Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 16, 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – NOVEMBER 16, 2023 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Widmyer on November 16, 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, Sophia Newton, Shane Stenzel, and Tracy Strombeck Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Liza Shafto Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 5, 2023 Regular Meeting Commissioner Lackie noted on page 2, paragraph 4, her name is spelled incorrectly. Chair Widmyer noted on page 1, paragraph 1, it showed Chairperson Lindahl called the meeting to order and it should read Chair Widmyer. The time for the call to order should be corrected to 6:00 p.m. Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Strombeck, to approve the October 5, 2023 Park Commission Regular Meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, 1-absent (Shafto) and 1-present (Newton) vote. October 5, 2023 Workshop Meeting Chair Widmyer noted on page 1, paragraph 1, it showed Chairperson Lindahl called the meeting to order and it should read Chair Widmyer. The time for the call to order should be corrected to 7:10 p.m. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023 Page 2 Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Strombeck, to approve the October 5, 2023 Park Commission Workshop minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, 1-absent (Shafto) and 1-present (Newton) vote. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Parks and Streets Operations Manager Baumunk stated there were no changes or additions to the agenda. Motion by Strombeck, seconded by Stenzel, to approve the November 16, 2023 Park Commission agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. RD ACSO REPORT 3 QUARTER Parks and Streets Operations Manager Baumunk reviewed the list of reports generated by rd the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office regarding city park activity for the 3 Quarter was presented. He did add the list of parking tickets issued by Prairie Knoll Park as requested. One item not included on the report was an incident at Sunshine Park at a youth football th game (7 grade) where parents got unruly with the youth referees. It was not Andover teams that were playing at the time. OUTSTANDING ITEMS 1. On-going Projects: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the remaining on-going items including Sunshine Park Parking Lot, Prairie Knoll Park Building Expansion and Remodel, Hidden Creek North Shelter, Outdoor Ice Rinks, and Kelsey Round Lake Boardwalk Replacement. 2. Updates from Previous Meetings: The Northwood West Tennis Court project will be completed in the spring of 2024. 3. Other Items of Interest: Mr. Baumunk provided updates on Pine Hills Multipurpose Building, New Trail Segment Along Coon Creek, GameTime Playground Grant and Playground Wood Fiber Mulch Top Offs. 4. Parks Maintenance Update: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Weekly Parks Maintenance for 9/30/23, 10/6/23, 10/13/23, 10/20/23, 10/27/23, 11/3/23, and 11/13/23. Commissioner Strombeck asked about the Kelsey Round Lake replacement and is that a DNR Grant. Mr. Baumunk stated that is correct. Now that this is done the surrounding trails are being evaluated and a grant will be applied for. Commissioner Lindahl asked if there are match funds available and Mr. Baumunk stated there are match funds available but the majority of that is DNR funded. Mr. Baumunk added on the Crosstown Trail that the City has been trying to acquire easements, all four properties involved are now onboard. Plans are being put together to be submitted to the railroad. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023 Page 3 OTHER ITEMS OR UPDATES None. CHAIR’S REPORT Commissioner Stenzel stated he went to Prairie Knoll when there was a football to observe the parking. There were cars on both sides of the road. The sign is only from the intersection back and it appears parking is allowed. The lot was only half full. He suggested either no parking on the east side or no parking signs be used. We may need to look at something from the north lot to the east field such as a lighted trail. The overflow lot had only one car parked. Mr. Baumunk stated the east field is definitely the problem. Staff has looked at ways to put in a trail. This is an ongoing issue. Commissioner Stenzel stated another option would be to install a fence. The Andover Huskies are in the State Tournament. Commissioner Lackie had no report. Commissioner Strombeck had no report. Commissioner Newton had no report. Commissioner Lindahl had no report. Chair Widmyer had no report. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Stenzel, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 6:20 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023 Page 4 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2023 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Widmyer on November 16, 2023, 6:25 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jake Widmyer, Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl, Sophia Newton, Shane Stenzel, Tracy Strombeck Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Liza Shafto Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk Update – Tree Lighting Options Parks & Streets Operations Manager Baumunk provided an update on tree lighting options. He noted when last discussed, the plan was to put the tree in front of City Hall, perhaps planting a tree that we could watch grow over the years. When brought to a City Council workshop, the Council had a different vision of where this should go. The Council’s vision was