HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 4, 2006
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1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
SPECIAL PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING-
MAY 4, 2006 MINUTES
Chair Masloski called the special workshop meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation
Commission to order on May 4,2006,7:58 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685
Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners Present:
Chair Dan Masloski, Jeremy Boyer, Dave Blackstad, Jim
Lindahl, Wendy Albee, and Ernest Bedor
Commissioners Absent:
Jason Neumann
Also Present:
Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas
2007-20011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION
Chair Masloski introduced the topic and reviewed the bistory.
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Parks Coordinator Haas stated that a basketball court and shelter is planned to be installed
by the developer yet this summer at Woodland Crossing Park.
Chair Masloski inquired about any plans for Sopbie's South Park. Parks Coordinator
Haas noted they could construct a basketball court in addition to the playground
equipment, as there is room to do so. The Commission agreed to set aside $75,000 for
new basketball court and playground equipment.
Commissioner Bedor inquired about the $25,000 required for the half-court basketball
Court. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that the area needed more grading, because
they did not want it to be flooded.
Commissioner Bedor stated it did not cost much more for a full court. Commissioner
Lindahl responded that usually there were no more than 4 players on the courts playing at
one time so only a half-court should be adequate.
Chair Masloski noted he had not seen the summer basketball program submit an
application as of yet.
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As far as Andover Station North Park, there will be a need for three new bleachers (one
for each new field, but lighting was not anticipated by city staff in 2007. The netted
playground with the trail would cost about $75,000.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 2
Chair Masloski inquired if football would have a need. Parks Coordinator Haas
responded that the Andover Football Association could have their flag football program
play at Andover North Station Park in the outfield areas of the ball fields.
Chair Masloski questioned the benefit of lighting the fields. Commissioner Lindahl
answered that two games per night could be played, with a second game for example
starting at 8:40 p.m. One more game per night could mean an additional 15 games per
week.
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated they could put in lighting in two fields. It would cost
$70-80,000 to install lights per field. There is no lighting or conduits presently in the
fields. There will be a need to meet a certain level of foot-candle power for each of the
fields.
The Board briefly discussed the cost-benefits of lighting one field completely versus
doing several of them at one time for a cost savings.
Chair Masloski recommended a base bid for doing the 2 larger fields and a do an
alternate bid for the smaller field.
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Commissioner Lindahl inquired if Lacrosse fields could be installed in the outfields.
Commissioner Blackstad arrived at 8:15 p.m.
Chair Masloski summarized the Andover Station North Park improvements as follows:
$100,000 for the playground equipment, $300,000 for the lighting even though it would
probably cost $240,000-$250,000.
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated there was still $217,000.00 left for capital
improvements.
Chair Masloski mentioned using $62,500 towards for the city's share of the Crooked
Lake Boat Landing parking lot and boat ramp improvements. The remllining $62,500
would be funded by the MNDNR.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated the City would probably obtain this matching grant in
2007 or 2008 from the MNDNR. Chair Masloski answered that they would then need to
allocate $62,500.00 for the grant.
Parks Coordinator Haas the Capital Improvement Plan would not be adopted until August
or September. Now there is still $152,000.00 available. He mentioned Terrace Park
needed a parking lot and basketball court. Chair Masloski suggested $97,000.00 for
Terrace Park.
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Parks Coordinator Haas requested the balance be used for Stroo-tman Park.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 3
Commissioner Blackstad asked for clarification if the field needed to be redone and the
parking lot, did it also need a new playground. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated that
Public Works could help with the grading.
Commissioner Blackstad inquired if the driveway and parking areas would be paved.
Parks Coordinator Haas responded they would not be proposing to pave the driveway and
parking areas, and they would not need to fence the outfield area.
Chair Masloski stated there were two developments without a park. Parks Coordinator
Haas suggested $20,000.00 for fencing in North Woods East Park, or $40,000.00 for
Strootman Park and to have Public Works to grade the site and remove the existing
fencing.
Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the outfield could be graded for soccer. Parks
Coordinator Haas stated generally in the fall the soccer association would use the
irrigated fields such as Sunshine Park or Strootman Park versus using a non-irrigated
field. In the fall it seems that there is enough irrigated fields around to satisfy the fall
soccer program.
