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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 16, 2001 o () o o CITY of ANDOVER o 'ARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -AUGUST 16,2001 MINUTES Chairperson Valerie Holthus called the Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission to order on August 16,2001, 7:34 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Jim Lindahl, Chris English, Dave Blackstad, and Paul Anderson. Commissioners absent: Al Grabowski and Dave O'Toole. Also present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM There were no residents that spoke at the forum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Blackstad, seconded by English, to approve the August 2,2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Anderson) and, 3-absent (Lindahl, Grabowski, and O'Toole) vote. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/ANDOVER JAYCEES Sue Thorson, League Director, introduced herself and requested scheduled use of the recreational facilities at Sunshine Park and Watertower Field on Saturday, September 22nd and Sunday, September 23rd. Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7:36 p.m. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities by the Andover Jaycees, for the weekend of September 22, 2001. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Grabowski and O'Toole). REVIEW DRAFT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STUDY WITH NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Chairperson Holthus explained that the City Attorney, City Administrator and City Staff have received copies ofthe draft for review and comment. He stated that not everyone has had an o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 , \ Page 2 '--' opportunity to make comments to the draft and meet with the consultant. He recommended this item be tabled until the September 6, 2001 meeting. Commissioner English stated that he thought it was agreed that the Park Board would review the draft before it was edited by anyone. Chairperson Holthus stated that what staff is planning to do is to make sure everything is defined appropriately. Commissioner English questioned what the purpose is of the Park Board if staff is going to be doing its job. Mr. Haas explained the reason staff would be reviewing it before the Commission. Commissioner English stated that he doesn't understand how it involves staff, however staff is holding up the report because they want to review it. Mr. Haas explained that it's normal procedure for staff to review it and make sure the language and spelling are accurate. Commissioner English questioned how the Commission is to assure that the only corrections made were language and spelling. He questioned ifthe Commission would see the original copy. Mr. Haas stated that staff would italicize the corrections on the original copy. Chairperson Holthus stated that this item would be tabled until the September 6th Park ~) Commission meeting. Mr. Haas suggested combining items 6 and 13. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL F ACILITIESISOCCER (ADD ON) APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL F ACILITIESIAYAAlARA FOOTBALL Jim Lease questioned the reason it states all fields in the application, since there has been an agreement set up between Anoka Football Association and North Metro Soccer Association. He questioned the reason it isn't included in the packet. He explained that this is the first year it has been done; however the numbers are growing tremendously. Commissioner Blackstad questioned Mr. Lease ifhe understands that no vehicles are allowed on the fields. Mr. Lease stated that he is aware that no vehicles are allowed on the fields. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if the fields at Hidden Creek North are booked for soccer. Mr. Haas stated that soccer is planning to use every field this fall because ofthe high demand. (=-) Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to approve the Fall 2001 Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/Soccer and the Fall 2001 Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/A Y AA/ ARA Football, subject to the change that the field at City o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 ') Page 3 'J Hall #1 goes to the Football Association. Motion carried on as-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Grabowski and O'Toole) vote. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/SOFTBALL-BASEBALL Chairperson Holthus explained that the Andover Athletic Association is requesting use of the softball fields for their season. She mentioned that the request is for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Fall 2001 Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/Softball-Baseball. Motion carried on as-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Grabowski and O'Toole) vote. REVIEW PROPOSED FOCUS GROUP COMMUNITY SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE Chairperson Holthus explained that the revised questionnaire has been sent out to all Commission members. She suggested the Commission present any comments regarding the questionnaire. , ~, I ',J Commissioner Anderson questioned the purpose of the questionnaire. Commissioner Blackstad explained that the primary purpose of the survey is to look at what the City has to offer and compare it to what the people want the City to have. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he would like to see questions 9 and 10 split so the questions are specific about the trail system and then the fields, however they are kept separate. Commissioner English stated that questions 9 and 10 deal with the trail system only and the rest deal with other issues. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if question #19 is necessary. Commissioner Anderson questioned if expansion ofthe future trail system has been included. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that the seasonal use of the recreational facility would come into play with the community center. Chairperson Holthus questioned how often the Focus Group met. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the group met twice, with the first meeting's discussion revolving around the type of questions and the second meeting going through each and every question. CJ Chairperson Holthus questioned if the survey could be a little redundant. