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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 7, 2002 <) o u ~QA) ~ o..lJ-lloJ-. O.1YlLrulu'l 3--1 ~ ~ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 7,2002 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on February 7, 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, Chri3 English, Chris DeLaForest, Dorrie Peterson, Valerie Holthus and Dave Blackstad. Commissioners Absent: There were none. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Others U RESIDENTS FORUM () There was none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Lindahl welcomed Dorrie Peterson to the Park Commission. Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Blackstad to approve the January 17, 2002 minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Peterson), O-absent. HANS HAGEN SKETCH PLAN/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained that the development is proposed to be a Planned Unit Development located in Andover Station. He stated that it's necessary to determine if the dedication requirements will be cash or land or a combination thereof. Chairman Lindahl mentioned that the City probably doesn't need anymore park property. Commissioner Grabowski suggested there be a signal installed at the nearby intersection because of the increase in traffic. " o (J ~~) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 2 Commissioner Blackstad stated it appears based on tonight's discussion that the Commission's recommendation would be for cash in lieu of land. FOXBURGH CROSSING SKETCH PLAN/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas suggested tabling this item until further notice, since the developer will need to submit a different sketch plan per the Council's request. DISCUSS PETITION/01-31/TERRACE PARK Mr. Haas stated that the City has approved the purchase of new playground equipment for all ages and a new swing set. The placement ofthe equipment was scheduled to be located at the north end of the park near the parking lot. He mentioned that a petition has been signed by the neighborhood requesting the City to consider having the equipment located at the south end west of the existing well and pumphouse. Commissioner Holthus stated that she went through and highlighted all the homes that signed the petition and noticed that the majority lived on the south side. She questioned if any of the homes on the north end were approached and if so what their response was. ~ ) Chris Rodriguez, 13403 Narcissus Street NW, explained that they feel as residents that they should have some input in where the equipment is placed since they are the ones using it. She stated that her along with another mom went around the neighborhood with a petition, however most ofthe people on the north end were not home that day. She also mentioned that there were two homes on the north side that were in favor of the playground equipment being placed on the south end. Ms. Rodriguez stated that there are a lot of stay at home moms on the south end ofthe park. She stated that they are in favor ofthe equipment being on the other side ofthe path. She also mentioned that she has been a mother of a baseball player, however she still feels it's more important the equipment is placed to accommodate the residents that live there and not the individuals that use the field a couple times per week. She went on to explain that if the equipment is placed on the north end it makes it difficult as a parent to see your child from the ball area, not to mention it would be possible for the ball to be hit right into the playground area. Commissioner Holthus stated that she's been a mom that has brought her child there to play baseball. She mentioned that typically the kids don't play by home plate but instead they walk to the other end. / '\ '. ) Commissioner Grabowski questioned if it would be possible to move the ball field and put the playground equipment not all the way to the north end. He mentioned that it would be best if the City could accommodate both the residents and the people using the fields. o (J : ) \....- Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 3 Chairman Lindahl questioned the residents in attendance if they would be opposed to a more central location. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if it would be possible to realign the parking lot and place the playground equipment on the north end by the shelter. Commissioner Grabowski questioned how much room there is between the well house and the neighbors on the west. Mr. Haas stated that it's about 230 feet. Commissioner Peterson questioned how much equipment will actually be going in at the park. Mr. Haas stated that it will end up being almost double of what already exists. Commissioner Peterson questioned if the City is also looking at putting in a basketball court. Mr. Haas stated that at this time the basketball court isn't in the CIP Plan. Commissioner Peterson mentioned that ifthe equipment is on the south side there is no shade; however there would be shade on the north end. Ms. Rodriguez explained that it isn't so much the shade, but the fact that you can't see your kids if they're playing at the playground. \, ) Commissioner Peterson questioned if it would be possible to move the parking lot to the north. Commissioner Blackstad stated that would be his recommendation. Mr. Haas suggested the possibility of having another parking lot and putting the equipment on the south end of the existing parking lot. Ms. Rodriguez stated that the well is a safety issue, however the individuals vandalizing it are the teens and it's been typically after dark. She stated that ifthe playground equipment were moved to the west it would be far enough away that it would be separate. Chairman Lindahl suggested the Commission revisit the issue at a later date once more information is available. lone Lienke, 3532 135th Avenue NW, stated that her concerns are more with the lighting at the parking lot, since it can become very dark if one is caught at the park after dark. Chairman Lindahl stated that the issue would be discussed at a later date once more information is available. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by DeLaForest, to table the discussion regarding the PetitionIProject 01-311Terrace Park until more information is available, furthermore that the Park Commission meet at Terrace Park at 6:30 p.m., the first Thursday in March. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. , \ '.-) o (J Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 4 ~) DISCUSS NEW SIGN LA YO UTIVARIO US PARKS, CONT. Commissioner Holthus mentioned that she was the one that requested additional layouts, however thought the additional layouts were much the same as the previous ones. Chairman Lindahl stated that it might be difficult to select one style since the wording is different for every park. He suggested it vary depending on the park as long as the symbol and bar at the bottom remain the same. Commissioner Grabowski agreed there should be 2 or 3 layouts the City picks from based on the name of the park. Mr. Haas agreed that it should be a case-by-case situation. He recommended keeping all six styles and choosing the best one for each park. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Grabowski, to approve accepting all six designs for the Sign Layouts, with the color, symbol, and bar remaining the same on all the signs and the lettering being modified to suit the park. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. UPDATE OF QUOTES/02-12/CITY HALL HOCKEY RINK FENCING \ \~) Commissioner Blackstad suggested tabling this item until further information is available on the Multi-Sports Task Facility. UPDATE OF 2002 PROJECTS Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the projects scheduled for 2002. Commissioner Grabowski suggested Strootman Park have additional lighting put in since it's often times vandalized. Chairman Lindahl questioned if there has been interest from the residents for 2-5 year old playground equipment at the Hills of Bunker Lake West Park. Mr. Haas stated that the City sent out a letter, however there was no response. Commissioner Peterson suggested checking into it, since the kids don't play on it once they become 3 or 4 years old anyway. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the playground equipment at the Hills of Bunker Lake West Park could be delayed at this time. Commissioner Peterson mentioned that the only problem with delaying it is that the . \ residents are expecting it, so it really isn't right to take it away. Mr. Haas stated that the .' 'J '---- equipment should still get used since the fields are used for baseball and softball games. " o ( ) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 5 . '\ ,,-.J Chairman Lindahl questioned if it's possible to hold off on it at this time. Mr. Haas suggested he send out another letter to find out if the residents are even interested in 2 to 5 year old playground equipment. Commissioner DeLaForest agreed. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed the outstanding items. Mr. Haas mentioned that if anyone has questions regarding the trail near Verdin Street they should attend the City Council meeting on February 19th. A resident in attendance questioned if staff has ever met with the residents on the east side of Verdin Street. Mr. Haas stated that as of so far staff hasn't met with the residents on the east side of Verdin Street. A resident in attendance stated that it was her understanding the residents on the east side would have an interest since they have small children and would benefit from the trail. Glen Marseck, 1431 168th Avenue, questioned if the Council will be making a decision at the February 19th Council meeting based on the Commission's recommendation. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the majority of the Commission is very much \_~) against a trail along Verdin Street, however the City's options are running out. Mr. Marseck questioned if this is a sidewalk or a walkway. Mr. Haas explained that it would likely be an 8- foot trail. Mr. Marseck mentioned that if the pond for street run off is moved the water will end up filling into his yard. Chairman Lindahl mentioned that the City will have a better idea as time goes on as to the amount of usage the facilities will generate. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the ideal situation is to find some neighbors that are willing to let the City put a trail through the neighborhoods, however as of yet this hasn't happened. Steve Erickson, 166th Avenue, stated that they've been to 11 meetings regarding the trail near Verdin Street, however we've never been told the width of the trail. Mr. Haas explained that the trail could be either 8-feet or lO-feet. " -,--) Jim Olson, 16658 Wren Court NW, agreed with Chairman Lindahl that at this point in time it's too early to tell the impact of the school. He agreed that everything should sit on hold until the impact of the facility is determined. u u "\ ,-j Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 6 Commissioner Anderson clarified that the City typically prefers a 10- foot trail, however it's possible to make the trail a minimum of 8-feet. Carrie Sherro, 17330 Verdin Street, stated that she would loose so much land if she allowed a trail to be put through her lot. Chairman Lindahl explained that if the trail were along Verdin Street and if the county did an improvement in the easement area and had to take the trail out to make the ditch the proper grade the City would loose all their restitution at no cost. Mr. Creon, area resident, questioned what kids would be using the playground at the school. Commissioner Blackstad explained that the school grounds will be an attraction for any kid in the area on weekends and/or nights. Lorna Erickson, l66th Avenue, questioned if the Commission is aware of how many kids are out there that would even use the trail system. She questioned if the City has contacted the residents on the east side of