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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 21, 2002 '~ o CJ o o C~~ o.d ~" 3--l"-O^ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 21,2002 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on February 21,2002, 7:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairman Jim Lindahl, Commissioners Al Grabowski, Paul Anderson, Dorrie Peterson, Dave Blackstad, and Valarie Holthus (arrived at 7:58 p.m.). Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Chris DeLaForest. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Others RESIDENTS FORUM . There was none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MotioltbyGrabowski, seconded by Blackstad, to table approving the February 7, 2002 minutes until the end of the meeting. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Peterson), 2-absent (DeLaForest and Holthus) vote. INTRODUCE CRIME PREVENTION SPECIALISTS/ANOKA COUNTY, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Lieutenant Dave King with the Anoka CountySheriff's Department introduced Laura Landes' as the newly hired Crime Prevention Specialist. Ms. Landes has been with the Sheriff's Office for three years where she started. as a secretary assistant for the Chief Deputy and Inspector. He went on to give a brief history of Ms. Landes' past work experiences and current responsibilities. Mr. Haas suggested the Commission select a date for a workshop to discuss the Neighborhood Watch Program, National Night Out, and potentially the Park Crime Prevention Program with Ms. Landes. o o / , ,--) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21, 2002 Page 2 The Commission agreed to have the workshop on Thursday, March 21,2002 at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular Park & Recreation Commission meeting. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to schedule a workshop with Crime Prevention Specialist Laura Landes to discuss a number of issues on Thursday, March 21,2002 at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2- absent (DeLaForest and Holthus) vote. DISCUSS CROOKED LAKE IMPROVEMENTS/MN DNR Mr. Haas explained that Tom Hovey, Area Hydrologist ofthe MN DNR, is present to give a presentation on Crooked Lake and answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Hovey gave a presentation to the Commission covering a number of areas concerning the lake. Some ofthe issues he covered were the past history of the lake, public waters inventory/regulatory, water levels, water quality, and fishery. The presentation included a number of visuals consisting of graphics and maps to help the Commission have a good grasp on the information. , '- ) Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that last year there were concerns of breaking the basin while doing some dredging. Mr. Hovey stated that it's definitely something to be aware of, however it isn't likely in this case. Commissioner Peterson questioned if Crooked Lake is a recreational lake or a fishing lake. Mr. Hovey explained that it's a general development lake, however the water surface use is actually regulated by the local zoning ordinance. Chairman Lindahl mentioned that it's pretty difficult to get a big boat on the lake. He stated that most of the people using the lake, live on the lake. Commissioner Peterson questioned the reason the item is on the agenda. Commissioner Blackstad explained that the access has become a problem to get boats in and out of the water. Mr. Haas mentioned that it would be possible to dredge the access up to 60 yards, however beyond that the City would need a permit. Commissioner Anderson questioned if dredging the lake 60 yards would help. Mr. Haas stated that it would only help around the landing and over time the same problem would return. ~-) Commissioner Grabowski suggested dredging the 60 yards and waiting to see what happens as a result of it. \~J C) ,~) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21, 2002 Page 3 Mr. Haas stated that he would refer it to Public Works in terms of dredging the lake out 60 yards. PENTA MANAGEMENT SKETCH PLAN/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained that the development is proposed to be an urban single-family residential development located near the intersection of 161 5t Avenue NW and Hanson Boulevard NW. He stated that it's necessary to determine ifthe dedication requirements will be cash or land or a combination thereof. Commissioner Grabowski questioned the age of the map presented before the Commission. Mr. Haas mentioned that the map is the most recent map the City has on file. Commissioner Blackstad suggested the dedication requirements be cash in lieu of land. The Commission agreed. DISCUSS REPLACEMENT OF FACILITIES AT CITY HALL (-) Chairman Lindahl explained that he requested this item to be on the agenda so the Commission can begin doing an inventory on what the City has at the City Hall complex, and what the replacement costs would be for each item. Commissioner Anderson suggested the use of each amenity also be determined. Mr. Haas stated that it's his understanding that the hockey rink/skateboard rink is ultimately going to be at the WDE Site, furthermore the City will be gaining 4 ball fields from the WDE Site. Chairman Lindahl disagreed and stated that the City is still losing 1 ball field, since the WDE Site has already been in the plans. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commission should still look at a location for this hockey rink for the population around the City Hall. He mentioned that there has been talk about extending the coolant lanes out the backside of the ice arena, which would allow there to be ice from the middle of October through April. He reminded the Commission that nothing is for sure in terms ofthe Mulit-Sports Complex. He agreed that the Commission still needs to look at the cost of the items that could be lost. Mr. Haas stated that the hockey rink cost is approximately $60,000. The ball field cost is approximately $75,000 per field, and the free skate rink is roughly $5-10,000. He mentioned that there has been talk about going in with the school district on the tennis courts and the City would light one oftheir courts, therefore it would be about $10,000- $12,000. / "1 \.J Commissioner Grabowski questioned the cost of lighting the tennis courts. Mr. Haas stated that they are approximately $10-12,000. (] u Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21, 2002 Page 4 ~) Commissioner Blackstad questioned the cost if two tennis courts were constructed. Mr. Haas stated that it would run approximately $30,000 to $40,000 each. