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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 17, 2003 0 0 ~·wv w-U±tu> -5,.{-03 0 CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -APRIL 17, 2003 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on Aprill7, 2003, 7:01 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairman Jim Lindahl, Commissioners Dorrie Peterson, ~ Dan Masloski, Al Grabowski, Dave Blackstad, Thomas Goodmanson and Valerie Holthus Commissioners Absent: There were none. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Q RESIDENTS FORUM Valerie Weaver, head coach of the Andover Fast Pitch team, appeared and stated that she t would like to begin an on-going working relationship with the Commission. . Ms. Weaver stated that they were to be playing on Eveland fields. Ms. Weaver invited the Commissioners to attend the opening ceremonies for Eveland Fields on Thursday, April 24th at 4:00 p.m. Don Eveland will throw out the first pitch. Members of the Andover Fast Pitch team distributed T-shirts to the Commission as a way to say thanks for all they have done to support the team. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Grabowski asked that on Page 3, under comments by Chair Lindahl regarding concerns with absorbing the costs of lighting the fields be changed to concerns with absorbing the costs of lighting the "tennis courts."· Motion by· Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the April 3, 2003 Park Commission minutes with the changes on page 3 to Chair Lindahl's comment to state tennis courts, not fields. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. C_J Regular Andover Park & ReLJtion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 2 .' \ DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS/WOODLAND ESTATES 4TH '--_/ ADDITION Mr. Haas explained that staff had come up with a formula to combine cash and land dedication for Woodland Estates 4th Addition. Byron Westland, a representative for Woodland Development, appeared before the Commission and stated that he agrees with the planned formula. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he and Commissioner Grabowski had worked through some other scenarios using the fonnula and that it had seemed very fair. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to recommend approval of the combination of land dedication and cash for Woodland Estates 4th Addition. Motion carried on a 7 - ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. APPROVE 2003 SCHEDULING OF TENNIS COURTSIANOKA-HENNEPIN ISD #11, ConI. Mr. Haas explained that this item had been tabled at the April 3 meeting to enable Marv Johnson of Community Education to attend this meeting and answer questions. Mr. Haas explained that he had received a letter ITom Marv Johnson stating that he was unable to i '\ attend tonight's meeting. Mr. Haas stated that he had attached a copy of past minutes so \---.J Mr. Johnson was aware of what issues the Commission had wanted to discuss with him. Mr. Johnson's letter stated he had already sent out the flyers to residents. Commissioner Blackstad stated his concern with flyers being sent out before approval of the tennis courts had been given. Commissioner Masloski stated that Community Education is an extension of the Park and Recreation Commission because funding has been given to Community Education to support programs like this one for the residents. Commissioner Blackstad reiterated his thoughts that using City courts, lighting them, and i having City staff maintain the courts was like double or triple taxing the residents. Commissioner Peterson stated that she did not feel it was the Park Commission's place to deal with the access fee problem with the school district. She felt that the associations should band together and deal with it. She stated that if there is a fee, it should be fair to all associations. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he does not understand why they are not using the school fields. / '\ Commissioner Masloski stated that he thought it was because it was an evening program '---.J and would need the lights. - Regular Andover Park & Rer;:edtiOn Commission Meeting 0 Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 3 \ \..J Motion by Holthus, seconded by Peterson, to approve the 2003 scheduling of tennis courts for Anoka Hennepin ISD # 11. Further Discussion Commissioner Masloski stated that although he does not tend to agree with how the school district is handling the fee situation for "access" to their fields, he would approve this use. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he feels the City is subsidizing this program for what is essentially a profit making organization and is shutting down usage to the tennis courts to other residents during the lesson times through Community Education. Commissioner Holthus stated that she did not feel that Community Education was a profit making organization. Commissioner Goodmanson stated that he is troubled that the Commission had asked very specific questions of Community Education and did not get any answers back other than that the flyers had already been sent out to residents. Chair Lindahl stated that he feels a protocol needs to be established with the school / ) district and he would like to see written answers to the questions ITom the Commission , by Community Education. , -- Motion carried on as-ayes, 2-nays (Grabowski, Blackstad), O-absent vote. Commissioner Masloski suggested that other Commissions be contacted to see if they are having similar problems with the school districts in relation to "access" fees. Chair Lindahl stated that he does feel it is a serious issue and does seem to be a double taxation for the residents. : , DISCUSS PROPOSED LAYOUTI03-1IPRAIRIE KNOLL PARK, ConI. I Mr. Haas distributed preliminary cost estimates for Prairie Knoll Park. Mr. Haas stated that there were two possible layouts, but he recommended the playground stay where it is because of potential problems moving it closer to the sliding hill. Commissioner Holthus questioned whether the fencing around the south side of the sliding hill needed to be there for Plan B. Mr. Haas explained that the fencing needed to be there because of the hockey rink. .~ Regular Andover Park & Re~Jtion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 4 /-\ Commissioner Peterson stated that she did not like the building layout on Plan B as it , - / blocks the view of the park. Commissioner Grabowski questioned the location of the driveway. Gary Aas, 146th Lane NW, stated that he and his neighbor, Mr. Johnson, both like Plan B better as the basketball court faces inward and the noise would be contained within the park. Mr. Aas stated that as for the driveway, it would be located between his and Mr. Johnson's property but they would still like a benn wall and trees planted along the parking lot to minimize problems ITom headlights. Mr. Aas also stated that he thinks the Commission should consider posted No Parking signs along 146th because of safety issues and children crossing the road to get something ITom their cars, etc. Commissioner Holthus questioned how the number of 98 parking stalls was arrived at. Chair Lindahl stated that was as many parking stalls as they could get. He stated that he felt there should be a sign stating that there is additional parking to the north to help eliminate people parking on the street. Mr. Haas stated that they will look into possible signage. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he felt the trail could go through the hockey rink () rather than around it. Mr. Haas stated that is how it is planned initially. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the building location and layout on Plan B is a potential security issue. However, he stated that overall, he feels Plan B makes the most sense. Commissioner Holthus questioned the timeline for construction. Chuck Trom, representing the football association, appeared and stated that they are just awaiting approval and hope it would take about three weeks. He stated that they are still looking for more product donations and volunteer labor, especially a bricklayer. He stated that both the football and soccer associations are donating $10,000 each. Chair Lindahl questioned whether Mr. Trom had a preference for Plan A or B. Mr. Trom stated that both buildings could work and both were better than what they have i now. Mr. Haas stated that the recommendation ITom the Commission will go the City Council on May 6 for a final decision. / '\ ,-.J - Regular Andover Park & ReOtiOn Commission Meeting 0 Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 5 /-" Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Holthus, to recommend approval of Plan B for Prairie Knoll Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote '-_/ Further Discussion Commissioner Grabowski thanked Mr. Trom and the soccer associations for all the work they have done on the layout. Commissioner Grabowski also commended the neighbors for their cooperation. Mr. Aas thanked Mr. Haas for his patience in answering his questions. Mr. Aas stated that he was glad to live in a community where City Hall and its officials work with the people. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (ANDOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) Motion by Goodmanson, seconded by Peterson, to approve Andover Elementary School's application for use of recreation facilities for June 10th. Motion carried on 7- ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote C) ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT Commissioner Grabowski questioned why the vehicle damage done at Northwoods East Park was not included in this report. He wondered if there was a breakdown in communication somewhere along the line in how. incidents are recorded and then reported. Mr. Haas stated that he will check into the potential communication issues. : REMINDER OF NEW START TIMElPARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Mr. Haas stated that every spring, the Commission usually changes it start time to 7:30 p.m. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve changing the start time to 7:30 p.m. Motion carried on 7-ayes; O-nays, O-absent vote :/) '--./ Regular Andover Park & Re[)tion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 6 ('\ REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS ..J . ,~- Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. Mr. Haas stated that for Sunshine Park he had received 2 quotes that both came back slightly above the budgeted amount of $20,000 but he was hoping that the lights may come in lower than budget to help make up the cost. Commissioner Holthus questioned why these quotes were so much different than the numbers she had received and shared with the Commission in the past. Mr. Haas stated that he had the information Commissioner Holthus had brought to past meetings in his office and excused himself to retrieve it. Mr. Haas returned and stated that there is a price difference between the materials. The Commission discussed the possible reasons for the different pricing. ; Commissioner Peterson noted that there was a big difference in the lattice pricing. ; Commissioner Blackstad stated that perhaps the City staff could do the lattice work as a winter project. Commissioner Grabowski stated that if including lattice costs $5,000, then it was not ! worth it. I () The Commission directed Mr. Haas to requote the job without lattice or with lattice as an '-..-/ alternate. Mr. Haas stated that he will bring back information for the May 1, 2003 meeting. He will I also talk to cement contractors to see what their pricing would be. I Mr. Haas stated that 9 or lO lighting contractors have picked up the plans and specs for Sunshine Park. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he had talked with the associations regarding helping with the scoreboard costs and will keep the Commission informed as he gets feedback ITom the associations. Mr. Haas recommended that there was a need for a Skateboard Task Force meeting. He stated that there have been some incidents at the park with injuries and a continuing problem with litter. Mr. Haas stated that there is a possibility that the attendant position that last year helped to monitor the skateboard park may to be eliminated ITom the City budget. ! Commissioner Holthus stated that she feels this is a big problem. She stated that there have been problems with the kids using the City Hall building as a meeting place, being C~) disrespectful and using bad language within City Hall. I Regular Andover Park & ReDtion Commission Meeting (J Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 7 (-, Commissioner Blackstad questioned why the equipment was put out before the decision . , / regarding the attendant was made. He feels the Commission should consider removing '- the equipment if it continues to be a problem. Commissioner Peterson stated that she feels the ITont desk staff should have the authority to ask the kids to leave the premises if they are disruptive. She stated that there were rules set up last year regarding use of the phones in the building, etc. that should be followed which would help the situation. Commissioner Holthus stated that she did not feel that it was the receptionist's job to handle disruptive kids. She stated that she has been at City Hall when there have been kids laying on the floor in the lobby blocking foot traffic. She reiterated that the kids were very disrespectful and used language that she would not repeat. She stated it is a constant problem and needs to be addressed. Motion by Blackstad to pull the equipment until rules or an attendant is established. Further Discussion Commissioner Holthus stated that the kids were meeting each other in the bathrooms and she was concerned about damage being done to the facilities. .-- " Mr. Haas stated that the equipment should not be hauled back and forth because it would .' , , J cause damage to the equipment. \_--/' Commissioner Blackstad stated that he felt even kids that were part of the task force were breaking the rules and that it was not fair to City staff to have them handling these issues. Commissioner Blackstad amended his earlier Motion to remove the skateboard park equipment for the remainder of the year. Seconded by Grabowski. Motion carried on 6- ayes, I-nays (peterson), O-absent vote. Commissioner Masloski reported that the ftrst Stakeholders Design Team on the community center was April 8 at which three architectural designs were submitted. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 22,2003. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Masloski stated that he had received a phone call ITom a resident regarding parking problems in the past at Oakview SchooL Commissioner Blackstad stated that he thought it was probably related to track and field day and that should not be an issue this year. / ') ,--/ Regular Andover Park & Re~r]tion Commission Meeting ,r-') \._/ Minutes -April]7, 2003 Page 8 /--" Commissioner Grabowski stated that he had invited State Representative DeLaForest to '-- I attend the Eveland Fields Opening Ceremonies. Commissioner Holthus stated that QCTV and the Anoka County Union would both be doing a story on Eveland Fields. Commissioner Blackstad stated that Kevin should check City parking lots for homemade skateboard jumps, specifically the parking lot at Hidden Creek North. Commissioner Grabowski stated that Kevin should also check Oak Bluff for skateboard Jumps. Chairman Lindahl reported that he was unsure if he would be able to attend the opening ceremonies for Eveland Fields but was trying to rearrange his schedule. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, . . \, , ) " Kayla Atkins Rokosz, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . " [ I ,