Verdin Street. Commissioner Blackstad stated that at this point the City doesn't know for sure the impact of the school. Chairman Lindahl explained that apparently the school district has done some research to determine that there is a need for a trail. , '\. V Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that if the City can't find a property owner that's willing to donate an easement, the next choice is Verdin Street. Jim Pearson, 1655 Verdin Street, suggested there be a petition submitted to the county regarding the speed limit along Verdin Street. He stated that he doesn't feel a trail will be safe along Verdin Street, unless the speed limit is lowered. Mike Johnson, area resident, questioned where the backwoods entry to the trail would be located. Mr. Haas explained the possible locations of the trail. Commissioner Grabowski explained that the City had to look at what could be done in the case that the school district enforces the 2-mile walking distance. Mr. Johnson questioned how the kids on the backside would access the trail. He mentioned that he lives in that neighborhood and feels there are very few kids that would really use the trail. He also mentioned that the east side of Verdin is a younger community and would likely have more children. Chairman Lindahl stated that to his belief there must be kids up to the age of 16 that would ride their bikes and access the school ball fields. r , Mr. Johnson stated that the community is concerned since it appears that the trail will go '-__) through no matter what. Commissioner Grabowski stated that that isn't true, however the u o '\ \. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 7 reality is that the kids who want to use the facilities at the school will be cutting through the neighborhoods. Mr. Johnson mentioned that by coming in the backside there are probably no more than 10 homes that would benefit from the trail. Commissioner Grabowski disagreed and stated that there would definitely be more than 10 homes that would benefit from the trail. Chairman Lindahl stated that the whole idea is to keep the kids off of Verdin Street. Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that the WDE Site is still on hold, however it appears at this time that everything will stay. Commissioner Holthus questioned when the layouts of the site will be presented to the Commission. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it won't be for some time. He explained why. Multi-Sports Facility Task Force - Commissioner Holthus stated that the Multi-Sports Task Force met on January 30th with the City Council. She mentioned that 3 different locations were discussed, however the task force made the recommendation that it be located at the City Hall. /j \.__.J Chairman Lindahl questioned ifthe task force has narrowed the scope ofthe project. Commissioner Holthus stated that currently there would be a field house, pool, and one sheet ofice. Skateboard Task Force - There was nothing to report on the Skateboard Task Force. Crooked Lake Elementary School Hockey Rink Update - Commissioner Holthus mentioned that there really is nothing more to do with this task force. She stated that at this point the school needs to determine how much they are willing to pay for with the rink. Mr. Haas stated that he recently met with the Andover Baseball Association President and they are wondering if the Commission would be interested in purchasing $2,000 in portable baseball mounds. He mentioned that Public Works would also be interested in putting in some money. Chairman Lindahl suggested Mr. Haas find out how many are needed and where they would be located. Commissioner Blackstad explained that the mounds are very portable and weigh approximately 60-80 pounds. '~-) Commissioner Anderson questioned if the mounds would be picked up every night, or if they would be left at the field. Commissioner Blackstad stated that they would be put away at night. .: ) '- -' " ') '--'~ ( ) ". ~ (J o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 8 Mr. Haas explained that the association would purchase five if the City were to purchase five. Commissioner Anderson stated that it seems like an economical way to expand the sports program. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Grabowski, to proceed with obtaining quotes and contributing funds to purchase five portable pitching mounds. Further Discussion Chairman Lindahl questioned if there should be a maximum dollar amount approved. Mr. Haas stated that they are looking for $2,000. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would agree to amend the motion so that the purchase doesn't exceed $2,500. Commissioner Grabowski also agreed to the amendment. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-abstain (Blackstad), O-absent vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman Lindahl welcomed Commissioner Peterson to the Commission. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that he's heard the school district is going to start cutting out the maintenance on the school facilitieslball fields, therefore it's possible they'll look to the City. Commissioner Anderson questioned if it would be possible to put an article in some of the school newsletters regarding the need for members on the Skateboard Task Force. Mr. Haas stated that that would be fine. Commissioner DeLaForest stated that he appreciates Mr. Haas and the rest of staff for all their hard work on the Bunker Lake Underpass. He stated that in the long run the tunnel will definitely benefit the City. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the Commission start discussing the possibility of the sports facility coming to the City Hall complex at a future park meeting and how the amenities would be replaced so the City doesn't get caught behind. ADJOURNMENT Motiolt by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, ; .. '- .. , , \........' (~) () (J- Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 7, 2002 Page 9 Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.