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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP January 3, 2006 o CITY OF NDOVE ~~ ().Tlt, t-k.n l -11 -(jp SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 3,2006 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order at 6:03 p.m., by Mayor Mike Gamache at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota for the purpose of conducting Planning & Zoning/Park & Recreation Interviews. Councilmembers present: Councilmember absent: Also present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude None None Tim Kirchoff - Planning & Zoning Commission 6:00 p.m. o Mr. Kirchoff stated the reason he is reapplying for this position is because he feels there would be some interesting things happening in the City and he would like to be a part of it and tlllnks he has something to offer. Councilmember Trude asked what the single most important planning issue facing the City of Andover is in the next 5 years. Does he see the Rural Reserve being broken up into different zoning areas or all housing. Mr. Kirchoff stated he works with the Highway Department and Andover does not have any major highways going through the City. He did not see the Rural Reserve being a large business center but it could be mixed with housing and business. He stated he is a big advocate for transit. He did not see this area as high density, possibly another school with parks and recreational or a neighborhood business with a clinic. Councilmember Ortte1 wondered what the general philosophy is dealing with issues and the public. Mr. Kirchoff stated they have to give the public a chance to be heard and have them understand the Planning & Zoning Commission is an advisory body. He stated they have to allow the public to speak: their mind but the public also needs to follow the City's rules. He stated he is more open to variances than he was in the beginning. o Mayor Gamache wondered what frustrations Mr. Kirchoffhas with being on the Planning & Zoning Commission and with the Council. Mr. Kirchoff stated they do not have a lot of interaction but he is ok with that. He wonders where the Council has time to get everything done. His frustrations have to deal with the language and getting bogged down sometimes. He tlllnks the City has a great staff and he did not know what to change. He thought that staff is the key. Councilmember Jacobson wondered what the Planning & Zoning Commission does not do well and how can they fix it. Mr. Kirchoff thought the revision of the ordinance was done very well. He was not sure what they have not done well. They do move kind of slow in the process. The frustration is with allowing long cul-de-sacs because they cannot put a road through beforehand o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 2 for future development. Councilmember Knight wondered how consistent the City has been in planning for growth over the past 10 years? Mr. Kirchoff stated he could not predict the Council. Councilmember Knight wondered if the Council has a fair perspective of how they are going to achieve things in the future. Mr. Kirchoff thought they did. He could not predict how things are going to go. He did not think the Council moved too quickly on anything. He thought there was a lot of thought and discussion from the Council before a decision has been made. Councilmember Trude wondered if Mr. Kirchoffs input has helped the City. Mr. Kirchoff stated he thought it has. He has been impressed with how the City has developed. He makes a point to shop in the City. o Councilmember Knight wondered how he views the function of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Kirchoff thought there is great leadership on the Commission. The Chairperson tries to move things along and get opinions from the Commission. The Commission gets along well and they support each other with their different backgrounds and ideas. They work as a team. Councilmember Knight stated when he watches the meetings on TV, it is very professional looking and he is impressed by the Commission. Mr. Kirchoff is glad he lives in Andover and glad he is part of the organization. He feels he has the free time to work with the City and likes it and hopes he can continue on. Devon Walton - Planning & Zoning Commission 6:15 p.m. Mr. Walton stated he looked as the Planning & Zoning Commission as a possible step up in terms of participating in the City. He would like to learn more about the zoning and planning in the City. Councilmember Trude stated ifhe was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission he would have to give up the Community Center group and with it being the first year, did he feel his work is done there. Mr. Walton stated he did not feel his work is done and he would like to provide input to that Commission also but not as being a voting member. o Councilmember Orttel wondered what his philosophy would be on handling making decisions on the Planning & Zoning Commission with residents. Mr. Walton stated they need to weigh what the public has to see and make a decision with each individual request. Every request may be unique and it is never easy when forced upon an individual. Mayor Gamache wondered what a realtor could bring to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Walton stated as a realtor, he has learned a lot about what happens when a development goes together and what helps and hurts a development and what people want to see in a development. o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 3 He would like to interject more in the layout of a development. Councilmember Jacobson asked how he would look at and solve road improvement projects with residents in different areas. Mr. Walton stated when he has come upon situations in the past he has had the issue presented along with finding a solution to it. He thought they would need to talk to