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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 5, 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2023 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Widmyer on October 5, 2023, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jake Widmyer, Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl, Liza Shafto, Shane Stenzel, Tracy Strombeck Commissioners Absent: Sophia Newton Also Present: Associate Planner Jake Griffiths Others RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 17, 2023 Regular Meeting Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Stenzel, to approve the August 17, 2023 Park Commission Regular minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. August 17, 2023 Workshop Meeting Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Strombeck, to approve the August 17, 2023 Park Commission Workshop minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. September 7, 2023 Workshop Meeting Motion by Lackie, seconded by Stenzel, to approve the September 7, 2023 Park Commission Workshop minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Associate Planner Jake Griffiths stated there were no changes or additions to the agenda. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – October 5, 2023 Page 2 Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Strombeck, to approve the October 5, 2023 Park Commission agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER PARK NAME – FIELDS AT WINSLOW COVE PARK Mr. Griffiths explained the two new parks that need to be named. The staff is looking for a recommendation from the Commission on the names for the park, ideally keeping the length to a couple words. Commissioner Shafto updated that she likes the idea of naming it after the street, which is also a type of tree. Commissioner Lackie stated that she likes the idea of naming them “East” and “West” for the possibility of future expansion. Commissioner Strombeck also agreed. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he likes the idea of removing “Cove” from the name and adding “East” and “West”. Commissioner Strombeck stated that she likes the idea of removing “Fields” and adding “East” and “West”. Motion by Lackie, seconded by Strombeck, to name the parks “Winslow Cove East” and “Winslow Cove West”. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0-nays, 1-absent vote. OUTSTANDING ITEMS 1. On-going Projects: Mr. Griffiths reviewed the remaining on-going items. 2. Other Items of Interest – Hidden Creeks North Shelter: Shelter is up, and landscaping will be done next week. 3. Parks Maintenance Update: Park staff has finished repairs to outdoor hockey rinks. 4. Gametime Playground Grant Update: The grant received preliminary approval. Orders will be placed soon. OTHER ITEMS OR UPDATES None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Stenzel, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 7:09 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Lilian Rokosz, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – October 5, 2023 Page 3 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING OCTOBER 5, 2023 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Widmyer on October 5, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jake Widmyer, Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl, Shane Stenzel, Tracy Strombeck, Jake Widmyer Commissioners Absent: Sophia Newton Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk Associate Planner Jake Griffiths Others DISCUSS TREE LIGHTING OPTIONS Parks & Streets Operations Manager Baumunk explained that this item is regarding the Christmas tree lighting options. Mr. Baumunk stated that they are looking for options for this year’s Christmas tree lighting options. He updated that the Andover Lions Club is looking for opportunities for engagement. He is asking for ideas from the Commission or the Lions Club on visions for what they would like to see in years going forward. Gary Wrobel stated that something similar to what Anoka does could be done. Commissioner Strombeck stated that her recommendation from a previous year, due to resident feedback for a desire for tree lighting, mini bonfires, and hot chocolate, is asking residents or a developer to find a large tree to cut down and use to cut down on the expensive tree cost. Mr. Baumunk updated that the front yard of City Hall is undergoing some storm sewer work. He stated that the City of Anoka does a real tree with a pipe in the ground, so Andover could do something similar and have a permanent location at City Hall. Commissioner Lindahl stated that it may be too late for this year, but it would be good for future years. Commissioner Strombeck recommended using a regular tree for this year. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – October 5, 2023 Page 4 Commissioner Stenzel recommended getting something small going this year to build off of in future years. He also gave the idea of planting a tree this year to allow to grow each year. The Commission discussed where to plant the tree and settled on planting it at City Hall. Mr. Baumunk stated that the Commission can put together a planning committee to work on details for the tree planting ceremony, Christmas lights, bonfire, Santa, etc. Mr. Baumunk discussed when the event will take place. He updated that the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving may be a good time due to holiday travel plans, kids sports, etc. Commissioner Lindahl asked about having a hockey game or some other organized activity during the event. Commissioner Lackie recommended allowing high school students looking for volunteer hours to come help with the event. ADJOURNMENT OF WORKSHOP MEETING Motion to adjourn the workshop meeting at 6:55 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0-nays, 1-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Lilian Rokosz, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.