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Commissioner Albee inquired about Hidden Creek East Park. Chair Masloski stated it
would be under Miscellaneous Projects.
2008
Commissioner Lindahl recommended Sophie's South Park be done in 2008.
Chair Masloski stated that $100,000.00 for Andover North Station Park. Commissioner
Lindahl suggested having lighting a priority for 2007, because a building won't help the
games and would be used merely for storage.
Commissioner Bedor inquired if basketball courts were going in at Andover Station
North Park, because not much land was required. Parks Coordinator Haas responded
something could be put in by the sliding hill.
Chair Masloski noted the long-ranged goal was to put in a hockey rink. Commissioner
Blackstad answered there wasn't enough room to install one there. He mentioned fencing
and irrigation should be considered at Andover Lion's Park.
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Commissioner Bedor inquired about the reason for only 50 houses planned for the year.
Commissioner Lindahl responded there were only large acreage lots in the northern part
of Andover and it is really difficult to determine how much development there would be
from year to year in the urban area.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 4
The Commission briefly discussed the large acreage lots required without MUSA
allocation, and the fact that the Metropolitan Council did not want PUD in rural areas.
Commissioner Boyer questioned where the money would come from when there is no
more park dedication money. The only other funding source would be from the general
fund Commissioner Lindahl answered that this year was a bad year to have a park bond
referendum voted on.
FIELD USAGE BY YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS
Commissioner Blackstad stated of the various versions of field usage documents that
portions of each could be combined into a good working document. He indicated that
residents of Andover were within the boundaries of five different high schools. He
wanted to be fair to all the residents in the City.
Commissioner Albee inquired if the City charged more for non-residents. Commissioner
Blackstad responded a percentage more. An example of one organization was North
Metro Soccer Association.
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Commissioner Albee questioned should the City charge more. Parks Coordinator Haas
responded that the City was building and maintaining the fields.
Commissioner Lindahl added non residents pay more if they were a part of an out of
town group.
Commissioner Blackstad mentioned the importance of a priority listing. Commissioner
Bedor noted the traveling teams playing an in-house team.
Commissioner Albee questioned Chair Masloski of how Champlin dealt with the issue.
Chair Masloski responded that they pay the participant fee as well as an outside City fee.
The Commission discussed a fee structure in light of North Metro Soccer, Lacrosse, and
other baseball teams, and church groups where 25% were residents.
Chair Masloski stated that Dayton was similar to Oak Grove. Champlin works with
Dayton, where the fees collected go to Dayton to provide fields for its residents. He
noted that Oak Grove had soccer complexes, so Andover could barter soccer and
baseball.
Parks Coordinator Haas noted that Anoka charged by the team.
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Chair Masloski stated that if the user fee was not put into the actual fields, then it could
be put toward the pay of a staff person to drag the chalk fields. Commissioner Blackstad
indicated he would agree with Chair Masloski, but was not supportive of paying a staff
person to do the scheduling.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 5
Chair Masloski listed three concerns surrounding the issue: First, there was a need to
discuss with the athletic associations user fees, and their views. Second, there was a need
for the associations to support the field allocation. Third, there was a need for a parks
maintenance worker.
Commissioner Blackstad mentioned he knew of an example where a city bought out
baseball associations and that had destroyed the associations.
Chair Masloski recommended discussing the issue with the associations, then forward the
Commission recommendations to the City Council so that the guidelines are approved yet
later this year and available to use for next year.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated he would set up a meeting and the Commission could
bring the three questions to discuss.
Chair Masloski requested staff to prepare a draft of the guidelines for consideration for
the next meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the
workshop meeting at 9:22 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Neumann)
vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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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 -1I:UY 4,2006
MINUTES
Chair Masloski called the regular meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation
Commission to order on May 4, 2006, 7:15 p.m_, at the Andover City Hall, 1685
Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota
Commissioners Present:
Chair Dan Masloski, Jeremy Boyer, Dave Blackstad
(arrived at 8:15 p.m.), Jim Lindahl (arrived at 7:40 p.m.),
Wendy Albee, and Ernest Bedor
Commissioners Absent:
Jason Neumann
Also Present:
Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION ISSUES
No issues were brought up by any of the Commissioners at this time.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular Bi-monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chair Masloski on May 4,1006,7:33 p.m.
