HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 16, 2006
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CITY OF
NDOVE
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 16,2006
MINUTES
A Special Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chair Masloski on March 16,2006,6:45 p.m., at the Andover City
Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners Present:
Chair Dan Masloski, Jeremy Boyer, Dave Blackstad, and
Jim Lindahl
Commissioners Absent:
Wendy Albee, Ernest Bedor, and Jason Neumann
Also Present:
Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION ISSUES
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Chair Masloski inquired if a trail was planned to the ball park from the neighborhoods.
Parks Coordinator Haas responded there was a trail planned. o...rrv...nO-uL ., -2.0 -oj"
Commissioner Boyer inquired how games were allocated. Parks Coordinator Haas
answered it was typical to provide a list of fields that will available for the upcoming
season and have the associations work it out the schedule among themselves.
Commissioner Boyer inquired if the money would come for the proposed park on the
Larry Emmerich property that is being considered for development. Parks Coordinator
Haas responded the money for the playground equipment would be funded from the Park
Dedication Funds.
Commissioner Boyer inquired after the percentage of growth slows down., where would
the funds to maintain the parks come from. Chair Masloski answered it may have to be
funded by the general fund.
Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the Commission had addressed Northwoods East
Park and the proposed fencing that is needed and was the ball field being used. Parks
Coordinator Haas stated the ball field was being used every day of the week by the
associations but the field had to be turned to avoid parents and players from trespassing
onto the adjacent property on the south side of the park.
Commissioner Boyer noted the Fox Meadows as an example of concerns that have been
raised by the neighbors. Parks Coordinator Haas responded the City has been careful
about building new ball fields in parks that are too small.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
The regular Bi':'monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chair Masloski at 7:00 p.m.
RESIDENTS FORUM
There were no comments at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Boyer, to approve the
February 16,2006 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes,
O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and Neumann) vote.
HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/06-612006 OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT
APPLICATION/RED OAKS WEST PARK
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Parks Coordinator Haas introduced John Angell, a student at St. Cloud State University
who was preparing the grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources for playground equipment at Red Oaks West Park. The grant application was
for partial fulfillment for a course he was taking this semester.
Mr. Angell indicated the grant being applied for was for an outdoor recreation grant for
$25,000 for a multi-use playground equipment set for ages 2-5 and 5-12. The new items
would include a new playground equipment, swing set, spring rides, concrete sidewalks,
wood chips for the fall zones, new park sign, landscaping, tables and benches. The
project would begin in the fall, but could continue until the spring of 2007. The cost of
the entire project was estimated at $50,000, with the City funding the balance. He
indicated the location on the map and noted the present park equipment was not ADA
compliant. When completed, the general maintenance activities would be paid for from
the general funds at about $6,490 with utilities and other costs amounting to an additional
$1,550 annually. The maintenance activities would be done by the Public Works
Department, as is typical for other parks within the City.
Chairman Masloski opened the public hearing for comments. No one from the audience
came forward to address the Commission. Therefore the Chairman Masloski closed the
public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Boyer, to recommend
the application for an Outdoor Recreation Grant for Red Oaks West Park to Council.
Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and Neumann) vote.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 3
CONSIDER MARKET VALUE APPRAISALl3480 BUNKER LAKE BOULEVARD
NW
Masloski indicated the appraisal would be forwarded to the City Council. A check would
be held in escrow until a decision is made by the City Council.
Commissioner Blackstad inquired if the sidewalk would be extended south to 136th Lane
NW from where it currently is near Bunker Lake Boulevard. He was attempting to
identify a safer and faster passage from the neighborhood to the Bunker Lake Boulevard,
which ultimately gives good access to the schools, businesses and churches. Parks
Coordinator Haas indicated there could be a trail instead of a sidewalk, but he would talk
to the City Planners. There was no site plan as of yet submitted to the City.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Boyer, to recommend
acceptance of the appraisal and park dedication fee. Motion carried 4-ayes, O-nays, and
3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and Neumann) vote.
