Lindahl requested the hockey association provide a summary of how the ice usage went when the season is over. This will allow them to look ahead for next year. Mr. Terhaar commented the majority of the outdoor ice goes to the Mite Program for kids ages 5 to 10. This program uses a lot of weekend hours. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to approve the 2004-2005 hockey rink schedule. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Holthus) vote. DISCUSS STATUS OF LUNDS NORTH PARK, CONT. Mr. Haas suggested this item be moved down in the agenda, as the property owners may arrive shortly. Chairman Lindahl indicated it will be moved down in the agenda as Item 12. RECONSIDER PARK DEDICATION CREDIT FOR MILLER'S WOODS Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to reconsidering giving credit against park dedication fees for the outlot in Miller's Woods that is anticipated to have a swimming pool and playground. Chairman Lindahl inquired what the Council is looking for from the Commission. Mr. Haas replied the Council would like the Commission to be sure they do not want to reconsider the motion that was made. If the Cornmission does not want to change their position, that should be voted on so this can be passed on to the Council when the developer is ready to do a second phase. Chairman Lindahl stated this would be a private park for a localized neighborhood. It would be an amenity only for the neighborhood, rather than the City. Commissioner Bedor noted this would set a precedent. Chairman Lindahl questioned what would happen with the area if the association were to fall apart at some time. He could foresee the City being requested to bail the association out. Mr. Haas suggested the Commission may want to make a motion to reconfirm the motion made at the previous meeting, and this will be brought back to the Council. 0 " () Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2004 Page 3 Commissioner Blackstad noted it was attempted at the last meeting to look at different angles, as far as giving partial credit for playground equipment or partial credit for some of the land. However, it still comes down to this is a private park for that neighborhood. In defense of the motion he made that night, if this were not a private park the City would still have to put some equipment in there. That was why he was trying to allow some credit. Chairman Council indicated the Council may want to look at that closer, but the Park Commission should not start that trend. He believes the original motion of no credit should be restated. Motion by Walton, seconded by Masloski, to reaffIrm to the Council the recommendation that no credit be given for Miller's Woods. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Holthus) vote. UPDATE OF COUNTY OAKS WEST PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained this item is in regard to the proposed park dedication requirements and estimates for County Oaks West. The Council has directed the Commission to consider if credit should be given for the wetlands within the park boundary. He noted when Oak View Park was done there was not a credit given for the wetland. If the Commission wants to be consistent with parks like Oak View the wetland credit would be taken out and the numbers recalculated. If the Commission wants to do that a motion should be made to that effect, so when the developer is ready to do the fmal plat that can be included in the calculation. Commissioner Holthus arrived. Commissioner Blackstad asked how much land consists of the wetland. Mr. Haas replied the wetland is about 1/3 of an acre. The park is 1.05 acres. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to exclude the wetland credit from County Oaks West Park dedication requirements. Commissioner Bedor asked if this has been allowed in the past. Chairman Lindahl it has i I not. Commissioner Goodmanson inquired if the equipment will be revisited later. Mr. Haas responded in the affirmative. He explained the developer is talking about doing the project in phases, and the park mayor may not be included in the fIrst phase. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Further Discussion - 0 -) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting (~. Minutes-November 18,2004 Page 4 Commissioner Walton inquired about bid requirements. Mr. Haas explained as long as the project is under $50,000 two quotes are required. If the project cost is over $50,000 there will likely be a public bid required. Commissioner Walton commented sometimes a developer may have the intention oflow- bailing if they can get a couple more thousand into the lot somewhere else. This may make the bid seem out of line on a publicly bid project. DISCUSS ADVERTISEMENT ON PARK PROPERTY/COMMISSIONER WALTON, CONT. Commissioner Walton reported through his reseårch he has found that most cities have a bus or park bench fee, which usually runs about $25 per year. The benches are located in approved spots, and insurance policies are held on the benches, so they can be replaced if they are damaged. Costs for advertising on the bench may range from approximately $50 to $75 per month. His initial approach was to determine if this could make additional revenue for the City, but he is not sure that potential is there at this time. Commissioner Bedor asked how many parks there are in the City. Commissioner Walton replied there are approximately 60; not all of the parks have benches in them. Commissioner Walton commented this may become even more useful and viable with increased volume along the trails. Chairman Lindahl inquired if the reason the City does not have bus service is because they are not in compliance with the Metropolitan Council on that. Mr. Haas replied there is a cost for that service. Commissioner Walton commented with the coming of the WDE site, and with Target coming on line, as well as the growing businesses ön Bunker Lake Boulevard, the City may be closer to seeing bus service. That may be the time to look at something like this. Commissioner Bedor stated he does not understand why there is not advertising on the ball fields. Mr. Haas replied this would be a good discussion to have during a joint meeting with the City Council. ~ QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT The Commissioner reviewed the 3rd Quarter Financial Report. Commissioner Masloski inquired about the additional $96,144.00 for the Community Center contributions. He noted the way it appears in the report it looks as though this was additional monies spent. Chairman Lindahl inquired if this was included the park dedication fees for revenues. 