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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 20, 2003 (-) 0 O--t~ ~NóbVE~ I,~- y-03 /- ." 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 (,J FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 20,2003 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chainnan Lindahl on November 20,2003, 7:00 p.m., at Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minriesota. Commissioners Present: Dan Masloski, Dorrie Peterson, Al Grabowski, Chairman Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad and Valerie Holthus Commissioners Absent: Thomas Goodmanson. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM C) There were no comments. I APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Commissioner Peterson stated page 4, paragraph 1 should read: Commissioner Grabowski stated he was also concerned with the proximity to the other park because the ¡ second park would only be four lots away. Commissioner Peterson stated she felt it was important to have a ioint meeting with Planning and Zoning and the City Council to discuss the ghost plat and park placement. Commissioner Grabowski stated on page 1, the motion to approve the minutes should ; read: Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Masloski, to approve the October 2, 2003 Park Commission minutes as amended. In addition, on page 5, the motion to adjourn should read: Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. ¡ Motion carried on 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Masloski) vote. i I ; Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Peterson, to approve the November 6, 2003 Park Commission minutes as amended. Motion carried on as-ayes, O-nays, O-present, 2- absent (Goodmanson, Holthus) vote. I l ¡ CJ i - 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 2 í-·'\ APPROVE 2003-2004 HOCKEY RINK SCHEDULE \.J Mr. Haas reviewed the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association application and stated the City did not receive an application ITom the St. Francis Youth Hockey Association. He recoII111?ended approval of the 2003-2004 hockey rink schedule. VICe. Presl(Áê..n< (ltrli.rlittd I ~ - Lf -l) 3 Matt Larson,PrcgidcFlt!Tœ~ of the Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association, stated the association had a 13 percent increase in participation since last year, with an increase of three teams. They are requesting 20 hours per week. Their indoor ice time has decreased and Anoka has reduced their allocation of ice time. He stated the Association started the season earlier this year hoping to get more time on the ice. He requested weekday ice time and no time on Fridays or weekends. He explained that sometimes teams share ice time. He also stated they were requesting the ability to control the ice time hours to schedule their practices and the first opportunity for ice time. Commissioner Blackstad suggested during Christmas break the Association change the hours to 7 to 9 p.m. to give the "rink rats" an opportunity to play. Mr. Larson stated they should be able to work that out. If they know in advance, they would also post cancelled meetings. Chairman Lindahl stated he believed the Association would try to accommodate the "rink () rats" if they knew in advance to cancel practice. Commissioner Grabowski addressed Commissioner Blackstad's comments regarding Christmas break hours and said kids would most likely be playing during the daytime anyway. He also questioned what the age brackets were. Mr. Larson explained the age brackets were as follows: Age 5 to 8 Mites, Age 9-10 Squirts, Age 11-12 Pee Wees and Age 13-14 Bantams. He also said there were three girl's teams. Commissioner Grabowski stated the problem was that they did not have an open night for the "rink rats" to skate. He would like an open night and suggested that the Association use the rinks from 6 to 9 p.m. and have one week night open for the "rink rats." Mr. Larson explained the Association was looking for scheduling flexibility. Commissioner Masloski questioned when the schedule would be set. Mr. Larson stated the end of the next week. Commissioner Peterson stated the Commission did a park study in 2002 and analyzed the need for facilities and then presented the study to the City Council. She questioned why í-\ they only had three boarded rinks. \J u 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 3 . ) Commissioner Grabowski stated the current facilities are used to the maximum. , Commissioner Blackstad stated the City needs to build more rinks but there are no funds to do so until the City collects more park dedication. Chairman Lindahl suggested the Association put time in and build another rink. Commissioner Peterson questioned if they would then have control over it. Commissioner Grabowski stated he would be in favor of that and let them take ownership in it if they put in the sweat equity. He also stated he would be willing to extend the hours from 6 to 9 or 10 p.m. Commissioner Peterson stated she wants to give the Association what they are asking for because she feels they are not asking for much. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Masloski, to approve the 2003-2004 hockey rink schedule with the conditions that the Association be flexible with their hours during Christmas break and to cancel practices with a few days notice and post the cancellations. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, O-present, 2-absent (Goodmanson, Holthus) vote. Commissioner Holthus arrived at 7:37 p.m. .) REVIEW OF DONOHUE CREEKSIDE ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT \.j Mr. Haas explained the proposed preliminary plat is located just northwest of the intersection of Crosstown Drive NW and Bunker Lake Boulevard NW. Three (3) lots are proposed and it is anticipated the park dedication would be cash in lieu of land. