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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 2, 2001 o (J o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -AUGUST 2,2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Valerie Holthus on August 2,2001, 7:31 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Chris English, Dave O'Toole, and Dave Blackstad. Commissioners absent: Paul Anderson. Also present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner English stated that on page 2, last paragraph, his statement regarding that $55,000 would be paid back from the general fund was incorrect. He suggested Mr. Haas check into it to find out the correct language. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Grabowski, to table approval ofthe July 19, 2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes, pending further information from Parks Coordinator Todd Haas. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, and, 2-absent (Anderson and Blackstad) vote. RESIDENTS FORUM Julie Ruberg, 17171 Uplander Circle NW, explained that the rules on the Skateboard Park and the rules that were approved by the Commission and Council aren't the same. She presented the Commission with the rules that were approved by the Council. Commissioner Blackstad arrived at 7:37 p.m. Commissioner English explained that there are often times a fee associated with a Tier II park, however the City instituted a free program with a Tier I park. He recommended the users agree to sign a pledge with the rules stated on it and if they are found breaking those rules they would be removed from the facility. He also recommended the City purchase a bike rack to block the opening, and post a "no bikes allowed" sign on the inside and outside of the facility. Ms. Ruberg stated that it doesn't do any good to enforce the rules, since many times the kids aren't from Andover. 8 o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 2 o Commissioner English mentioned that the kids that are following the Tier I rules have nothing to worry about. Commissioner Grabowski explained that the reason the City isn't charging for the facility is because there is no attendant on duty. Commissioner O'Toole questioned what rules are posted at the park. Mr. Haas explained that the rules on the park are a combination of rules recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities and the Task Force. Commissioner Lindahl stated that if the rules are just recommendations where does the City draw the line on what should be enforced. Commissioner Grabowski suggested enforcing the helmet rule, since it would cover the liability Issue. Chairperson Holthus questioned the differences between the rules from the League of Minnesota Cities and the rules recommended by the Task Force. Ms. Ruberg listed the differences. ./ '\ A skateboarder in attendance mentioned that another problem is that some kids are using scooters U in the facility, which poses a problem since they are closer to the ground and are scraping the ramps. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the equipment wasn't designed for scooters. Commissioner English questioned if skateboarders also do scraping and sliding. Commissioner Grabowski pointed out the areas where the scooters would scrape and cause problems with the equipment. Commissioner English suggested the manufacturer be contacted to see if the equipment is made for scooter use. Commissioner Grabowski suggested that helmets be mandatory, however the remaining rules be recommended. Mr. Haas stated that at this time he would leave the sign as is and conduct research with the City Attorney and the League of Minnesota Cities, with a report to be made at the upcoming task force meeting. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the police shouldn't be lienant on the rules with the exception of wearing the helmets. Mr. Haas stated that that wouldn't be possible for liability reasons. 8 Commissioner English questioned what other skateboard parks require. The skateboarder in attendance stated that most parks just require helmets. ~J o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 3 The skateboarder questioned ifit would be possible to have a drinking fountain installed for park users. Commissioner English mentioned that the Commission by no way has any animosity towards the kids that are abiding by the rules. He stated that the Commission will do everything they can to iron out the problems. REVIEW DRAFT OF COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN STUDY WITH NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Mr. Haas explained that staff is expecting to receive the draft from NAC later this week. He stated that it's anticipated that the draft will be presented to the Commission at the next meeting on August 16th. UPDATE OF TULIP STREET PARK Mr. Haas explained that Frank Stone and Kevin Starr will be meeting with Mr. Bennett to discuss maintenance of the park. He stated that the City Attorney has advised staff that Mr. Bennett may adopt the park but would not be allowed to use power tools on the property. ':J Commissioner Grabowski suggested the City hire Mr. Bennett for $1.00 per year so he would be able to use power tools. Mr. Haas stated that he did discuss this with the City Attorney and it was determined that Mr. Bennett would need insurance in order to do so. Commissioner Lindahl stated that if the park is going to be a nature park then the City's responsible. He suggested putting in a cover of natural grasses so the area would take care of itself. Commissioner English agreed with Commissioner Grabowski that the City pay Mr. Bennett a $1.00 a year to care for the park. Commissioner Grabowski stated that Mr. Bennett probably has some type of insurance that would cover it. Mr. Haas agreed to discuss it with Mr. Stone. UPDATE OF CAMERAS/OFFERING OF REWARDS AT SUNSHINE PARK Mr. Haas explained that staffhas met with Gene Case of Case and Associates which specializes in security of these types of facilities. He stated that Mr. Case indicated that placing a camera in the gazebo would cost approximately $1,500 and about $5,000 for 4 cameras at the Sunshine Park building. '0 Commissioner Grabowski questioned how the cameras would run. Mr. Haas stated that they could be programmed however desired. o C) C) o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 4 o Commissioner English questioned if the objective is to prevent them from breaking into the concession stand or is the goal to protect the entire park. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the objective is to protect the entire park. Commissioner English suggested a system be hooked up with the sheriffs department if the main concern is the concession building. He mentioned that the City would probably save money if the public were just informed that they could be on camera. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he isn't in favor of spending $5,000. Commissioner English explained that if vandalism does occur the only way to take advantage of having the video is to pursue a criminal investigation. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that if the City purchased I camera and had 3 or 4 fake cameras it might help to reduce the vandalism and they wouldn't know which one was real. Chairperson Holthus suggested the Commission approach it as a preventative measure so it doesn't ever happen again. Commissioner English mentioned that he supports the idea in hopes that it will reduce the amount of vandalism. Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the purchase of one mobile camera that will be concealed along with 3 or 4 additional boxes and signs, with the funds to come from the Park Dedication Fund. Further Discussion Chairperson Holthus suggested the motion include that the costs not exceed $3,000. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Anderson) vote. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that in regards to the reward topic she would prefer not to do anything at this time. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he isn't sure a reward would even be valid since the vandalism wouldn't be considered a felony. Chairperson Holthus suggested tabling the discussion on a reward indefinitely. UPDATE OF DRINKING FOUNTAIN AT CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #1 Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the drinking fountain at Sunshine Park is holding up really well. . ." '-) U Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 5 C) Commissioner Lindahl questioned how much the unit cost at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas stated that it cost $900. Motion by English, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the purchase of a drinking fountain to be installed at the Skateboard Park with costs not to exceed $1,500 and the funds to come from the Park Dedication Fund. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Anderson) vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if signs could be posted around the perimeter and the islands in the Sunshine Park parking lot. Mr. Haas stated that it's already being taken care of, with signs going up any day. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that issues similar to what is happening at Sunshine Park happen at Oakview in the spring. Commissioner Blackstad stated that if the signs weren't up they couldn't get tagged. C_J Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that it isn't good to overwhelm the park with signs either. He mentioned that a few would be fine. Mr. Haas explained where the signs would be posted. Chairperson Holthus questioned if the curb could be painted. Mr. Haas stated that law enforcement wouldn't be able to tag if the curb is just painted. Chairperson Holthus requested anyone who is reporting to the Commission regarding the various committees that they state their source of information. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he personally is in favor of the ice arena project. He stated that the project has grown in terms of the cost. He went on to explain the various parts of the arena stating an approximate cost of each section. He ended by saying it will all depend on what the voters want and whether or not they're willing to pay for it. Commissioner English questioned if the arena included a pool along with everything else if the costs would be approximately $13-16 million. Commissioner Blackstad stated that that is correct. Commissioner English questioned the status of the survey committee. Commissioner O'Toole stated that they have a meeting coming up in August. C) Commissioner Blackstad stated that there have also been discussions about scaling the arena back so it would be under 10 million. " '\ ,.j o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 6 o Commissioner Lindahl stated that he sat in on the meetings with the Tri-Cities when the community center was being discussed. He stated that the firm that was hired to conduct the research was highly reputable, however there were in indications that the facility would need the three cities. He suggested the focus group consider this and that the City of Andover may not be able to fund an arena such as this by itself. Commissioner English stated that he believes the City needs the hockey rink, however mentioned that there are ways to do it more economically. Commissioner O'Toole stated that the Focus Group meets on Monday, August 6th. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Skateboard Task Force meets before the next Park meeting. Chairperson Holthus stated that the 2002 Park Capital hnprovement Budget Group hasn't met yet. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANS & SPECS/98-20/BUNKER LAKE BOULEVARD UNDERPASS \ \,) Mr. Haas presented to the Commission the proposed layout of the underpass. He stated that it's recommended that the Commission recommend approval of the plans and specs to the City Council. Commissioner Grabowski questioned where the gas lines are located. Mr. Haas pointed them out. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if it would be possible to build in a water retention system on the other side ofthe tunnel. Mr. Haas stated that it is possible, however it wouldn't solve much. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner Grabowski stated that another reason the Commission needs to enforce receiving schedules from the associations is so when their done the City can pull the satellites. He suggested it be added to the spring issues list, so it can be discussed with the associations. Commissioner Grabowski questioned why Mr. Starr hasn't been attending the meetings at the first of the month. ADJOURNMENT " '\ , ) '-. . Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. r "- ; 1 , ' 1 \ . ,,- '\ I '--" o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 2, 2001 Page 7 Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. o