1 - 0 1') Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting '-~ Minutes - November 18, 2004 Page 5 Mr. Haas indicated he will check into this and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Masloski inquired what is remaining on the Prairie Knoll Project. Mr. Haas replied the fencing needs to be completed, and other than that there are small items. Commissioner Masloski noted there is $20,708 remaining in reserve on the ballfield lighting project. He inquired what is remaining on the project. Mr. Haas replied those funds will be released when the warranty is received. This will likely be in one or two weeks. Chairman Lindahl noted there is no playground equipment included in the report. Mr. Haas replied the playground equipment will come from 2005 special funding. Commissioner Holthus noted the Capital Improvement Plan includes playground equipment. She inquired about the alternative funding that will be utilized. Mr. Haas replied the Commission will need to reevaluate the CIP in the spring, and that is when adjustments will be made. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT/3RD QUARTER REPORT The Commission reviewed the Anoka County Sheriff's Department 3rd Quarter report. Commissioner Bedor noted August 16th a resident reported a tree that was about to fall over. The report states that the deputy could not fmd the tree and no further action was taken. He questioned why the deputy would not talk to the individual making the report, other than not taking any further action. Commissioner Masloski inquired if any further restitution will be needed on the damage to the Creek View Property. Commissioner Blackstad suggested the City send a letter requesting restitution. Mr. Haas indicated the individuals are well aware the City wants to be reimbursed. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. He reported the fence should be completed at Prairie Knoll Park by the end of the week. The WDE site south of the landfill is now identified as Andover Station North. Bruggeman Homes has been meeting with staff regarding the drainage of the site. A preliminary plat will most likely be submitted in the next month or so for review by the City. It appears that three ball fields are being considered on the draft plan. SEH has been hired to prepare an overall rough grading plan for the entire site and to design the main roadway and utilities. He indicated there is nothing new to report on the Skateboard Task Force. - 0 :~ Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting '--. Minutes-November 18,2004 Page 6 DISCUSS STATUS OF LUNDS NORTH PARK, CONT. Mr. Haas indicated that this item was tabled form the October 7th meeting, and staffhas prepared a new layout of the park. He advised that Public Works has indicated they would be interested in relocating the fields and installing the gravel parking lot, which would be a significant savings to the park dedication if Public Works committed the labor to the project at no cost. A fencing contractor would pay for the installation of the fencing. The supplier would install the playground equipment, and Public Works would do all other work to complete the playground area. Staff has not heard from the property owners yet, and it is not known what drawing they prefer. The park will likely be used by children 10 and under. He advised Lund North Park is not included in the 200S-2009 CIP. If the Commission would like it included in the CIP, adjustments must be made and forwarded to the Council so it can be included as a project next year. He noted he talked to a resident across the street from the park who wòuld either like to see this built or not utilized for organized activity next year. Commissioner Bedor inquired about the resident that does not want this site to be utilized if the park is not built. Chairman Lindahl explained residents had problems with damage to sprinkler heads from cars parking off of the road. Mr. Haas indicated there has also been sod damage. He explained the road is only 24 feet wide. Commissioner Masloski questioned if a $50,000 playground is needed in this park, as the school is only about ~ mile from this location. Chairman noted there is a new development to the east with a variety of family structures and ages. The playground would be useful for families bringing small children to the ball games. He noted this location is between higher traffic roads and is kind of its own entity. Commissioner Blackstad suggested equipment for ages 5 to 12 would be better in this location. Commissioner Walton suggested the park be built in phases, with the ball park included in the fIrst phase. The playground area could be left open for neighborhood discussion. This would enable them to get the ball field in and solve the parking issue. Commissioner Holthus commented she understands the aspect of siblings using the playground equipment, but $50,000 is a lot of money. Motion by Walton, seconded by Holthus, to recommend proceeding with the relocation of ball fields (including grading, ag-lime, topsoil, seeding and fencing) and to proceed with the gravel parking lot and driveways. The playground equipment will be reviewed at a later time with a review of the CIP. Regular Andover Park & Re()tion Commission Meeting U Minutes - November 18, 2004 Page 7 Further Discussion Commissioner Masloski noted there will be some savings on some of these projects that could cover this cost. Commissioner Walton questioned if this will be approved before it is clear how it might fit into the CIP. Chairman Lindahl replied this is a recommendation to the Council that this needs to be done. It lets the Council know the Commission will be looking at altering the CIP to accomplish this. Mr. Haas indicated the numbers will be fine tuned and brought before the Council. If the Council approves they will proceed with the project. Commissioner Holthus requested a copy of this information be forwarded to the Commission. Commissioner Walton inquired about potential dates to meet with the Finance Director. Mr. Haas replied he does not think they need to do that until they know who the new Park Commissioners will be. The Commission will be evaluating all of the parks in the future. Commissioner Walton noted Drawing A or B needs to be determined for the layout. He noted this will affect if balls will be more conducive to flying out of the park towards a house or an open field. Commissioner Holthus noted in that respect Drawing A is better. She asked ifthey could combine Drawings A and B to have the ball field situated as it is in A, but the playground area to the east lining up with the trail. Commissioner Walton noted the situation with the driveways is better with Drawing A. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Holthus, to amend the motion on the floor to recommend proceeding with the relocation of ball fields (including grading, ag-lime, topsoil, seeding and fencing) and to proceed with the gravel parking lot and driveways, using Drawing A for the plan. The playground equipment will be reviewed at a later time with a review of the CIP. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Commissioner Walton thanked staff for the surveys done with the layout. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Blackstad indicated at the Council meeting the other night there was a discussion of the fee structures and the question was raised if there is a need to change the fees based on tournaments that charge at the gate. He would like to clarify that fees charged at the gate are required if you are hosting a state tournament and the fee is used Regular Andover Park & RlJtion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes-November 18,2004 Page 8 as part of the fundraiser for the group. It keeps out unwanted spectators to a certain degree. There was also discussion about the yellow caution tape that went up at Funfest being rather intimidating. He explained that was put up by the Fire Department in the afternoon of the fireworks to quarter off that area for the fIreworks display. Commissioner Masloski stated some communities do charge for tournaments to recover some of the costs of prepping the fIelds, etc. If the Council wants to look at this it should be charged for all tournaments, not just the ones charging at the gate. There are a lot of miscellaneous charges the taxpayers are picking up for things like garbage and lights. Commissioner Blackstad stated for the most part the people in charge of the tournament clean up. Public Works might have to empty some extra bags, but for the most part the system is working and he does not understand the rationale of charging extra fees for tournaments that charg,e at the gate. The only fees the City charges would be for adult uses, such as if another city needed extra fields and requested to use Andover's fields; they would be charged a flat fee. Chairman Lindahl stated the youth associations in the City have put forth a lot of effort into providing service and it would be detrimental to start charging a fee for them. If the associations have excess funds it comes back to the City. Commissioner Blackstad stated the associations helped pay for the scoreboards at Sunshine Park. As a community the associations give back a lot to the parks and they work hard at it. Commissioner Bedor indicated he received a call :&om a representative of girls softball, and they are concerned about Sunshine Park this year. Last year there was a compromise that allowed sharing arrangements with the fields, and softball was forced to cut their schedule by four games. This year softball wants those fields, and does not want to share them with baseball. They feel they should not have to cut their games and make any more sacrifIces, as baseball fields are being put up all over. Commissioner Blackstad indicated there will be some major discussions between the two associations when it comes down to the use of Sunshine Park. The two groups have to coexist and get along. Right now there are more kids playing balls than they have fields for. Commissioner Bedor questioned if it is City policy not to advertise on the fields. He stated the City is looking for revenue by charging higher fees for tournaments and constantly complaining about the lack of revenue. Ways to acquire revenue for the City should be sought out. Chairman Lindahl concurred and stated it gets to be the parents that are bearing the burden. Mr. Haas indicated this discussion will be included in the joint meeting with the City Council. - Regular Andover Park & RJtion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 2004 Page 9 Commissioner Holthus inquired if a date has been set to meet with the Council. Mr. Haas replied it will be after New Year's. Commissioner Holthus questioned if the Commission should review the CIP prior to the joint meeting with the Council. Mr. Haas replied the CIP would be reviewed in March and April when they look at where they are with new development. Chairman Lindahl noted at the end of the last meeting there was a discussion about the CIP and Commissioner Holthus was looking for something more consistent. Commissioner Holthus explained her thought is that the CIP is always changing. Chairman Lindahl commented in the past four years with the high school coming on board and the City Complex, the priorities have had to change. He thinks this has been by far the most consistency they have had in the CIP during his time on board. Commissioner Blackstad stated he likes that the CIP gives the Commission a broad look at what they are trying to accomplish, but also enables them to make allowances and changes. If they were not able to make those allowances they would never have the lights at Sunshine Park or Prairie Knoll Park. When things change they have to be able to change with them. Chairman Lindahl indicated the CIP was organized as a wish list item. It has been a good plan, but he does not know that it could get any more set. Commissioner Holthus commented in the past there have been residents that have come in and asked for things in their neighborhood parks and she has seen the Commission change their CIP or fmd money for certain things. In the meantime there are other residents that believe they will get their improvements done next and they keep getting moved down on the list. She understands the need to be flexible, but sees the value in a plan, and hates to see these parks get backed up. Chairman Lindahl noted almost everything that was on the original CIP has been completed. It has been a good document but it is not concrete. Commissioner Walton stated he agrees with Commission Holthus to an extent, but thinks almost every year there is a need to regroup. Chairman Lindahl inquired about the parking at Prairie Knoll Park. Mr. Haas replied the no parking signs are up. The season is over and staffhas not heard of any issues. If additional parking is needed it will have to be done on the east side. Chairman Lindahl inquired about the possibility of a trail. Mr. Haas replied there is a trail that leads to the park. Regular Andover Park & RC.:''ation Commission Meeting ,-\ \,-", Minutes - November 18, 2004 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Walton, seconded by Masloski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, I i Carol Hamer, Recording Secretary I TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ¡ , ¡