the residents and find out what the residents thought a solution would be. This may not be pleasing to everyone but it brings the residents together to try to involve them in helping make the decision with the City. Councilmember Knight asked how Mr. Walton saw the City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission work together. Mr. Walton thought the Planning & Zoning Commission would need to comply with all of the ordinances. He looks as the Planning & Zoning Commission as the last line of defense so the Council does not have to review everything. Councilmember Trude asked if there is anything that would prevent him from making fair recommendations as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, especially in the Rural Reserve being a realtor? Mr. Walton stated he does not have a conflict of interest and does not o have an exclusive relationship with certain builders. He did not foresee any conflicts. Councilmember Jacobson stated they have nine people applying for the position and asked, why the Council should choose him instead of the others. Mr. Walton stated he has a level of involvement in the City right now that he did not think the Council would see with other candidates. He noted he contributes allover the City and his profession lets him understand real estate from a different angle than others in the City. Bill DeVries - Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 p.m. Mr. DeVries stated the reason he wants to be involved is he has been a long~time resident. He thought he would have some good input as far as what is good and what is not because of his background building houses. Councilmember Trude stated one of the big things coming up is the planning of the Rural Reserve and the Planning & Zoning Commission would be very involved reviewing plans developers bring in. Does he have some kind of perception he would like to see come into the area. Mr. DeVries stated he has not given that any thought. o Councilmember Trude wondered in the last fifteen years living in Andover, does he like what he sees and what he would like to add to the City. Mr. DeVries stated he likes the single family home aspect but thought there needs to be more amenities in the City. He also thought there needs to be more parks and open space. Councilmember Orttel asked what his philosophy is in dealing with the public with issues involving their property. Mr. DeVries thought it is a delicate situation. He thought as a o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 4 Commission, they need to decide what is fair and if developments will fit into certain areas. It would be a real balancing act. They would have to look at each case by itself and decide if it is the wisest thing the City could do. Mayor Gamache asked how consistent the City has been in planning growth the last ten years. He thought it has been pretty consistent and lots have been pretty available. He thought the housing market has been good. The only problem he has had is if there are enough amenities and recreational space for the residents in the City. He thought they are lacking a large park and trail system. o Councilmember Jacobson stated in many of the issues that come before the Planning & Zoning Commission, they would like it to be black and white but this is not usually the case. He wondered if it is the greater good to have the City prevail or to have the residents get their way. Mr. DeVries thought this was difficult to answer because they could make many different decisions but he thought the City needs to make people conform. It would probably have to be a compromise. He thought one of the issues with the City is they do not have enough sewer to cover the City and he thought that would need to be fixed before the Rural Reserve could be developed. Councilmember Trude explained a new section of sewer would be brought up for that purpose and would be a large project. Councilmember Knight wondered what Mr. DeVries' perspective is on what the Planning & Zoning Commission does. Mr. DeVries thought the Planning & Zoning Commission did the legwork for the Council and they would research issues for changes. Councilmember Knight wondered how Mr. DeVries expects the Planning & Zoning Commission to function. Mr. DeVries stated the resident has to feel that the Commission is listening to them and wants to help. Councilmember Jacobson asked why the Council should pick him over the other applicants. Mr. DeVries stated it would be his hands-on experience and he will figure out a way to get things done. He thought he has had experience and knows a lot of people in the City and opinions. The City Council recessed at 6:50 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:05 p.m. Michael Ducklow - Planning & Zoning Commission 8:05 p.m. o Mr. Ducklow stated they have lived in Andover since May 2005. He works in Anoka County as an assessor. He explained he loves Andover because of the community and schools. His interest in applying for the position is because he is interested in the planning of the City with the Rural Reserve and he would like to be involved in this project. o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 5 Councilmember Trude stated she wants to preserve the community's value in the Rural Reserve. She asked how he perceives the Rural Reserve being filled out. Mr. Ducklow stated he envisions single-family homes going into the Rural Reserve. He also thought there needs to be some sort of a mix in there. There should be playgrounds and walking paths included. Councilmember Trude wondered if it would be an improvement to have public space along the water body with a trail. Mr. Ducklow did not think that would add too much more value but would not detract from the development. This would be an added plus to the development. He did not think it would affect values. Trails are important and would be an amenity. Councilmember