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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2, 2004 n 0 Cß~\.~ ()J:V . 5'\NÓÒVE~ ~jî tO~1-ò'-f ~'-~) PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - SEPTEMBER 2, 2004 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on September 2, 2004, 8:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Dan Masloski, Chairman Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad, Devon Walton and Valerie Holthus Commissioners Absent: Thomas Goodmanson and Ernest Bedor Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES f ~ Motion by Masloski, seconded by Walton, to approve the August 19,2004 Park ,~ Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, I-abstain (Holthus), 2-absent (Goodmanson and Bedor) vote. MILLER'S WOODS PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to reviewing and determining the park dedication requirements for the proposed preliminary plat of Miller's Woods. He noted that a copy of the preliminary plat had been provided for the Commission's review as well as a letter from Gary Laurent, Developer of the project, requesting a credit against park dedication fees based on the open space, park recreational amenities, trails and sidewalks provided within Miller's Woods. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the proposed development and recommend the park dedication requirements to the City Council. Gary Laurent, Miller Woods Developer, presented an overview of the development and what is being proposed in the open space that will have park type amenities. He said they are planning Millers Woods as a PUD. He noted part of the reason it is being planned as a PUD is that it will save the trees. He explained part of the area has a private () neighborhood park, and part of the area is outIots. He summarized the changes being sought because the development is planned as a PUD. He noted the street width will be Regular Andover Park & Rec~Jion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - September 2, 2004 Page 2 ./--'\ smaller than average, the front setback is smaller, and the garages will not be placed \J behind the homes. This creates more of a neighborhood feel. He noted the design of the houses will include upgraded material with variation in the architecture. He also noted there will be a large amount of wetland area. He further explained that a trail system begins at the community park and pool area and is designed to connect with a future trail system into downtown Andover. Mr. Laurent noted a sidewalk will be added along the inner side of the development. He explained the development will be maintained by an association. This will be controlled by a board of directors of residents. He said there is 6.23 acres in outIots, including the park, and accounts for 14.5% of the total area of the project. He stated the park features as planned are approximately double what the park dedication fees would be. He advocated that because the residents would be using these amenities, they would not be using those provided by the city in nearby areas, and thereby slowing the wear and tear on the other areas. Commissioner Holthus questioned how much architectural variation there will be between houses. Mr. Laurent answered there will be a number of models available with a choice of three to four fronts. Each will be customized. He further noted there will be restrictions to assure color variation as well as color compatibility. Commissioner Holthus asked whether the public would have access to the park type amenities. Mr. Laurent responded they would not. He explained the amenities will be C) paid for and maintained by the residents. He added that the residents could invite guests m. Commissioner Masloski inquired whether the residents would be able to play football, soccer, etc. at the park. Mr. Laurent stated the residents would likely spend many oftheir daytime hours at this park due to the convenience; however, they would not be able to play team sports there. Commissioner Walton questioned the process of determining who would be allowed to enter the park and pool. Mr. Laurent explained an official park manager will be hired. He added that the residents would have an access card to swipe for entering and exiting. Commissioner Blackstad stated he would like to see a trail on the west side of Olive Street and on the west side of Norway. He commented that 159th Ave. should be continued as an additional access to the development. He noted the traffic flow will be out to Crosstown and the neighbors to the east could potentially cut through the development to get to Crosstown. He said it could be a burden to give up this park and dedication fees. He mentioned that the children in this development may be in other sports activities that must take place at another park. Therefore, the impact on the park system will be the same whether this private park is built or not. He said he does not agree that a credit should be given. He explained that a credit has not been given on other PUDs with their own park. He said he was concerned about the precedence this would set. C_) Regular Andover Park & RecrOon Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - September 2, 2004 Page 3 (J Mr. Laurent stated there wasn't any extra density given in this PUD, but it was agreed to make it a PUD in order to save the trees. He noted the City Ordinance provides a reduction in fees if the development meets the requirement of providing certain amenities, which they are. Chairman Lindahl pointed out that the