HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 3, 2002
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CITY of ANDOVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JANUARY 3,2002
MINUTES
Chairperson Valerie Holthus called the Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park
and Recreation Commission to order on January 3, 2002, 7:04 p.m., at the Andover City
Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners Present:
Chairperson Valerie Holthus,. Commissioners Jim Lindahl,
Al Grabowski, Paul Anderson, Chris English, Chris
DeLaForest, and Dave Blackstad.
Commissioners Absent:
There were none.
Also Present:
Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas
Others
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There was none.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Blackstad,seconded Lindahl, to approve the December 6,2001 Park
Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-present
(Anderson, Grabowski, and English), O-absent vote.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that the motion for the Grant Applications should
include that staffberequested to contact the Coon Creek Watershed District in regards to
Crooked Lake, whereas the motion currently doesn't state the reason the Watershed
District is being contacted.
Mr. Haas mentioned that the motion for the security cameras should state that the portable
camera should be removed. He questioned ifthe inte~t ofthe Park Commission on page
4 and 5 of the December 20th minutes was to include Hawkridge Park in the grant
application process. He stated that ifthis is the case it wasn't included in the motion.
Mr. Haas went on to explain that one Council member was concerned that Hawkridge
Park wasn't included in the motion.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes -January 3, 2002
Page 2
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Chairperson Holthus stated that the concern from the Council was that Hawkridge Park is
not on the current CIP Plan. Mr. Haas stated that Hawkridge Park is in the CIP Plan for
2004.
Chairperson Holthus stated that the Council did vote unanimously on January 2nd to
submit a grant for Hawkridge Park. Mr. Haas mentioned that the Commission could
include the playground equipment if desired.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that Council member Knight had a lot of questions at the
Council meeting about the amount of the grant and the reason to apply for it in 2002
when it isn't scheduled until 2004.
Commissioner English explained that if the grant comes through in 2002, the
Commission reviews the CIP Plan for 2003 in 2002 anyway that way it could be pulled
from 2004.
Chairperson Holthus stated that Council member Trude suggested moving up the WDE
Site and begin applying for grants.
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Motion by English, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the December 20, 2001 Park
Commission minutes with the amendments stated below, and to add to the agenda
discussion on whether or not to apply for grants on Hawkridge Park and the WDE Site.
. To include in the motion regarding the grant applications, that the Coon Creek
Watershed District be contacted by staff in regards to Crooked Lake.
. That the security camera motion be amended to state that the portable camera be
removed.
Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Blackstad), O-absent vote.
USE OF HOCKEY RINK/CONSTANCE FREE CHURCH
Mr. Haas explained that Constance Free Church is requesting use of a hockey rink for
Wednesday, February 6,2002 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. He recommended the
Commission schedule them for Hawkridge Park since the City Hall and Crooked Lake
School are already reserved for Wednesdays.
Commissioner Grabowski questioned the Constance Free Church League Director on
which rink they would prefer to have. The League Director stated that they don't really
care but would just like a rink.
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Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the Use ofHawkridge Park
Hockey Rink to Constance Free Church on Wednesday, February 6, 2002 from 6:45 p.m.
to 8:45 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - January 3. 2002
Page 3
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Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the Anoka and Blaine Hockey Associations
haven't been showing up for their scheduled rink time. Mr. Haas stated that he would
give the associations a call to make sure they are aware the rinks are open, and if they
aren't on the ice on Monday and Tuesday they'll loose their rink time. The Commission
agreed with Mr. Hans's approach.
RECOMMEND QUOTE/01-311PRAIRIE KNOLL & TERRACE PARK
PLAYGROUND
Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is requested to review and recommend quotes
for new playground equipment at Prairie Knoll and Terrace Parks, Project 01-31. He
stated that funds were available to replace the existing equipment at these parks as the
equipment is outdated and doesn't meet safety guidelines. He presented the quotes to the
Commission. He mentioned that Kevin Starr believes that the City needs to provide like
kind of equipment for those that are handicapped.
Commissioner Grabowski questioned the reason good equipment is being thrown away.
He questioned the reason the swings are being removed. Mr. Haas agreed to discuss the
issue with Mr. Starr in further detail.
