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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 21, 2026 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MAY 21, 2026 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Johnson on May 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Bruckner Johnson, Commissioners Emily Honer, Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl, Liza Shafto, Shane Stenzel, and Liliya Ustimchuk Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk RESIDENT FORUM. No one appeared to address the Commission. AGENDA APPROVAL. Motion by Commissioner Stenzel, seconded by Commissioner Shafto, to approve the agenda for the May 21, 2026, Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, 0-nays. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. April 2, 2026 Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Motion by Commissioner Stenzel, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to approve April 2, Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, 0-nays. DISCUSS 2026-2030 PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk presented the proposed five-year playground replacement plan, explaining that it is based on playground age, inspections, and staff evaluations, and that it aims to replace equipment within 15 to 20 years. Planned replacements include Andover Station North in 2026 and additional playgrounds at Fox Meadows, Meadows around Lake, and Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 2 Woodland Crossing in 2027. He noted that the City continues to budget $200,000 annually for replacements, pursues GameTime grant funding, and has shifted some installation work to contractors to improve staff efficiency. Commissioner Lackie asked about the long-term future of the GameTime grant program and whether staff anticipates the grant continuing on an ongoing basis or if there is any indication that the funding opportunity may eventually end. Mr. Baumunk explained that, to his knowledge, there is currently no indication that the GameTime grant program will end in the near future, although he acknowledged it could change at any time. He noted the program appears to benefit the company financially by helping clear excess or slower-selling inventory while also providing potential tax write- offs. Based on his understanding, he does not anticipate the program going away anytime soon. Mr. Baumunk explained that the proposed playground replacement plan will next be presented at the joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for the fourth Tuesday in June. He noted that staff will bring the plan forward and present it as currently written. DISCUSS 2026-2030 TRAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk reviewed the next phase of the City’s trail system plan, noting the final two trail segments currently identified are expected to move forward this year, including the Crosstown connection and the Prairie Road to Shadow Brook East segment. He explained the City is pursuing grant funding for the Crosstown Trail. He recommended the next priority segment extend south from Prairie Road and 157th Avenue to Andover Boulevard to improve connections to Bunker Hills Park and existing trails. Mr. Baumunk added that future trail expansion will largely depend on available funding and future rural reserve development. Commissioner Honer expressed support for the proposed trail expansion plan, indicating she believes the Prairie Road to Andover Boulevard segment is a logical next step following completion of the current blue trail segment. She noted several residents have asked whether trails would eventually be added along Prairie Road and commented that the proposed connection is exciting to see. Commissioner Honer also pointed out the remaining gap along Andover Boulevard near Prairie Road, where no trail currently exists, and recalled previous discussions about potentially coordinating improvements with future County roadway work in that area to possibly incorporate a trail connection at that time. Mr. Baumunk explained that the section from Prairie Road to the railroad tracks falls within a County roadway corridor. He noted the City already has trail infrastructure extending nearly to the railroad tracks and indicated the missing connection is identified in a regional trail plan for future completion. Mr. Baumunk added that the most appropriate opportunity to add that trail segment would likely occur when the County eventually reconstructs Andover Boulevard. Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 3 Commissioner Lackie asked whether staff anticipates encountering similar challenges with the railroad crossing at the proposed future trail connection location. Mr. Baumunk indicated that staff would likely encounter similar challenges with the additional railroad crossing, explaining that railroad crossings are heavily regulated and require extensive coordination and planning. He noted that if the project moves forward, the City would likely have several years' advance notice, providing time to begin working with the railroad early in the process to determine how the crossing could be designed and implemented. Commissioner Stenzel commented that he had planned to raise the same two issues previously discussed, including the railroad crossing, and suggested the City should begin discussions with the railroad immediately, given the lengthy coordination process that may be required. He remarked that even if a crossing initially leads to a temporary dead end, establishing it early could still be beneficial, as