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Masloski, to accept a cash donation in lieu of park land for dedication. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Goodmanson) vote. REVIEW OF THE VILLAGES AT ANDOVER STATION PRELIMINARY PLAT (CONT.) Mr. Haas explained this item was tabled ITom the last meeting to allow Will Neumeister, Community Development Director, to explain how the PUD ordinance is applied to these types of developments. This proposed development is part of the overall development of Andover Station and it is anticipated, based on past City Council discussions, that any park dedication collected will be used to fund the potential community center/ice arena. If the Commission recalls ITom the last meeting, any park dedication received over and above the $500,000 would be deposited into the park dedication for future projects as determined by the Park & Recreation Commission. / .'¡ '--./ (J 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 4 :-J Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to accept a cash donation in lieu of park land for dedication. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Goodmanson) vote. DISCUSS PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BY PUBLIC WORKS Mr. Haas explained the Public Works Parks Department has been trying to replace older play equipment to comply with the new safety, American Disabilities Act (ADA) and access standards. In addition, the Parks Department has also been trying to upgrade all fall zones (where needed) around play structures in all parks. As a note, the Public Works Department did very well for a few years with playground equipment rebuilds for Northwoods, Green Acres, City Hall, Langseth, Terrace, Strootman, 138th Tot Lot, Pine Hills and Wild Iris Parks. The Public Works Department hopes Prairie Knoll Park will be updated soon. All of these replacements made good sense. They were the oldest most outdated pieces of play equipment in the system. They did not provide any ADA means of play and none of them had any accessibility. It is the Park Department's opinion that the City is on a decent schedule for the replacement of the most outdated pieces in the system. In reviewing the 2004-2005 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), it appears the Commission's main concern in the CIP has been for the addition of smaller playground equipment for ages 2-5 year olds for C) parks that currently do not have equipment or never had equipment. The CIP should also, in the future, address any rebuilds which may be identified in the Park Comprehensive Plan. This is one of the reasons we have tried to obtain funding for the rebuilds of our existing play structures. The Public Works Department has always been under the impression the City expects a fifteen-year life span out of our play structures. If this is correct, the Public Works Department need to get back on track. At this time, the major concern should be any Durascape units that are still in service. This is the old style of play structures. They are either blue and yellow or orange and yellow. They have zero ADA provisions and' no access points. The City park system still has nine of these units in service and this count includes Rose and Hawkridge Parks. These units will be between thirteen and eighteen years old. Along with the structure replacements, Public Works has been changing out the swings and spring rides. The slides and merry go-rounds have been pulled, if needed. In addition, the entire fall zone and access points have been upgraded when a playground has been rebuilt. The two sets of playground equipment currently being purchased are through Game Time and are designed for both age groups. Game Time had an end of the season/overstock items sale, which the Public Works took advantage of. In addition, Public Works has also ordered spring rides and a swing set. They will be refurbishing another swing set this winter, which will be installed at either Rose or Hawkridge Parks. The playground equipment that is scheduled to be installed next spring is at Rose and Hawkridge Parks. (J As a note, the existing equipment in these two parks was installed in 1987 and 1988 and in very rough shape. Public Works has replaced many parts on both of these Durascape 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 5 CJ units. The spiral slides on each of them have been the targets of very heavy vandalism. Public Works hopes to pull the aluminum slide at Rose Park this fall, as it is in very poor shape. Neither unit provides any ADA activities or access to the structures. Rose and Hawkridge Parks have some very good amenities available and both receive very heavy use. Each park is quite large and provides diverse activities, as well as room for growth or development of the parks. The new equipment for each of the parks would be installed in the same locations as the existing structures. Each area already has parking and a large shelter by the playgrounds. Drainage and sight line issues will be addressed before the rebuild. Each will get access points and updated fall zones using concrete edging, walkways and engineered wood chips. Public Works started the fall zone upgrades last year for Hawkridge Park. Budgeting for the new equipment order came out of the Parks Department maintenance CIP budget. Some of the money was set aside for various play structure replacement and repairs. Public Works also used some of the excess funds from the Crooked Lake hockey rink repair project. It typically takes at least two years to complete a playground rebuild due to both time and funding constraints. Public Works hopes to have both of these projects completed by the fall of2004. Commissioner Peterson questioned why Public Works was retrofitting equipment