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the purpose is to do a localized survey and get an accurate picture as possible. o (j Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 , "\ Page 4 '---' Commissioner Lindahl agreed that on the first page of the survey future expansion of the trail system wasn't included. Commissioner Blackstad suggested question #31 also include football and hockey. Commissioner Lindahl suggested there be a change in the paragraph following question #27. He suggested the word "by" in the first line be changed to "in". Commissioner Anderson suggested striking the entire paragraph that follows the words, "Changing Topics..." Commissioner English stated that instead of the questionnaire being objective it has become more of a selling tool for the facility. Commissioner English suggested switching question #41 with #59 and vice versa. Commissioner Lindahl suggested rewording the language in the first sentence ofthe paragraph that follows question 41, since there are grammatical errors. " '\ Commissioner English suggested switching question #62 with #63 and vice versa, since right .'-./ now they appear backwards. Commissioner Lindahl suggested saying on questions #62 and #63, "Would you be willing to see..." instead of "How much..." Commissioner English stated that he would prefer the survey state that the facility being proposed will likely increase your taxes by "X" amount, and follow that statement with "Is this acceptable?" Commissioner English stated that the purpose of the survey is for guidance. He mentioned that the original intent of the survey has swayed and instead the facility is being marketed. Commissioner Lindahl stated that it's important to obtain these types of numbers based on the individuals that will be surveyed. Commissioner Anderson suggested placing question #63 after question #40. Commissioners Blackstad and English agreed. Commissioner English suggested adding "and trails" after the words "existing park" in line 3 of question #63. CJ Commissioner Blackstad suggested changing the "the Community..." in line 2 of question #63 to "a Community..." - o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 / '\ Page 5 I '-,' o Commissioner Lindahl suggested changing the "and" in line 3 of question #62 to a "t'. Commissioner English suggested removing the last five words in the paragraph before question #64. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the City should find out how much they are willing to pay. Commissioner Lindahl suggested listing the three options as possibilities for subsidizing the operation of the facility. Those three options being: property tax increases and keeping user fees, the facility to be self-sufficient, and/or a combination ofthe two. Commissioner English suggested asking the residents how much they would be willing to give up. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the point of the survey is to get a feel of what the residents want, however in the end it would come down to a vote on a ballot where factual numbers would be presented. Commissioner English suggested getting a legal interpretation from the City Attorney on whether or not the City could use tax dollars to conduct a poll on the validity of a referendum. Mr. Haas stated that from his point of view he couldn't see that there would be a problem. / ""\ '--../ Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that the survey is being subsidized by CDBG Funds. Mr. Haas stated that that is correct. Commissioner Anderson suggested on question #64, that each option be listed: self-sufficient, tax levy, and/or a combination of both. Commissioner Lindahl suggested on question #64 that under each option it states, "What would you be willing to pay per year?" Commissioner Anderson suggested saying in question #64, if operation is self-sufficient then "What would you be willing to pay per visit and what would you be willing to pay per year?" Commissioner English stated that he doesn't like question #71. Commissioner Lindahl explained the reason behind the question. He mentioned that they want to see ifthere is as much a need in the rural areas for the facility as in the urban areas. Commissioner Anderson questioned the reason for specifying rural areas more than 2.5 acres and less than 2.5 acres. Commissioner Lindahl explained that if one has a smaller lot they might have different needs. u Commissioner English stated that if the Focus Group wants to know if someone lives north of the MUSA line, then why isn't the question asked. Commissioner Lindahl explained that the purpose of the survey is to get a wide spread of residents across the City. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-August 16,2001 Page 6 r-, . , '-" o Commissioner English suggested breaking the age categories of high school children and younger into four categories (questions #67-70). Those categories being: 16-18 years, 11-15 years, 6-10 years, and 0-5 years. Commissioner English suggested changing the wording in question #72 to "What is the property value of your resident?" Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Focus Group Questionnaire, subject to the following changes: . . . . . . /- -..... . '-..j ) . . . . . On page 1, add a #11, to state, "How do you feel about future expansion of the trail system?" On page 2, paragraph following #27, change the word "by" in the first line to "in". On page 2, after #31, add Football and Hockey. On page 3, delete the paragraph after #40, beginning with the language "Other communities..." On page 3, switch question #41 with #59 and vice versa. On page 3, paragraph following #41, reword the language in the first sentence to make sense. On page 4, question #62, line 2, change the word "the" to "a" before the word community. On page 4, question #62, remove the "and" and put a slash (I) between the words "Center" and "Athletic". On page 4, move question #63 to read after question #40. On page 4, question #63, line 3, insert the words "and trails" after the word "park". On page 4, paragraph following question #63, line 4, remove the word "keep" and "low", also delete the last five words of this paragraph. On page 4, paragraph following question #63 should be revised to state 3 options, property tax increase and user fees, self-sufficiency, or a combination of the two put together. · On page 4, question #64, should state the three options, those being self-sufficiency, tax levy, or a combination of both, furthermore under each option the following question should be asked, "How much would you be willing to pay per year?" · On page 5, there should be four questions listed after question #66. The following age groups should be broken down into each question, Children Ages 16-18, Children Ages 11-15, Children