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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 7, 2024 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MARCH 7, 2024 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Stenzel on March 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Shane Stenzel, Commissioners Bruckner Johnson, Kristin Lackie, Chuck Naughton, and Liza Shafto. Commissioners Absent: Chair Strombeck and Commissioner Jim Lindahl Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk Associate Planner Jake Griffiths RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 1, 2024 Regular Meeting Motion by Commissioner Lackie, seconded by Commissioner Shafto, to approve the February 1, 2024 Park Commission Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, and 2-absent vote. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Naughton, seconded by Commissioner Lackie, to approve the March 7, 2024 Park Commission Regular Meeting Agenda as presented. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, 2-absent vote. TH PARK DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT FUND 4 QUARTER REPORT/FINANCE DEPARTMENT Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk provided the quarterly review of the Park Improvement Fund. Included in the presentation were the Project Commitment Listing Report, Balance Sheet, and Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Park Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 2 Improvement Fund as of December 31, 2023. Mr. Baumunk stated with the park projects planned the fund is looking good. DISCUSS 2024 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the use of the 2024 Annual Miscellaneous Projects funding. Identified in the Park Capital Improvement Plan is $25,000 for Annual Miscellaneous Projects. These are projects that are not specifically identified in the Capital Improvement Plan but are determined to be a beneficial improvement to the park system. Staff is recommending that we utilize a portion of this funding to install yellow fence capping on all the baseball and softball field fencing, 6’ and under, and select 8’ fencing where staff have determined a potential safety concern. The yellow capping improves player safety by covering the sharp edges at the top of the chain link fence. This would amount to an estimated 2000 feet of yellow capping to complete this. There have been ongoing concerns with the lack of a backstop for lacrosse balls on the south side of the west field at Prairie Knoll Park. The south goal on that field is in close proximity to the parking lot. Balls that miss the goal often bounce into and through the parking lot. Due to this, that portion of the parking lot is not utilized during lacrosse season out of fear of damage. Staff has also received complaints from the neighbors about balls ending up on their property and causing damage to mowers if they get hit. Staff is working with the Andover Lacrosse Association to determine if a type of temporary netting or fencing can be used to prevent this from happening. Staff would request to use a portion of this funding to purchase the appropriate net/fence system once the best option is determined. The other option would be to install a permanent chain link fence along the edge of the parking lot. The fence would need to go right on the edge of the trail between the parking lot and the field. Staff would recommend that a mow strip be installed along with the fence. Photos of the area were provided for Commission review. The estimated cost for the addition of the yellow fence capping is $2,800 for the 2000 feet identified. UV resistant yellow capping is expected to last 10-15 years before replacement. The portable fence systems for Prairie Knoll Park and estimated to be $500 - $1000 for a 100’ section. Staff has not obtained quotes for the chain link fence option but will if this option is of interest to the Park & Recreation Commission. The fence would be either 6’ or 8’ depending on what Lacrosse suggests along with a mow strip. Commissioner Lackie suggested going with the permanent solution. Commissioner Johnson asked if there was any player concern with the 15’ and Mr. Baumunk stated no. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 3 Mr. Baumunk requested the Park and Recreation Commission discuss the two presented projects and provide direction to staff on how to proceed. TH ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT 4 QUARTER REPORT Mr. Baumunk reviewed the list of reports generated by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office th regarding city park activity for the 4 Quarter of 2023. Residents are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office if they see something. Commissioner Naughton mentioned there seems to be a number of parent disputes and asked if those are increasing. Mr. Baumunk stated this is the first he has seen in a while. This incident did not involve Andover teams. OUTSTANDING ITEMS 1. On-going Projects: Mr. Baumunk reviewed Parks and Streets staff have been very active removing diseased and dead trees in various parks and along trails, mainly Ash Trees. Emerald Ash Borer has taken a heavy toll on many of the Ash trees in the area. Trees are treated as deemed beneficial, but treatment does not always lead to saving the trees from dying. 