RESIDENTS FORUM
There were no comments at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Bedor, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to approve the April
20, 2006 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-
absent (Blackstad, Lindahl, and Neumann) vote.
CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES/AREA YOUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the application and stated that initially this year the
church was not interested in having a league, but recently expressed interest in uSing
Rose Park and Terrace Park after 4:00 p.m. for league play.
Chair Masloski inquired if there had been any complaints concerning the group. Parks
Coordinator Haas responded that no complaints had been made.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 2
Motion by Commissioner Bedor, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to approve the
application for scheduled use of Recreational Facilities for an Area Youth Softball
League. Motion carried 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Lindahl, and Neumann)
vote.
DISCUSS STATUS OF TIMBER RIVERS PARK DOCK
Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the history of the issue. The Council had approved an
exchange of the dock with Ham Lake. Staffhad inspected Ham Lake's dock and
believed it was appropriate for use in Andover. Ham Lake planned on inspecting the
Timber Rivers Park dock soon.
Commissioner Bedor inquired about the reason for a trade. Parks Coordinator Haas
answered the dock was problematic at the site because it often came off the poles. In
addition it had been stored for several years with no appropriate site to use it. A canoe
landing/fishing area since the removal has been built at the original site in Timber Rivers
Park.
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Commissioner Bedor questioned their interest in our dock. Parks Coordinator Haas
responded it was aT-shaped dock and the City of Ham Lake was interested in obtaining
one.
ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 1ST QUARTERLY REPORT
Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the report from the Sheriff's Department.
Chair Masloski recommended that staff contact the Sheriff's Department and request
more patrolling during the spring and surmner in the parks. In the past, there were
parking issues in the parks after hours.
UPDATE REGARDING CONCERTS IN THE PARK/COMMISSIONER ALBEE
Commissioner Albee noted she contacted Kirk Erickson who worked at the YMCA, and
had organized a similar venue in the City of St. Cloud. She described the first year for
the event in St. Cloud to be one concert with two bands from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.,
sponsored by local businesses. It grew to a concert in June, July, and September. Mr.
Erickson suggested the genre of soft rock or middle of the road type of music.
Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7:40 p.m.
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Mr. Erickson stated he had planned the outdoor music concerts for five years in St.
Cloud, and they had continued for the two years since he had left. Local businesses were
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 3
able to put their logos on the brochures and other flyers handed out. The event included
music and youth activities.
Commissioner Bedor questioned Commissioner Albee on her ideas for locations. She
indicated one was Tanner's.
Commissioner Bedor suggested the Cinema, the Bowling Alley, and the Mall area.
Mr. Erickson stated they had bartered the sponsorship with some local businesses for
equipment such as generators and staging.
Commissioner Bedor inquired about the day of the week for the event. Commissioner
Albee responded that she was thinking about a Wednesday night, but indicated that the
St. Cloud events were held on Thursdays.
Commissioner Boyer posed the question about the location the events held in St. Cloud.
Mr. Erickson answered that they blocked off a section of 5th Avenue.
Chair Masloski questioned if the chamber was involved. Mr. Erickson confirmed the
chamber was involved as well as the city council and hospitality groups.
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Chair Masloski stated that it brought people downtown, and so he was supportive of the
concept. He admitted he would like to see Tanner's involved, but his favorite site would
be the Andover YMCA/Community Center.
Commissioner Albee inquired about how concessions were done in the City. Parks
Coordinator Haas stated concessions through the City were only at Sunshine Park on a
percentage basis. A separate contract would be agreed upon.
Commissioner Albee questioned Mr. Erickson on how they handled concessions in St.
Cloud. Mr. Erickson responded that it was similar to Andover Fun Fest. He admitted
that the first year was a trial run.
Chair Masloski stated that revenue from concessions usually would pay for other things
like port-a-potties, and in the end they would probably break even.
Mr. Erickson gave the Commission other examples of cities with music events such as
Duluth, Fargo-Moorhead, and Edina. He believed a smaller number of events worked
better.