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Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the equipment is outdated and unrepairable then
why is it in a number of parks throughout the City. Mr. Haas stated that if the
Commissioners have any questions, they should call prior to the meeting to allow him
time to find out the correct answers.
Mr. Haas stated that if the Commission would prefer tabling the discussion until further
information is available then that would be fine.
Commissioner English questioned if the neighborhood still needs playground equipment
in the 2-5 year old age bracket. Mr. Haas mentioned that when the City uses CDBG
Funds, the funds have to be used for equipment that is being replaced for the same age
bracket, which in this case is for ages 2-5.
Commissioner English questioned ifit would be possible to replace the 5-12 year old
equipment at Terrace Park. Mr. Haas stated that he would need to research this with
Anoka County.
Commissioner English mentioned that the kids in the neighborhood have aged since the
City originally applied for the grant.
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Mr. Haas stated that there currently isn't anything for the 2-5 year olds that is useful,
however the existing 5-12 year old equipment is does not meet safety guidelines and is
not handicapped accessible.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - January 3, 2002
Page 4
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Motion by Grabowski to table recommending a quote for Prairie Knoll and Terrace Park
Playground Equipment, until more information is available from Kevin Starr.
Further Discussion
Chairperson Holthus questioned if Kevin Starr or Frank Stone should be present for the
next Park Commission m~eting.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested the Commission meet either Mr. Starr or Mr. Stone
out at the park 10 minutes prior to the next Park Commission. Mr. Haas stated that he
would check into it, however it shouldn't be a problem if Mr. Stone were to attend.
Chairperson Holthus questioned if the Commission would meet at Terrace Park or Prairie
Knoll Park. The Commission agreed to meet at Terrace Park.
Chairperson Holthus summarized that the motion is to table the discussion until further
information is available, and to meet with either Mr. Starr or Mr. Stone at Terrace Park
prior to the next meeting.
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Commissioner English questioned if it would be possible to scratch Prairie Knoll from
the plan all together, and instead do everything at Terrace Park.
(Intenuption of meeting) Tory Kelstad ofthe Anoka Hockey Association, no address
stated, questioned the process for coaches to schedule ice time. Commissioner Blackstad
explained that any ice time on the rinks must be coordinated through the association.
Mr. Haas explained that he sent letters out to the residents of both parks to find out what
type of equipment they wanted at each park. He stated that no one from Prairie Knoll
contacted the City, however they are also assuming that we are going to be making
improvements.
Commissioner English stated that because ofthe construction at Prairie Knoll Park was
not to take place in 2002; it doesn't make sense to include any playground equipment
improvements at this time.
Commissioner English suggested the Commission recommend to Mr. Starr and Mr. Stone
that everyone stick with one philosophy of starting with one park and finishing it all at
once. Mr. Haas stated that he didn't think the county would have a problem with the
change, however recommended the Commission still go with the full swing and the
handicapped swing.
~_) Motion fails due to lack of a second.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes -January 3,2002
Page 5
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Motion by Grabowski, seconded by English, to recommend that the 5-12 year old
playground equipment be installed at Terrace Park instead of Prairie Knoll Park, along
with installing 2-5 year old playground equipment already scheduled for Terrace Park,
and the full swing and the handicapped swing, in addition add Prairie Knoll on the CDBG
Application for 2003.
Further Discussion
Mr. Haas mentioned that this motion would have to be subject to approval by the county.
Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote.
The Commission agreed there would be no meeting with Mr. Starr or Mr. Stone at
Terrace Park prior to the next Park Commission meeting.
DISCUSS NEW SIGN LA YOUTIVARIOUS PARKS
Commissioner English stated that he likes the park symbol with the bar across the bottom
of the sign.
.~ ') Commissioners Grabowski and Anderson stated that they liked the first sample listed in
, ./ the packet. Commissioner English agreed.
Commissioner Anderson stated that he likes the City of Andover Parks Department stated
on the sign. Chairperson Holthus agreed.
Chairperson Holthus suggested the Commission review more choices at a future meeting.
Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the Commission likes the blue scroll on the sign.
Some of the Commissioners liked the scroll, however Chairperson Holthus was opposed
to it.
