HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 5, 2024
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – DECEMBER 5, 2024
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chair Strombeck on December 5, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City
Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners Present: Chair Tracy Strombeck, Commissioners Bruckner Johnson,
Jim Lindahl, and Chuck Naughton,
Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Liza Shafto and Shane
Stenzel.
Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk and
Community Development Director Joe Janish.
RESIDENT FORUM
No one appeared to address the Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2024, Regular Meeting
Motion by Chair Strombeck seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to approve the November
7, 2024, Park Commission Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-
ayes, 0-nays, 0-present and 0-absent vote.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Naughton, to approve the
December 5, 2024 Park Commission Regular Meeting Agenda as presented. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, and 0-absent vote.
DISCUSS LAKEVIEW AT SLOTH FARM SKETCH (PLANNING)
Community Development Director Joe Janish reviewed the Doug Schultz/General
Contractors of MN, Inc. submittal for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) sketch for
review. This is the first step in the development of a PUD in Andover, and allows informal
Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes – December 5, 2024
Page 2
feedback to the applicant. The sketch plan shows a 7-lot single-family development. The
site is located at the southwest corner of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Gladiola Street NW,
just east of the boat landing on Crooked Lake. The property falls within the shoreland
district.
Currently, the property is guided for a density of 4 to 8 units per acre. Due to the property
being in the shoreland overlay district, the number of units allowed is 7.2 on this property.
The applicant is proposing 7 units which provides a net density of 3.65 units per acre. The
applicant would either have to reduce the acreage in some manner (i.e. conservation
easement) to increase density or request a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to reduce the
density. Staff will continue to have conversations with the applicant related to density.
At the Planning Commission meeting, a number of residents expressed they would like the
City to purchase a portion of the property or all of the property and develop a park. The
Lake Association also expressed that a park would be beneficial.
The Park Dedication Study does not identify parkland dedication in this area of the City
and would recommend cash-in-lieu of land for park dedication requirements.
The Park & Recreation Commission is requested to review the proposed development and
provide input related to park dedication requirements.
Also provided for Commission consideration were the Applicant’s Narrative and the PUD
Layout.
Commissioner Lindahl noted the boat landing on the map showed 5 lines and asked if that
was part of the boat landing property. Mr. Janish noted which portions are City-owned and
which are DNR DNR-owned.
Chair Strombeck asked Mr. Janish to draw the lines showing the lots on the map and he
indicated they would not be to scale. The lots are small and Commissioner Naughton
explained some of the findings at the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Janish stated the
square footage of the lots do meet the minimum requirements in the shoreland and R4
districts. They are narrow lots. An Andover City park is about a half mile to the east
(Hidden Creek North) and Terrace Park is to the west but further away. The City of Coon
Rapids has a park roughly under a mile from this development and is located on the shore
of Crooked Lake. Mr. Janish stated residents expressed concern over the safety of crossing
Bunker Lake Bvld. during the public hearing, and indicted Anoka County is looking at
making intersection changes on Heather St. NW in order to improve the crossing of Bunker
Lake Blvd. Chair Strombeck stated she would not be in favor of adding another mini-park.
Commissioner Naughton questioned adding more amenities to the boat landing area. The
Commission was opposed to this idea since there are already a number of parks with
playground amenities in the area. Mr. Baumunk stated there was some swings and a slide
Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes – December 5, 2024
Page 3
at the boat landing that was removed in 1999. Since then, he was aware of one resident
request to add a few pieces of play equipment back in that area.
Commissioner Lindahl stated he would be reluctant to add another mini-park in that area.
The consensus of the Commission was to recommend cash in lieu of land.
OUTSTANDING ITEMS
Parks and Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk reviewed the Outstanding Items
Report:
On-going Projects: Currently Parks Staff are flooding outdoor ice rinks. They
th
started flooding on Wednesday, November 27. Three staff are working overnights
nd
starting December 2 to work on building ice. The goal is to have them open by
mid-December if the weather stays cool. Staff are actively trimming trees along
trails and in the parks.
Updates on 2024 Park CIP Projects:
Pine Hills Multipurpose Building – The structure is complete and enclosed. Most
of the plumbing and electrical are installed. The well and septic are scheduled over
the winter and early spring. The building is expected to be complete and open by
the spring of 2025.
nd
Tree Lighting Event – The 2 annual tree lighting event happened on Saturday,
November 30, 2024. Attendance was estimated at 200 people, roughly a quarter of
the 2023 event. The planning committee is meeting on December 9 at 6:00 p.m. to
discuss the event and plan for the 2025 event. Thank you to all the volunteers who
made it happen.
Other Items of Interest:
New Trail Segment Along Coon Creek – The easement has been secured and a
DNR Local Trail Connection Grant was awarded in the amount of $250,000. The
grant funds must be used by June of 2026. Staff has brush mowed the trail and
survey and design work has started.
Parks Maintenance Update: Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Weekly Parks
Maintenance for 11/8/24, 11/15/24, 11/23/24, and 11/27/24.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Strombeck thanked all who volunteered for the Tree Lighting.
Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes – December 5, 2024
Page 4
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Naughton, to adjourn the
meeting at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary
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