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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 20, 2003 0 0 ~ . -, CITY of ANDOVER 2..\-,3-65 '\ v PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 20, 2003 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on Thursday, March 20,2003; 7:09 p.m., at the AridoverCity 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 RESIDENTS FORUM .- \ \.J Scott Aldrich, 13860 Crocus Street NW,appeared and stated that he had a request for an outdoor basketball league that he would like the Commission to consider. Mr. Haas stated that this issue would be addressed later in the meeting along with the softball and baseball schedules, but that Mr. Aldrich needed to submit an application. Mr. Aldrich . stated that he had a completed application with him. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Masloski, to approve the March 6, 2003 Park Commission minutes, as presented. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-abstain vote (Goodmanson, Lindahl). Mr. Haas asked that an item relating to the Stakeholders Design Team be added to the agenda. Chair Lindahl stated that it could be added as item 11. APPROVE 2003 SPRING/SUMMER SOCCERlLACROSSE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas distributed an updated schedule and explained that all the concerned parties had agreed to the schedule. Commissioner Peterson questioned the plans for the Fun Fest Weekend. Mr. Haas stated that it is covered under the regular schedule. The only change may be that the Lacrosse Association may need to be off one of the fields by the Saturday Q afternoon of Fun Fest to allow for preparations for the fireworks display. Mr. Haas stated that he will get Maureen Novak of the Lacrosse Association a contact name at Fun Fest to 0 0 \ --/ / PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 20, 2003 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on Thursday, March 20, 2003, 7:09 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. I I Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM " \ \~__I Scott Aldrich, 13860 Crocus Street NW, appeared and stated that he had a request for an outdoor basketball league that he would like the Commission to consider. Mr. Haas stated that this issue would be addressed later in the meeting along with the softball and baseball schedules, but that Mr. Aldrich needed to submit an application. Mr. Aldrich stated that he had a completed application with him. APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Masloski, to approve the March 6, 2003 Park Commission minutes, as presented. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-abstain vote (Goodmanson, Lindahl). Mr. Haas asked that an item relating to the Stakeholders Design Team be added to the agenda. Chair Lindahl stated that it could be added as item 11. APPROVE 2003 SPRING/SUMMER SOCCERlLACROSSE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas distributed an updated schedule and explained that all the concerned parties had agreed to the schedule. Commissioner Peterson questioned the plans for the Fun Fest Weekend. Mr. Haas stated that it is covered under the regular schedule. The only change may be that the Lacrosse Association may need to be off one of the fields by the Saturday - --'\ afternoon of Fun Fest to allow for preparations for the fireworks display. Mr. Haas stated ',,-/ that he will get Maureen Novak. of the Lacrosse Association a contact name at Fun Fest to - 0 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 2 /~" verify the time she will need to vacate the fields. Mr. Haas also stated that the Church at 'J Crossroads had withdrawn their application. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the 2003 Spring/Summer Soccer/Lacrosse Schedule as presented. Further Discussion Commissioner Peterson questioned whether the soccer field problems last year had been resolved. Steve Frietag of North Metro Soccer, stated that there had been a fungus at Forest Meadows but that everything seems to be in good shape this year. Commissioner Grabowski' stated that at the end of the Soccer/Lacrosse season the Commission would like to see a copy of their schedules including field usage and total numbers of kids involved. He stated that really helps for budget planning for the following year and the sooner the Commission receives the information, the better. He stated that the Commission would like to receive the numbers in August or September. Commissioner Peterson questioned whether Lacrosse was using fields in other Cities. Maureen Novak of the Lacrosse Association stated that they were using fields in Centennial and probably Blaine, this summer. \~- ) Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW PLANS AND SPECSI02-43ISUNSHINE PARK SOCCER LIGHTING, CONTINUED Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to concerns raised at the last meeting regarding the height of the lighting at Sunshine Park. He stated lower lights would shine more light on the neighboring lots which was against the City ordinance which states that there will be no more than 0.4 fc at a residential property line. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the plans and specs/02-43/for Sunshine Park soccer lighting. Further Discussion Commissioner Masloski stated that he is very concerned with the lighting plans in relation to the back field at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas stated that perhaps the Commission could invite the residents to the next meeting to discuss the lighting plans. Chair Lindahl stated that before they could discuss it they would need specific lighting information such as hours lights will be on, how long the seasons go, etc. Ü The Commission discussed what the current ordinance stated for times the lights were to be shut off at night. - 0 () Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 3 (" '\ \~-) Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. The Commission discussed the possibility of restricting the use of lighting to be only after the season officially begins and the possibility of a different lighting policy for the back field, such as shutting off lights at an earlier time on that field to lessen the impact on residents. Mr. Haas stated that he will plan to schedule a resident meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 3, 2003 to discuss the lighting at Sunshine Park. UPDATE ON SCOREBOARDS, CONTINUED Mr. Haas explained that Daktronics is still working on cost numbers for a basic scoreboard as discussed at the last meeting. He hopes to have more information by the next meeting. UPDATE OF SUNSHINE PARK PICNIC SHELTERl02-2, CONTINUED Commissioner Holthus presented a options for shelters and pricing. The fIrst shelter she presented is similar in design to the shelter in Champlin, just north of the Legion. It has a slightly steeper roof pitch and is slightly smaller than previously planned shelters. However, the estimated cost is around $18,500. She stated that the Commission budgeted $20,000, so it would be possible to purchase picnic benches or lattice for the '\ shelter with the extra money. \_-~ The Commission discussed the designs and the painting options. Chair Lindahl stated that he felt the Commission should begin looking at a setting a pattern and consistency within Andover parks for the structures. Commissioner Holthus presented 2 other shelter designs. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he likes the first design the best and feels the steep roof pitch would stop people ITom trying to climb on top of the shelters. Mr. Haas stated that he will work on getting quotes for the 1 st design and will go ahead and move forward on the shelter as long as the quotes match the style and requirements set up by the Commission. Consensus of the Commission was for Mr. Haas to move forward in advertising for quotes for a picnic shelter at Sunshine Park. UPDATE OF CONCESSIONS AT SUNSHINE PARK -. Mr. Haas presented a letter to the Commission regarding the concession contract with r \ C&H Enterprises. He stated that it is a contract extension for 1 year and that it will 'J include a revenue sharing provision available to local sports associations. He stated that Regular Andover Park & ReQtion Commission Meeting .) '- ~.' Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 4 1--- -" final details for revenue sharing is still being negotiated, but he expects it to be fmalized \ ) '~--' at the April 1, 2003 City Council meeting. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he would like to see signs posted during tournaments that no outside coolers will be allowed to encourage people to utilize the concession stand. Commissioner Peterson stated that she did not feel that was a good option. She stated that for most teams, parents provide a beverage and treat for each player after the games. She stated that she did not think it was fair to force them to pay the higher prices at the concession stands to offer treats to the teams. Commissioner Grabowski stated that one of the biggest reasons for the concession stand was there is because pop cans and bottles were a nightmare for clean up on the fields. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he felt the parents could still bring coolers and provide their own treats, but that it be done at the gazebo instead of at the field itself. He stated that he would like to limit the outside coolers brought is so associations can share in the profits ITom the concession stand. Commissioner Masloski stated that he would like the Commission to make an official recommendation that, for tournaments, there be no outside coolers allowed. \ \J BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Mr. Haas accepted the application ITom Scott Aldrich for the outdoor basketball league. He stated that it was similar to last year in that the season is May 18 - August 31 on Sunday evenings only. Motion by Holthus, seconded by Peterson, to approve the basketball league application as presented. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Mr. Aldrich stated that he was looking into buying bleachers for the basketball court and questioned the procedure. Should he just do it on his own and donate them to the City? The Commission stated that would certainly be an option. Mr. Haas stated that he will get bleacher safety information to Mr. Aldrich along with some pricing information he had available. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would like information that no pets are allowed ¡ on City Hall and Sunshine Park property to be included on the individual team schedules ¡ for all sports. <J i , - 0 Ü Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 5 / 'ì V STAKEHOLDER DESIGN TEAM, CONTINUED Mr. Haas stated that this item had come back from the City Council for the Commission to make their own recommendation for a representative for the Stakeholder Design Team for the new community center. ; Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to appoint Commissioner Masloski to the j Stakeholder Design Team. ; Further Discussion Commissioner Blackstad stated that Commissioner Masloski had an extensive background working with Champlin arena that he thought would be very helpful in moving forward with the community center. Commissioner Peterson stated that she would like to nominate herself for the Stakeholder Design Team. She stated she feels the Design Team is more than just the architecture and construction of the building. There are a lot of elements that, as a user, she feels she would bring to the surface, such as heat exchange, toddler programs and areas versus teen programs and areas. U Chair Lindahl questioned whether Commissioner Masloski was interested in being part of the Stakeholder Design Team. Commissioner Masloski stated that he was very honored to be nominated and that although he is a new Commissioner, he does feel he has very valuable input to add to the Design Team. Motion carried on a 5 -ayes, I-nays (Peterson), I-abstain vote (Masloski) Chair Lindahl stated that he would like Commissioner Peterson to be involved on the Design Team. Mr. Haas suggested that Commissioner Peterson be the official alternate for Commissioner Masloski ifhe is unable to attend. Commissioner Blackstad stated that both he and Commissioner Holthus would also be present at these meetings representing other committees. He felt that the Commission input would definitely be present. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to have Commissioner Peterson be the official alternate for Commission Masloski on the Stakeholder Design Team. () Motion carried on a 7 - ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. - Regular Andover Park & ReQtion Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 6 ,/ ',,- Commissioner Blackstad stated that there is a work group session meeting for area sports \J groups, scheduled for March 27 at 5:00 p.m. and the fIrst official meeting of the Design Team is April 8 at 6:00 p.m. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Commissioner Blackstad stated that he had watched the Planning and Zoning meeting regarding the NAC study and they had some questions. He stated that he and Mr. Haas were working with Courtney to work through the questions in regard to cash and land dedications. The current ordinance is very vague regarding this issue. APPROVE 2003 SPRING/SUMMER SOFTBALVBASEBALVF ASTPITCH SCHEDULE Mr. Haas explained that the only revision is for Rose Park. Baseball will use that field instead of the Andover Athletic Association. Mr. Haas also explained that they were adding use of Eveland fields Monday through Thursday. The Commission discussed the possibility of using the school fields. Commissioner Blackstad stated that there appeared to be grading problems at the high school fields and that there was a possibility of them being unplayable this year. (~ Commissioner Grabowski stated that there had been meetings with the mayor to see if there is anything the City can do to help. The Commission again discussed the Associations using the school fields. It was stated that the schools are considering Andover Associations to be an outside third party and that there had been conflict regarding their right to use the fields. Larry Emmerich, president of Andover Baseball, stated that he has been in contact with school officials and has offered to pay a fee to use the fields, but always gets the answer that there is a maintenance problem so he will be unable to use the field. Mr. Emmerich stated that he feels the maintenance issues are minor, such as reshaping the mounds or spraying for insects. He feels the fields are ready to go and he would like to be able to use them. Commissioner Grabowski read terms of the contract with the school and stated that he felt the schools should open up the fields for use by Andover teams. Commissioner Peterson questioned whether other field problems ITom last year were resolved. Mr. Emmerich stated that he feels Kevin does a great job with what he has, but that it () would help if the outlying fields were groomed on Mondays and Wednesdays instead of just Fridays. He stated that he feels it is a safety issue for the kids. He also stated that at - C) 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 7 /"- -", , Timber Trails, the field near the soccer field, there is a safety concern because there is no "- J '---/ fencing on the backstop. He stated that he posts a parent there to watch for pop balls and to warn the soccer players. Mr. Haas suggested that field maintenance issues be brought up to Kevin. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the City does not have the staff to groom the outlying fields more often. The Commission discussed what the "access fee" was for school fields. The baseball/softball and fastpitch representatives stated that it was $10 per player for the high school and $8 per player for the other schools. However, that did not cover maintenance and grooming of the fields, just access to the field. Mr. Emmerich questioned whether the Commission would support him in asking for maintenance from Kevin for the school fields. Commissioner Blackstad stated his concern that the schools are blocking usage of the fields and avoiding upkeep of the fields. He stated he thinks it is wrong that the schools are asking $10 a person and that he thinks the associations should join together and say they will not pay that amount. Commissioner Masloski stated that he did not feel the City should be expected to r '\ maintain the field as the school was the one receiving the $10 fee. He also feels the \.