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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 3, 2006 o ctn''t;1cUJ..- ~ -11-010 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -AUGUST 3,2006 MINUTES The Special Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission August 3,2006 at 7:15 p.m. had no issues discussed. The regular Bi-monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on August 3, 2006, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Dan Masloski, Wendy Albee, Jeremy Boyer, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 7:52 p.m.), Jim Lindaltl, Bill Hupp, and Ernest Bedor Commissioners Absent: None Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas o RESIDENTS FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Albee, seconded by Commissioner Bedor, to approve the July 20, 2006 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, 1- absent (Blackstad) vote. APPROVAL OF REVISED AGENDA Parks Coordinator Haas stated that he would like. to leave out item #6 Discuss Guidelines for Field Usage by Youth Athletic Associations, and open it up following the closing of the regular meeting as a Special Work Session. CONSIDER 2006 TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORM/MN SPORTS FED/ASA/USA MEN'S STATE TOURNAMENT, CONTINUED Parks Coordinator Haas indicated he had attempted to contact Mr. Povlitzki in order to confirm the commitment. o Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Bedor, to approve the football schedule of the Andover Football Association for games on Saturday mornings. Motion carried 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 2 BERKSmRE SKETCH PLAN Parks Coordinator Haas indicated the property was planned to be developed as a Townhome P.U.D. Council was not in favor of more than two single family homes on the property. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Hupp to accept cash in lieu of land. Motion carried 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. FOX MEADOWS PARK/BURGESON FAMILY, CONTINUED Chair Masloski reviewed the item from the last meeting. He noted that a site visit occurred prior to the meeting. o Mr. Burgeson indicated he had three points he wanted to clarify for the Commission. First, he believed the location of the 6th basket was inaccurate from the last meeting. Second he had called the police per the recommendations from the commission on July 20, 2006. The police deputy was shown the pictures. The deputy had informed the family that anyone passing the signs was committing a crintinal act. Swearing was considered a crime because it was a stated rule in the parks. He reminded the Commission that the pictures covered only a small portion of the perimeter and he estimated that there were between 800 and 1000 trespassers since May. Since the last meeting beer bottles had been thrown at the cameras and they had to be removed. The police officer indicated that they could only prosecute if the individuals were identifiable or they confessed. The officer assured the family that if they were caIled, they would come to investigate. Mr. Burgeson expressed concern about the possibility of a violent confrontation, and indicated that he did not think calling the police would be a long term solution to the problem. Third he asked for a fence to be installed on the South border of the park. He was willing to help fund it. Chair Masloski inquired about the type offence desired. Mr. Burgeson responded that he wanted an 8-foot chain link fence. Commissioner Bedor stated that ifhe was concerned he could put up his own fence on his property. Mr. Burgeson answered that he strongly disagreed in this situation. o Commissioner Hupp stated that he was concerned if people were not respecting private properties. He noted the trees were thick. He did not see an issue with tee #5. He walked away from the deck directly toward the property line. He mentioned that at that point, the course directed the players away from the property. He recommended a maintenance approach be taken to maintain the fairway in such a way to direct the players clearly away from the property. Mr. Burgeson responded that he believed that he was sincere, but he had purchased the cameras in response to the City's position that players could not get the Frisbees through the trees. He indicated that since the last meeting more branches had been broken from his trees. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 3 Commissioner Hupp noted that the course appeared quiet during the site visit. Commissioner Lindahl added that the old long tee #6 did cause rookie players to fly their Frisbees onto the property, but it had been changed. He believed the estimated number of trespassers was high, but recommended posting signage at the beginning of the course and speaking with Mike Snellson about some kind of plantings that would reduce the roll of frisbees. He mentioned that if a fence was installed, barbed wire at the top might be helpful to deter trespassers. Mr. Burgeson stated that if a hedge was effective, he would support it. Commissioner Lindhahl noted the old long tee was still being mowed. Commissioner Albee stated that she did not believe it was the Parks responsibility to put up a fence. Commissioner Blackstad indicated that the fence and signage would not be effective, because people do what they want. He noted the "no parking on grass" signage at another park was having no effect. o Chair Masloski agreed it was an emotional issue however the City had made changes such as changing the location of the holes and tee boxes. He admitted that swearing was a concern in all the parks. The northeast corner continued to be a concern. He would be in favor of signage at hole # 1, and a dogleg in the fairway for hole #6. He noted the Commission had heard the Burgeson family's concerns in two meetings, arranged for a site visit, and now we would need to make a recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Hupp mentioned that litter could be added to the signage. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Hupp to not recommend the City install a fence on the South property line, however City staff should add a dogleg in the fairway for hole #6, and signage at hole #1. Motion carried on a 6- ayes, 1-nays(Bedor), O-absent vote. UPDATE OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Parks Coordinator Haas stated the joint meeting with City Council would take place September 21, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS o Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the Outstanding Items. He indicated that for Country Oaks Park that he received a request from the developer to be paid in full. Seeding would be done in Kelsey Round Lake Park in mid-August or September. In addition, Prairie Knoll Park would be completed in the upcoming week. The Skate Park would be on the o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 4 City Council Agenda for August 21,2006. Playground equipment and a basketball court would be installed in Fox Meadows Park. Chair Masloski requested that an update ofprojects from Public Works would be helpful. CHAIR'S REPORT i . brMulb(i.nd., t,bn ntcu l.l)V Commissioner Hupp spoke with City Staff about a~ for a Hot Spot. It would require Comcast or Broadband and would not be pursued further at this time. fT/V1Q\jv~D g ~n'6" Commissioner Lindahl stated that an article could be put in the spring Newsletter about park usage rules. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. A Special Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Mas10ski on August 3,2006,8:21 p.m. o DISCUSS GUIDELINES FOR FIELD USAGE BY YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS Chair Masloski stated he called the meeting so the Commission could hear from each association. This issue had been an ongoing conversation with Parks Coordinator Haas that as the City continued to grow so also the potential for conflicts. He indicated he was not comfortable with the present field allocation, because it could result in non-residents pushing residents out. He wanted to work with all groups to come to a method that was fair and inviting to all residents. He had no desire to verify participant numbers, but wanted to relationally allocate the fields. The related issue of user fees could be used to update fields, special projects, and future field maintenance. Commissioner Blackstad disagreed. Residents pay taxes, and the associations already pay for upgrades. As long as he sees that kind of cooperation, he was not in favor of user fees. Chair Masloski noted in Anoka, the charge was $25.00 petreo:in~t individual. The field was chalked and groomed that day. Commissioner Hupp agreed with Blackstad because he did not want them to rely on the money. He reminded the Commission about the Advertising Ordinance and recommended utilizing that rather than a user fee. AJ'YIEtil)~ fl"i l-tJ~ o Commissioner Albee expressed concern about accountability. Chair Masloski mentioned the example of Champlin where a user fee was set. The associations later chose to increase the fee because it worked so well. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 5 Commissioner Hupp stated he was in favor of using the business advertising because it put everyone at the same level. Jim Dickinson, City Administrator stated that at the present time the money for ball fields came from the levy and park dedication to build and renovate parks. It would become increasingly difficult to fund from the park dedication. In addition, if the user fees were put into a dedicated fund, if the money was not used for that purpose, it would need to be refunded. Chair Masloski reiterated the need for the associations input for field allocation in relation to non-resident use. He commended the associations for working so well together. Parks Coordinator Haas stated that the anticipated population increase was about 50 new lots/year, which is being used to determined the fees that would be collected in new parks dedication fees. Joey Dietz of Andover Baseball Association indicated that they had asked for donations of materials and time of contractors to help improve the fields, but Public Works declined. Commissioner Blackstad responded it was because of liability concerns. o Joey Dietz stated that the associations were already providing donations of time and money. Baseball has provided the City with chalk and other items on an ongoing basis. Their main concern was there were not enough fields to accommodate softball, baseball, and soccer. They will be losing kids to programs in other cities if they could not be accommodated. Chair Masloski indicated that Champlin attempted to creatively deal with the growth and the increase in younger families. They probably lost some kids. John Kaffenbarger of the Andover Athletic Association mentioned that they were going to have 12 more teams in the fall league. There would be 845 scheduled games for youth 10 and under. He also expressed interest in hosting the state tournament in the near future. Greg Ross of Andover Football Association opposed the user fee. They had worked to improve the fields and had funded the lights. Chair Masloski responded that the scoreboard would not be there if the second playground was installed. Bruce Heyer of Andover Football Association indicated that the cost to participants was competitive with other locations. o Chair Masloski agreed that the football program was young in Andover, but was concerned that money would be used to fund maintenance and special projects, when some neighborhoods did not have parks. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 6 Joey Dietz questioned if the new money was there, did the City have enough for new fields. Tom Hoopes of North Metro Soccer Association mentioned that the associations already fund field maintenance. Commissioner Lindahl stated that if they were for multi-use fields a bond referendum would be appropriate. It was attempted in the mid-1990's, but it went against the Fire Stations. At the present time, there is a need here. Chair Masloski mentioned he wanted to hear from lacrosse and soccer. The dilemma is the need for new fields and allocation. The decisions made in the next 2-3 months will affect the long term field allocation. Russell Graham of the Minnesota Revolution stated that the organization was merging with the Andover Invaders. At present 40% were from Andover, after the merger it would be over 50% residents of Andover. They were willing to pay for field maintenance. o Tom Hoopes of North Metro Soccer Association, wanted to confirm the actual numbers. If there were fees, they wanted grass. At present, they use two fields at Timber Rivers Park that football does not use. The field at Fox Meadows Park is clay. They need to be maintained. Commissioner Blackstad responded that rural parks were not irrigated, because there was no municipal water there. Same with Hawk Ridge Park. Prairie Knoll Park would receive municipal water when water becomes available to the area. Hidden Creek North Park and Shadowbrook East Park were recently irrigated with municipal water. Andover Lion's Park could be irrigated also with municipal water. The cost to irrigate is $25,000-$30,000/field. To Hoopes reiterated that soccer needed grass to play on. Commissioner Bedor mentioned that the user fee funds could go for irrigation. Commissioner Blackstad noted that when the YMCA/Community Center got their site, the City planned to lose one field, in actuality three fields were lost. Again he was not for the fee, but admits the City did not have the funds to upgrade and maintain current fields. Chair Masloski indicated the comments he heard was they did not initially require enough park dedication. He wanted to explore with the associations if non-residents should be charged to play on the fields. He believed the City needed to take care of its residents. Tom Hoopes stated that people would go to surrounding communities to play. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 3, 2006 Page 7 John Kauffenbarger of Andover Athletic Association indicated that other communities were getting rid of slow pitch, and there were fewer options for both residents and non- residents. Commissioner Albee stated that as a parent, a $15 increase or fee was not going to affect the decision to play or not to play. Chair Masloski asked the associations to choose a representative that could gain support of the decisions made concerning field allocation and user fees. Commissioner Lindahl indicated that a user fee was a stance. Chair Masloski disagreed, he wanted the representatives to come with pros and cons and go back to the association for their discussion. " Joey Dietz mentioned another meeting needed to be planned. Parks Coordinator Haas recommended after the regular meeting on August 21, 2006. Mr. Haas also noted the proposed capital improvements that the Park Commission is recommending for the year 2007 includes $300,000 for lighting of2 ball fields at Andover Station North but the proposed Capital Improvement Plan that had not gone through City Council for approval at this point. Mr. Haas reminded the associations and the Park Commission that land is not cheap, and could run up to 4.5 million dollars or higher for a 40-acre parcel. That amount could probably only be obtained from a referendum as the park dedication fee the city currently collects will not generate enough to purchase property. Mr. Dickinson indicated there would not be another larger complex until 2013 or beyond. Jim Dickinson clarified he heard that the associations wanted the construction of parks a priority over maintenance. Tom Hoopes inquired if the City could work to overcome the obstacles to the citizen volunteer as a professional to donate labor. Jim Dickinson asked for clarification if they were concerning waivers. Ivan Winship stated there were ways around the obstacles to donating labor. Commissioner Hupp asked the association representatives to bring the ideas back to the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to adjourn the meeting at 9:33 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully submitted, o Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.