HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19, 2001
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CITY of ANDOVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING-APRIL 19, 2001
MINUTES
Chairperson Valerie Holthus called the Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and
Recreation Commission to order on April 19, 2001,7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685
Crosstown Boulevard NW,Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present:
Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Dave
Blackstad, Chris English, and Paul Anderson.
Commissioners absent:
Dave O'Toole.
Also present:
Park Coordinator, Todd Haas
RESIDENTS FORUM
Tom Johnson, 3903-172nd Avenue, commended Commissioner English for saying something at
the last meeting regarding some Commissioners dismissing sports other than baseball and
softball. He mentioned that he hopes the Commission can do more for other sports.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Blackstad stated that on page 9, 3rd paragraph of the minutes should have the
words "court surface" added and the word "lights" removed. He also mentioned that in the
minutes under fencing requirements, the minutes should be corrected to state that the Parks
Commission is being requested to pay for the dugout fencing and the reconstruction of the
dugout.
Motion by English, seconded by Anderson, to approve the AprilS, 2001 regular Park
Commission meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 6-ayes,0-nays, and I-absent
(O'Toole) vote.
APPROVE TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORMIUSSSA STATE TOURNAMENT
Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being asked to approve the tournament application
form as requested by Pov's Sports Bar and Grill. He stated that there are no other tournaments
scheduled for the weekend they're requesting.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes -April 19, 2001
Page 2
Commissioner Blackstad stated that what has been submitted is an application that is
incorrectly filled out. He explained why, one of the reasons being that Pov's is a profit
organization, however on the application it states they're a non-profit organization. Paul
Rootkie, tournament director, explained that they aren't paying for a thing, but instead donating
the money to put forth the tournament for USSSA. He stated that it would only benefit the
City.
Commissioner English questioned Mr. Rootkie ifhe is an officer of the USSSA Association. .
Mr. Rootkie stated that he isn't.
Commissioner English suggested that in the future they donate the money for the tournament if
possible, however have an officer or director of the USSSA submit the application.
Commissioner Anderson questioned Mr. Rootkie why they don't check that they are a profit
organization, especially since they get the money back. Mr. Rootkie explained that he was just
following directions from someone else.
Commissioner English suggested leaving the application the way it is this year and approve it,
however if the damages exceed $250 don't even bother coming back next year.
Motion by English, seconded by Lindahl, to recommend to the City Council approval of the
Tournament Application form as requested by Pov's Sports Bar and Grill. Motion carried on a
6-ayes,0-nays, I-absent (O'Toole) vote.
APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Motion by Anderson, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend approval to the City Council of
the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities as requested by Andover
Elementary School. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote.
UPDATE OF GRADINGIPRARIE KNOLL PARK/OO-I8
Mr. Haas updated the Commission regarding the potential grading of Prairie Knoll Park, Project
00-18. He stated that a copy of the draft-grading plan is included in the packets provided to the
Commission.
Chairperson Holthus commented that this is the only sliding hill in Andover and if it's
reconstructed there will only be one side that's acceptable and 3 sides that are poor.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes-April 19, 2001
Page 3
Commissioner English questioned why an exception was made for the parking lot with the gas
line, however now an exception can't be made. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the
biggest reason is that the City doesn't want it on an easement, because if it has to be dug up and
needs to be replaced it usually ends up costing more.
Commissioner English questioned the reasoning to have the second soccer field on top of the
existing sliding hill. Mr. Haas gave a brief history of how it all began.
Chairperson Holthus questioned what could be done to the existing hill to make it safer.
Commissioner English questioned if the soccer field could be moved to the NE comer where
the sliding hill is proposed to be located. Mr. Haas stated that staff didn't feel it would be a
very good location since it would be too close to the right-of-way.
Commissioner Blackstad stated that he feels the current location of the sliding hill is a hazard.
He suggested moving the existing sliding hill north just enough so the users wouldn't run into
the road. Mr. Haas stated that doing so would involve some costs.
Chairperson Holthus questioned what would be the costs. Mr. Haas stated that he is unsure if
an estimate was done for this scenario, however went on to explain why there would be costs
involved.
Chairperson Holthus mentioned that if the sliding hill were moved slightly north the hill
wouldn't be as high. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it could be as high, since there would
be more room.
Commissioner Lindahl suggested going north and west of where the existing sliding hill is
located and pick up the decline of the wetland as part of the drop. He stated that doing so the
City wouldn't lose the field.
Commissioner Blackstad suggested putting the sliding hill between the two easements. He
pointed out the location. He mentioned that if that's not acceptable move it to the north slightly
to make it a little safer.
Commissioner English suggested tapering it a little during the grading process.
UPDATE OF SELLING & LEASING OF PARK PROPERTY, CONT.
Mr. Haas updated the Commission regarding the selling and leasing of park property.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes -April 19, 2001
Page 4
Chairperson Holthus suggested not doing anything at this time since there isn't a problem with
the upkeep of either property. Commissioner Lindahl agreed.
Mr. Haas stated that it would be on the agenda for the joint meeting. He suggested the
Commission express their thoughts then.
DISCUSS TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS/CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD
Mr. Haas updated the Commission regarding the possibility of extending the trail south to
South Coon Creek Drive. He suggested the Commission discuss this item with the Council on
whether they want to use the bonding resource as a way to improve the trails.
Chairperson Holthus suggested this item be added to the agenda for the joint meeting with the
City Council.
DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS REPORT, CONT.
Mr. Haas updated the Commission that staff has contacted Northwest Associated Consultants
regarding the possibility of reviewing the park dedication requirements, however infonnation
hasn't been received yet from the consultant. He stated that he would put it on the next agenda
for the Commission.
UPDATE OF FENCING AT CITYHALL
Mr. Haas updated the Commission regarding the fencing at City Hall. He stated that staff has
contacted a couple of fencing companies for quotes, this information will be provided at the
May 1 st meeting.
REVIEW ISSUES LIST
Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list.
Commissioner Anderson questioned if the company ever got back to the City on the bids for
the Skateboard Facility. Mr. Haas stated that no they haven't. He mentioned that it might be
possible to buy the skateboard equipment off the state contract.
Commissioner Anderson stated that another possibility is to buy the models from the show at
the Civic Center. Mr. Haas explained that it isn't possible to buy direct, since it would be over
$1,000.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes-April 19, 2001
Page 5
Commissioner English stated that he was hoping the kids would have to work for part of the
money since it would help them take better care of the facility, however what is being proposed
is that the Lions Club is just going to hand over the money.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested someone from the sheritrs department attend the meeting
regarding the juvenile theft letter.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Commissioner Blackstad suggested putting something in the newsletter about golf balls and
pets in the parks.
Commissioner English suggested putting something in the letter about keeping the parks clean
and respecting the rules.
Mr. Haas stated that he would take care of putting something in the newsletter for May about
the pets and golf balls.
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C) Commissioner English questioned what items are to be discussed at the joint meeting with the
Council.
Commissioner Anderson questioned what was decided for the sprinkler bids for Hidden Creek.
Mr. Haas explained. Commissioner Anderson suggested there be additional landscaping at the
park.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested doing it in the fall when the money is set aside for new
trees, etc.
Commissioner Anderson questioned what the letter written by City Attorney Hawkins, stating
that the Commission isn't a park board meant.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that there would be a meeting on Monday, April 23rd for
hockey.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The
U meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 19, 2001
Page 6
Sara Beck, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.