~j Associations should get together and complain about the fee. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would like to see a system similar to Anoka in that each team pays $25 per team/per season that includes both field access and maintenance.Df SD-Í''\Ob \ kì ods. ú-tY\ fA"CtuL t-\ -3-û':? The Commission discussed the numbers of kids on the teams and how much money was being paid to the schools for the "access fee". Commissioner Blackstad stated that he feels the citizens of Andover are being "raped" by the school district. The residents paid their tax dollars to build the school, the road and a fastpitch field. He stated that he feels the taxpayers have already paid for "access" to the fields and that we should not be asked to pay again to get onto the fields and then have to come up with a way to maintain the field ourselves. The Commission discussed the possibility of moving some games ITom the outlying fields to the fields around City Hall that are groomed daily when 'Bass8an ends their season. Ox'{\ttd2J L-\ ~ 3 -ò '3 3:-Hoéltl Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Holthus to approve the teams shifting fields in June when baseball season ends to enable usage of fields that are groomed daily. r-~' \J - 0 Ü Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 8 ~ Further Discussion \-1' Commissioner Grabowski stated that this information should be included on the master schedule so there is no confusion. Mr. Haas stated that the Associations should contact him to work out the details. Motion carried on a 7 - ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Commissioner Peterson questioned whether there would be a parking problem on Fun Fest weekend. Mr. Haas stated that scheduling a tournament during Fun Fest was a way to get more people to attend and be involved in Fun Fest and so it should not be a problem. Mr. Haas also stated that there was a church league who was interested in the fields for Sunday nights starting June 8, ITom 4:00 p.m. to dusk. The Commission discussed the possible problems with the church league for makeup games or tournaments. Mr. Haas stated that he will inform the church league that tournaments and make-up games will supersede the church games on these fields. He did not feel this would pose a rì problem for the church leagues because this has also been the case in the past. He will \_~) also inform them that no pets are allowed on the City Hall and Sunshine Park fields. The Commission discussed having a contact person for the church league so they know if there is a conflict due to make-up games or tournaments. The contact person can also inform them of other fields that are open for the church to use. Mr. Haas stated that he will get that information together for the Associations. 14U STATE TOURNAMENT - ANDOVER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Commissioner Grabowski stepped down at 8:37 p.m. as he is the Director of this tournament. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Goodmanson, to approve the application for 14U State Tournament by the Andover Athletic Association. Motion carried on 6-ayes, 0- nays, I-abstain vote (Grabowski) Commissioner Masloski stated that the City of Champlin would like to move a September 6, 7 tournament to the City of Andover. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Holthus, to approve moving the September 6, 7 tournament from the City of Champlin to Andover, subject to filing an official (-) application with the City. Motion carried on 6-ayes, O-nays, I-abstain vote (Grabowski) Regular A~dover Park & ReQtiOn Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 20, 2003 Page 9 ~ Commissioner Grabowski stepped back up to the conference table at 8:40 p.m. . I -' CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Masloski stated that as he is now the representative for the Stakeholder Design Team, he would like to be relieved of his duties on the Skateboard Task Force. He also stated that there is no "W" in his name, as had been previously recorded. Commissioner Peterson would like to find out cost for a backstop fence at Timber Trails to plan for future budgeting. Mr. Haas will check into pricing for this type of fencing. Commissioner Grabowski stated that Kevin had asked him to find out base distances that will be needed at Eveland Park. He asked that the Associations let Kevin know their needs. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Andover Athletic Association has made numerous donations to the school district in the last 4 years including but not limited to, several scoreboards, bleachers, crowning installation and repair, new backboards for basketball courts, and painting of 3 point lines for some basketball courts. He feels this speaks for itself as to how much the Associations have already given to the school district and that the "access fee" is not necessary: f - ) Commissioner Blackstad reiterated his feeling that the "access fee" for use of school '- .- fields is ridiculous. Mr. Haas stated that discussion of the Prairie Knoll Park will be on the April 3 agenda for official comments by residents. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 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. () -