Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 6, 2001 o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - DECEMBER 6, 2001 MINUTES Chairperson Holthus called the Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission to order on December 6, 2001, 7:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Commissioners Chris DeLaForest, Jim Lindahl, and Dave Blackstad. Commissioners absent: Commissioners Al Grabowski, Chris English, and Paul Anderson. Also present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Others RESIDENTS FORUM Jim Olson, 16658 Wren Court NW, stated that he lives south ofthe new school along Verdin Street. He stated that he is present along with his neighbors to express disappointment in the Park Commission since it was voted to approve the trail along Verdin for the year 2002. He stated that they attended an informational meeting and everyone was against the trail as it was presented. He mentioned that they attended the Park Commission workshop and had the understanding that the Verdin Trail wouldn't be approved in the 2002 CIF Plan. Chairperson Holthus stated that there wasn't much discussion regarding the trails at the special workshop. She mentioned that she was the only one out ofthe Commission that attended the informational neighborhood meeting. She also mentioned that she did pass on their concerns from the informational meeting to the rest ofthe Commission. Mr. Olson questioned what the neighborhood should do from this point. Chairperson Holthus suggested they attend the joint meeting with the Park Commission and the City Council next Thursday, December 13th. Mr. Olson stated that they are opposed to the trail since the need hasn't even been established at this point. Chairperson Holthus stated that the City is concerned the kids will have a way to access the school and whatever amenities are provided. o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 6, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Olson stated that Verdin Street isn't a good road for a trail. He stated that it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend a large amount of money on a II2-mile trail. He suggested that it be re-evaluated and moved out to 2003 or 2004 once the need has been determined. o Chairperson Holthus explained that the logic is to provide the most adequate way for kids to access the school. Mr. Olson questioned if the purpose ofthe trail is to service the school children or to act as a trail for the public. He mentioned that if the purpose is to service just the school children maybe it should be re-evaluated. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the idea is to save a child. Mr. Olson questioned ifthis is the purpose of the Park Commission. He stated that even the trail along Verdin Street is a bad idea since it wouldn't be safe. He suggested bringing the trail in from the west. Mr. Haas mentioned that there haven't been any neighbors that have offered to allow a trail to go between their properties. Chairperson Holthus stated that even if there were a trail coming from the west there would still be kids coming down Verdin Street. Mr. Olson stated that he lives in the area and doesn't see a lot of kids along Verdin Street. He suggested waiting until the school is open before making a decision. Chairperson Holthus agreed that it does need to be studied further to determine what the needs are and what the traffic levels will be. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that there is a considerable support that the playgrounds at the elementary schools do get a lot of use. Mr. Olson thanked the Commission for their time and suggested it be reconsidered and pushed back to 2003 and/or 2004. Kelly Pearson, 16552 Verdin Street, stated that the live at the top of the hill along Verdin Street and find that the traffic is extremely heavy. She suggested waiting until the school is up and running to see what impact it will make on the area. Jim Pearson, 16552 Verdin Street, stated that there really isn't room for a trail along Verdin Street. He mentioned that the project would be very costly for the City. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by DeLaForest, seconded by Blackstad to approve the minutes from the November 14, 2001 Park Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Lindahl), 3-absent (Anderson, Grabowski, and English). o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 6, 200 J Page 3 o Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the minutes from the November 15,2001 Park Commission meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, O-nays, 1- present (Holthus), 3-absent (Anderson, Grabowski, and English). CONSIDER 2002 GRANT APPLICATION ROUND Chairperson Holthus explained that this item is in regards to considering DNR grant programs available for 2002 application round. She stated that this is the time of the year to consider recommending the City Council to apply for any ofthe grant programs that may be available subject to funding by the 2002 Legislature. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if the Outdoor Recreational Grant Program would work for the fishing pier at Andover Blvd. Mr. Haas mentioned that it would fit better under the fishing pier grant. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that there is no room for parking at Andover Lake. Commissioner Blackstad stated that there would be room for a trail. Mr. Haas stated that the Commission doesn't need to decide tonight. He suggested waiting until the Council has approved the 5 Year CIP Plan before making any decisions. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the WDE site would be a good site to apply for a grant. Mr. Haas stated that it would have to be under the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Commissioner Blackstad suggested applying for the Local Trail Connections Grant for the trail projects. Mr. Haas agreed that that is a possibility. Chairperson Holthus suggested doing the connection to Coon Creek. Mr. Haas explained how the route would be connected. Commissioner Lindahl suggested pursuing the ones that the City strongly qualifies for. Commissioner Blackstad suggested the using a grant for the fishing pier along the Rum River at Strootman Park. Mr. Haas mentioned that fishing piers are somewhat of a maintenance issue for the Public Works Department. Mr. Haas suggested the Commission wait until the Council has approved the 5 Year CIP Plan. Chairperson Holthus agreed to wait and put it on the agenda for the December 20th Park Commission meeting. REMINDER OF JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL o o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 6. 2001 Page 4 Mr. Haas reminded the Commission of the joint meeting with the City Council on December 13th to discuss the 5 Year CIP Trail and Park Improvement Plans. REVIEW OF PRESENTATION AT THE CITY OF ANOKA Mr. Haas explained that there would be a presentation by students from the University of Minnesota Forestry Department to the City of Anoka on December 11, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. in Anoka's City Council Chambers. He stated that the project was initiated by the City of Anoka to have the students evaluate the property around the new Anoka County Library north of Bunker Lake Boulevard NW and west of 7th Avenue NW. He questioned if any Commissioners are planning on attending other than Chairperson Holthus and himself. Commissioners Grabowski, Blackstad, and Lindahl stated that they would also be attending. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Ice Arena/Community Center Task Force Update - -Cliairperson Holthus stated that the discussion has changed slightly since they are re-evaluating different sites as possible locations. She mentioned that they also reviewed the survey results more in depth and has realized that the community is also interested in seeing a pool. Skateboard Task Force - Commissioner Blackstad stated that the task force is on hold until there is new members that are willing to volunteer there time and input. Crooked Lake Elementary School Hockey Rink Update - Chairperson Holthus stated that the Commission is on the agenda for the upcoming PTO meeting on Monday night. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that he's been approached by a number of citizens interested in forming a football association. He mentioned that that will be something to consider when looking at the CIP Plan for 2003, especially since they'll need football fields with lights. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Anderson, Grabowski, and English). Respectfully Submitted, () Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 6, 2001 Page 5 Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc. ()