now. , " Commissioner Grabowski stated the insurance company determines when equipment ! ) ,,-. must be replaced. Commissioner Blackstad stated ADA rules state equipment must be replaced within a reasonable amount of time. Commissioner Peterson wanted to know if the City had a legal ruling on this. Chairman Lindahl stated the law reads the City must make reasonable accommodations for all public places. The City reviews their facilities and institutes a plan at a reasonable pace by prioritizing. He stated the City could still be tagged or sued but may be protected through the CIP because it shows a plan to replace park equipment. Commissioner Peterson questioned why they were putting equipment in these parks when the Commission may not get back to them for another 10 years. Commissioner Grabowski stated Public Works is replacing safety hazards and worn out pieces. They are trying to keep ahead of the CIP, but the City Council has not given them money to make repairs and/or replacements for obsolete equipment. Commissioner Peterson stated she would like more communication about these replacements. ,- " <J C) C.) Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 6 ~-J Mr. Haas stated the Public Works Director is picking the worst equipment and does not want his plan interrupted by the Commission. Commissioner Holthus stated she believes the Public Works Parks Supervisor believes he is falling behind because the parks are old, falling apart and not ADA compliant. He probably feels like he cannot keep up with everything. Mr. Haas stated the Public Works Parks Supervisor is asking for help, but does not want to be interrupted. : Commissioner Grabowski stated more communication is needed. No action required. ~ QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT Mr. Haas reviewed the third quarter financial report. Commissioner Peterson clarified the donation ttom Connexus was for $14,000 and not $1,000. She stated when the Mayor thanks them, to make certain he knows the correct amount. ~ ) No action required. '- -' REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed the on going and on hold projects list. He stated nothing has changed since the last meeting. The Commission wanted to know what the status is of the Coon Creek Corridor Trail Extension. Mr. Haas indicated they have met with the effected property owners recently. Five of property owners adamantly oppose locating the trail in their back yards. This item will be reviewed and decided by the City Council on December 2,2003. It appears the trail will not be allowed to be located on the south side of the Coon Creek because the PCA has control over the landfill property and they do not want anyone on the south side of the creek. They have indicated this may be the worst contaminated landfill sites in the state. Chair Lindahl asked for Task Force updates. Skateboard Task Force-BlackstadlMasloski- no report given. Stakeholder's Design Team-MasloskilBlackstadIHolthus- Commissioner Holthus stated there would be a presentation on cable access on December 3, 2003. (~) 0 U Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 7 ! , \ ) \. ./ REVIEW & RECOMMEND 2004 FEE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated the fee schedule is reviewed every year and passed on to the City Council for final approval. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if there was an inflationary factor in the park study for park dedication. Mr. Haas stated the City used the Engineering News Record Cost Index. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the 2004 fee schedule. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Goodmanson) vote. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Masloski wanted to commend the Utility Department on their excellent service during a recent service call at his home. Mr. Haas also stated the Commission would be discussing the Anoka pool contract at the -. December 4, 2003 meeting. ' \, \.._./ Commissioner Masloski stated the Commission would need to look at the contract differently with the community center coming on line. Chairman Lindahl stated the community center would not be on line for a couple years and would still like to provide discount rates for Andover residents at the outdoor Anoka pool. Mr. Haas stated the City Council may be discussing fee adjustments to put more people on the park maintenance staff. The concept would be to charge teams for use of fields and/or rinks for maintenance costs. Commissioner Peterson stated she would have no problem, as a parent, paying more fees to maintain parks. The fee could be part of the registration fee. Commissioner Blackstad stated he does not believe in double or triple taxation. He stated if they pay the additional fee, they are not getting anything in addition to what they were getting before. Commissioner Grabowski stated the intent of the fee would be if the City is providing a service, the users should help pay for it. He stated Champlin does it and it works. - " ' : ) \ -..-/ 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 20, 2003 Page 8 , ., Commissioner Masloski explained that in Champlin a user fee is charged per child per ) , . use. Some of the fee goes to the City and the rest goes to the Park Commission. The City would see the affects of the fees in a few years. Chairman Lindahl stated this issue should be put on a future agenda and the associations should be surveyed to see what the parents think. Commissioner Masloski stated the taxpayer is not paying, but the user is helping pay for maintenance above the normal use. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Peterson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent CGoodmanson) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Robin Leslie, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ~ " \.... j ,--\ <~-)