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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 7, 2001 o o o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JUNE 7,2001 MINUTES Chairperson Valerie Holthus called the Regular Hi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission to order on June 7, 2001, 7:34 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 Paul Anderson. Commissioners absent: Dave Blackstad. Also present: City Engineer, Scott Erickson RESIDENTS FORUM Frank Coos, 15559 Bluebird Street, stated that his neighborhood recently had a meeting to try and come to an agreement on how to attach the 2nd and 3rd Addition of the Chesterton . Commons developments. He stated that originally a bike trail was being proposed, however the neighborhood isn't in favor of this because of all the traffic it would create. Commissioner Anderson arrived at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Erickson pointed out the location between the Chesterton Commons developments that Mr. Coos was referring to. Commissioner Grabowski stated that originally it was discussed about putting in a connecting walkway however it never went through because of a lack of funds. Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7:39p.m. Mr. Erickson stated that there would be some type of access to the new park location. He mentioned that this issue would be discussed later during the meeting. Commissioner O'Toole stated that if the road were connected then it would also allow an easy access to the park. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7, 2001 o Page 2 Commissioner English stated that at this point the city is planning on doing a trail through there, however we will certainly take your comments into consideration. Tracy Arndt, Chesterton 3rd Addition, suggested there be some type of trail along Hanson Blvd. to allow people to get through. Commissioner Grabowski explained that there is a major problem with the wetland on the east side. Mr. Erickson stated that the only option would be some type of boardwalk system. Ms. Arndt questioned if there is anything the neighborhood can do to get things moving. Commissioner Grabowski explained that it really comes down to a lack of funds. Commissioner English explained that the trail fees are already taken for the year; therefore it wouldn't be possible this year. APPROVAL OF MINUTES o Motion by English, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the May 17,2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, and I-absent (Blackstad) vote. CREEKSIDE ESTATES 2ND ADDITION SKETCH PLAN Chairperson Holthus stated that the Commission is being requested to review the proposed sketch plan of Creekside Estates 2nd Addition. She stated that attached in the staff report is a location map and sketch plan of the property. She mentioned that the park dedication fee has been paid for under the original plat of Creekside Estates; therefore no additional fee will be required. She did mention that a trail fee would be required for the proposed 5 lots. DONALD PETERSON SKETCH PLAN o Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission is being asked to review the sketch plan of the Donald Peterson property. She stated that if the Commission recalls from a discussion that took place this past March, there was interest in locating the park more central near the east/west street (l59th Avenue) to be more visible to the area residents. She mentioned that if this were the case it would be located near the wetland, which would help to give the park a larger affect. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7, 2001 U Page 3 Commissioner Anderson questioned if the park would be a regional park or a neighborhood park. Commissioner Lindahl stated that it would be slightly larger than a neighborhood park, since it would have more than just a tot lot. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that ifthis were the location it would be located on two different developments. Commissioner O'Toole questioned how the land in lieu of cash would work. Commissioner English stated that we would be getting two acres on the west side from a twenty-acre development and two acres on the east side from another twenty-acre development. Donald Peterson explained that another option would be to put the park on the south end and have the cul-de-sac run right up to it. He stated that this would provide a very nice area for ball fields. o Commissioner Grabowski questioned iflot 10 is buildable. Peggy Krumpton (representing Donald Peterson) stated that it is possible but it would be difficult. Mr. Peterson explained that at the Planning Commission meeting they were somewhat opposed to the road going through, therefore another option would be to put the park on the south end. Chairperson Holthus questioned if it would be too far from the homes on the north end, towards 161 51 Avenue. Mr. Peterson stated that putting it on the south end would be nearly central; furthermore there could be a walkway/trail that could run through the area. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if it would be wise to put a ball field on the end of a cul- de-sac since there would be no place to park the cars but in the cul-de-sac and down the street. He stated that the northerly location for the park would be better because of the wetlands. He also mentioned concerns regarding emergency access if the park were located on the south end of the cul-de-sac. Commissioner O'Toole questioned if it would be possible to just make a recommendation to accept land in lieu of cash for park dedication. Motion by O'Toole; seconded by Grabowski, to accept land in lieu of cash for park dedication for the Donald Peterson Sketch plan, with the location of the park yet to be determined. o Further Discussion o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7, 2001 o Page 4 Mr. Erickson questioned if the Commission would like to designate the size ofthe park. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the size of the park be 10% of the total area. Commissioner English questioned who owns the adjacent property. Mr. Peterson explained that Jim Lichinski is the adjacent property owner. Commissioner English suggested adding to the motion that the land be contiguous to the adjacent development. Commissioner O'Toole and Commissioner Grabowski agreed to add Commissioner English's statement to the motion. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. S. Jv. WOLD SKETCH PLAN u Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission is being requested to review the proposed sketch plan of Prairie Acres. She stated that attached in the staff report is a location map and sketch plan of the property. She mentioned that a park dedication fee and a trail fee has been paid for one of the parcel, therefore the City will only be able to collect one additional park dedication and trail fee. Commissioner O'Toole questioned if it would be a total of 3 lots. Mr. Erickson stated that it would be a total of 2 lots. Motion by Anderson, seconded by O'Toole, to accept cash in lieu of land for the park dedication fee for the S.W. Wold Sketch Plan. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. UPDATE OF NEW BALL FIELD FACILITY/Ol-2 Mr. Erickson updated the Commission on the new ball field facility west of the new high school. He mentioned that at this point the City has not received any pricing. Chairperson Holthus stated that also included in the packet for review is the joint powers agreement between the school district and the City. o UPDATE OF NO PARKING ALONG CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW/WEST OF HANSON BOULEVARD NW o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7, 2001 .~ Page 5 V Chairperson Holthus explained that the issue regarding no parking along Crosstown Boulevard NW /West of Hanson Boulevard NW was merely a miscommunication problem between the City and the county. She stated that attached in the packet is the Resolution and the letter that was sent to the Anoka County Highway Department. She mentioned that staff has been in contact with Jane Pemble, Anoka County Traffic Engineer as to the status. She stated that once staff receives the status of the no parking, it would be forwarded to the Commission for review. Commissioner Grabowski suggested this item be added to the issues list so it can be reviewed at each Park Commission meeting. UPDATE OF NO PARKING ALONG TOWER DRIVE/CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #1 o Chairperson Holthus updated the Commission in regards to the no parking along Tower Drive on the east side of the Public Works buildings. She stated that staff has reviewed the actual placement of the no parking signs and they are consistent with the approved City Council resolution. Commissioner Grabowski suggested there be a no parking sign near the comer on the west side. Mr. Erickson stated that that shouldn't be a problem. APPROVE USE OF CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #1 & SUNSHINE PARKl2001 KIDS SAFETY CAMP Fire Chief Dan Winkel requested the Commission to approve the use ofthe City Hall Park Complex # 1 and Sunshine Park for the 2001 Kids Safety Camp on June 19 & 20, 2001. He stated that they are expecting approximately 80 children to attend the 2-day camp. He mentioned that this year they are planning to provide a couple of classroom settings, which would be more informational to the kids. He also mentioned that this year they are opening the program up to 4th graders as well. () Chairperson Holthus stated that her only concern is the playground area outside of Andover Elementary. She stated that she is worried that some of the kids will get mixed up with the camp kids. Chief Winkel explained that they would be further away from the playground area. He also mentioned that there will 3 or 4 counselors for every 20 kids. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he feels the camp is a great idea. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7,2001 r-\ Page 6 \J Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the use of City Hall Park Complex #1 and Sunshine Park for the 2001 Kids Safety Camp on June 19 & 20, 2001 as requested by the Andover Fire Department, with the fees being waived. Further Discussion Commissioner O'Toole recommended Chief Winkel to reserve both the gazebo at Sunshine Park. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. APPROVE CONSULTANT RECOMMENDATION/APPOINT FOCUS GROUP o REPRESENTATIVES - RECREATION SERVICES SURVEY Chairperson Holthus updated the Commission on the discussion that took place at the City Council meeting on June 5, 2001. She explained that 3 volunteers are needed to represent the Commission on the Focus Group that will work on conducting a recreation services survey. Commissioners O'Toole, Grabowski, and Lindahl volunteered for the Focus Group. Commissioner Lindahl questioned how much time would be committed to the Focus Group. Mr. Erickson stated that he is unsure at this time, but will fmd out and get back to the Commission. UPDATE OF SKATEBOARD EQUIPMENT LAYOUT/Ol-5 Chairperson Holthus explained that included in the packet is the agenda that was forwarded to the City Council for approval at their June 5, 2001 City Council meeting for the purchase of equipment from the state contract. She stated that the task force determined the equipment selected with input from the youth. o Commissioner Anderson explained that at the most recent task force meeting they decided what additional equipment would be purchased with the funds donated by the Lions Club. He mentioned that if there is more money raised later the City has agreed to match up to $15,000 and those items would be purchased later. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 7, 2001 ~J Page 7 o Mr. Erickson stated that the Lions Club has already dropped off the $5,000 donation. Commissioner English suggested adding $15,000 as money available to front additional equipment, with the City fronting $10,000 and $5,000 coming from the Lions Club. He mentioned that $2,500 would be expected to be paid back by the youth to the City. Chairperson Holthus questioned if the youth are doing any fund-raisers to generate money. Commissioner Anderson stated that one fund-raiser they are doing is selling T-shirts. Commissioner Anderson stated that Todd Haas would need to schedule an additional task force meeting so additional equipment can be ordered. Motion by English, seconded by O'Toole, to approve $15,000, as money available to front additional equipment, with the City fronting $10,000 and $5,000 coming from the Lions Club, and $2,500 would be expected to be paid back by the youth. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0- nays, I-absent (Blackstad) vote. /---", ,-_J APPROVE USE OF TENNIS COURTS AT CITY HALVANOKA HENNEPIN COMMUNITY SCHOOL ED. Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission is being asked to approve the use of the City Hall Park Complex #1 tennis courts as requested by the Anoka Hennepin School District #11. Commissioner Grabowski questioned why the school district is requesting the tennis courts at the City Hall. Commissioner English stated the tennis courts are like a track and the City can't just let anyone use them. He questioned if the school district is already using the courts at the elementary school. Commissioner Lindahl stated that Andover Elementary doesn't have tennis courts, however Oakview Middle School does. Mr. Erickson stated that he isn't sure if they are being used. (-) \......." Motion by English, seconded by Anderson, to approve the use of the Tennis Courts at City Hall Park Complex # 1 as requested by the Anoka Hennepin School District # 11. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, 2-nays (Grabowski and O'Toole), I-abstain (Lindahl) I-absent (Blackstad) vote. \~) /-, l_J --, 'J o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 7, 2001 Page 8 o Commissioners Grabowski, O'Toole, and Lindahl explained that they don't understand the reasoning behind the request. They suggested it be looked into further. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Chairperson Holthus reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner English questioned if there is any information available on the Bunker Lake Blvd. underpass. Mr. Erickson updated the Commission on the recent activity regarding this item. Commissioner Lindahl questioned ifthere has been any contact with Jon Von Declined regarding their underpass. He suggested the possibility of the two being worked together to help minimize the costs. Mr. Erickson stated that he would look into it to see if it is a possibility. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner Anderson questioned Mr. Erickson ifhe is aware of how the fmancing turned out for the underpass on Bunker Lake Blvd. Mr. Erickson explained that staff is currently working with the fmancing director on this item. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he was hoping the Lions Club would have attended the meeting to present the $5,000 donation for the skateboard rink. He stated that the remarks made by one individual are by no means a reflection of this Commission. He stated that there are many things around the City that wouldn't be here ifit weren't for the Lions Club. Chairperson Holthus agreed with Commissioner O'Toole and stated that she is also ashamed of what was said. She stated that there are many programs and services that the Lions Club has provided fmancing for around the City. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there was extensive damage to Sunshine Park over Memorial Weekend. He stated that the damage was estimated at $1,200. He encouraged anyone who saw anything at all to report it. He suggested the Commission put up a reward. Commissioner Anderson questioned ifit would be possible to put up a reward legally. Mr. Erickson stated that he would check with the City Attorney and the City Administrator on whether or not it's legal. o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-June 7, 2001 r " Page 9 \ \ \..._~- o Commissioner English stated that he would be in favor of putting up a reward. Commissioner O'Toole agreed. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he saw there was a notice in the newsletter that the gazebo and lower level of the pavilion are available for rent. He mentioned concerns since this could allow for more keys being distributed. Commissioner O'Toole suggested the facility be rented out to groups that meet regularly but not for one-time uses. Commissioner English stated that these facilities are available to the general public, and therefore they need to be available for public use. Commissioner Lindahl thanked the individual from the Public Works department who has been faxing out the update. He stated that it's nice to be informed of what's going on. ADJOURNMENT / ---... ~ _J Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ( -, \ ---,.