the process could take many years. Commissioner Stenzel also observed that a sidewalk already exists along Andover Boulevard between Hanson Boulevard and Crosstown Boulevard and asked whether that segment is considered part of the trail system. Mr. Baumunk explained that the green lines on the map represent trails only, although an existing sidewalk connection to the high school completes the loop. Commissioner Stenzel further asked whether a trail already exists along Bunker Lake Boulevard between Jay Street and Crosstown Boulevard. Mr. Baumunk indicated that the segment is likely a County regional trail, which may explain why it was not initially displayed on the map. After reviewing a different map layer, Mr. Baumunk confirmed that a County trail runs through that corridor and noted that he was unsure why it was not appearing correctly on the displayed map. Commissioner Stenzel commented that it would be beneficial to eventually complete the remaining trail section from Andover Boulevard to close the identified loop connection. Mr. Baumunk discussed future trail opportunities tied to a potential roundabout project, explaining that planned curb-and-gutter improvements could make a future trail connection near Fire Station Three to Millers Woods more feasible. He noted that current easement limitations and impacts to nearby properties and trees remain the primary challenges. Commissioner Stenzel recalled that residents from that neighborhood had previously approached the Commission requesting a trail connection in the area. He also asked whether plans still anticipate extending trails along 161st Avenue if the County eventually reconstructs that roadway, and questioned whether it would make sense to extend the Prairie Road trail north to Constance Boulevard in anticipation of that future connection. Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 4 Mr. Baumunk responded that the long-term goal would be to create a continuous trail connection through the corridor. Commissioner Lindahl commented that constructing a trail connection along 161st Avenue would likely be very difficult because of wetland impacts on both sides of the roadway. Mr. Baumunk jokingly responded that the City could build a bridge, noting that they have completed similar projects before, but acknowledged that the area presents significant wetland challenges. He added that while the roadway already includes a relatively wide shoulder, constructing a separate trail would still involve considerable complexity and risk. Commissioner Lindahl then shifted the discussion to trail funding and asked whether conversations about identifying alternative funding sources for future trail projects have been brought before the City Council. Commissioner Shafto asked whether discussions about identifying alternative funding sources for future trail projects have been brought before the City Council. Mr. Baumunk responded that the topic will be addressed as part of the upcoming budget process. He noted that the current five-year trail plan includes funding for only one additional trail segment because that is all the existing funding source is projected to support during that timeframe. Commissioner Shafto suggested the Commission may also want to begin exploring future trail connections serving the agricultural development areas near Black Pine Hills North and Kelsey. Mr. Baumunk concluded the discussion by indicating staff will add the proposed trail segment into the plan, prepare improved mapping and cost estimates, and present it to the City Council as the next recommended trail addition to the City’s trail system. Chair Johnson asked for clarification on where discussions about potential additional trail funding would take place with the City Council. Mr. Baumunk indicated the upcoming joint meeting with the Council would be a good opportunity to discuss trail funding needs and connectivity concerns. He noted that larger trail projects are more competitive for grants, while smaller neighborhood connections would likely require direct City funding that is currently limited. DISCUSS 2026-2031 CIP PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Baumunk presented the draft 2027–2031 Park Plan, explaining that most projects were shifted back by one year due to staffing transitions and increased workloads, while simpler projects, such as the Northwoods West shelter and parking lot paving, were moved up Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 5 because they require less staff coordination. He noted that the skate park remains a priority, with construction likely in 2027, and that the Kelsey Round Lake master plan update was moved to 2028 to allow additional planning time. Mr. Baumunk also discussed ongoing conversations with Oak View Middle School regarding a potential shared pickleball facility. However, concerns remain about public daytime access if the courts are located on school property. Commissioner Stenzel asked about the current balance available to support park projects and whether it remained around $1.2 million. Mr. Baumunk estimated that the park fund balance exceeds $2 million and indicated that ongoing City campus master plan discussions include a potential Public Works relocation around 2031 that could enable future redevelopment opportunities, including green space, park changes, and roadway improvements, while also addressing current staff safety concerns near loading areas. Commissioner Lackie asked whether a partnership with Oak View Middle School could potentially shift the future pickleball court