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it would be approximately $50,000 for a tennis court plus $10-12,000 for lights. Commissioner Blackstad questioned the cost of a soccer field. Mr. Haas stated that it would approximately be $75,000. Chairman Lindahl stated that it's definitely something the Commission needs to look at and present back to the City Council, that these are some of the costs that will also be incurred with the facility. Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that right now the parking lots are all done; however if it were all taken away that would be something else to consider. -Chairman Lindahl mentioned that the school will be an option for some of the amenities, however there would still be losses. C_) Commissioner Peterson stated that the Commission first should determine the usage, before writing a letter to the City Council stating that certain items need to be replaced. Chairman Lindahl explained that the Commission just wants to make the Council aware that losing some amenities will end up costing the City. Commissioner Peterson reminded the Commission that there are also things that are being added throughout the City. Commissioner Anderson explained that the things that are being added throughout the City are based on the growth of the City. Commissioner Peterson stated that the Commission shouldn't go to the Council saying what the costs are and stating that they would have to replace the amenities. Chairman Lindahl explained that the intent isn't to deter the project, but instead to present the facts to the Council and/or task force in case they're not being considered. Commissioner Peterson suggested the Commission take a more proactive approach. She went on to explain. Chairman Lindahl explained that he just would like to present the estimated costs before the City Council. ''\ \ ) -------- Commissioner Peterson stated that she would like to see the Commission partner more with the City Council since it would help the Commission get further. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commission should partner more with the Multi-Sports Complex task force. o o '~) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21, 2002 Page 5 Chairman Lindahl suggested Mr. Haas put together the numbers in a letter format so it can be presented before the City Council at a future Council meeting. Commissioner Peterson questioned how long it would take to get the association numbers from the last two years. Chairman Lindahl mentioned that all the schedules should be coming before the City in the next month. Mr. Haas stated that the applications are due the first Thursday in March. Commissioner Holthus arrived at 7:58 p.m. UPDATE OF PARK SIGNAGE & SUNSHINE PARK BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS Commissioner Grabowski stated that he discussed the problem of young kids climbing on the Sunshine Park building with Ms. Landes. He mentioned that she suggested putting slots in the fence, which would make it more difficult to climb. Mr. Haas stated that this has already been done by Public Works. CONSIDER REQUEST FORIMPROVEMENTSINORTH METRO SOCCER ASSOC. \ Chairman Lindahl explained that North Metro Soccer Association is requesting additional equipment for the 2002 Spring-Summer season. ',,---- ' Steve Frietag, representing North Metro Soccer Association, explained that they are requesting 5 sets (10 goals) 0[6 X 12-foot goals fOf the upcoming season. He mentioned that when Prairie Knoll is completed they will need another 4 sets of6 X 12-foot goals. He stated that they would also like to use North Woods Park again even though it hasn't been used in awhile. He stated that the concern has been the need for a fence to prevent the ball from going out in the road. Chairman Lindahl questioned what type of fencing is at Public Works. Commissioner Grabowski questioned the reason the fencing is legal for soccer, however it isn't legal for baseball or softball. Chairman Lindahl stated that there was a concern that a baseball or softball player could get hung up in the fence. Commissioner Grabowski questioned how close the field is to the road. Mr. Haas stated that the field is approximately 13 feet from the road. Mr. Frietag stated that he could make it work so the fence isn't close to the road and the field isn't right up to the fence. CJ Chairman Lindahl stated that he would like to look into whether or not the field is even useable and if the fencing at Public Works would even work. Mr. Haas stated that he would check into it. I , u o ~'-) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21,2002 Page 6 Chairman Lindahl questioned the cost of the goals. Mr. Haas stated that one set of goals is approximately $2-4,000. Mr. Frietag stated that one set would be around $2,000. Commissioner Holthus suggested the Commission make a motion on the goals, however wait on the fencing. Commissioner Grabowski questioned Mr. Frietag ifhe provided the City with a schedule from last year. Mr. Frietag stated that he did last summer or fall, however if it's lost he offered to resubmit another copy. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it's hard approving the purchase of things if the Commission doesn't know the usage to justify it. He questioned Mr. Frietag on how many players are from Andover and how many come from other cities. Mr. Frietag stated about 50% of the kids are from Andover. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the other cities are doing anything. Mr. Frietag stated that East Bethel is building 4 sets of goals and Oak Grove is building 5 sets. He mentioned that he is hoping to receive a grant from the state to purchase the goals for Prairie Knoll. r -, ~) Commissioner Anderson questioned Mr. Frietag if he is requesting two sets of goals for Hidden Creek. Mr. Frietag stated that that is correct. He mentioned that if the field is being used for practice the goals would stay there, however if the field ever became a game field he would use the goals elsewhere. Chairman Lindahl questioned how much money is left of the $20,000. Mr. Haas was unsure. Commissioner Blackstad suggested staff obtain the costs for the next meeting on what the goals would actually cost. Commissioner Grabowski supported the idea of having two fields at Hidden Creek for practice. Mr. Haas stated that one set of goals is for Red Oaks West Park. Chairman Lindahl questioned how much Red Oaks West Park was used last fall. Mr. Frietag stated it was used two nights per week. Commissioner Grabowski suggested approving one set of goals for Red Oaks West Park. (J Mr. Haas stated that one set is also for North Woods West Park. " o o , ^', \. jJ Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21,2002 Page 7 Mr. Haas stated that the Commission would need to make a motion for 3 sets of goals, since the 4th set is for Hidden Creek East Park and is already in the budget. Commissioner Blackstad questioned the price of each set. Mr. Haas stated approximately $2,000 per set. Motion by Holthus, seconded by Grabowksi, to approve the purchase of3 sets of6 X 12- foot soccer goals for North Metro Association, with the amount not to exceed $2,000 per set and if it does the association would pay the difference. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0- nays, I-absent (DeLaForest) vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed the outstanding items. Chairman Lindahl updated the Commission in regards to the recent action with the trails along Verdin Street. He stated that in his mind the Commission shouldn't be responsible for transportation routes. /' ".. Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that trails along major roads should be part ofthe transportation plan. Commissioner Anderson stated that it seems the Commission all agrees that it's a transportation issue. '~_J Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that it would completely drain the trail fund. Chairman Lindahl explained that the Commission looked at this as an objective to get kids from the west side without going on Verdin Street. He stated that if the City doesn't get the NW connection, however achieves the south connection then the goal has almost been achieved. Commissioner Holthus explained that the original intent was to provide a way for kids to get to the school to use the equipment during after school hours. Chairman Lindahl stated that the Commission was only looking for a connection on the west side of Verdin, since there are side streets that interconnect on the east and there are plans for a crosswalk at 169th Lane. Gary Niederstad (sp?), 1 76th Lane, mentioned that he had read something stating that the school is in a hazardous zoned area. Mr. Haas stated that the information has been updated and changed to a non-transported area. ~J Commissioner Blackstad stated that the issue isn't with the school, but instead the concern is with the kids that are going to want to go to school during after hours for the numerous amenities. u o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 21,2002 Page 8 " Mr. Niederstad questioned the reason the Commission is looking at Verdin Street. Chairman Lindahl explained that in the beginning Verdin Street was the focus, however the City is now looking at the south and north ends of the school. Mr. Niederstad questioned how the kids on the east side are going to get to the school. Chairman Lindahl explained that all the streets on the east side are interconnected, furthermore there will be a crosswalk at 169th Lane. Mr. Haas explained that staff is trying to work with the property owners who have verbally agreed to a trail easement. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he is fine ifthe only access the City can achieve is on the south end. Commissioner Holthus stated that she feels the City should still try and pursue a north access. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it would be great ifthere could be an access on the north and the south. Jerry Hemingson, 17181 Bittersweet Street, stated that he has a wetland area on his property that he wouldn't want touched. He stated that the reason he bought his property \ was to keep it natural. He mentioned that he could deal with a trail if it followed the " .I property line at the south end, however it would need a bridge in one area because of potential flooding. Chairman Lindahl mentioned that Hawkridge Park is accessible for the residents on the west side of Verdin Street. Greg Edwards, 17180 Bittersweet Street, stated that there aren't that many kids in the neighborhood. He suggested the City take a poll from the area residents to find out what the community wants. Mr. Haas stated that there was an information meeting held in November of2001. Chairman Lindahl stated that right now the City is pushing for an access off of 1 68th Lane. A resident in attendance questioned if the focus changes will the residents be notified. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it would be up to the Council to notify the public. A resident in attendance stated that he isn't against a trail all together. Chairman Lindahl stated that the whole intent has been to keep the kids off of Verdin Street. \ ---.-,,/ Commissioner Grabowski suggested this item be removed from the issues list. The Commission agreed. u o (-J ',- ' Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-February 21,2002 Page 9 Multi-Sports Facility Task Force - Commissioner Holthus stated that there hasn't been another meeting since the last time the Commission met. Skateboard Task Force - Mr. Haas stated that there will be an article in the March newsletter, therefore he is hoping to receive a response from anyone interested by March 22nd. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner Holthus questioned ifthe Comprehensive Plan for off road trails should be updated with the changes. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it would have to be done when the Comprehensive Plan is changed. Commissioner Holthus stated that she has the March and April articles written for the newsletter and with her this evening. She stated that if anyone on the Commission is interested they may review them. Chairman Lindahl questioned Mr. Haas ifit would be possible to keep track of how much of the $20,000 that was set aside for "other" expenses has been spent. Commissioner .' " Anderson suggested keeping the budgeted and the unbudgeted items separate. \, - / Mr. Haas agreed to have a tally under the miscellaneous category of the Review of Outstanding Items. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to table approval of the February 7,2002 Park Commission minutes until the next meeting. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 1- present (Peterson), I-absent (DeLaForest) vote. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (DeLaForest) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. !:- ) "