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Home My WebLink AboutJuly 15, 2004 Ü ~\u*, l)J.)/ C I T Y o F NDOVE LtJWitn y ~ q-o~- ,-\ \.~ PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JULY 15,2004 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Bi-MontWy Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on July 15, 2004, at 7:35 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairman Jim Lindahl; Ernest Bedor; Dave Blackstad; Thomas Goodmanson; Valerie Holthus; and Devon Walton Commissioners Absent: Dan Masloski Also Present: Parks Coordinator Todd Haas ,-) 2. RESIDENT'S FORUM There were no comments at this time. 3. APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to approve the June 17,2004 Park and Recreation Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, 1- absent (Masloski) vote. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Walton, to approve the May 20, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, 1- absent (Masloski) vote. 4. APPROVE 2004 FALL BASEBALVSOFTBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated that the AAU fall baseball league requests one field from September 13 through October 10, 2004 on Sundays only so there should be no conflicts with the other schedules. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to approve the 2004 softbalVbasebalVfootball schedule as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Masloski) vote. \ J \. ~I 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 15, 2004 Page 2 :) 5. APPROVE 2004 FOOTBALVSOCCER SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated that the Andover Invaders Soccer still need to fill out an application for scheduled use of recreational facilities if they plan on using any of the fields this fall. He stated the Andover Athletic Association's league will end the fIrst part of September at Sunshine Park so there should be no conflict with the soccer, lacrosse and football schedules. Mr. Haas indicated that the Andover Area Lacrosse Association has requested Sunshine Park #5 for two one-day events on October 9 and 10. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to approve the 2004 fall soccer/lacrosse/football schedule as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, 1- absent (Masloski) vote. 6. CONSIDER POLICY OR ORDINANCE AMENDMENT/CITY CODE #8, CHAPTER 4/TOBACCO-FREE POLICIES FOR PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS & ATHLETIC FACILITIES - CONTINUED Chairman Lindahl stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider a Tobacco-Free Policy for Parks, Playgrounds and Athletic Facilities as ~--) requested by Rachel Hilyar, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for Anoka County's Community Health and Environmental Services. This matter was tabled from the June 17, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission meeting because a quorum was not present at that meeting. Ms. Hilyar informed the Commission that the Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) Initiative is a state-wide recreation-based tobacco prevention program that assists recreational groups in promoting healthy tobacco-free lifestyles. The County has received grant monies to support tobacco-free initiatives and is interested in assisting the City of Andover in adopting a tobacco-free policy for its parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities. Ms. Hilyar noted that the grant monies could be used to educate citizens about the tobacco-free policies. Ms. Hilyar stated that 53 communities around the state of Minnesota have adopted a tobacco-free policy, including Ramsey, Coon Rapids and Anoka. Commissioner Holthus asked if there is any cost to the City associated with adopting a tobacco-free policy and if the "tobacco-free zone" signs are donated by TFYR. Ms. Hilyar replied there is no cost to the City and "tobacco-free zone" signs are donated as part of the grant from the Department of Health. Commissioner Bedor asked if it is TFYR's intention to seek a tobacco-free ordinance in the future to replace the tobacco-free policy. Ms. Hilyar stated the intention is to ~'-) encourage cities to adopt tobacco-free policies as a means to educate the public. She ü 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 15, 2004 Page 3 8 indicated the policy is not enforceable but is simply meant to raise public awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Commissioner Bedor stated he does not believe that secondhand smoke is an issue when the public is outdoors. Commissioner Holthus stated that it appears the tobacco-free policy is intended to promote positive role modeling by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and eliminate offensive behavior in the parks, including safeguarding residents from secondhand smoke and eliminating litter in area parks. Commissioner Blackstad stated compliance with a tobacco-free policy is voluntary. Commissioner Bedor stated he does not believe this is a role model issue and felt some residents would be upset by the adoption of a tobacco-free policy. He felt that for the most part, smokers are considerate and will move away from non-smokers because they are more aware of the sensitivity surrounding the issue. Commissioner Walton stated that it seems the bigger issue may be the need to reduce litter in area parks. (- -, Motion by Holthus to approve a tobacco-free policy for Andover parks, playgrounds and \_j athletic facilities. Chairman Lindahl entertained a second to the motion. There being no second to the motion, the motion to approve a tobacco-free policy for Andover parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities FAILED. Chairman Lindahl stated that the issue may be presented to the City Council for consideration. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Bedor, to reject a tobacco-free policy for Andover parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, I-nay (Holthus), 1- absent (Masloski) vote. Chairman Lindahl expressed concern about the limitations of the tobacco-free policy; e.g., would a tobacco-free policy be in place at area parks that are located near lakes and where people are smoking in their boats? Ms. Hilyar stated that other communities have made some exceptions to their tobacco-free policy; however, the issue of voluntary enforcement of individuals smoking in their boats has never come up. Commissioner Bedor stated this is a personal liberty issue and felt it is not the role of government to be involved. 7. SCHEDULE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONYIPRAIRIE KNOLL PARK ~~ Mr. Haas stated a ribbon cutting ceremony needs to be scheduled for Prairie Knoll Park and suggested September 2, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. He stated there will be larger crowds on that date because of football. - u 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 15, 2004 . Page 4 ~) Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at Prairie Knoll Park on Thursdav. September 2. 2004 at 6:30 p.m. and to move the start time of the September 2, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission meeting to 8:00 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Masloski) vote. Commissioner Blackstad expressed the Park and Recreation Commission's appreciation for all the hard work in completing the park and requested Mr. Haas invite his staff to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony. 8. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S REPORT (2nd QUARTER) Mr. Haas presented the second quarter Anoka County Sheriff's Report. Mr. Haas reported there was recent vandalism (spray painting of the equipment) at Creek View Crossing Park. He stated the individuals were caught and will be prosecuted. 9. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas stated the trails, basketball court and hockey rink at Prairie Knoll Park have been paved. He encouraged the Commission members to stop by and visit the site. f \ Mr. Haas reported that the lighting of ball fields at Sunshine Park is progressing and they \j are in the process of moving the light poles to the foundations. Mr. Haas indicated the EDA has selected Bruggeman Homes to develop the residential portion of the WDE site (the name of the area is now identified as Andover Station North). Mr. Haas advised the lease agreement has been signed by Constance Free Church for the skate park and the equipment is ready for use. Commissioner Walton stated the park has been busy. 10. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairman Lindahl requested Mr. Haas congratulate his staff on the success of the Fun Fest and the tournaments held last weekend. Commissioner Blackstad remarked that even with the heavy rain Sunday morning, by mid-morning the fields were dry and there were no game cancellations as a result of the rain. Mr. Haas reported that Eric Sutherland would be joining the City on August 1st as the new Recreation Facilities Manager that will be responsible for the ice arena and gymnasium. Mr. Haas stated he will introduce Mr. Sutherland at a future meeting. ,- ., '--~ - () () Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 15, 2004 Page 5 í--' 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Walton, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Masloski) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Hughes Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. t ., , , ,-~