CONSIDER 2006 SPRINGISUMMER SOFTBALLlBASEBALL SCHEDULE
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Parks Coordinator Haas stated there were three applications submitted to the City by the
Andover Athletic Association, Andover Baseball Association, and Blaze BasebalL
Todd Reiter representative of Blaze Baseball indicated they were a new baseball
program. All the players on the team live in the City of Andover and were seeking a
home field.
Chair Masloski inquired of Mr. Reiter any specific field interests. Mr. Reiter stated it
would need an 80-foot base distance. They would be interested in any field that could
accommodate that need.
Commissioner Lindahl inquired the number of nights needed. Mr. Reiter indicated
ideally it would be one night for home games and two for practice.
Chair Masloski questioned Joe Dietz of the Andover Baseball Association what their
needs were.
Mr. Dietz stated they had 816 participants registered and a few are on the waiting list.
There are 18 teams playing. He noted the players in the Blaze Baseball program had
chosen not to play within the Andover Baseball Association. He stated they were already
restricted and had people on the waiting list. Generally Fridays and Sundays were set
aside for practices.
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Commissioner Blackstad indicated two nights a week would be sufficient and listed the
parks that would meet the Blaze's needs. Mr. Dietz stated the Andover Baseball
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 4
Association did not want to lose any fields. In addition, none of the existing ball fields
had bases at 80 feet.
Chair Masloski invited Mr, Reiter to answer questions. Mr. Reiter stated he did not come
to take away a field. One night a week would be enough, and requested Friday nights.
Parks Coordinator Haas noted that there were tournaments on a lot of the weekends this
summer at Sunshine Park.
Commissioner Blackstad stated that Pine Hills and Strootman Parks had some flexibility
in their use. Mr. Dietz indicated it would be impossible for two teams in one night to
play their games.
Chair Masloski inquired if they would not be able to accommodate during the week,
would Sunday work. Mr. Dietz mentioned as long as it would not upset the tournaments,
Sundays would be acceptable.
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Chair Masloski indicated that recent history has been the associations would be
accommodated, and then others would be fit in. He admitted that practices would
probably work, but games would be tougher. Other communities had encountered this
issue, and as a result had established by-laws and grievance policies. The only policy at
the present time was a commitment to find times for all residents.
Mr. Dietz offered a field for one night, and the location was open for the Commission to
decide.
Commissioner Blackstad mentioned Pine Hills as a possible location.
Commissioner Lindahl stated that if groups came in they had committed to the City
associations. Mr. Dietz reminded the Commission that they had been invited to join their
Association.
Chair Masloski indicated that these conflicts might occur in the future. He mentioned
that some cities chose to recognize certain associations, and then the rest would go to
outside uses.
Commissioner Lindahl stated that the citizens of Andover represent five different high
schools.
Sheila Schuller, Secretary of Andover Baseball Association, noted there were 15 kids on
the waiting list for baseball ages 11-12 that have played before for the association. Mr.
Dietz indicated that he was not going to address the reason for Blaze Baseball to not
participating in the Andover Baseball Association.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 5
Mr. Reiter stated that the players wanted to play other communities in a traveling club,
and alluded to concerns of coaching differences. Last year they played in tournaments
only, but this year they were looking for some league play.
Commissioner Lindahl indicated there were multiple associations and limited fields. He
mentioned the Andover Baseball Association had a traveling team. Mr. Reiter expressed
the desire to use fields that would not limit Andover Baseball Associations play.
Mr. Dietz expressed concern that offering fields to the Blaze Baseball would send the
wrong message to the youth about youth sports.
Parks Coordinator Haas noted the tradition was to put an advertisement in the newspaper
and encourage other groups to make application for use of the fields. The City had never
adopted any association as the "City Association".
Mr. Dietz indicated that Pine Hills Park has a nicer field. They did not want to lose a
field.
Commissioner Blackstad reiterated that with residents in five different high schools, a
structure was needed to be in place to address the issue,
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Chair Masloski reviewed the need to find a location for Andover residents. He requested
that staff investigate how other cities deal with the issue. He asked Mr. Dietz if a Friday
night would not conflict with their schedule for Blaze's home games.
Parks Coordinator Haas noted that the City received Blaze Baseball application before
any of the associations submitted their applications.
Ron Moore from the Andover Invaders noted that since the baseball associations were
present they wanted to address them on an issue regarding parking. He requested that the
baseball and softball players and fans use the parking lots on Crosstown Boulevard, not
the one at the south end of Sunshine Park because it causes people to cross the area
during soccer games. Mr. Dietz agreed to communicate the concern to coaches and
parents.
Parks Coordinator Haas noted that the Anoka County Sheriff s Department most likely
would be tagging cars if they were not parking in designated areas. In past vehicles have
been parking on the boulevards or in grassy areas.
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Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl to recommend
approval of the schedule with Strootman Park being for the Blaze Baseball on Fridays
with the possibility of North woods East Park if there is fencing. Motion carried 4-ayes,
O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and NeumaIDl) vote.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 6
CONSIDER 2006 SPRING/SUMMER SOCCER/LACROSSE SCHEDULE
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated that the North Metro Soccer Association tournament
would be held on June 16th-18th at Prairie Knoll Park and Sunshine Park. The Anoka
Area Soccer Association is proposing a tournament to be on May 12th-14th.
Russell Pram, president of Anoka Area Soccer Association had recently changed its name
to Minnesota Revolution Soccer Club. There were over 600 participants with 180 of
those out of the YMCA's summer program. He found that 60% of those participants
were residents of Andover. By 2009 they anticipated 40 teams. In addition, they were
working with Meadow Creek School to develop a feeder program.
Don Cameroon stated that a tournament was planned for May 12th-14th. The City of
Anoka had already agreed to provide 8 fields. Mr. Pram added that they were hoping for
4 full-sized fields for girls ages13-18. They would only need them for 90 minutes for
each game.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Boyer to accept the
2006 Spring/Summer Soccer and La Crosse schedules with the amendment that they
accommodate the Anoka Area Soccer Association tournament.
e Chair Masloski inquired about the plans for handling garbage, concessions and
bathrooms. Parks Coordinator Haas answered that the Concessions should be open and
concessionaire will routinely handle some of those things at Sunshine Park. The
associations are on their own at Prairie Knoll Park on the weekends.
Commissioner Lindahl questioned if there would be field requests each year. Mr. Pram
stated that Anoka had promised extra fields, but they would probably request each year.
Chair Masloski reiterated the need for criteria to guide the decisions regarding the use of
fields by the various associations.
Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and Neumann) vote.
CONSIDER LARRY EMMERICH PROPERTY SKETCH PLAN
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Parks Coordinator Haas introduced the sketch plan. The Commission was to determine
the park dedication for this development near the intersection of Hanson Boulevard and
161st Avenue whether cash or land or a combination of both would be required. Country
Oaks Park and Oak View Park were the closest parks, both were within one-half mile of
the development. There were 75 lots being proposed at about 80 feet in width, which are
considered urban residential lots. The other nearby parks near this development were
difficult to travel to due to 161 st Avenue NW, which is a county roads. To the north of
this property, it is anticipated that no municipal sanitary sewer would serve this area, and
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 7
the minimum lots sizes would most likely be 2.5 acre lots with floodplain and a DNR
wetland in the general area
Chair Masloski questioned if there was a possibility for a trail on 161 st Avenue on the
north side of the road. Parks Coordinator Haas stated it was difficult to put a trail there
due to existing wetlands to the east of Crane Street NW and it is currently identified in
the CIP as a lower priority,
Commissioner Lindahl noted they were landlocked, and expressed concern that it could
become a burden on Public Works.
Commissioner Blackstad inquired about the wetland at the east side of the proposed
development and could a park be built there. Commissioner Lindahl answered that all
could have been green space, but it was not centrally located,
Commissioner Blackstad suggested Lot 21 or Lot 22 in that area Parks Coordinator
Haas noted that there was a delineated wetland boundary to consider.
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Commissioner Blackstad agreed it was landlocked with limited access, and expressed
concern that daycares would not have access to a park. Chair Masloski agreed that a park
would serve as a place to unite the neighborhood.
Commissioner Blackstad suggested Lot 14 or Lot 15 could be the site for a park.
Commissioner Lindahl indicated he wanted it to be more centrally located and mentioned
Lot 13 or Lot 14.
Chair Masloski cautioned that Crane Street, 161 st Lane and Avocet Street would most
likely become the main traveled roadway through the development and could possibly
have a trail along these segments.
Commissioner Blackstad suggested extending the trail system on 161st Avenue N.W
from Hanson Boulevard to Crane Street. The trail could then be located north along
Crane Street to 161 st Lane, thence east to Avocet Street. Parks Coordinator Haas agreed
it would be high pedestrian traffic, but noted that on the west end 161 st Avenue near
Hanson Boulevard there would need to be mitigation for the wetland impacts. Another
option is to require a trail easement around the wetland. In addition, the County at some
point may have a signal at the intersection of 161 st A venue/Hanson Boulevard which will
include raised medians for turn lanes in all directions which most likely extend beyond
Crane Street to the east.
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Commissioner Blackstad indicated it was not a good situation with the school nearby. He
then suggested a trail extend through the development from Crane Street to the west end
of the future development through a couple lots to Hanson Boulevard. In the portion of
the new development, go north along Crane Street to 161st Lane and then east to Avocet
Street.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16,2006 ,
Page 8
Parks Coordinator Haas reminded the Commission they would need about 1.5 lots to
accommodate a decent sized park. Commissioner Lindahl stated he believed Lot 13 and
14 would be best, but he recommended accepting cash for the park dedication instead of
creating a park.
Mr. Emmerich suggested a ball field to the north of his property, or Lot 7, Lot 8, or Lot 9
if the Commission needed to put in a park. He believed the residential lots were large
enough in the development to accommodate playground equipment each of the
residential lots. He indicated he would rather contribute to a trail, and had concerns
about ponding in Lot 23 and Lot 24. He would be willing to provide access for a trail
within Block 5 Lot 22 and along Lot 7 and Lot 8 Block 4.
Parks Coordinator Haas stated the trail on l6lst Avenue N,W. would probably be
postponed because the wetlands would make it difficult to create a trail there unless a
trail easement was required along the north side of the existing wetland between Hanson
Boulevard and Crane Street.
Mr. Emmerich suggested providing access along Block 5 Lot 23, that he would extend in
the future.
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Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl to recommend
the approval of the creation of a trail along the north side of 161 st Avenue N. W. to the
west from Crane Street, and thence north along Avocet to Block 4 Lot 8 or Block 3 Lot 8.
Commissioner Blackstad and Commissioner Lindahl agreed to rescind the motion.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl to recommend
the approval of the creation ofa trailto allow access to the park along l6lst Avenue
N.W. on the north side from Hanson Boulevard to Crane Street; thence north along Crane
Street to 161 st Lane; thence east along 161 st Lane to Avocet Street and ultimately to
Block 4 Lot 8. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and
Neumann) vote.
REVIEW ANDOVER STATION NORTH PARK BALL FIELD PLANS/05-15
Commissioner Blackstad expressed concern about the bencl).es and the area between the
fields. Mr. Dietz answered that there would be a net between the fields.
Commissioner Lindahl stated that there could be a water retention issue with concrete for
bleachers. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated that the concrete was necessary for bleacher
expansion. In addition, there would be considerable wear on the grass if turf would be
used.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 9
Commissioner Blackstad recommended extending the concrete surface to behind the
dugout. If it was not possible at present, to be done in the future. He inquired if there
would be a large opening in the outer comer. Mr. Dietz responded that there would be a
gate on both field fences, with openings for foul balls.