Commissioner Blackstad suggested staff come back with a few more ideas, however
keeping the symbol with the bar. Chairperson Holthus agreed.
Chairperson Holthus stated that she doesn't like the Victorian look.
The Commission for the most part agreed on the first sample in the packet.
Commissioner English agreed to have more choices brought back, but those choices
should also include the "Timber River" sample. Commissioner Grabowski agreed, and
suggested staff also includes the "Hidden Creek North" sample.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - January 3, 2002
Page 6
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REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS
Commissioner Grabowski suggested putting another article regarding the skateboard park
in either the February or March newsletter. Commissioner Lindahl suggested doing it in
March. Mr. Haas agreed.
Commissioner English suggested completing the fence around the hockey rink, so the
entrance would be controlled. He explained that by doing this the kids would be
contained somewhat if they begin to disobey the rules.
Commissioner Anderson stated that he would like to add more equipment to the park.
Commissioner English agreed.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested using the money from the Lions Club to put up the
fence. Commissioner English suggested using the $10,000 for more equipment and
putting another $5,000 in for the fence.
Commissioner Blackstad suggested staff obtain a quote on fencing and a price list on
equipment.
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Commissioner Grabowski suggested the equipment not be selected until there's been a
skateboard task force meeting.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested staff research further the Bunker Lake Boulevard
Underpass and whether or not the proposed location is the best option. Commissioner
English mentioned that having a permanent pump would only cause problems. Mr. Haas
agreed to research it.
(Interruption) Another member from the Anoka Hockey Association stopped by to
apologize to the Commission. He questioned the Commission on how the process works.
Commissioner Grabowski explained that the ice time they have scheduled is their ice
time, however it needs to be used.
The gentleman questioned when the outdoor ice began. Commissioner Grabowski stated
that the outdoor ice began on December 28th.
The gentleman explained that this is his first year running the association and therefore
was unaware of the rules.
Commissioner English suggested the empty lot on the south end (2569-1 68th Lane) be the
first choice to put the trail through to the Rum River Elementary School. Mr. Haas
explained that the first choice should be the location where the two neighbors on l68th
o Lane are located (no wetland impacts). He explained that this location also would be
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - January 3, 2002
Page 7
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more feasible financially ifthe property owners were to dedicate the trail easement to the
city.
Multi- Sports Task Force - Chairperson Holthus stated that the next meeting is on
Monday, January 7th at 5:30 p.m.
Skateboard Task Force - There is no meeting scheduled at this time.
Crooked Lake Elementary School Hockey Rink Update - There hasn't been a meeting
recently, therefore there is no additional information.
CHAIR'S REPORT
Commissioner Grabowski questioned what the Commission decided on for Hawkrige
Park.
Commissioner English suggested puttingin the warming house at Hawkridge Park. He
questioned Mr. Haas if this would be something to apply for a grant.
Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the warming house would include a well or not.
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"_.. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if all the other projects in 2003 were covered. He
stated that if the grant were just for the equipment he wouldn't have a problem with it.
Commissioner English stated that ifthe City is going to get the grant this would be the
year, therefore he suggested putting it in for one more year with the comments from last
time.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would rather see the Commission apply for a
grant for the WDE Site.
Chairperson Holthus explained that on January 2nd the City Council approved applying
for a grant for Hawkridge. She stated that Council member Trude also recommended
applying for a grant on the WDE Site in 2003.
Commissioner Lindahl suggested going for it if this is the best option for the grant.
The Commission agreed to recommend applying for a grant on Hawkridge Park.
Commissioner English commented that the letter written by Mayor Gamache was
outstanding.
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Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - January 3, 2002
Page 8
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Chairperson Holthus reviewed the changes the Council recommended to take place on the
tournament application and the grant applications. She stated that the WDE Site is on the
schedule for next year's application.
Commissioner English suggested giving the tournament application to the City Attorney
to find out what is the appropriate language on the changes recommended by the Council.
Mr. Haas stated that he would work with staff and resolve the issues.
Mr. Haas explained that public hearings would have to be held for all the grants. He
stated that he would try and schedule them for the first meeting in February and do them
all at one meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Blackstad, seconded by DeLaForest, to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sara Beck, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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