2. Updates from Previous Meetings: Pine Hills Multipurpose Building – Work continues planning for this project. Staff determined that the well at the park will not be able to be utilized for the shelter. Cost estimates are being sought to install a well for the building. Along with that, requests for cost estimates for septic and power have been sent out. New Trail Segment Along Crosstown – The new proposed trail segment along the south side of Crosstown Boulevard from Bluebird Street to Xeon Street is currently in the design phase. Irrigation Improvements – Irrigation improvements in Sofie’s South and Hickory Meadows Parks are planned for spring of 2024. Staff is currently working with an irrigation contractor on the addition at Sofie’s South Park. Hickory Meadows installation will be done in-house by Parks Staff and that design plan is currently being put together. Hills of Bunker Lake West Parking Lot Paving – Design for this project is complete and will be put out for bid in early March. This project is being done in conjunction with the Full Depth Reclamation roadway project planned for the surrounding neighborhood. 3. Other Items of Interest: Mr. Baumunk provided updates on New Trail Segment Along Coon Creek – The easement has been secured and a DNR Local Trail Connection Grant will be applied for in March of 2024. GameTime Playground Grant – The grant was awarded and the three playground replacements for 2024 have been delivered. All three are comparable in size to our standard neighborhood playground structures. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 4 Field Schedules – All schedules have been received. There were no issues. The lacrosse and soccer schedules should go in shortly. Boreal FC and Coon Rapids are negotiating on field space. There is interest from Minnesota Ultimate for the use of fields at Hidden Creek North. No special equipment needs are necessary. 4. Parks Maintenance Update: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Weekly Parks Maintenance for 1/26/24, 2/2/24, 2/9/24 and 2/16/24. OTHER ITEMS OR UPDATES – NONE. CHAIR’S REPORT No Commissioners had any reports. Vice Chair Stenzel asked when the fields would be open due to the early Spring. The closed signs are out but the fields have a lot of soft spots. Notices will be sent to the Associations when the fields are ready. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, seconded by Lackie, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 6:20 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, 2-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING MARCH 7, 2024 MINUTES The Work Session Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Stenzel on March 7, 2024, 6:20 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Shane Stenzel, Commissioners Bruckner Johnson, Kristin Lackie, Chuck Naughton, and Liza Shafto. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 5 Commissioners Absent: Chair Strombeck, and Commissioner Jim Lindahl. Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk Associate Planner Jake Griffiths ROLE OF THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION Associate Planner Jake Griffiths reviewed since there are several new members that were appointed to the Commission, the review of the Role of the Park & Recreation Commission, Refresher on Guiding Documents, Open Meeting Law & Remote Meeting Participation Policy and Other Topics/Questions will be reviewed this evening. The role of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission is to advise, formulate and recommend policies and projects to the City Council on issues affecting the City’s park and recreation system. All actions taken by the Park and Recreation Commission are subject to review and approval or denial by the City Council. Areas of oversight expressly delegated to the Parks and Recreation Commission by the City Council include:  Recommend Capital Park and Recreational Trail Projects subject to available funding sources.  Recommend Policies affecting the use of the City’s Park System.  Advise the Council on matters affecting the City’s park and recreation system.  Shall allocate park fields in a fair and equitable manner, based on recommendations from users and City staff. Implementation of policies affecting resident use of the City’s park system as recommended by the Parks Commission and adopted by the City Council is a staff function subject to final review and oversight by the City Council. Maintenance, upkeep, and repair of the City’s park and recreation infrastructure is a staff function subject to the control of the Public Works Superintendent. Refresher on Guiding Documents The Parks and Recreation Commission typically uses the following documents as a basis for its review and recommendations to the City Council. If any Commission member does not have a copy, please let City Staff know. Please keep in mind that these documents are just the most common ones the Park Commission will interact with and other policies may exist depending on specific circumstances.  City Code 2-3: Park and Recreation Commission.  Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5: Parks and Open Space Plan.  Park Dedication Study.  Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Recommendations. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 6 Mr. Griffiths reviewed the Remote Meeting Participation Policy and the Open Meeting Law. Mr. Baumunk requested if a Commissioner will be absent to please let him know via email. The Open Meeting Law was reviewed. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION STUDY Mr. Griffiths reviewed the 2021 Park Dedication Study recommends that one additional neighborhood park should be developed in the area of Section 13, 23, and/or 24, Township 321, Range 24 and that this park should be approximately 5 acres in size. However, since the adoption of the 2021 Park Dedication Study two neighborhood parks that were not contemplated have been dedicated to the City in this area: Fields of Winslow Cove East and Fields of Winslow Cove West When combined these two parks total 2.02 acres in size. A map was attached showing this area of the City and existing park facilities. A map was displayed but not available from the audio-only recording. Mr. Griffiths asked if the Park Commission wants to see additional parks in the area indicated on the map. Commissioner Lackie asked if this would be a high density residential and Mr. Griffiths stated it would not. This would be a more typical Andover residential development with traditional lots and perhaps townhouses. Vice Chair Stenzel asked if the decision needed to be made now for planning purposes or can a park be determined when the development project is reviewed. Mr. Griffiths stated it would be helpful to have a general idea and if it were 5 acres that may be difficult to carve out. He asked if the Commission’s expectation would be 5 acres or less. Vice Chair Stenzel stated he would suggest less than 5 acres. The placement of the park would be key as it is a weird layout. Mr. Griffiths stated the intent was to have a desire to have a ballpark on this side of the City. When smaller parks were created no large ballparks were necessary. Vice Chair Stenzel stated it is difficult to remove a playground when it has been established. The replacement cost goes up every year. Commissioner Johnson asked what would be included in a 3-acre park. Mr. Baumunk stated in 2-3 acres a ballfield could be included with a playground. Vice Chair Stenzel stated if a field is in a park parking is going to be needed. The dedication of these two neighborhood parks has created a discrepancy with the 2021 Park Dedication Study. This makes it challenging for City staff to have conversations with property owners and developers as growth continues in this portion of the City. The Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the 2021 Park Dedication Study and provide feedback to City Staff. The consensus of the Commission was to plan for a park but not a mini park or a 5-acre park. For reference, Sophie’s park is 1.5 acres. DISCUSS 2025-2029 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk requested the Parks and Recreation Commission begin discussing the 2025- 2029 Park Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The target date for the draft CIP is Friday, May 31, 2024. A projected fund balance sheet was prepared by the Finance Department for Commission use. This projected fund balance does show the remaining payments for Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 7 the $1,000,000 that was approved by the City Council to be used for the construction of the Community Center Expansion. The Park & Recreation Commission should review the future improvements in zones A-D and determine what projects should be considered for the next 5 years. The following is what was identified in the 2024-2028 CIP and from the Park Dedication Study: 2024  Construction of Pine Hills North Multipurpose Building - $350,000  Prairie Knoll Building Replacement/Expansion Design - $50,000  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000  Contribution to ACC - $150,000  Park Irrigation Improvements – Sophies South and Hickory Meadows - $27,000  Hills of Bunker Lake West Parking Lot Paving - $130,000  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000 2025  Park at Fields at Winslow Cove - $150,000. This is a new park that is identified in the development plans.  Prairie Knoll Building – Expand/Replace $170,000 plus contribution from Andover Football.  Kelsey Round Lake Park Shelter with Bathrooms Design - $50,000.  Contribution to ACC - $159,107. Final payment for the ACC expansion contribution.  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000.  Pickle Ball Complex – From the 2021 Pickleball Study, staff will get updated quotes if added to the CIP $455,000.  Sunshine Basketball Court Improvements – Currently getting quotes. Sport Court surfacing, fencing and improved backboards. Possible lighting as well $35,000. 2026  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000.  Kelsey Round Lake Park Master Plan Additions. Building w/bathrooms, wayfinding, and interpretive signs – TBD $180,000.  Skate Park Expansion $50,000 identified in the Park Dedication Study. Total TBD. Working on options $50-$55 square foot estimate $100,000.  Sunshine Parking Lot Lights, West and South Lots - $30,000.  Zone B Projects TBD - $100,000 2027  Zone A Projects TBD - $150,000.  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000.  Pine Hills North Master Plan Additions – TBD $100,000. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – March 7, 2024 Page 8 2028  Annual Misc. Projects - $25,000  Pleasant Oaks Sidewalk – ADA Access trail from the street to the playground $4,000.  Zone D - $100,000. Depending on what the Commission recommends for projects, the Finance Department has indicated to staff that the ending fund balance for each of the 5 years should have a minimum positive balance of $50,000 or more. Provided for the Commission’s consideration were the 2024-2028 Park Improvement Fund Projected Fund Balance Sheet, and the Future Facilities Chart by Zone from the 2021 Park Dedication Study. Vice Chair Stenzel stated this is the fun part of the job as this is where the Commission is able to make decisions for the future of Andover parks. With the zones, this spreads the improvements across the entire City. He appreciates Staff seeing things needed in the parks. Mr. Baumunk stated this will be the topic of future meetings. If Commissioners have any questions feel free to call Mr. Baumunk. Vice Chair Stenzel asked if there is a need for more fields and Mr. Baumunk stated from what she hears, primarily there is a desire for more baseball fields similar to the ones at Rose Park. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Shafto, seconded by Commissioner Naughton, to adjourn the Work Session meeting at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0-nays, 2-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.