Ages 6-10, and Children Ages 0-5. · On page 5, question #72, remove the word "residential" and change the word "home" to "resident". () Motion carried on a 4-ayes, I-nay (English), 2-absent (O'Toole and Grabowski) vote. Motion carried unanimously. o o ) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 Page 7 .' "": Commissioner English explained that the reason he was opposed to the survey is because he feels it's become more of a marketing tool for the facility. He stated that in his mind this isn't appropriate. UPDATE OF SKATEBOARD EQUIPMENT (PHASE II)ffASK FORCE Commissioner Anderson updated the Commission on the Skateboard Task Force meeting that took place prior to the meeting. He stated that the sheriffs department doesn't have a lot oftime to monitor the park, nor do they have the legal authority to enforce the kids to wear helmets. He stated that the task force agreed that the park should be supervised for next year, however the costs for supervision will need to be evaluated to determine how it would be handled. He stated that there also has been some discussion and interest to go to a Tier II facility, however this would need to be discussed in depth before any decisions could be made. He mentioned that they also discussed the possibilities of putting up a fence. He suggested that all purchases be on hold until further evaluation has been done. Commissioner Blackstad suggested the helmet rule be changed on the sign from being recommended to require. He also suggested that bikes and scooters not be allowed in the park. Commissioner Anderson stated that there have been some complaints that the equipment has a . , '-.. steeper grade than what is found in other cities. Chairperson Holthus questioned if the task force plans to do further evaluations this winter. Commissioner Anderson stated that that is correct. Commissioner English stated that the original goal of the facility was to keep the costs low. He questioned ifthere was any discussion as to various no cost options such as parents signing a form taking responsibility for their child. Commissioner Blackstad stated that along with the supervision there would also be a fee. Commissioner English stated that he has seen at most 6-8 kids using the facility the right way at any given time. Commissioner Anderson agreed that low cost options need to be looked at, such as seeking volunteers to act as supervisors. Commissioner Lindahl suggested conducting trainings to educate the kids on how to use the facility properly. ',J Commissioner English suggested parents sign a form and read the rules and develop accountability with their child, and if they don't have a wristband showing that a form has been signed they would have to leave. :J (J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 Page 8 o Mr. Haas mentioned that another request from the task force was vending machines, however at this time we've decided against it because of the littering problem. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the Commission agrees not to spend any more money until further evaluations have been done. The Commission agreed. Motion by Anderson, seconded by English, to recommend to the City Council that the sign at the Skateboard Park be changed to reflect that helmets are required and all other safety equipment is recommended, furthermore that City Staff and the City Attorney review the legality issues in terms of insurance, etc. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Grabowski and O'Toole) vote. UPDATE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Chairperson Holthus stated that enclosed in the packet are the financial statements through June 30,2001. () Commissioner English questioned ifit's protocol to see the quotes when bidding out a project. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commission probably saw the quotes on the irrigation system itself. Mr. Haas stated that he would check with Public Works, however mentioned that he isn't sure who they hired to do the in-field work. Commissioner English questioned if the money is spent out ofthe Park Dedication Fund, wouldn't it require a recommendation from the Park Commission and approval from the City Council. Mr. Haas stated that he would check on it. Commissioner English questioned if all the soccer goals were installed. Mr. Haas stated that yes they were. UPDATE OF TULIP STREET PARK, CONT. Chairperson Holthus explained that the Parks Department of Public Works has mowed the park as requested by the adjacent property owner. She stated that the mowing ofthe park is now on a routine schedule to be mowed every 2-3 weeks or as needed. Commissioner Blackstad stated that this isn't what the Commission had previously discussed. () Commissioner Lindahl questioned Mr. Haas ifhe had a follow up discussion with Frank Stone as to what was previously discussed. Mr. Haas stated that John Bennett (the adjacent property owner) doesn't really own the property but instead his family members own it, therefore the City needs permission to cross the Bennett property to mow the park. :J -, () (J o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 Page 9 o Commissioner Lindahl suggested the area preserved as a natural area. Mr. Haas stated that Mr. Stone is suggesting the park be put on a mowing schedule to see how it goes, and if it doesn't work they will look at other alternatives. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it would look better as an area with natural grasses, however if Mr. Stone wants to try it that's fine with me. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the park serves absolutely no benefit, furthermore it's a waste of our man-hours and it can't be good on the equipment. Mr. Haas stated that it might be possible to just mow a strip of lawn next to his flowers. Commissioner Lindahl suggested not putting the area on a mowing schedule, but instead transition into a natural area with natural grasses. Chairperson Holthus_suggested mowing a strip along Mr. Bennett's flowers and leaving the remaining area for natural grasses. Commissioner English questioned how much it would cost to change the designation of the land from parkland to whatever and allow Mr. Bennett to use the property. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it would cost the City $6,000. Commissioner English questioned if the City is at the point where they may as well spend the money. Chairperson Holthus stated that she likes the idea of planting natural grasses. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he also likes the idea of prairie grasses, however mentioned concerns that it could end up being a dumping site again. Mr. Haas suggested mowing a strip along the Bennett property to act as a separation. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if this would meet the obligations of the City. Mr. Haas stated that when Mr. Bennett attended a Park meeting this spring his main concerns were the weeds in his flowers, however if we just mowed a strip it should remove the problem. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner Blackstad stated that there have been no meetings on the Ice Arena/Community Center Task Force. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the Focus Group Task Force discussions have already been discussed. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2001 /\ Page 10 ,___I Chairperson Holthus stated that the 2002 Park Capital Improvement Budget Group hasn't yet met. Commissioner Blackstad stated that by not having Kevin Starr at the meetings we're not finding out what he's planning on doing or not doing in the near future. Commissioner English stated that he understands why Mr. Starr isn't attending the meetings. He stated that Mr. Starr works for Mr. Stone not the Park Commission. He mentioned that it could cause some miscommunication if Mr. Starr were to attend the meetings. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he has no intention to supervise Mr. Starr, however would just like to know what's going on. Commissioner Anderson mentioned that on a recent report received from Mr. Starr there were items listed that had been completed and what they are planning for the near future. Chairperson Holthus suggested the Commission receive a plan quarterly from Mr. Starr on what the upcoming projects are going to be. Commissioner Anderson suggested that it could even be every two weeks. " '\ ~ ). '.J Commissioner Lindahl suggested the Commission highlight to Public Works the Commission's priorities for the future. Chairperson Holthus questioned if a quarterly plan would help. Mr. Haas suggested the plan be received more often. Commissioner Anderson suggested the plan be included every two weeks. (ADD ON) - DEVONSHIRE ESTATES Mr. Haas explained that the Commission as a sketch plan on March 2, 2001 reviewed the proposed project. The Developer Dave Harris has submitted a preliminary plat for review by the Planning Commission last Tuesday. He stated that it appears from the research that was performed by staff that additional park dedication will not be required. The property owners deeded land to the City in the early 1980's. Commissioner English stated that the Commission is recommended to acknowledge that the land has been dedicated and additional dedication will not be required. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT o Commissioner Anderson questioned what is happening with the Skateboard Park Grand Opening. Mr. Haas stated that there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony. He encouraged everyone on the Commission and the City Council to attend. " o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-August 16,2001 Page 11 o "-/ Commissioner Anderson questioned how the residents are being notified. Mr. Haas stated that it was advertised in the newsletter. Commissioner English questioned if the sheriff would have to enforce the rules if the Council were to pass the rules as an ordinance. Mr. Haas stated that indeed the sheriff would have to enforce the rules. Commissioner English suggested Mr. Haas check into seeing ifthe Council would be interested in something such as this. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the Commission really wants to make criminals out of the kids. Commissioner English stated that yes he does ifthat's what it will take. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he doesn't want to make criminals out of kids, but instead work with them and train them on the proper usage ofthe facility and eventually they'll abide by the rules. -', ( ) '- Chairperson Holthus questioned when the feasibility studies would begin in regards to the park dedication preliminary commitment listing. Mr. Haas explained the process. He suggested meeting with the Management Team first, however the money is available now. Motion by English to recommend to the City Council that a Preliminary Feasibility Study and Construction ofHawkridge Well and Shelter proceed as soon as possible. Further Discussion Chairperson Holthus stated that the playground at Hawkridge is very old and needs replacement. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commission shouldn't be using park dedication funds for replacement. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that the old playground equipment could be replaced by using funds from the capital improvement fund. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the motion is to foot the entire bill for the sprinkler system and the well, instead of receiving assistance from the fire department for the well. Commissioner English stated that his motion is to do the irrigation system without the well, however if the fire department would like to be part of it then fine. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the tank had to be put in with the original construction. Commissioner English stated that the tank could be put in at anytime. () Mr. Haas stated that ifthe Commission would like to do this project this year, it wouldn't be possible. He mentioned that construction could be set up for spring of2002 and as a result the City would receive better prices. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 16, 200 J .' " Page 12 Chairperson Holthus suggested Wild Iris be included. Mr. Haas agreed. Commissioner English revised his motion to spending the money at Hawkridge and Wild Iris and recommend to proceed with construction and ordering of the plans and specs for both projects. The motion fails, since there was no second. Chairperson Holthus requested ideas to write about for the next newsletter. Commissioner Lindahl suggested writing about the general safety when using the trails and skateboarding and/or the expansion project on Bunker Lake Blvd. Commissioner English suggested each Commission member take a turn in writing the article for the newsletter. Chairperson Holthus questioned ifhe would like to do the next one. Commissioner English agreed to do the next article. Mr. Haas reminded everyone of the Skateboard Park Grand Opening this coming Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT , , ) Motion Lindahl by seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. , '..j