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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 6, 2001 o o o CITY of ANDOVER 'ARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 MINUTES Chairperson Valerie Holthus called the Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission to order on September 6, 2001,7:34 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, AI Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Chris English, Dave O'Toole, Dave BIackstad, and Paul Anderson. Commissioners absent: There were none. Also present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM CJ Dory Peterson, stated that she's lived in Shadowbrook for 3 years and is aware that the development has donated funds and park dedication funds have been paid, however there is no park in the area. She questioned if there will eventually be a park in the Shadowbrook development. Chairperson Holthus mentioned this topic is on the agenda later under 2002 Park hnprovement Projects. Victoria Doyel, 13511 Swallow Street NW, stated that she lives in the Hidden Creek East neighborhood. She stated that she has a letter signed by at least 35 families stating that the park equipment and overall general condition of the park is very poor. She questioned why Hidden Creek East Park hasn't been upgraded as many parks have in the City. She mentioned that many young children enjoy the park. She explained that they are requesting plastic play structure of some kind to replace the tall metal slide, overall cleaning up of the park, additional trees for shade, etc. She also mentioned that one time when someone from the neighborhood had called the City they were told that if the residents collected money from the neighborhood then the park could be upgraded. Commissioner Lindahl questioned who from the City had said they should go around the neighborhood and collect money. Ms. Doyel stated that she wasn't the one who called, however had heard that that was what someone was told. Commissioner English questioned the age of the play equipment and what age equipment would o be best suited for the park. Ms. Doyel stated that right now there is nothing for the 1-5 year old age group. She mentioned ~) o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 2 that the metal slide is way too high, and much too hot for young children to be playing on. She also mentioned that one child broke their leg while playing on the slide. She suggested the City put in two different play structures to cover two different age groups. Commissioner English questioned ifher priority would be the younger kids over the older ones. Ms. Doyel stated that the younger kids should be the priority. Commissioner Blackstad explained that with prior City Councils they only budgeted $30,000 to $50,000 per year, however that in reality is only enough to upgrade at most two parks. He explained that the Commission has very little money to work with; therefore they try to stretch it as much as possible. Ms. Doyel stated that a neighbor of hers was told that there was $90,000 in the park dedication fund. Commissioner English explained that in actuality there is probably a lot more than $90,000, however in the past park dedication funds weren't to be used for replacement on parks. He mentioned that this policy might be changing. However, in the year 2001, the Commission had $40,000 to work with in replacement funds. (J Mr. Haas stated that things have changed a lot in terms of what $40,000 can be put towards. He mentioned that because of a recent change park dedication funds could be used for total replacement of structures. He also mentioned that the $40,000 can only be used to replace pieces of equipment instead of total replacement. Commissioner English stated that he is concerned about the metal slide if children are getting hurt from it. He suggested Mr. Haas have Kevin Starr take a look at the slide and determine whether or not it is safe. Mr. Haas explained that he has talked with a number of individuals over the years and has told them that if residents were to come up with funds, that often times the City will match it or at least make that park a top priority if donations were made. Commissioner Lindahl stated that another option is to go to businesses in the area asking for donations, and in that case those funds would go directly to your park. He also mentioned that the City does their best to match funds and/or do whatever possible in making the park a top priority. ( \ 'J Michelle Burn, 2150_135Ih Avenue NW, stated that her backyard backs up to the park and a portion of the woods is also on City property. She stated that there is a lot of poison ivy and trash in the woods and as a result it ends up in their yard. She mentioned that right now there is nothing for the kids to do at the park, however there are many young children in the neighborhood. 'j '-J' o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 3 Commissioner Grabowski suggested Mr. Starr evaluate the poison ivy problem at all the parks in the City. Barb Novinska, 13523 Swallow Street NW, thanked the City for responding so quickly with fire trucks and police cars making a presence at their neighborhood party for National Night Out. She mentioned that her concern is the safety of the children. It was stated that the slide is very tall and there is nothing to prevent them from falling off. She also mentioned that she has not seen another metal slide at any other park in the City. Jeff Marquee stated that he lives in the Shadowbrook development. He stated that he was informed that when he moved into the development there would be park, however to this day there is none. He mentioned that there are over 200 kids in the area that have no park to play at. Kim Rasmusson, 140th Avenue, stated that it has become a necessity to have a park in their area. She stated that they live on the west side of the development, however it would be nice to have a park where they don't have to cross Prairie Road. She mentioned that there is no park for the older kids. Chairperson Holthus stated that she appreciates and understands the residents' concerns. She ~ ) suggested Hidden Creek East be put on the agenda for the next meeting. A member from the audience mentioned that there is someone who works for the City of Fridley in their neighborhood and has mentioned that the park equipment in their area is technically illegal. She stated that she was told that if the equipment isn't safe the City just pulls it and then there is nothing. Commissioner O'Toole stated that the City does pull the equipment when there are safety issues, and sometimes there aren't the funds to put in replacement equipment. Ms. Doyel questioned if Hidden Creek East Park would be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner English suggested waiting until the report comes back on all the parks before putting it on the agenda. He stated that the report should be ready for review by the Commission at the next meeting or the first meeting in October. Ms. Doyel questioned the Commission on how soon she would be contacted. Commissioner English stated that after the discussion has taken place regarding the report on all the parks, a list of parks prioritized would be made available to the public. :J APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the August 16,2001 regular Park CJ o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 4 Commission meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 2-present (Grabowski and O'Toole) and, I-absent (Anderson) vote. REVIEW DRAFT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STUDY WITH NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Chairperson Holthus explained that it's recommended to table this item until staffis able to perform the research concerning replacement cost/facilities for existing parks and review of the anticipated amount of parkland, which will be needed to serve the planned 2020 population of the City. CONSIDER GUIDELINES FOR OFFERING REWARDS Mr. Haas explained that based on discussions with John Erar, City Administrator, it was suggested that a program should be developed so that vandalism can be minimized with the reward program in place. He mentioned that he did do research with other cities and found out that Blaine and Coon Rapids use Crime Stoppers for the larger vandalism incidents. Chairperson Holthus suggested waiting until the camera is installed at Sunshine Park to see ifit ~_) helps to deter any vandalism. Commissioner Blackstad questioned how the City would control the vandalism at the remaining parks around the City. He mentioned that having a reward in place might help some to report what they know. (j Commissioner English stated that he thinks it's a good idea to conduct research with the surrounding cities to find out what they do. He stated that at this point there really isn't enough information to put a reward in place, however he suggested gathering additional information about the possibility of having a reward for any City property that is vandalized. Mr. Haas stated that in the cities of Blaine and Coon Rapids they do use Crime Stoppers for any major vandalism on any City property. Commissioner Grabowski suggested staff provide more information and in turn look at it as an entire City approach. Commissioner English suggested Mr. Haas obtain a brochure on the Crime Stopper program. Mr. Haas agreed. DISCUSS USE OF CUSHMANIPUBLIC WORKS Commissioner Blackstad explained a recent incident with the Pov's Tournament and the use of the Cushman. He stated that they had signed up for no maintenance, however turned around and used the Cushman for only $25 without the assistance of City staff. , "- '- ) CJ (J o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6,2001 Page 5 Commissioner Anderson arrived at 8:14 p.m. Commissioner Blackstad explained that he is recommending changing the Cushman Agreement into a youth only application or youth tournament application. He stated that adult tournaments should have to sign up for maintenance if so desired. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he believes if an organization is requesting to use the fields as a profit entity, then they should pay their fair share for the use of the fields. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he feels adult tournaments shouldn't be able to use the Cushman, but instead City staff should do it. Commissioner English questioned ifhe could use the Cushman for his own personal use on his property. Commissioner Blackstad stated that technically right now he could. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he recommends the Cushman be available for youth organizations for tournament play only. Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the use of the Cushman for all Youth Organizations for Tournament Play. Further Discussion Commissioner English questioned if this would include all youth organizations in the City. Commissioner O'Toole explained that the reason he is recommending it for youth is because they are the ones that have the need. He mentioned that his motion would include all youth organizations, whether it is church, school, or others. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, I-nay (Holthus), O-absent vote. Chairperson Holthus stated that she voted against the motion since she prefers to see the present agreement before making any changes; furthermore she mentioned that the City has the right to use public property. DISCUSS TULIP STREET PARK, CONT. Mr. Haas explained that staff has been trying to contact Becky Wozney of the Anoka Conservation District in regards to wildflower planting within the park. He mentioned that staff has also been trying to contact Jeff Perry of the Anoka Parks and Recreation Department for information on planting. He also mentioned that if natural grasses were planted the process would be to till and seed it and then burn it off about every 4 or 5 years. ~J () 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 6 Commissioner English stated that it probably would cost the City less to buy the property from the county so it could be reclassified and leased, otherwise it may continue to be a problem. Commissioner Grabowski questioned why the neighbor next door wasn't hired for a $1.00 per year to care for the property. Mr. Haas reminded the Commission that Mr. Bennett doesn't own the property. He mentioned that at this point and time Frank Stone would like to try mowing the area as needed, however he agreed to pass it along to Mr. Stone that the Commission would like to pay Mr. Bennett a $1.00 to care for the property. Commissioner English stated that he agrees with Commissioner Grabowski. He stated that he recommends the City not stretch their resources further than necessary. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the City has to cross private property to mow the park. Mr. Haas stated that Mr. Stone is working on an agreement with the property owner so that the City can cross the property to mow the park. /' ~-\ ,~ Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council that the City purchase the park from the county and have it reclassified and leased to the land owner, with the lease agreement including that the property owner would maintain the property. Further Discussion Commissioner O'Toole stated that he would support the motion, however wanted to make sure that when the City owns the park that it is possible to lease it. Mr. Haas stated that it is possible to lease it once the City owns it. Commissioner Grabowski questioned why the Commission is recommending paying $6,000 for the land when the City could pay the property owner a $1.00 to maintain the park. Commissioner English agreed. Commissioner English withdrew his motion. Commissioner Blackstad agreed. Commissioner English questioned if the City seeded the land for prairie grasses and wildflowers could the property owner maintain the property. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the property owner could maintain the property, but not with power equipment. Commissioner Lindahl suggested seeding the land and burning it every few years. (J Commissioner English suggested the City Council consider passing an ordinance to allow the property owner to cultivate that park only. Commissioner Grabowski explained that it becomes an insurance issue. ':J u 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 7 Mr. Haas agreed to check into on whether or not it's possible to hire the property owner for a $1.00. DISCUSS 2002 PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Chairperson Holthus explained that it might be appropriate to begin discussions amongst the Commission to consider projects for 2002. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the projects in 2001 will be completed this year. Chairperson Holthus explained that what is left to be completed for 2001 is the picnic area, the soccer goals and parking lot at Prairie Knoll Park. She mentioned that the plans for the picnic area still need to be drawn up. Commissioner Blackstad suggested doing the parking lot first. Chairperson Holthus questioned if a motion needs to be made to order the plans and specs for the pICniC area. ,~~ Mr. Haas suggested the Commission look at the plan for 2001,2002, and 2003 as a whole and evaluate what should be done first. Chairperson Holthus suggested the Commission first finish what was planned for 2001. Commissioner Anderson agreed. Chairperson Holthus suggested sticking with the original plan for 2001,2002 and 2003 at this point. Commissioner English suggested the Commission approve completing the projects in 2001 for $45,000, which would include the parking lot and soccer goals at Prairie Knoll Park and the picnic area at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas mentioned that the Commission needs to decide what they would like for a picnic area at Sunshine Park. Commissioner Blackstad suggested doing the picnic area for no more than $10,000 and also include a horse shoe pit and volleyball court, which wouldn't cost much at all. Commissioner English stated that that would bring the dollar amount for 2001 to $50,000. Mr. Haas explained that the cost for the parking lot wouldn't include the curb, however based on the way the ordinance is written the Council can waive the curbing. ~) Commissioner English suggested holding off on the curbing until 2002. Commissioner O'Toole questioned if this would be possible. Mr. Haas stated that yes it would be possible. ~ C) 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 8 Commissioner O'Toole recommended doing the parking lot this year in class 5, and instead pave and curb the parking lot next year since it wouldn't get much use anyway since the soccer fields aren't useable at this time. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Lindahl suggested putting offthe soccer goals for this year. Commissioner English suggested ordering plans and specs for both Hawkridge and Shadowbrook East, which would bring the total to $215,000. Commissioner English suggested that none of these projects be delayed. He recommended the Commission instruct the Soccer Association to apply for a grant for both Hawkridge and Shadowbrook East. Mr. Haas stated that the City would have to do both. Commissioner English suggested revising the layout at Shadowbrook to be one baseball field and one soccer field. Mr. Haas explained that staff is recommending the Commission concentrate on putting in two soccer fields, since this helps to keep kids in one area. ;J Chairperson Holthus questioned what the Commission would want to do with Wild Iris Park. Commissioner English suggested Wild Iris Park be first on the list for 2002. Commissioner English explained that the reason he is recommending Shadowbrook is because it has been priority for years. He stated that so far the City has taken land and money, however we haven't given anything back. He mentioned that ifthe Commission did Wild Iris then nothing else would be able to be done. Commissioner Lindahl stated that Wild Iris Park is functional, where Shadowbrook East has nothing. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he would also like to see a half basketball court at Shadowbrook. Commissioner English suggested the basketball court be an alternate option since the money is tight. Mr. Haas mentioned that a basketball court wouldn't be expensive to install, since the City has to pave the parking lot anyway. Commissioner Grabowski suggested Mr. Haas present a map and a couple different layouts at the next meeting. , ) A resident in attendance questioned if residents are able to assist with creating a park. She mentioned that in order to have tournaments, there typically needs to be two fields. She questioned if residents are able to help with raising money from sources such as the Lions Club, ,.- '1 '-_/ ': ) ,- , '-) () 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 9 among others. Commissioner Blackstad explained that typically the Commission looks at who needs the fields first. A resident in attendance mentioned that as a parent you want something for all ages of your kids. Commissioner O'Toole mentioned that very few fields are irrigated; however these fields would be irrigated, since they would likely be used heavily. Mr. Haas mentioned that ball fields could easily be made into soccer fields. Commissioner English questioned what type of fields the City needs. Commissioner Blackstad and Chairperson Holthus stated that the City right now needs baseball fields. Commissioner English recommended the Commission put in two baseball fields. Nicole English, 16655 Crocus Street NW, mentioned that in her opinion it would be a bad idea to make the baseball fields into soccer fields. Commissioner English explained that it would be for practice use only. Mr. Haas mentioned that actually the soccer fields could be used for tournaments. Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to complete the remaining items in 2001 with the exception of the parking lot not being paved at Prairie Knoll Park, to order plans and specs for Hawkridge (while reducing costs where possible) and Shadowbrook East Parks. Further Discussion Chairperson Holthus questioned if the motion would include increasing the amount for the picnic area at Sunshine Park from $5,000 to $10,000. Commissioner Lindahl recommended holding off on the soccer goals for this year. Mr. Haas mentioned that it has been determined that park dedication funds can be used for replacement. He stated that staff would like to explore that idea for replacement of pieces of equipment. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the motion includes the basketball court. Mr. Haas suggested it be thrown in as an alternate. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the court be half-court and have two hoops located kiddy comer from each other. Commissioner English suggested the court have 3 hoops, one on each end and a third on the side. Commissioner Blackstad agreed. o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 .- -) Page 10 '-.-" Commissioner English suggested the Commission be provided with preliminary layouts at the next meeting. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Mr. Haas mentioned that the $40,000 that was just started as a new fund for Mr. Stone can be used for total replacement for equipment. In addition there is $50,000 in the Capital Park Replacement Fund that can be used for replacement or new equipment. Commissioner English questioned if the Commission is gaining $40,000 or in reality lost $40,000. Commissioner Lindahl suggested Mr. Haas look at what Public Works spent last year compared to this year. Commissioner English questioned if the proposal has already been approved by the City Council. Mr. Haas stated that as he understands, the Council has approved it. CONSIDER PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING GUIDELINES AND , '\ PUBLIC HEARING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROTOCOL ~_J Chairperson Holthus explained that the City Council at their August 14,2001 meeting reviewed a policy to establish guidelines for citizen participation at public meetings. She stated that the Council at their August 21st meeting recently approved the policy. She stated that attached in the packet is a modified policy that incorporates the Commission into the policy. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it really is nothing new from what the Commission has already been doing. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by O'Toole, to recommend approval to the City Council of the Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Guidelines and Public Hearing Citizen Participation Protocol. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Chairperson Holthus stated that the recommendation from the ball field task force was to pay for the electricity at the message center for the use of pitching machines. (j Commissioner O'Toole stated that he doesn't have a problem spending $1,000 to $2,000 on electricity to the message board. He mentioned that all the kids using the facility would be from Andover. Furthermore who's to say the City wouldn't use it at some point in the future. . \ I '-~--,.l u 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 11 Commissioner English stated that he's opposed to the idea because ofthe precedent it will set. Lynette Bauers, 14570 Jonquil Street NW, questioned the reason the City is going to pay for something that just a few elite varsity students would utilize at the high school. Commissioner English stated that Ms. Bauers makes a very good point. He mentioned that often times there are budget cuts at schools; however there never seems to be budget cuts with the athletic programs. Chairperson Holthus read a letter explaining the reason the City is being asked to pay for the electricity. Commissioner Anderson stated that based on the letter the school is fine with paying for the electricity up to the post. Commissioner English questioned where the money would come from to fund the electricity. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it would come out of the Park funds. Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Anderson, to recommend to the City Council that the City pay for the electricity at the message board for the fast pitching machines. Motion failed on a 3 ayes, 4-nays (Lindahl, Grabowski, English, and Blackstad), O-absent vote. , , \. ) -/ Commissioner English suggested the trail along Verdin Street be added to the Issues List. Chairperson Holthus updated the Commission on the sports complex. She stated that along with the survey and the list of facilities available to residents of Andover the group will be able to determine what the needs are of the citizens of Andover. She stated that at the last meeting they reviewed the costs of the facility and talked about ways to reduce the costs. Commissioner Lindahl questioned the range of the costs. Chairperson Holthus stated that there are two options. She reviewed what would be included in each option. Chairperson Holthus stated who was in attendance at the last meeting. She stated that the discussed the possibilities of different locations for the facility. She mentioned that the changes made by the Commission in regards to the survey were felt appropriate by the task force. . Chairperson Holthus stated that the budget task force hasn't yet met. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT ( \ \.J Commissioner O'Toole stated that he has decided to offer his resignation from the Park Commission. He stated that he feels the responsibilities have become very time consuming and the meetings have become very unproductive, therefore he is choosing not to spend any more time as a member of the Commission. He mentioned that over the years he has enjoyed his time on the Commission. ,'\ '-...' ) :J u 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2001 Page 12 Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the Sheriffs Department has stated that their time is well worth it patrolling the parks. He stated that they are catching kids doing things all the time. He stated that it would be nice to have a report once a month on what they are encountering. Commissioner Lindahl thanked Commissioner O'Toole for all his input and time spent on the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.