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.