Chair Masloski mentioned there was no downtown center.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 4
REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS
Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the outstanding items. The bidding for the
development of Andover Station North Park was set for May 12, 2006. Irrigation would
be installed in Country Oaks Park next week. Dirt would be hauled in by next week at
Oakview Park. Seeding would be done in July for Kelsey Round Lake Park. The park
advertisement signage will be discussed by the City Council at their meeting of May 2nd.
Finally, the skateboard equipment would be available for use on May 30, 2006. There
was a reminder to respect the Constance Free Church, skateboard equipment and keep the
site clean.
CHAIR'S REPORT
Commissioner Lindahl requested Parks Coordinator Haas to leave a message for Kevin.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated the interest for the Adopt-A-Park program had doubled in
the last year. A local Ducks Unlimited has also interested in cleaning up some of the
ponding areas around some of the private businesses. There were more parks to adopt if
anyone or groups are interested. The City has received a grant from the Twins
organization for $5,000.00 to be applied to Andover Station North Park ball field facility.
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Chair Masloski indicated it would be nice if a Twins player could be present for the
groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for spring of 2007.
ADJOURNMENT AND CONVENE SPECIAL WORKSHOP
Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to adjourn the
meeting at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Blackstad, and
Neumann) vote.
The Special Workshop of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to
order b~ Chair Masloski at 8:58 p.m.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Chair Masloski introduced the topic and reviewed the history.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated that a basketball court and shelter were planned to be
installed this summer at Woodland Crossing Park.
o
Chair Masloski inquired about any plans for Sophie South Park. Parks Coordinator Haas
noted they would receive a basketball court as well. There was $75,000.00 set aside for
the basketball court and playground equipment.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 5
Chair Masloski questioned about plans for Stacks Woods Park. Parks Coordinator Haas
indicated that there was no development, and no plans for it this year.
Commissioner Bedor inquired about the $25,000.00 required for the half-court basketball
court. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that the area needed more grading, because
they did not want it to be flooded.
Commissioner Bedor stated it did not cost much more for a full court. Commissioner
Lindahl responded that usually there were no more than 4 players, and would only play
on a half-court.
Chair Masloski noted he had not seen the summer basketball coordinator this year.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated there was $375,000.00 left. He indicated there would
probably be about 50 units of development this year. There was $410,000.00 set aside
for the CIP. There was a need for three bleachers, but they would not put the lighting in
this year. The netted playground with the trail would cost about $75,000.00.
Chair Masloski inquired if football would have a need. Parks Coordinator Haas
responded that they would have their flag football there at North Station Park.
o
Chair Masloski questioned the benefit of lighting the fields. Commissioner Lindahl
answered that two games per night could be played, with a second game at 8:40 p.m.
One more game per night could mean an additional 15 games per night.
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated they could put in lighting in two fields. It would cost
$70-80,000.00 to install lights per field. There is no lighting or conduits presently in the
fields. There is a need for a certain level of foot candle power in the field.
The Board briefly discussed the cost-benefits oflighting one field completely versus
doing several of them at one time for a cost savings.
Chair Masloski recommended an alternate bid item for doing two at once.
Commissioner Lindahl inquired if Lacrosse fields could be installed in the outfields.
Commissioner Blackstad arrived at 8:15 p.m.
Chair Masloski summarized $100,000.00 for the playground, $300,000.00 for the lighting
even though it would probably cost $240-250,000.00.
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Parks Coordinator Haas indicated there was still $217,000.00 left for capital
improvements.
Chair Masloski mentioned using $62,500.00 from the $125,000.00 for Crooked Lake.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 6
Parks Coordinator Haas stated the City would probably obtain a matching grant in 2007
or 2008 from the DNR. Chair Masloski answered that they would then need to allocate
$65,000.00 for the grant.
Parks Coordinator Haas the Capital Improvement Plan would not be adopted until August
or September. Now there was $152,000.00 available. He mentioned Terrace Park
needed a parking lot and basketball court. Chair Masloski suggested $97,000.00 for
Terrace Park.
Parks Coordinator Haas requested the balance be used for Stroman Park.
Commissioner Blackstad asked for clarification if the field needed to be redone and the
parking lot, did it also need a new playground. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated that
Public Works could help with the grading.
Commissioner Blackstad inquired if the driveway would be asphalt. Parks Coordinator
Haas responded they would not be putting asphalt in the driveway, and they would not
need to fence in the outfield.
o
Chair Masloski stated there were two developments without a park. Parks Coordinator
Haas suggested $20,000.00 for fencing in North Woods Park, or $40,000.00 for Struman
Park to have Public Works to grade and remove fencing.
Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the outfield could be graded for soccer. Parks
Coordinator Haas stated that it would need to be irrigated in the fall during the Soccer
season.
Commissioner Albee inquired about Hidden Creek East Park. Chair Masloski stated it
would be under Miscellaneous Projects.
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated there was no parking for soccer.
2008
Commissioner Lindahl recommended Sophie's Park is added to 2008.
Chair Masloski stated that $100,000.00 for Andover North Station Park. Commissioner
Lindahl suggested having lighting a priority for 2007, because a building won't help the
games and would be used merely for storage.
o
Commissioner Bedor inquired ifbasketball courts were going in at North Station Park,
because not much land was required. Parks Coordinator Haas responded some could be
put in by the hill.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 7
Chair Masloski noted the long-ranged goal was to put in a hockey rink. Commissioner
Blackstad answered there wasn't enough room to install one there. He mentioned fencing
and irrigation at Lion's Park.
Commissioner Bedor inquired about the reason for only 50 houses planned for the year.
Commissioner Lindahl responded there were only large acreage lots in the Northern part
of Andover.
The Commission briefly discussed the large acreage required without MUSA allocation,
and the fact that the Metropolitan Council did not want PUD in rural areas.
Commissioner Boyer questioned where the money would come from when there is no
more park dedication money. Commissioner Lindahl answered that this year was a bad
year to have a bond bill voted on.
FIELD USAGE BY YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS
o
Commissioner Blackstad stated of the various versions offield usage documents that
portions of each could be combined into a good working document. He indicated that
residents of Andover were within the boundaries of five different high schools. He
wanted to be fair to all the residents in the City.
Commissioner Albee inquired if the City charged more for non-residents. Commissioner
Blackstad responded a percentage more. An example of one organization was North
Metro Soccer.
Commissioner Albee questioned should the City charge more. Parks Coordinator Haas
responded that the City was building and maintaining the fields.
Commissioner Lindahl added non residents pay more if they were a part of an out of
town group.
Commissioner Blackstad mentioned the importance of a priority listing. Commissioner
Bedor noted the traveling teams playing an in-house team.
Commissioner Albee questioned Chair Masloski of how Champlin dealt with the issue.
Chair Masloski responded that they pay the participant fee as well as an outside City fee.
The Commission discussed a fee structure in light of North Metro Soccer, Lacrosse, and
other baseball teams, and church groups where 25% were residents.
o
Chair Masloski stated that Dayton was similar to Oak Grove. Champlin works with
Dayton, where the fees collected go to Dayton to provide fields for its residents. He
noted that Oak Grove had soccer complexes, so Andover could barter soccer and
baseball.
o
Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 4, 2006
Page 8
Parks Coordinator Haas noted that Anoka charged by the team.
Chair Masloski stated that if the user fee was not put into the actual fields, then it could
be put toward the pay of a staff person to drag the chalk fields. Commissioner Blackstad
indicated he would agree with Chair Masloski, but was not supportive of paying a staff
person to do the scheduling.
Chair Masloski listed three concerns surrounding the issue: First, there was a need to
discuss with the athletic associations user fees, and their views. Second, there was a need
for the associations to support the field allocation. Third, there was a need for a
recreation staff person.
Commissioner Blackstad mentioned he knew of an example where a city bought out
baseball associations and that had destroyed the associations.
Parks Coordinator Haas suggested that he was a taxpayer and what ifhe wanted to use
the North Station Park, but the baseball association wanted exclusive use, even though
the public was maintaining it.
o
Chair Masloski recommended discussing the issue with the associations, then to the
Commission with recommendations to Council set for next year.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated he would set up a meeting and the Commission could
bring the three questions to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the
workshop meeting at 9:22 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Nenm:mn)
vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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