Orttel stated the Planning & Zoning Commission does a lot of different things for the City. He wondered what his philosophy is on dealing with the residents regarding issues. Mr. Ducklow stated in dealing with issues at his job, fifty to sixty percent of his job is explaining the issue and resolving the problem. It is a process of educating the public and hope they understand. o Mayor Gamache wondered when given the choice between additional park land, additional home sites or additional commercial property within a proposed development, which is most important to the community? Mr. Ducklow stated he has heard people say they want more restaurants or eating places in the City. He thought with the residents here now, the commercial aspect is important to them. Councilmember Jacobson asked why the Council should choose him over the other applicants for the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Ducklow stated he is a good listener and would be willing to listen to the public and consider what they would say. He thought he works very well with the public. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe is assigned an area in Andover for his job, would it be a conflict of interest. Mr. Ducklow stated as long as he is not assessing Andover, it would not be a conflict of interest. He already discussed this with his boss and indicated he would turn down any job involving Andover. Councilmember Jacobson asked if Mr. Ducklow is involved in any activities in the City. Mr. Ducklow stated they are not involved yet. They have joined the YMCA but nothing else. Mr. Ducklow thought this would be a good opportunity for him and was excited for the opportunity. o Jason Neumann - Both Commissions 8:30 p.m. Mr. Neumann stated he would be willing to work on either Commission. He is opening a business in Andover and has been a volunteer coach in numerous sports. He is on a couple of different advisory boards at work and thought he would like to help the City out. o o o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 6 Councilmember Trude wondered if Mr. Neumann has had a chance to view some of the parks. Mr. Neumann stated he has been to a couple of parks with his family. Councilmember Trude stated they will be planning parks in the Rural Reserve and she wondered if they should have smaller parks or a unique larger park. Mr. Neumann stated it depended on the development in the Rural Reserve and what is needed. Councilmember Trude wondered if there is something missing in the City that could be included in a park. Mr. Neumann stated Andover is a very active area where kids live and there are many pets. Councilmember Orttel wondered what his philosophy was on dealing with individuals regarding decisions that need to be made. Mr. Neumann stated he needs to be organized and know the situation. He would research the issue and decide what the best policy is. Mayor Gamache asked what is the City's biggest asset and constraints are. Mr. Neumann thinks this is a great city with a knowledgeable staff. He did not think there is a good road plan to bring people into the City. He thought they need to build up industry to bring people in. Councilmember Jacobson asked which Commission Mr. Neumann would rather be on. Mr. Nenmann stated he would like to be on the Planning & Zoning Commission if given the choice. Councilmember Jacobson asked why he thought the Council would want to pick him over the other applicants for the Planning & Zoning Commission position. Mr. Neumann felt confident he could work with the City to help it grow and he feels comfortable working with people. He loves to see growth and is not afraid of setback. Councilmember Knight wondered what the most important planning issue is. Mr. Neumann stated there are a lot of little things they can do to attract people; possibly widen Hanson and add more stop lights. Councilmember Knight wondered if there would be any issues with making meetings. Mr. Neumann stated he would not have any issues and felt it was a way to get involved in the City. Councilmember Trude wondered if, because he mentioned he would be on the side of the company, ifhe would represent Andover or the public being on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Neumann stated he would be representing the City ifhe served on the Planning & Zoning Commission or Park & Recreation Commission. Councilmember Trude wondered what his agenda would be. Mr. Neumann stated he would go by the City's agenda. Mr. Neumann thanked the Council for their time for the interview and hoped they would appoint o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 7 him to one of the Commissions. Bill Hupp - Park & Recreation Commission 8:45 p.m. Mr. Hupp stated he is looking for something to do that will keep him involved in the City. There are a lot of things on the Park Commission that interest him. He would like to see them make the most of the parks in the City. He has a lot of ideas. Councilmember Trude stated Mr. Hupp is familiar with all of their parks. She wondered ifhe has an idea what the City is missing regarding parks. Mr. Hupp thought the City is suffering not having enough money to get the parks done. The multiple uses in the parks are key. He thought what they are lacking is additional park facilities in the northern area. He was interested in the ongoing trails, which are also key. There are a lot of needs out there for things they do not have such as tennis courts and additional hockey rinks. He thought they should fill the needs of the sports they do have and getting them to places they do not have them at. o Councilmember Orttel asked in regard to parks, what is the City's biggest asset and constraint? Mr. Hupp thought the Community Center is the biggest asset. He thought the biggest constraint is the money. Mayor Gamache wondered what Mr. Hupp's thoughts would be as to what is