Commissioner Blackstad inquired about the fencing. Chair Masloski asked if there
would be 25 feet between the baseline and fence. He gave the example in Red Wing
where there was a caged in area for a playground.
Mr. Dietz responded that there would be fencing in the foul area. He expressed concern
that there might not be enough room for the playground equipment at the end.
Chair Masloski inquired about the location of the warm-up area. Mr. Dietz responded
warm-up could be along the third or first baseline.
Chair Masloski recommended enclosing the warm-up area, and put the park closer. Mr.
Dietz answered that it would be nice because the kids would be enclosed and have to
come back. A walkway could be created down, with the rest being green for pitching.
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Commissioner Blackstad recommended considering accepting bids for an alternate with
fencing between the fields and caging for pitching warm-up.
Mr. Dietz also mentioned to the Commission that the Andover Baseball Association
would like to see no outside teams or association be able to use this facility as they have
contributed funds towards the facility and will be coordinating the construction of the
new building.
Dan Monson of 155-141st Lane expressed concern that an issue was being created with
the soccer conflict. He stated that the association was attempting to set a precedent and
build community.
Chair Masloski stated that the cities of Apple Valley and Burnsville had a similar
problem. Mr. Monson indicated his goal was that every kid in the City had an
opportunity to play baseball.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Boyer to recommend
the approval of the Andover Station North Park Ball Field Plans with recommendations
from the Commission. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor,
and Nellmllnn) vote.
CONSIDER QUOTES/05-56/NORTHWOODS EAST PARK BALL FIELD FENCING
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Parks Coordinator Haas indicating the City was receiving quotes for fencing in the ball
field. Prairie Knoll needed to be done also for the sliding hill. Only miscellaneous funds
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 10
that are allocated for 2006 were available for the project. Specifically, $25,000 is not
earmarked for any type of project at the present time.
The Commission briefly discussed the details of the various quotes.
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl to recommend
approval of Arrow Fence the for base quote and alternate #2. The Commission requested
that the concrete mow strips and dugout areas be rebid. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-
nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor, and Neumaml) vote.
CONSIDER ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS
Parks Coordinator Haas stated he wanted to update the Commission on the item.
Blackstad noted they were considering a uniform sign and coloring of a vinyl tied to a
fence.
Parks Coordinator Haas indicated it would be administrated through the associations.
Coordinator Blackstad added that the associations would bring in businesses.
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Chair Masloski expressed concern that it could become a slippery slope. They needed to
be maintained.
Commissioner Blackstad indicated Sunshine and Eveland Parks were chosen first
because of the high exposure.
REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS
Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed the outstanding items with the Commission,
highlighting that the Woodland Estates Park equipment was plamled to be installed this
spring. In addition, Parks Coordinator Haas mentioned that the Skateboarding Task Force
needs to start evaluating locations around City HalllPublic Works to locate a permanent
site. Meanwhile, Constance Free Church has agreed to have it temporarily located on its
property for this summer.
CHAIR'S REPORT
Commissioner Lindahl indicated that with the scheduling issues of baseball, the Andover
Baseball Association had provided donations and equipment to the City. Another team
would be using the facilities all summer. He believed that funding and commitment
needed to be addressed. LChair Masloski admitted it could .increasingly become a problem
with the five representative higli schools. ~11u., ~'\YY'I{V;i.fr? l (f)-' M~ -b d.fw<:.LtJ(J
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Commissioner Lindahl stated the associations assist and commit to us.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - March 16, 2006
Page 11
Commissioner Blackstad inquired if the City's parks were ADA compliant. Parks
Coordinator Haas indicated there are some parks that still were not at the present time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the
meeting at 9: 12 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, and 3-absent (Albee, Bedor,
and Neumann) vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Of/Site Secretarial, Inc.
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