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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 18, 2001 o o o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - OCTOBER 18,2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Valerie Holthus on October 18, 2001, 7:33 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Commissioners AI Grabowski, Chris English, Paul Anderson, Jim Lindahl, Chris DeLaForest and Dave Blackstad. Commissioners absent: There were none. Also present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas Finance Director, Jim Dickinson RESIDENTS FORUM Marty Bum, 2150 133rd Lane No, stated that he is present along with other family members, friends, and residents from the Hidden Creek East neighborhood. He stated that the playground equipment is outdated, unsafe, and unentertaining. He stated that they've been asking for playground equipment since 1996, however there have never been any funds available. He stated that they are requesting funds be made available in 2002 to make improvements to Hidden Creek East Park. Chairperson Holthus stated that Hidden Creek East Park would be discussed under item 6 ofthe agenda. Commissioner English questioned Mr. Bum ifthey are requesting the parking lot to be removed. Mr. Bum stated that that is correct. Commissioner English questioned Mr. Bum ifhe would have a problem with off street parking. Mr. Bum stated that he doesn't have a problem with off street parking. o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 18,2001 Page 2 () .~ ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner English stated that under the Crime Stopper discussion regarding the Fast Fifty Program, the Commission actually recommended that the program reward $100 instead of$50, however this wasn't included in the motion. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the October 4,2001 minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, O-absent, 2-present (Lindahl and Anderson). UPDATE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Jim Dickinson presented the financial statements through September 30,2001 for the Commission's review. He stated that the update includes the following reports: Park Improvement Preliminary Project Listing, Trail Fee Project Listing, Balance Sheet as of September 30,2001, and Statement of Revenues and Expenditures through September 30,2001. Commissioner English requested Mr. Dickinson to explain the Park Improvement Preliminary Project Listing more clearly. Mr. Dickinson stated that the listing consists of " ') estimates only; furthermore if the Commission went into the red slightly it wouldn't be a ,----/ major concern. Commissioner English questioned if the Commission could borrow from the Capital Fund for additional CIP Funds. Mr. Dickinson stated that that is correct. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the Park Dedication Fund runs low can the Commission borrow from the Trail Fund. Mr. Dickinson stated that that wouldn't be possible. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the Trail Fund can borrow from the Park Dedication Fund. Mr. Dickinson's stated that indeed the Trail Fund could borrow from the Park Dedication Fund. DISCUSS CROOKED LAKE SCHOOL HOCKEY RINK REBUILD Chairperson Holthus suggested the Principal of Crooked Lake School be contacted to find out if they would be willing to work together on ajoint project to rebuild the hockey rink. She suggested two members of the Commission go to one of their PTO meetings to create a plan. Mr. Haas mentioned that the City would take care of the expense of the repairs this fall. ~J o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 18, 200 I Page 3 o '/1 '--" Chairperson Holthus stated that she is referring to the major repairs that will need to be done in the future. Commissioner English agreed that it would be a good idea. Commissioner Blackstad also agreed. Commissioner Blackstad offered to represent the Commission. DISCUSS 5 YEAR CIP FOR PARKS & TRAILS/2002-2006 Chairperson Holthus stated that as indicated by the sub-committee at the last meeting all items from the 5 Year CIP that went to the City Council last March were included. Since March the proposed WDE site improvements have been included. Hidden Creek East Park isn't included at this point, nor is the skateboard equipment for Phase n. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the CIP Plan could be incorrect if the survey results are not taken into consideration. Mr. Haas stated that the survey has been completed and the information is now being put together. Mr. Dickinson stated that staff anticipates the results of the survey to be available by the end ofthe month and presented to the City Council at their November 6th meeting. ,~ Commissioner Grabowski suggested tabling the discussion until the survey results have been considered. Commissioner DeLaForest agreed. Mr. Dickinson stated that even though the CIP Plan will be presented to the Council on November 6th, the plan could be modified after that date. He suggested the Commission review the plan and give any input now on whether or not the Commission agrees or disagrees with the proposal. Chairperson Holthus stated that the Task Force has reviewed the plan and the Commission has voted on it, therefore she recommended the Commission stick to the plan that's currently being presented. Commissioner Anderson questioned how the projection for the revenues are figured. Mr. Dickinson explained. Commissioner Anderson questioned ifthe Commission has approved that Park Dedication Funds be used to off set the Trail Fund. Mr. Dickinson stated that the trails are funded strictly by the trail fees. Commissioner Anderson questioned ifthere shouldn't be an "other" listed on the plan to allow for expenses that come up that aren't in the plan. :~J Mr. Dickinson stated that staff is not looking for adoption by the City Council on November 6th. Commissioner English stated that adoption of the plan would only lock .:J o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October /8. 2001 Page 4 o the Commission in for 2002, then in 2002 the plan can be modified for the upcoming year and that year then adopted. Commissioner Anderson mentioned that the skateboard equipment isn't included in the plan for 2002. Mr. Haas stated that the reason it isn't in the plan is because the Commission hasn't actually committed to it, however he suggested that it be included. Commissioner Anderson suggested there be an "other" to allow for the skateboard equipment. Commissioner English suggested the Commission come up with a CIP Plan and stick with it. He stated that staff should be given the opportunity a year a head of time on how to spend it. He stated that if the Commission were to wait for the survey results to come back then the Commission may come up with another excuse to post pone it next time. He also mentioned that the public has a right to know what the plan is for 2002. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he agrees with the concept of the CIP Plan. He stated that he does have some reservations on a few projects planned for 2002. He suggested some changes be made at Hawkridge. He also mentioned that there are 15 other parks with older equipment than the equipment at Hidden Creek East Park. /' -\ 'J Commissioner English suggested the Commission look at 5-year blocks and spend $250,000 every 5 years for playground equipment, figuring $50,000 for each year. Mr. Dickinson stated that the bonded proceeds couldn't be used for play structures, but instead just infrastructure improvements, trails, etc. Commissioner English questioned if the internal borrowing fund could be used for playground equipment. Mr. Dickinson stated that the Commission could borrow from the City, however bonded dollars couldn't be used. Mr. Haas stated that the CIP Plan is scheduled to be presented to the Council at their November 6th meeting, however there will be a special meeting after that with the Commission if so desired to discuss the plan further. Commissioner English questioned if the Commission agrees to accept the process of the CIP Plan. He recommended that the final 2002 plan be finalized by the first meeting in December. C) Commissioner Blackstad agreed to the concept of the CIP Plan as long as changes can be made to the plan before it's adopted. Mr. Dickinson stated that the City Council will want the Commission's input, therefore there is flexibility. " \ "J o o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October /8.200/ Page 5 Commissioner English questioned ifit would be possible to move forward one of the CIP Projects to free up some money to allow for an "other" category to be included in the plan. Mr. Haas stated that there could be CDBG Funds available to help with a project at Hidden Creek East Park. He pointed out the location of the park. Commissioner English questioned if there is only one soccer field at Hawkridge Park. Mr. Haas stated that there is two small fields or one large field at Hawkridge Park. Commissioner Anderson questioned what amenities the school has available to the residents. Commissioner Blackstad stated the amenities that are available. Commissioner Anderson mentioned that the school is fairly close to Hawkridge Park. Mr. Haas agreed. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the City is looking at trails to access the school. Mr. Haas stated that the City is looking into the possibility of a trail along Verdin Street. Commissioner Anderson suggested the Commission not put in irrigation at Hawkridge , " Park. '0 o Chairperson Holthus stated that it's unreasonable to expect kids to bike there unless there is a trail available. Commissioner English stated that it might be an option to put offthe well and irrigation at Hawkridge Park, since it was an after thought. He mentioned that this would free up some money for Hidden Creek East Park. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that the other reason for the well was to flood the ice rink. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the well would provide water access on that side of the train tracks, since there could be a problem ifthere were a train. Commissioner English stated that his idea was to possibly post pone the irrigation at Hawkridge, which would help to free up some money for playground equipment at Hidden Creek East. Chairperson Holthus suggested waiting to put in the well but still put up the warming house, which would still free up money for Hidden Creek East. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the City measures the density and the use of the parks receive when determining which parks to upgrade. He stated that there were over / '\ . ) '---, ,~~ o o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 18. 2001 Page 6 o 20 people in attendance with concerns regarding Hidden Creek East Park, therefore that should carry some weight. Commissioner English stated that he doesn't see how there would be enough funds to put in irrigation at another park and playground equipment at Hidden Creek East. Motion by Blackstad to approve the CIP Plan in concept with the projects for 2002 yet to be finalized. Further Discussion Commissioner Grabowski stated concerns with approving the plan since it doesn't say anything in the plan about ADA Compliance, among others. He stated that the plan doesn't take into consideration the future needs of the community. He mentioned concerns that approving the plan would lock the Commission in for 2002. He also agreed there should be an "other" category included in the plan. Commissioner English questioned if all parks were inspected at one point for ADA Compliance. Mr. Haas stated that there are a number of parks out there that are not completely ADA Compliant. Mr. Dickinson stated that there are attempts in the General Fund to address the ADA accessibility to some of the parks. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he has concerns about the Commission locking in for 2002. Commissioner Blackstad stated that his motion is to accept the plan in concept, however a workshop will be necessary to finalize 2002. Chairperson Holthus seconded the motion. Commissioner English questioned if the plan can be modified. Mr. Dickinson stated that there will be a special meeting between the Council and the Commission to fine-tune the plan. Commissioner DeLaForest stated that he will not be voting on the subject since he wasn't a member of the Commission when the CIP Plan began. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, I-nay (Grabowski), I-abstain (DeLaForest), O-absent vote. Chairperson Holthus thanked all the residents for attending the meeting and voicing their concerns. , - .' , '-~ /- ..., '--J o o Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 18.2001 Page 7 o Commissioner Blackstad stated that the petitions of the residents haven't gone unnoticed. He suggested the residents think about putting in a soccer field or a ball field at Hidden Creek East since it helps to make the park more efficient. Commissioner English suggested the residents consider paving the parking lot, connecting to the trail, and installing a soccer and/or ball field. DISCUSS START TIME FOR PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS Chairperson Holthus questioned if the Commission is interested in changing the start time for the Park and Recreation Commission meetings. Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to approve changing the start time for the Park and Recreation Commission meetings to 7:00 p.m. beginning November 1,2001. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner English questioned if the park signage that the Council approved included symbols on the signs. Mr. Haas stated that no action was taken on the subject. Commissioner English suggested there be a standard set of symbols used on all the signs. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the City of Bumsville has a standard sign that they follow throughout the City, which is very attractive. Mr. Haas agreed to e-mail the City ofBumsville to receive a drawing. Chairperson Holthus stated that the Ice Arena Task Force canceled their last meeting and rescheduled for this coming Monday night. The Focus Group Task Force has ended with their job being complete. The Skateboard Task Force will be meeting in November. The 2002 Park Capital Improvement Budget Group has already been discussed. Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the Ball Field Task Force. He stated that the school board will be looking at the joint powers agreement next week. Commissioner English suggested leaving Park Capital Improvement Budget Group on the Issues List since the group will meet in the spring. He recommended deleting the year 2002. u o ,.'" - '\. '_ ..I Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 18, 2001 Page 8 CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Blackstad stated that he recently talked with Frank Stone about putting in a post on the trail between 2 and 3. He stated that hopefully this will deter people from driving down the trail. Commissioner Anderson stated that the Bunker Hills Open House is on October 27th. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the Sunshine Park building was left unlocked. He questioned if the Commission didn't agree that anyone having a weekend tournament should notify the Commission. Mr. Haas explained. He stated that they should have filled out a tournament application. Commissioner English suggested there be a checklist gone through by staff when the key is issued and when the key is returned. Mr. Haas stated that the problem is that the associations have a key for the whole year. ADJOURNMENT Motioll by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Motion \ carried on a 7-ayes, a-nays, a-absent vote. 'J Respectfully Submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc. . ~\ . ~--.J "