important for a park. Mr. Hupp thought it depends on what the need would be in the City for a type of park. He thought they would need to look at the area and what would fit. Councilmember Jacobson asked if Mr. Hupp is involved with any sports groups at this time. Mr. Hupp indicated he is not involved except with his sons' sports. Councilmember Jacobson stated considering money as a restraint, what Mr. Hupp would do with the money they do have for the parks. Mr. Hupp thought it was important to get the current parks done that need to be done with the money they have. Councilmember Knight stated one of the things they will be facing is the age cycle for the parks in the City. He wondered if there are any thoughts on how to prepare for this. Mr. Hupp thought the demographics would be important. He thought they need to get a handle on the age groups and find out what parks have for the different age groups and as they parks get older, upgrade them with what the area dictates at the time. o Councilmember Knight wondered how much time and money they should be spending on tot lots in the City. Mr. Hupp stated not knowing what the exact demographics are of certain areas, they need to see what their needs would be in each area and make plans. Mark Janssen - Planning & Zoning Commission 9:00 p.m. o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes -January 3, 2006 Page 8 Mr. Janssen stated he has been a resident of Andover for six years and before that he lived in Coon Rapids. He stated while in Coon Rapids, he got involved with being on his Homeowner's Association. He is a project engineer with Target Corporation. Councilmember Trude wondered ifhe has ever appeared before the Planning & Zoning Commission as a Target employee. Mr. Janssen stated he has only appeared before a Commission as a representative for his Homeowners' Association. Councilmember Trude wondered what his vision would be for the Rural Reserve. Mr. Janssen thought there would be an appropriate amount of retail that would be included in the Rural Reserve along with single family housing. He likes the walkways through the new developments in the City and thought it would be beneficial. Councilmember Orttel wondered where Mr. Janssen envisioned Andover in the next ten years. Mr. Janssen thought of the City as a bedroom community because there is not really a main street or any major highways or rail systems. He likes the smaller community. He thought it would be o necessary to bring the retail along with dining and the basics. Mayor Gamache asked when looking at redevelopment, what are some of the biggest assets Andover has and how they could do things differently than Coon Rapids or other cities. Mr. Janssen thought Coon Rapids did some things right but they also did some things wrong and he thought the big thing is to shape the development. They need to learn from mistakes. Councilmember Jacobson wondered in making his decision whether or not to proceed with an issue, how would he go about making a decision. Mr. Janssen thought the residents need to have a chance to speak and try to work through the issues with them. He thought this could resolve the issue. Councilmember Knight stated there will be issues on the Planning & Zoning Commission that deal with hard rules and they will get requests for variances and deviations to the rules. He wondered how Mr. Janssen would react to this and make decisions. Mr. Janssen stated that is why he wants to get involved; he wants to learn how to deal with the issues. Councilmember Knight wondered how Mr. Janssen sees himself. Mr. Janssen thought he was leaning towards towing the line but they need to look beyond that and look to the future. o Mr. Janssen wondered what was involved with the Planning & Zoning Commission position. Mayor Gamache stated the Planning & Zoning Commission is an advisory board to the Council. He explained what is required of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Jeremy Boyer - Park & Recreation Commission 9:15 p.m. o c o Andover Planning & Zoning & Park & Recreation Commissions Interviews Minutes - January 3, 2006 Page 9 Mr. Boyer stated he has lived in the City for 8.5 years and he would like to participate in the actions of the City. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe is familiar with the parks in the City. Mr. Boyer stated they use the parks very often. The trees and amenities at some of the parks are nice. He thought some of the parks could be redeveloped. Red Oaks East could be changed into a soccer field. Councilmember Trude explained what the Park & Recreation Commission does. She wondered what some of the things are he would like to see in the Rural Reserve and other areas of the City. Mr. Boyer stated they couldn't lose the open area in the City. They will need a lot more parks if they continue to develop and expand in the City. He would want to have a lot more open areas with a couple of smaller parks. They could use more trails in the City, especially to go to Bunker Park. Mayor Gamache asked what is currently lacking in the park system. Mr. Boyer stated he likes to play tennis and would like to see more tennis courts in the City along with more soccer fields. Councilmember Jacobson stated one of the problems the City and people have is money. He wondered if Mr. Boyer had to set priorities with limited funding what would be on the top of the list to do. Mr. Boyer thought they could try to get some volunteers to work on parks and to work on the trails to get kids and adults around the City. Councilmember Knight stated the Park & Recreation Commission meets twice a month. Will this be a problem for your schedule? Mr. Boyer stated it would not. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, Seconded by Councilmember Knight, to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried Unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary