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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 21, 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – DECEMBER 21, 2023 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Widmyer on December 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Jake Widmyer, Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl (arrived at 7:02 p.m.), Liza Shafto, Shane Stenzel (arrived at 7:14 p.m.), and Tracy Strombeck Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Sophia Newton Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 16, 2023 Regular Meeting Motion by Commissioner Strombeck, seconded by Commissioner Lackie, to approve the November 16, 2023 Park Commission Regular Meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent and 1-present (Newton) vote. Commissioner Lindahl arrived at the meeting at 7:02 p.m. November 16, 2023 Workshop Meeting Motion by Commissioner Strombeck seconded by Commissioner Lackie, to approve the November 16, 2023 Park Commission Workshop Meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 2-absent and 1-present (Newton) vote. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda, as submitted, was approved by general consensus. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – December 21, 2023 Page 2 UPDATE ON TREE LIGHTING EVENT Parks and Streets Operations Manager Baumunk reviewed the tree lighting event went as well as possible since it was put together on very short notice. The Andover Lions were a lot of help. Thanks to all that assisted. There was great feedback. $1200 was spent on food and everything. There were approximately 750 in attendance. A planning group has been formed that will hopefully take this over going forward. DISCUSS UPDATE ON PINE HILLS NORTH MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss updates for the multipurpose building at Pine Hills North Park. The new location and overall intention of the multipurpose building at Pine Hills North was discussed at the 10/24/23 City Council Workshop. The minutes from the workshop were provided to the Commission for consideration. Staff is working on quotes for a scaled down building without the storage area. Staff met with Boreal FC about their needs for storage and potential use of the shelter and bathrooms. They would prefer that the storage was close to the fields for day-to-day use items that the coaches are currently bringing with them each day. Although they are open to storage being further away from the fields at the proposed new location, it is preferable to have it close. Depending on the costs saving of moving the storage portion out of the shelter, it might be better suited to build a stand-alone storage garage near the athletic fields. Boreal FC has committed $25,000 towards the construction of the storage area in the shelter. If the decision is made to remove the storage portion from the shelter, staff would recommend that Boreal FC be responsible for the entire cost of the standalone storage garage. Costs to construct a 20’ x 20’ standalone storage garage are estimated to be $25,000 without electrical. The Park & Recreation Commission is requested to discuss orientation of the shelter and how the space around the shelter should be designed and utilized. Things to consider are future master plan additions in this area, usable space for users of the shelter and accessibility. The project budget as identified in the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, is $425,000 ($400,000 from Park Dedication Funds and $25,000 from Boreal FC contributions). Staff is requesting the Commission discuss the updates and provide direction on the options for the Pine Hills South multipurpose building. Ms. Shelly Zenner, 16134 Tulip Street NW, stated she was at the original meeting when this park was first discussed. She wondered if drinking or music would be allowed in the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – December 21, 2023 Page 3 reservable space. She has seen rental areas in the larger parks not in the quieter neighborhood parks. She does not want to be a part of other people’s gatherings. She would like the building moved elsewhere. Mr. Baumunk stated currently there is no alcohol allowed in the parks. Commissioner Lindahl asked to see a map of the park. Mr. Baumunk displayed a map and indicated the proposed location for the building. Commissioner Lackie asked how the soccer field itself has impacted the neighborhood. Commissioner Lindahl stated there is a deposit required when facilities are rented. The park would close at 10 p.m. Rental times could be adjusted. The noise ordinance would be enforced. The building is proposed to be oriented to face toward the park rather than the neighborhood. Additional trees could be planted. Commissioner Lackie stated the location of the building would not affect the concerns of Ms. Zenner. Commissioner Lindahl stated this would make this park more usable. Commissioner Stenzel arrived at the meeting at 7:14 p.m. OUTSTANDING ITEMS 1. On-going Projects: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the remaining on-going items including the feasibility of the Prairie Knoll Park building expansion and remodel, watering of the hockey rinks as weather permits, and work on the Kelsey Round Lake Boardwalk replacement. Commissioner Stenzel asked if we could look at the number of rinks and only attempt to make ice in the heavily used rinks this year, weather permitting. Photographs of the Kelsey Round Lake Boardwalk were shown. 2. Updates from Previous Meetings: The Northwood West Tennis Court resurface project will be completed in the spring of 2024. 3. Other Items of Interest: Mr. Baumunk provided updates on Pine Hills Multipurpose Building at the meeting, New Trail Segment Along Coon Creek, GameTime Playground Grant and Tree Trimming and Removals on Parks and Trails. 4. Park and Recreation Commission Appointments for 2024. Jake Widmyer and Sofia Newton’s terms are ending this year. Both Jake Widmyer and Sofia Newton are not looking to renew his appointment to the Commission. We would like to thank them for their contributions and time committed to bettering the City of Andover Parks and Trails. Commission members are encouraged to reach out to members of the community who would make a good addition to the Park & Recreation Commission. 5. Parks Maintenance Update: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Weekly Parks Maintenance for 11/22/23, 12/1/23, and 12/8/23. OTHER ITEMS OR UPDATES Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – December 21, 2023 Page 4 None. CHAIR’S REPORT Commissioner Stenzel attended the tree lighting and thought it was very well planned and executed. The weather was perfect but don’t count on it for next year. He recommended to look at the community center and utilizing that for future events. Commissioner Lackie had no report. Commissioner Strombeck thanked the City Staff, Andover Lions and other volunteers for the great Tree Lighting Ceremony. She received feedback from a resident that some residents don’t know the tree is lit. Commissioner Shafto thanked all who helped with the Tree Lighting. Residents have expressed happiness over the Boardwalk. Commissioner Lindahl had no report. Chair Widmyer had no report. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Stenzel, seconded by Lackie, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.