pool may not count towards the goals of the ordinance. Commissioner Blackstad commented that if a credit is given, it should be for what is provided in park amenities, and not necessarily the pool since that is a benefit strictly to the neighborhood. Commissioner Holthus asked whether the play area would meet the handicap requirements. Mr. Laurent answered it would. Commissioner Walton said he was concerned about developing a gated park versus a gated community and questioned why the community isn't gated. Mr. Laurent explained that gated communities are not well received. He further noted that part of the reason the park would be gated is for safety reasons especially in regard to the pool. 0 Commissioner Blackstad said he would be willing to allow a partial credit for some of the equipment in the tot lot since it does benefit people in the area. He pointed out there is a formula to calculate a partial credit per acre. Mr. Haas suggested the Commission made a recommendation, and he would calculate the credit using the formula at a later date and present it to the Commission. Commissioner Blackstad asked whether a portion of the credit would be given for the tot lot. Chairman Lindahl stated a tot lot is typically added in parks. Commissioner Walton pointed out that if the park is private, it may not qualify for any credit. He said he was concerned about the precedence this would set, and concerned about the gatedness. Mr. Laurent commented that if this did happen to start a trend and neighborhoods put their own tot lots and pools in, it would lessen the demand on the City for building and maintaining their own. Commissioner Blackstad noted the problem lies in how to handle increased activity from these residents in organized sports. 0 Commissioner Masloski pointed out that a development could potentially be built a mile from this development and the owners would be paying park dedication fees, yet be unable to use this park. Regular Andover Park & RecOion Commission Meeting C) Minutes - September 2, 2004 Page 4 .~\ '.~/ Commissioner Walton questioned whether the park could be developed as a public park. Mr. Laurent responded a neighborhood park was not proposed in this development originally. Though, developing it as a PUD drove them to put one in for the development. Chairman Lindahl stated this is an interesting concept, and the business side of it is realistic. However, he added, the Board cannot make a decision that the City is ready for this. He noted this is a different idea for the City in general. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Holthus to recommend a trail be added on the west sides of both Oliver and Norway streets, and that 159th Avenue be continued through the development, or a trail be continued for emergency purposes. Mr. Haas pointed out the development will likely have low volume streets, and possibly one sidewalk is all that will be necessary. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, I-nay (Masloski), and 2-absent (Goodmanson and Bedor) vote. ,-\ Motion by Blackstad to recommend that partial cost of the equipment for the tot lot be .J gIven. Motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Walton asked if the calculated number could be presented before making a recommendation. Mr. Haas said the Council would prefer to receive a recommendation from this Commission. Commissioner Walton suggested a flat fee be assessed. Motion by Masloski, seconded by Holthus, to recommend no credit be given. Commissioner Masloski said that since the public cannot use the park, no credit should be given. He added that this would set precedence and would not be consistent with past and future developments. Commissioner Holthus stated public money should be spent on public parks. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, and 2-absent (Goodmanson and Bedor) vote. Motion by Blackstad to recommend a possible credit for land in Outlot A be given, dependent on the percentage as calculated under the prescribed formula. 'ì \ " Motion failed for lack of a second. -~./ Regular Andover Park & Rec¡":.Jon Commission Meeting () Minutes - September 2, 2004 Page 5 (- " ) REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas noted the next quarterly report is due in October. Mr. Haas stated the Grand Opening of Prairie Knoll Park went well. Commissioner Blackstad apologized for missing the Grand Opening due to his work schedule, and added that the Park looks very nice. Chairman Lindahl mentioned the parking situation at the Grand Opening of the park, and suggested a memo be issued to Andover teams to remind them to park in the north parking lot. Mr. Haas pointed out that the Grand Opening is unusually busy, and there is a limit to how many teams can use the park at a given time. He suggested waiting to see if the parking issue would take care of itself. Commissioner Masloski asked for a total amount of costs on the Prairie Knoll Park. Mr. Haas said he would present that information to the Commission in October. CHAIR'S REPORT r Chairman Lindahl reported that the Football Association is interested in putting up lights ) at the Park. The Association suggested the City plan for one set of lights, and they would pay for the second set of lights along with the Soccer teams. Mr. Haas said he would investigate the possibility. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes; .O-nays, and 2-absent (Goodmanson and Bedor) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Chris Moksnes, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. '\ \ . ~ '