location closer to the school as part of a joint- use facility. Mr. Baumunk responded that his understanding is that the school district would prefer the courts to be located on school property. He noted that this could create an opportunity for a shared-facility arrangement, allowing the public to access the courts during daytime hours when the school is not using them, adding that it remains part of the ongoing discussion. Commissioner Shafto asked whether the staffing constraints that are delaying the Kelsey Round Lake Master Plan update by one year are expected to be resolved by that time, or whether future project delays remain possible. Mr. Baumunk explained that the delay is tied to temporary staffing transitions, including his current role as interim Fire Chief and other employees serving in interim positions. He indicated the City expects the situation to stabilize within a few months and does not anticipate the project delay becoming a long-term issue. Commissioner Lackie asked whether the City may need to request additional support from the City Council for park staff. Mr. Baumunk responded that the current delays are more related to temporary staffing transitions and workload distribution rather than a long-term staffing shortage. He explained that an experienced maintenance employee has stepped into an interim supervisory role, and adding major planning responsibilities at the same time would be unreasonable while the staff focuses on maintaining essential operations. Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 6 Mr. Baumunk noted the timing is unfortunate because it coincides with Capital Improvement Plan preparation, but he does not expect it to create long-term delays moving forward. DISCUSS 2026-2030 TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk reviewed the proposed 2026–2031 trail reconstruction plan, explaining that it is primarily driven by staff evaluations and input from park commission members who regularly use the trails. He noted the 2026 project includes the trail between Drake and Avocet near Oak View Park, where tree roots have severely damaged the pavement. He also identified the north side of Station Parkway as likely to be replaced in 2027 due to root damage and deterioration caused by a past sealant product that trapped moisture within the trail surface. He explained that staff is currently evaluating trail conditions following winter and encouraged Commissioners to share any additional concerns or observations they encounter while using the trail system. Commissioner Lindahl asked how staff will address trail damage caused by tree roots. Mr. Baumunk explained that staff typically removes the damaged roots and installs a copper-infused fabric barrier along the trail to deter future root growth beneath the pavement. He noted the method has worked well in other locations and is expected to help prevent the same issues from recurring on trails near Oak View Park and Station Parkway. OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Baumunk reviewed the Outstanding Items as of May 19, 2026. ON-GOING PROJECTS • 2026 Spring/Summer Field use schedules were finalized and sent out to the organizations on 03/27/26. There were some duplicate requests and some changes to normally allocated fields. All associations worked very well together to compromise on solutions that work for everyone. UPDATES ON 2026 PARK CIP PROJECTS  Playground Replacements – The equipment for the two 2026 replacements, ASN and Creekview Crossings, has been delivered. Waiting for delivery of swings and freestanding equipment. Currently looking at August/September installs.  Skatepark Upgrades – Staff will be bringing this project to City Council to order the project so we can advertise an RFP (Request for Proposal) to hire a company to do the design-build of the project. Construction will most likely be in 2027. The funding source and cost for replacing the existing equipment will need to be determined, reviewed, and approved by the City Council.  Trail Replacement Kelsey Round Lake Park – Project has been awarded an MN DNR Grant. The grant has been finalized, and staff are working on the design. The City Council Andover Park & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2026 Page 7 will approve plans and specifications on May 19. The project will be bid in June, and construction will begin in August. Project completion is in October.  Bench Additions – Tom Anderson Trail – Staff is currently ordering benches and will begin working on site location and preparations.  Sunshine Parking Lot Lighting – No Update  Hawkridge Park Parking Lot Paving – Engineering staff will start working on plans for a late summer/early fall project.  Oakview Park Irrigation – Staff is working on cost estimates for the water connection. This project is recommended to be moved to 2027 due to staffing changes, specifically our in-house irrigation specialist's retirement. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST  New Trail Segment Along Coon Creek – Construction began May 18 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of July.  New Trail Addition – Crosstown Blvd from Xeon to Prairie Rd – City is currently working with BMI to prepare an application for Active Transportation Funding Grant. Applications are due at the end of June. CHAIR’S REPORT ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Stenzel, to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, 0-nays. Respectfully Submitted, Sue Osbeck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off-Site Secretarial, Inc.