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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 3, 2003 Ü l) ctnlttuLul L-I-lî'-ù]l \J CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -APRIL 3, 2003 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on April 3, 2003, 7:06 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 (arrived at 7:15 as noted in the minutes) Commissioners Absent: There were none. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas 0 RESIDENTS FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Commissioner Grabowski asked that a few changes be made to the minutes ITom March 20, 2003. He asked that on page 7, where he was discussing Anoka's system, that the end of the sentence clarify that the fee would cover both access and maintenance of school fields. Also on page 7, second to the last paragraph, the reference should be changed from when baseball ends their season, to when softball ends their season. Mr. Haas stated that the address for Scott Aldrich on page 1 should be changed to Crocus Street. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the March 20, 2003 Park Commission minutes with the changes noted above. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote (Holthus). DISCUSS PROPOSED LAYOUTI03-1IPRAIRIE KNOLL PARK U Commissioner Grabowski stated that he and Mr. Haas had met with some residents regarding the park layout. He explained that the residents would like to move the 0 () Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 2 .'-- 'ì playground to the top of the park plan and rotate the building 180 degrees and put it '_____.J where the playground had been. This would also allow the parking lot to be moved over, which the residents feel would create better access. Commissioner Peterson stated that she had discussed the possibility of moving the playground to the top of the park plan but that AI Koester, Engineering Tech, had stated that it couldn't happen because of pipeline easements and that moving the parking lot would require installation of a culvert, which would be an added expense. The Commission discussed the possibility of moving the playground to the edge of the pipeline easement. Bruce Johnson, 580-146th Lane NW, stated that there really is a lot of room at this park and that he would like to see the changes outlined by Commissioner Grabowski, especially the parking lot change because otherwise the access is directly in ITont of his property. Mr. Johnson questioned whether a row of pine trees could be installed along 146th Lane NW as a sound barrier. Gary Aus, 650-146th Lane NW, stated he would also like a row of pine trees to help absorb the noise ITom cheering. He also feels that adjusting the plans as Commissioner Grabowski and Mr. Johnson have suggested it a good idea. '\ Commissioner Holthus arrived at 7:15 p.m. \_-) Mr. Haas stated that he was concerned about moving the building too far away ITom the hockey rink. He also stated his concern with the playground being too close to the sliding hill. Mr. Aus stated that he felt the sliding hill could be graded to alleviate safety concerns. The Commission discussed the possible ways to move the building ITom its current location. Chair Lindahl stated that there was a consensus among the Commission that the current plan would not work. Mr. Aus stated that he would like to see the parking lot access shifted, as he is concerned with headlights shining into his windows. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it might be possible to install a berm along 146th Lane NW that would help alleviate the potential headlight problem on Mr. Aus and Mr. Johnson's property. Mr. Aus stated that a berm would work to alleviate his concerns. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there will be new drawings available for discussion \ at the next meeting. ',-- J 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 3 , ') Commissioner Masloski suggested that there be a work session held prior to the next , --' .J meeting to resolve any remaining issues. Commissioner Grabowski suggested that the new drawings be made available to Mr. Johnson and Mr. Aus before the next meeting. Commissioner Peterson stated that she would like to know the potential costs with the proposed changes including costs for moving the building and the playground and installing berms along 146th Lane NW. Mr. Haas directed Mr. Aus and Mr. Johnson to contact him on April 8 to take a look at the new drawings. APPROVE 2003 SCHEDULING OF TENNIS COURTS/ANOKA-HENNEPIN ISD #11 Commissioner Grabowski stated his amazement that community education is charging a non-profit organization for access to school fields, but then is asking to use the City fields during prime time at no costs. He stated that he felt the City should consider charging user fees. Commissioner Peterson stated that understood Commissioner Grabowski logic, but that (~) she felt the Andover residents would be the ones punished by having to pay the fees. Commissioner Grabowski stated that with the current budget situation the costs perhaps should be passed on to the actual users. Commissioner Masloski stated that part of the community education funding came ITom the City for this program. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it was his understanding· that the money the City contributed was for hiring personnel. Chair Lindahl stated that he had concerns about the City absorbing the costs of lighting the-fields. +t-Iìnw QJjl0\-\1J, GttY\.{)\tlu1 Y -11-DS Commissioner Blackstad stated that he feels there is something inherently wrong with a system that has residents "tripled taxed". He stated that the taxpayers paid to have the fields created originally, then be expected to pay for access and also for maintenance of the fields. He stated that if the school district feels they should charge the residents . "access fees", then the City should charge the school district "access fees" for field usage. Chair Lindahl stated that he saw no reason that tennis players should not pay a fee similar _/~ ...., to other associations that would include maintenance and utility costs. '\..J - 0 Ü Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 4 /) Commissioner Grabowski stated the City would be providing maintenance, painting, and " ~~ } net repair and he feels that is justification for charging a fee. Commissioner Goodmanson questioned why they were not using the brand new tennis courts at the school. He also stated that he didn't feel much lighting would be needed as they are asking for the tennis courts through the end of July through 8:30 p.m. when it is still fairly bright outside. Commissioner Peterson stated again that she understands the logic of wanting to charge fees, but no other associations pay fees directly to the City and this would be punishing the residents. Commissioner Goodmanson would like to get feedback fÌ"om the school on why they are not using their own tennis courts at the school. Motion by Blackstad, to approve a $10 per person usage fee for use of the tennis courts. Further Discussion Commissioner Goodmanson stated that before a decision is made, he would like to know if the school would charge community education to use the fields. CJ Commissioner Blackstad withdrew his motion. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to table discussion regarding scheduling the tennis courts until more information is received regarding the possibility of using the school fields. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Commissioner Masloski suggested that Marv Johnson Jr. of Community Education attend the next meeting to explain some of the coinmunity education programs and how the City contributions are used. Mr. Haas will invite Mr. Johnson to the next meeting. REVIEW INFORMATION ON SCOREBOARDS/03-15, Continued... Commissioner Grabowski confirmed that the scoreboards would say inning at the bottom instead of period as was presented in the pictures. , Mr. Haas noted that the City would need to provide installation of electrical and signal wires. He also stated that if the City were able to find a sponsor for the scoreboards, the cost would decrease by $2,000. (J 0 Ü Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 5 " \ Commissioner Peterson questioned why Daktronics cared whether the City had a sponsor ',~) for the scoreboard or not. She questioned why the City couldn't become a "sponsor" of the scoreboard and receive the lower price. Mr. Haas stated that he did not know the details as to why there would be a different price associated with sponsorship. Commissioner Masloski stated that he had talked to Pepsi and they are moving away ITom scoreboard sponsorships because of budget reasons. Commissioner Peterson questioned what the installation costs would be. Mr. Haas stated that he hoped that it would be possible to complete installation through volunteers within the City, Le. a certified master electrician would volunteer to do the installation. He stated that if the Commission approved all 4 scoreboards, this would need to go before the council to amend the CIP. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he will contact the associations regarding installation of scoreboards and costs that may be associated with them. CONSIDER REVISING TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORM (SOCCERlLACROSSE & SOFTBALVBASEBALVFAST PITCH) "- \.. ) Mr. Haas stated that this item is a continuation ITom the March 6, 2003 meeting. He stated that the City staff had made the changes recommended by the Commission. He stated he didn't feel it needed to go before the Council as there were no fee changes. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he would like another line added to the special request section on the baseball application. Commissioner Peterson stated that she would like a spot on the regular field usage application for applicants to state when their season began and ended. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the revisions in Tournament Application Form (Soccer/Lacrosse & Softbal1/Baseball/Fast Pitch). Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas stated that the NAC study is complete and that there will be a public hearing on April 8, 2003 to amend the comprehensive plan to include the NAC study. Mr. Haas stated that the Sunshine Park picnic shelter is out for quotes, which are due by <J April 11, 2003. 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 6 '\ Mr. Haas stated that there was an informal meeting with residents regarding the Sunshine , J ,~ Park lighting plan. He stated that Public Works does want the Commission to consider the 10-year warranty plan that would include re-bulbing. Commissioner Peterson stated that she had heard there may be grading problems at the WDE site for the parks. Mr. Haas stated that there were some potential grading issues but they would not affect the parks planned for this site. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Holthus questioned how the Commission wanted to handle reports regarding the Stakeholders Design Team. She questioned if the Commissioner would like a report on the Stakeholders Design Team. She stated that she felt either she, as a member of the Communications Task Force or Commission Masloski as a member of the Design Team could give reports to the Commission. Commissioner Masloski stated that he is willing to give a report on the status of the Stakeholders Design Team. Chair Lindahl suggested that it be included in the Review of Outstanding Items portion of .-- " the agenda at each meeting. \_) Commissioner Goodmanson reiterated that he would like to have a Community Education representative attend a Park and Recreation meeting to discuss their fee structures and the reasoning behind their decisions for field usage, etc. Mr. Haas stated that for Sunshine Park, there is nothing budgeted for new lights. He stated that he planned to talk to associations about their plans for field usage and to try to limit the usage of the back field so the lights could be turned off earlier to decrease disturbance to the residents. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there is a house on Round Lake Boulevard that is invading park property. He stated that they are planting trees and installing fencing on park property and mowing the park lawn. Mr. Haas stated that he is aware of the issue and has discussed it with the resident. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he felt residents needed to be reminded that park property is public property even if it abuts their land. Chairman Lindahl stated that he feels some residents may feel they are being helpful if they mow a portion of the park land. He encouraged residents that may have questions C) regarding what is appropriate for park property to contact the City. (J t) V Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 7 ,-\ Commissioner Grabowski also stated that he feels a letter should be sent to all \ J ,- associations regarding courtesy in using fields for practice. For example, don't use a field for practice if another association will be using it later that day for a game. Commissioner Grabowski requested that an update of the vehicle damage at Northwood's East Park be added to the Outstanding Issues list section of the agenda. He stated that there was more than $400 damage done to the vehicle and he would like the Commission to keep on top of that situation. Commissioner Grabowski questioned what the planned base distance was for the ball fields. Commissioner Holthus stated that her understanding was that. it was for 60 feet. " Commissioner Grabowski stated that baseball and slow pitch would like them to be 65 feet. Chair Lindahl commented that during the lighting discussion with residents regarding Sunshine Park, it was brought up that there is a parking problem on the south end because the lot is so small. The residents stated that people park in the ditch and along the road. Chair Lindahl questioned if there was a way to make that parking lot bigger. -- . '. Mr. Haas stated that trees would need to be removed to make it larger and he did not \ ) -- think residents wanted any trees removed. Chair Lindahl stated that enlarging this parking area would help resolve issues with the residents. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the parking lot on the west side should help alleviate the problem of people parking in the ditches and along the street. Chair Lindahl suggested that signage was needed expressing that there is to be no parking in the ditch and that additional parking was available to the west. Commissioner Holthus questioned whether there would need to be trees removed for the installation of the picnic shelter at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas stated at this point that there would be no additional trees removed to install the picnic shelter. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. , , '--J Respectfully Submitted, u (J Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -April 3, 2003 Page 8 / " , . ~ Kayla Atkins Rokosz, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. \ '--J - ~ , , ,--'