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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 5, 2001 <) o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING-APRIL 5, 2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Valerie Holthus on AprilS, 2001, 7:31 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Madam Chair Valerie Holthus, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad, Chris English, Paul Anderson and Dave O'Toole. Commissioners absent: There were none. Also present: Park Coordinator, Todd Haas o RESIDENTS FORUM There was none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was mentioned that Commissioner Grabowski's vote on the motion to approve the baseball/softball schedules should be stated as present, since he stepped down for the discussion. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by O'Toole, to approve the March 15, 2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on as-ayes, O-nays, and 2-absent (Lindahl and Anderson) vote. Mr. Haas introduced and welcomed the new City Administrator John Erar. Mr. Erar gave an introduction of himself including past experiences related to the field. The Commission welcomed him aboard. DISCUSS POSITION OF PARK & RECREATION DIRECTOR o Mr. Haas suggested this item be moved to the beginning of the agenda since Mr. Erar is present and the discussion would involve his input. Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7:35 p.m. o o () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5, 2001 Page 2 Chairperson Holthus suggested the Commission fIrst determine the goals of the board and once those items are determined and the needs of the City aren't being met by the Commission, associations, and/or community education programs then the holes in the system would support the position of a Park & Recreation Director. She suggested the Commission come up with a vision statement and long term goals. Commissioner Blackstad explained that what Councilmember Trude was suggesting was to send out a questionnaire to the residents to fmd out what they would like changed, or added to what the City has to offer. He stated that the survey could be incorporated with a survey on the possibility of a community center. He also stated that he feels the position's responsibilities should be discussed amongst the Commission. Chairperson Holthus explained that she feels it's premature since the City doesn't have the community center amenities. '~J Commissioner Blackstad stated that if the City did hire a Park & Recreation Director that person could review the construction specs of the center, in addition to being involved with all the activities that go along with the project. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he feels the City is ready for the position, however the problem will be the funding. He mentioned that the Council should give direction as to where the funds would come from to support the position. ( Commissioner Anderson arrived at 7:41 p.m. Commissioner English agreed with Chairperson Holthus in that the Commission should strategically plan and create a vision of what we want. He stated that if an analysis was done now to determine if a Park & Recreation position was necessary the answer would probably be no, however if the Commission had a plan in place it would be obvious the position would be critical. Commissioner Grabowski suggested doing a survey to determine what it is that the residents want that the City isn't providing. \ \J Commissioner Blackstad questioned if the City would be duplicating services with the funds that go into the schools along with the position of Park & Recreation Director. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he feels the City is close to needing the position, however suggested it be included in the budget plan in 2 to 3 years since the funds may not be available , ) \. -' o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-April 5, 2001 Page 3 until then. He mentioned that in that time period the job responsibilities would probably expand, since we haven't included the WDE site or the ice arena. Commissioner O'Toole stated that it's possible the money is already there, furthermore it could be beneficial to have the position on board now to free up some of Mr. Haas's time. Commissioner Anderson stated that the Commission needs to determine the job description or duties before anything else can be done. Mr. Erar stated that first the Commission should focus on what resources the City currently has and what we would like to offer that we're not already. He stated that doing so would help to determine the needs the City has right now and what we anticipate the needs to be in the future as the community grows. He mentioned that he believes the position should be funded through general tax levies. Mr. Haas suggested taking this information back to the City Council to determine the next step. r - , !'J UPDATE/BONDING FOR PARK () Mr. Haas explained that included in the staff report are memos that were received over the past week describing the process and referencing the authority. He stated that he listed his comments after reviewing the memos in the packet. Commissioner English explained that his idea was to use a revenue bond for developing trails in hopes to accomplish a lot at once and use the trail fees to offset that revenue. He stated that Councilmember Trude has suggested using the same idea for the parks. He mentioned that he feels this would be more difficult since the trails benefit everyone, however the neighborhood parks service the surrounding neighborhood and the regional parks service are much larger area. Mr. Erar explained that funding the trails through the use of park dedication fees would be difficult since the situation varies from case to case. He stated that from his experience a revenue bond wouldn't be supported through park dedication fees, since one can't predict on when the fees will be paid. He suggested using a referendum process where the people would vote on it. Commissioner English suggested setting up a PIRF account, since this would help with the transition from the park dedication fund since we know that the City will reach a maximum capacity at some point. o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting , \ Minutes - April 5, 2001 ,j " " Page 4 Mr. Erar explained that the problem with using a PIRF account is that the dollars used today have to be replaced by dollars in the future, therefore there would be a risk. Commissioner English explained that he is talking more about the current need for trails than the future need, since the City has to catch up somehow. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the real issue is that the Council is looking at using this funding for the Bunker Lake Blvd. underpass since it would be a major expense. Mr. Haas suggested this item be discussed further at the joint meeting with the City Council. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLAN/PRAIRlE KNOLL PARK Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to recommend approval of the plan for Prairie Knoll Park to the City Council, Project 00-18. He stated that the same engineering fInn is being used to prepare the grading plan as the plans and specs for the Andover Boulevard ,/-' \ Extension project. , ) f ""\ '0 Commissioner English stated that he would like to receive better commitment from staff to maintain the same height of the existing sliding hill. He mentioned concerns since in the staff report it stated that staff would "try" to create the same height. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that she doesn't want to see the City loose a great sliding hill. Commissioner English questioned ifthe parking lot would be plowed during the winter months. Mr. Haas stated that the City would plow the easterly parking lot for those using the sliding hill. Commissioner Grabowski suggested Mr. Haas put together the costs for the next park board meeting. Commissioner Anderson questioned when the project would begin construction. Mr. Haas stated that it should be underway by the fIrst of June. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if the ball fIelds would stay open for use. Mr. Haas stated that yes the ball fIelds would remain open. Commissioner Anderson questioned if staff is planning on informing the neighbors in the area. Mr. Haas agreed to send out a letter informing the residents. Commissioner English suggested including a map of the area along with the letter. ~ ) --" () () () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5," 2001 Page 5 Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to recommend to the City Council approval of Project 00-18, the plans for Prairie Knoll Park. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, I-nay (Holthus), 0- absent vote. Chairperson Holthus explained that her reason for voting against the project is because she doesn't want to lose the fun factor of the existing sliding hill. DISCUSS TOPSOIL LOCATIONS AT VARIOUS PARKS Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to recommend approval of sites for storage oftopsoil at three sites, which will most likely be available from the mucking operation from Andover Boulevard. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the topsoil stored at Red Oaks East Park would be just 1000 cubic yards and would be strictly seeded. Mr. Haas explained that the topsoil would be used as a stockpile. COlmnissioner English questioned the reason for storing it at Red Oaks East Park. He suggested storing it all at the WDE site. Commissioner Lindahl and Commissioner Grabowski agreed. Mr. Haas agreed to store the topsoil that was going to be at Red Oaks East Park at the WDE site. He mentioned that if there is any leftover after the WDE project is complete we could take it over to Red Oaks East Park. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by O'Toole, to recommend to the City Council approval ofthe sites for storage of topsoil from the Andover Boulevard Extension project, with 1000 cubic yards at Prairie Knoll Park and the remaining topsoil at the WDE site. Motion carried on a 7- ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. UPDATE OF UNDERPASS ON BUNKER LAKE BL VD. & RAILROAD TRACKS/98-20 Commissioner Blackstad stated that some members of the Council are very interested in doing the underpass since someone could end up getting killed if it's postponed. ( '') Commissioner English stated that he feels the county is wrong in how they are going about it. '---./ Commissioner Blackstad suggested contacting the county cOlmnissioners to see if anything could get accomplished. u o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5,2001 Page 6 Commissioner English stated that he is opposed to the City taking the full responsibility of the underpass. He suggested the Commission discuss with the Council on the appropriate measures when going before the county commissioners. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to bring the issue of the underpass on Bunker Lake Blvd. before the City Council for discussion. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS THE SELLING AND LEASING OF PARK PROPERTY, CONT. Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to consider Cedar Creek Estates, Tulip Street, and any other park as a possibility for open space. He stated that Cedar Creek has a nice stand of trees and seems to be kept free of debris. He mentioned that if Tulip Street Park were to remain a park the City does have the ability to have a street easement placed over the park if Tulip Street were ever to be realigned to meet state aid road design requirements. "_) Commissioner Anderson questioned how much maintenance is involved with the Cedar Creek Estates Park. Mr. Haas stated that public works does not go out there to maintain the property. Commissioner Grabowski suggested dropping the issue as long as the maintenance isn't a problem. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he hasn't seen much dumping of trash in the last two years, however the increase of traffic in the area could be deterring the duinping. Chairperson Holthus stated that she hasn't seen any dumping taking place on these two parks, however mentioned that there is dumping taking place in the irrigation ditch (she explained location). COlmnissioner Grabowski suggested the Commission wait a year to see if either property is being used for dumping. COlmnissioner Blackstad questioned what would happen to the farmer that is farming the Tulip Street property. Mr. Haas stated that he would have to cease operations because ofliability Issues. () COlmnissioner Anderson suggested leasing it for a dollar. o o ':,) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5, 2001 Page 7 Commissioner Blackstad stated that as long as the fanner has taken time to clean up the property we really should fmd a way for him to farm it. The Commission agreed to fmd out from the county if it's possible to lease the property for a dollar. DISCUSS TRAIL IMPROVEMENTSI2001 Mr. Haas presented the Commission with the recommended trail improvements. He questioned what the Commission would like to do for 2001. Mr. Haas explained that item #4 in the staff report would have to come back to the Commission for approval since it is unsure at this time if the project can proceed because of the Indian burial grounds. Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council the following Trail Improvements for 2001, with #4 contingent on the Indian burial grounds: .~) 1. 2. 3. 4. East side of 7th A venue south of Bunker Lake Boulevard - $20,000 (to be paid by trail fund) Trail along the north side of Bunker Lake Boulevard between Hanson Boulevard and Crane Street - $20,000 (to be paid by trail fund) Trail along 161 st Avenue (south side) between Hanson Boulevard to White Pine Estates - $59,400 (to be paid by trail fund) Trail along Andover Boulevard (south side) between Hummingbird Street (Nature's Run) and Hanson Boulevard - $10,000 (to be paid by trail fund) Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS REPORT Commissioner Blackstad suggested contacting Northwest Associated Consultants for a proposal. Commissioner Lindahl agreed. Mr. Haas stated that he would contact the consulting fmn and put together a proposal for the next park board meeting. Commissioner English suggested that the trails be included in the report. Mr. Haas agreed. '\ 'J RECOMMEND DATES FOR CONTINUATION OF JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL (J o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-April 5, 2001 Page 8 Chairperson Holthus suggested the meeting take place on either April 24th or April 26th. She also suggested that the issue of bonding for the parks and the Bunker Lake Blvd. underpass/trail be added to the agenda. Commissioner O'Toole questioned if it would be appropriate to discuss the WDE site. Commissioner Blackstad stated that City Engineer Scott Erickson is making a presentation at the next EDA meeting to discuss the grading plan, therefore it might be premature at this time. The Commission agreed to schedule the joint meeting with the Council on April 26, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. RECOMMEND 3 APPRAISERS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to recommend to the City Council approval of the 3 appraisers for commercial properties as required by Ordinance 10, Section 9.07 as stated in the staff report. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. (-\ \.J UPDATE OF IRR/GATION/OO-44mIDDEN CREEK NORTH PARK C) Mr. Haas updated the COlmnission regarding Hidden Creek North Park irrigation, Project 00- 44. He stated that the bid opening is scheduled for April 11, 2001, and the project is scheduled to be completed by mid-May. UPDATE OF SUNSHINE PARK PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS/OO-8 Mr. Haas explained that the Council has approved the plans and specs, but with the additional paving that is necessary for the skateboard park. He stated that the bid date for the parking lot and trail needs to be rescheduled to a later date to include the skate park paving. He mentioned that at the recent City Council meeting they approved the skateboard park to be located where the hockey rink is at the City Hall. Commissioner English stated that pavement won't work if the location is to be the hockey rink, because of the ice in the winter. He suggested the Commission look at putting in concrete. Chairperson Holthus mentioned that asphalt would be much safer for skateboarding. COlmnissioner Blackstad stated that it's been discussed with Frank Stone to store the equipment over at public works. He mentioned that having a modular system would be nice so things can be moved around. o o ~~J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5, 2001 Page 9 DISCUSS COST FOR TENNIS COURT LIGHTS Chairperson Holthus stated that this item would go away since the skateboard rink wouldn't be located where the tennis courts are. Commissioner English mentioned that the tennis courts at the high school still don't have lights. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that that isn't the issue, since we wouldn't be taking away the other lighted courts. Commissioner Blackstad stated that ifthe City is going to light additional tennis courts, then it should be done at Oakview. He mentioned that Kevin Starr stated that the City could get another year out ofthe lights, and then next year replace them with the funds coming out of the maintenance budget. He also mentioned that it might be a possibility to split the cost with the school to light the courts at Oakview. UPDATE OF WDE SITE GRADING PLAN () Mr. Haas stated that there will be more of an update after the EDA meeting on April 19, 2001. UPDATE OF FENCING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC WORKS Mr. Haas explained that Commissioner Blackstad, Commissioner Grabowski, Mr. Stone and himself met recently to discuss fencing requirements that would work for the baseball and softball associations. He stated that the intention was to put together a standard that would work for all ball fields. Commissioner Blackstad explained that what the Parks Commission is being requested to pay for is the fence from the dugouts to the end of the ag-lime or start of the outfield, on the fields 1-4 at the City Hall Complex. Commissioner O'Toole questioned how important it is to have a dugout fence. Commissioner Grabowski stated that ifthere isn't a dugout fence it's possible a ball could be thrown through the dugout. Commissioner English stated that he feels what is being proposed is an overkill of what a City park needs. He questioned the reason it is being called a "standard" ball field. Commissioner o Blackstad explained that the reason for calling it a "standard" field is because of the fencing. Commissioner Lindahl suggested stating on the bottom of the drawing what is required for a standard ball field and a premium ball field. o o C) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 5, 2001 Page 10 Mr. Haas explained that what is being proposed are just guidelines to follow if the City were to put in a ball field. Chairperson Holthus suggested the drawing state that it's a recommendation from the Minnesota League of Baseball. DISCUSS KELSEY-ROUND LAKE PARK/SANCTUARY Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to recommend a portion at the south end of Kelsey-Round Lake Park be posted as a sanctuary with no trespassing. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that it won't do any good to post it ifit isn't enforced. Mr. Haas stated that even if 3 or 4 four wheelers are deterred it's accomplished something. Commissioner Lindahl suggested checking with the DNR, since they could possibly help to r--\ enforce it. lJ Chairperson Holthus suggested Mr. Haas contact the DNR to have them monitor the area. Mr. Haas mentioned that in the past the DNR has caught some snowmobiles in violation. Motion by Anderson, seconded by English, to recommend to the City Council approval to designate a portion of the south end of Kelsey-Round Lake Park to be posted as a sanctuary with no trespassing. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW OF NEW BALL FIELD FACILITY PLAN/OI-2 Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to review and recommend approval of the new ball field facility west of the new high school, Project 01-2. Commissioner Anderson questioned if any of the fields would be used for softball. Commissioner Blackstad stated that all three fields would be used for softball. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by LindaW, to recommend to the City Council approval of Project 01-2, the ball field facility west of the new high school. (J Further Discussion Commissioner English questioned ifaII three fields would have a 65-foot baseline. Mr. Haas stated that they would have a 60-foot baseline. o o c~) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-April 5, 2001 Page 11 Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-abstain (English), O-absent vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the building expansion is still on hold. Mr. Haas stated that yes it is on hold. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner English stated that previously in the meeting he wasn't accusing anyone on the board of not spending time on other issues, however he mentioned that it's a modesty issue. He stated that the Commission is requesting of other groups and organizations for modest proposals, he requested the same from the baseball/softball associations. .' -. \.~) Commissioner English stated that he finds the language written on the agenda for every meeting is insulting. He handed out printouts from the state statute 429 and 412 to support his opinion, he recommended that the language be removed and the appropriate language inserted. Mr. Haas explained that this is something that would have to be approved by the City Council. Commissioner Blackstad suggested having section 412.511 added back in as duties of the commission as before under Item G. Commissioner English supported his request by referencing section 429.031, subparagraph 2. He mentioned that there needs to be better communication between the Council and the Commission. Chairperson Holthus thanked the individuals who have volunteered to run the dunk tank for the Fun Fest. Commissioner Grabowski stated that one option to help fund the Park & Recreation Director position would be to actually go out and solicit volunteers, he supported this theory with an article that was written in the Anoka Union. ,.- \ Mr. Haas suggested there be a bikeway/walkway trail on the south of Andover Blvd. on both V, sides of Crosstown Boulevard to the bridge, which would be extending it 300 feet. o C) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-April 5, 2001 F , \ Page 12 Commissioner O'Toole mentioned that he has heard residents request trail crossings on Crosstown at Andover Blvd. and at Hanson Blvd. Mr. Haas explained that that is a county issue; furthermore they've been reluctant to do so. Commissioner Blackstad agreed to put in the bikeway/walkway trail south of Andover Blvd as suggested by Mr. Haas. Commissioner Grabowski stated that his concern is that the trail will go nowhere, therefore he suggested extending it further. Mr. Haas explained that it would be difficult to extend it any further on the west side because of the slope. He mentioned that he would put it on the agenda for the City Council on the 17th. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m. '-j Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. :J