to do at the hockey rink, but by the time there was ice in the rink, it could be January. That does not work for having an outdoor event tied to an ice rink. That idea turned to the green space between City Hall and the Community Center on the southwest corner. The idea of having a permanent base and bringing in a live tree each year was brought up, along with some events perhaps indoor skating, bonfire and hot chocolate, and some other indoor events. This is where the Council would like to have it located and have it happen this year. It is difficult to commit staff to events in the winter due to responsibilities to be available to plow snow overnight if needed. The Lions Club was approached and there is a lot of interest there. A committee has been formed with 5-10 people to plan on likely staff the event. The Lions Club is happy to staff it the night of the event (December 8) from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with tree lighting at 6:00 p.m. We will try to find some bonfire pits and have hot chocolate and hot cider and a smores station. We are hoping to have one of the Councilmembers come and speak along with the countdown. This would be the kickoff with more in future years. Mr. Baumunk can provide all the supplies but would like input and help in planning the event. He has some commitment for people to work the event and some interest in helping plan the event. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023 Page 5 Commissioner Strombeck asked if firepits were available. Mr. Baumunk stated he will find some. Commissioner Stenzel stated the firepits don’t need to be massive. Mr. Baumunk stated that to do a large artificial tree is a huge task and expense. Staff can put in a permanent base and find a tree and shape it to fit the base. Stenzel stated he doesn’t understand the cost of finding a tree and putting it in the base. Commissioner Strombeck suggested planting a tree would be easier and more cost effective. It would be a holiday tree. Mr. Baumunk stated the greenspace is technically a drainage area. A structure can be put in and shouldn’t cause a problem. Mr. Baumunk will check if there are any conflicts with planting a tree within this area. Commissioner Lindahl stated the exact location could be flexible. Commissioner Stenzel asked about the lights and would it be strings around the lights. Mr. Baumunk stated the best he could find this year is a 12 foot pre-lit Holiday Tree. It’s not that big but it’s being thrown together at the last minute without throwing a lot of money towards it. Chair Widmyer asked if a real tree could be used and Mr. Baumunk stated there would not be time to do a permanent base. A light pole would be the only thing it could be tied to that would prevent the tree falling but that would not be the best option. Commissioner Strombeck asked if the lighting could still be done at the hockey rink. Mr. Baumunk stated they have the lights and staff could do it if that is the direction the Commission want to go. Patricia Stay, an Andover resident in the audience, asked if there is any swaying the Council on the location of the tree. She does not believe anyone will see it there. She doesn’t think a tree is religious. Everyone would see it in front of City Hall. Will signage be used to direct people to the tree. Commissioner Stenzel asked if the tree could be put at Clock Tower as it would be visible. Mr. Baumunk stated that if you wish to speak to the Council about the item, either attend a Council meeting in the residents forum to voice her opinion, or attend a future meeting when the subject is on the agenda. It was asked who puts the event on for the City of Anoka, it was stated that the Anoka the Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City. Commissioner Stenzel suggested planting a tree and having the Lions decorate it or a holiday committee work on it. If you take the cost of cutting down a tree every year or an artificial tree in the long run a planted tree would be more cost-effective. Why cut down a tree for two months. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023 Page 6 Patricia stated we politely ask Council to reconsider. Mr. Baumunk suggested doing something to revisit the topic for next year if changes are to be made. This year the only option would be to start with something small and consider it a kickoff for a larger event for next year. Perhaps someone would donate the tree in the future as they do for other cities who utilize a real tree for their event. Commissioner Lindahl stated it is rather late to plant a tree at this point. Council does not want a permanent tree and bring in a large tree every year. The next Council meeting is next Tuesday. The Committee meeting has not yet been set. The hope down the road would be to make it a much larger event including food trucks and other activities. Chair Widmyer stated Champlin has a big artificial tree with other decorations, with the tree being over $100,000 alone. More suggestions were made for additional activities to occur during the tree lighting. The question was asked as to why we have not done events like this yet. Mr. Baumunk stated that the City has mainly maintenance staff, not recreation department staff or a or chamber of commerce who typically plan events like this in other cities. Heather Squier, Andover resident in the audience, stated she has lived here for 53 years and noticed there are areas that can be improved such as this event. It was noted that in one of the recent years, an Andover resident donated a tree to Anoka for their tree-lighting. ADJOURNMENT OF WORKSHOP MEETING The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.