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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 15, 2001 r, U o o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -MARCH 15, 2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Valerie Holthus on March 15, 2001, 7:00 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, Paul Anderson and Dave O'Toole. Commissioners absent: There were none. Also present: Park Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM There was none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner English stated that on page 10 of the minutes it states that there were 3 ayes and 4 nays and therefore the motion carried, however it should state that the motion failed. Commissioner Grabowkski stated that on page 8 ofthe minutes he didn't second the motion on the Park Dedication Fee being set at $2100. Recording Secretary Sara Beck researched the minutes from March I and determined that Commissioner English seconded the motion. Motion by English, seconded by Anderson, to approve the March 1,2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, and O-absent vote. Mr. Haas stated that there are,two additional items to be added to the agenda. Item 14 is an Update of the City Hall Park Complex #1 Playground Equipment and Item 14a is and Update/OO-8/Sunshine Park Parking Lot & Bit. Trail Improvements: Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Lindahl, to amend the agenda to include Items 14 and 14a. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O~nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS MITIGATION SITES/00-I8/ANDOVER BOULEVARD EXTENSION, CONT. o o , --... ,~) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-March 15, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Haas stated that the Commission is being requested to recommend approval of the mitigation site to the City Council. He questioned if the Commission had any comments or questions regarding the issue. Commissioner English questioned the status of the plans. Todd Blank of SEH explained that the plans are in their fmal form and have been submitted to Anoka County. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Anderson, to recommend to the City Council approval of the layout for the mitigation sites as tested at Kelsey-Round Lake Park. Motion carried on a 7- ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. APPROVE 2001 SPRING-SUMMER SOFTBALL/BASEBALL SCHEDULE Commissioner Grabowski stepped down for this discussion because of a confliCt of interest. Mr. Haas presented the COlmnission with the 200 I Spring-Summer Softball/Baseball Schedule. Commissioner Blackstad requested to pull the tournament application ofM.R.D.A./USSSA for further discussion. He questioned them if they understand there will be no field maintenance . '\ for the tournaments. Paul Rootkie from the organization responded that they are aware of this '"..-J and are willing to take care of it themselves. COlmnissioner Blackstad mentioned that no motorized vehicles are allowed on the field. The representative stated that they are also aware of the no motorized vehicle policy. Commissioner Blackstad mentioned that the City needs to make sure the check is here 8 weeks prior to the tournament. COlmnissioner O'Toole questioned if there are both baseball and softball representatives present. Dale Lang, representing Andover Baseball Association, stated that everything is fme as far as he's concerned. Commissioner O'Toole questioned ifhe has any conflicts with the tournaments. Mr. Lang stated that he doesn't have any conflicts with the tournaments. Commissioner Blackstad questioned ifthere was someone from the Church Youth Softball League. Mr. Haas stated that there is no one present, however they were' aware of the meeting. Cominissioner Blackstad stated that he just wants to make sure they know that no pets are allowed. / 'I ''-J o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 3 (J Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council approval of the 2001 Spring-Summer SoftbaII/Baseball Schedule as presented. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, 0- nays, O-absent vote. APPROVE 2001 SPRING-SUMMER SOCCER SCHEDULE Mr. Haas presented the Commission with the 200 I Spring-Summer Soccer Schedule. Josh Flynn, representing Andover! Anoka Hockey Players, explained that they're just a training program. Commissioner Blackstad questioned ifit would interfere at all with North Metro Soccer Association. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if they all use the fields during the day. Commissioner Grabowski suggested they use a rotating schedule. Commissioner English suggested the Commission approve the schedule and the two organizations work out the details between themselves. I '-J Mr. Haas explained that the community school should also be on the application. Julie Johnson explained that their program would begin June 18 and go through July 26. She stated that they would use all the ball fields and a few soccer fields. Chairperson Holthus questioned what times of the day they would need the fields. Ms. Johnson explained that the program runs from 9-12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Ms. Johnson explained that the only ones they use are the ones at Sunshine Park and the school fields. She mentioned that unfortunately they won't know the number of kids participating until the end of June. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he hopes the field by the tennis courts is acceptable. Mr. Flynn stated that it wouldn't really matter since they won't be wearing cleats. Commissioner Lindahl questioned when the mowing will take place on the fields, since the usage is scheduled so tight. Mr. Haas explained that it should work out fine, since last year did. ~J Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Commission has no idea of the amount of usage of the fields since they aren't receiving the past schedules as requested. He mentioned that there continues to be a problem with residents bringing dogs even though they aren't allowed, he suggested the coaches monitor this more closely. C) U Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 4 () Commissioner Lindahl suggested the issue of the dogs be passed on to the coaches. Commissioner Grabowski suggested the policy be stated on the schedules so the parents read it. Mr. Flynn stated that they inform everyone who participates of the policy. He stated that they do send them away if they do bring a dog. He questioned if a usage schedule from last year would be sufficient. COlmnissioner Grabowski stated that that would be fme. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to recommend to the City Council approval of the 2001 Spring-Summer Soccer Schedule as presented. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, 0- absent vote. PRESENTATION OF SKATEBOARD FACILITY BY TASK FORCE/OI-S Commissioner Anderson explained that the Task Force has worked very hard to come up with the plans and rules of the park. He stated that they discussed a number of issues related to the facility including sources of funding. He stated that one of their funding sources hopes to be the Lions Club. (J The Task Force, consisting of kids between the ages of9-16, parents, among others, presented the COlmnission with the skateboard/rollerblade proposal. They mentioned that there is over 500 signatures supporting the facility. It was mentioned that a lot of research went into the project to make sure the facility will be successful. They explained that what they are proposing is a Tier I park, which will prevent the City's insurance from increasing tremendously. They went on to explain the details ofthe park in terms of size, equipment, materials, rules, and costs. COlmnissioner Blackstad suggested that instead of rotating field #1 how about putting the facility where the tennis courts are located. He stated that after he did a cost analysis ofthe project he detennined it would fit the Park budget much better and could be started as soon as possible, furthermore ifthe other site was used construction wouldn't be able to begin until the end of July. The Task Force stated that they don't really care where it's located. as long as there is one. They also mentioned that an asphalt surface will be just fme over concrete. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if there is a benefit to a concrete surface other than longevity and care. The Task Force stated that the asphalt is more than acceptable and actually most skateboard facilities have asphalt over concrete. /- '\ \.J Chairperson Holthus questioned if field #1 wouldn't need to be rotated either way. She recommended the City keep the tennis courts and put the facility where field #1 is. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the field doesn't have to be rotated at this time, therefore because of the expense in the other park projects he recormnended the tennis court location. ,~- '\ \) ,,- '\ ,-j :J () 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 5 Commissioner Anderson mentioned concerns about taking out the tennis courts since they do get a lot of use during the summer months because they're lighted. Commissioner Blackstad stated that if the issue is lighting, he suggested adding lights to one of the other tennis courts in the City. Commissioner O'Toole suggested putting the facility in the parking lot that way there would be no expense and the City would still have the tennis courts. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the tennis courts are unusable anyway and need to be tom up. He stated that it would save the City a lot of money. He also mentioned that the City would loose a lot of parking spaces if the facility were put in the parking lot. He stated that by putting the facility in where the tennis courts are located would allow the construction to begin much quicker. Commissioner English questioned how much lighting would cost to put in at another tennis court in the City. Mr. Haas stated another tennis court location where there are already lights. Commissioner English suggested recommending the skateboard facility be located where the tennis courts are, in addition to lighting being installed at one of the school tennis courts. Commissioner Lindahl agreed and stated that the City would end up saving money. Commissioner English stated that it sounds like the Commission is in favor of the concept of the skateboard park, however the parameters of the equipment along with staff doing a cost comparison to determine the location are yet to be decided. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if the equipment would be scaled back to meet the budget. The Task Force stated that that is acceptable, however the kids are working with the Lions Club to raise part of the money as well. Commissioner English suggested the Commission consider 60%'or $25,000 of what's been proposed and next year the Commission would match dollar for dollar based on what the Task Force is able to raise. Commissioner O'Toole agreed to match funds for the year 2002. Motioll by Anderson to recommend to the City Council approval of the skateboard facility pad and for equipment up to $25,000, in addition to lighting additional tennis courts within the City. o U Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 6 <J Further Discussion Chairperson Holthus explained that quotes would be obtained in the beginning of May, with the equipment in place around the end of July. She stated that the rebuilding of the tennis courts would be incorporated into the plan with the ones at Sunshine Park. Commissioner English suggested directing staff to look at the cost oflighting the tennis courts at Oakview Middle School and/or the high school, in addition to the replacement of the tennis courts. Commissioner Anderson included in his motion that the City would match any funds raised by the Task Force prior to May 1, 2001. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the cap be $15,000 on the amount that can be matched. Commissioner English seconded the motion. The motion is as follows. Afotiol1 by Anderson, seconded by English, to recommend to the City Council approval of the skateboard facility pad and for equipment up to $25,000, and that any funds up to $15,000 . \ raised by the Task Force prior to May 1,2001 would be matched by the City subject to the ,j following conditions: 1. To directing staff to look at the cost of lighting the tennis courts at Oakview Middle School and/or the high school. 2. That the tennis courts be replaced. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Commissioner Blackstad suggested the funds raised be carried over for one year. Chairperson Holthus stated that further discussions will take place to determine the fmal location of the skateboard park. Mr. Haas stated that this issue will be discussed at the April 3, 2001 City Council meeting. ORDER PLANS & SPECS/OI-5/SKATEBOARD FACILITY CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #1 Motiol1 by Lindahl to recommend to the City Council approval to move ahead with ordering the plans & specs for the skateboard facility at a S25,000 base bid with the location yet to be determined and subject to the equipment selected by the Task Force. '~J Further Discussion l~ ') '~ .r, \....../ '0 o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 7 Commissioner English suggested the Commission have something to recommend to the Council for the replacement of the tennis courts. He stated that it isn't really fair to take something away to put something in. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it would make the most sense to add lights to the tennis courts at the high school. Mr. Haas stated that he would check it out and report back at the next meeting. Commissioner Blackstad seconded the motion. The motion is as follows. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council approval to move ahead with ordering the plans and specs for the skateboard facility at a S25,000 base bid with the location yet to be determined and subject to the equipment selected by the Task Force. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. ORDER PLANS & SPECS/OI-6/BALL FIELD & PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION Mr. Haas explained that this item would no longer exist since the Commission decided against using this area for the skateboardlrollerblade facility. ADD ALTERNATE TO 00-18, ANDOVER BOULEVARD EXTENSION FOR 01-2, BALL FIELD F ACILlTY Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being asked to consider adding as an alternate to the Andover Boulevard Extension project, Project 00-18, for the construction of a parking lot at the south end of the new ball field facility, Project 01-2. COlmnissioner Blackstad questioned the number of parking stalls it would provide. Mr. Haas stated about 40 spaces. He explained that if the prices aren't where the Cormnission would like them the project could be canceled. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by O'Toole, to recommend to the City Council approval of the consideration 'of Project 00-18, for the construction of a parking lot at the south end of the new ball field facility. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK/SECTION 14 Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to discuss the location and size of the park that will be dedicated when the property develops. He stated that the Planning Department would like some direction from the COlmnission as to the location and size, so that when the developer approaches the City staff can give direction. , , , i ~'\. _~I !,- ) '- o o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 8 Chairperson Holthus questioned ifthere would be just on way in and one way out. Mr. Haas stated that that is correct. Commissioner Blackstad questioned the number of homes in the area. Mr. Haas stated that it would be well over 300 lots. Commissioner English questioned if that would mean park dedication funds for this year. Mr. Haas stated that that is correct. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it should be located where the street from the west meets the streets from the east. Chairperson Holthus suggested it be located on the north side bordering the wetland. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the area have something for everyone instead of just a tot lot. Commissioner English suggested there be a picnic pavilion, since it serves a purpose. He questioned if the Commission suggested 3 acres if that would be 3 acres of highland. Commissioner Lindahl stated that this is correct. Chairperson Holthus suggested Mr. Haas report back to the Planning Department based on what the Commission discussed. UPDATE OF ORDINANCE 229 AMENDMENTS This item is to be tabled until the continued joint meeting with the City Council as requested by the City Council. DISCUSS START TIME FOR PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS Commissioner Lindahl suggested that starting in April the meetings start at 7:30 p.m. Motioll by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to change the start time for the Park & Recreation Commission meetings from 7 :00 p.m: to 7 :30 p.m. beginning in April 2001. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Commissioner English questioned .what was decided on the Bunker Lake Boulevard underpass issue. Mr. Haas stated that the City is going back to'the county for further discussions. He mentioned that there would be a report at the next meeting. o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Afeeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 9 .r, \ , -' Commissioner English suggested adding to the list the gathering of information from other cities to determine the value of the parks so the fee for park dedication can be justified. Commissioner Grabowski suggested the fencing issue be added to the list. He stated that he will contact the League of Minnesota Cities regarding the issue. UPDATE/CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #1 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT The Commission was in approval of the proposal. UPDATE/OO-8/SUNSHINE PARK PARKING LOT & BIT. TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. Haas explained that this is an update item for the Commission regarding recommending approval of the proposed plan for the parking lot arid trail improvements to be made on the west side of Sunshine Park, Project 00-8. He questioned if the Commission would be interested in any raised islands for trees. Commissioner O'Toole suggested the parking spaces be painted in place. COImnissioner Grabowski agreed since that would help people to line up properly. ;~) COImnissioner O'Toole questioned how far away the parking lot is from the property line. Mr. Haas stated that the City needs to stay at least 10 feet away. Motioll by Lindahl, seconded by Anderson, to recommend to the City Council approval of Project 00-8, the plan for the parking lot and trail improvements on the west side of Sunshine Park. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner Anderson questioned if all the issues discussed at the joint meeting with the Council will be followed up on as requested. Commissioner Grabowski requested to take on the fencing issue and gather additional infonnation from all the organizations and the League of Minnesota and present a report at the next park meeting. Mr. Haas questioned how serious the COlmnission is in taking Prairie Knoll Park from a ball field to two soccer fields. He mentioned that they are hoping to be no cost to the City to regrade the site. r \ V Cormnissioner Blackstad suggested the City take the dirt they need. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he isn't in favor of eliminating a ball field for baseball, since the City is already short. .- . "'" I -, , u ~,J C) () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2001 Page 10 Commissioner English suggested putting in two soccer fields and keeping the baseball field. Commissioner Lindahl suggested moving the sliding hill. Mr. Haas questioned where the Conunission would want the sliding hill moved. Chairperson Holthus suggested just changing it a little. COlmnissioners Blackstad and Grabowski suggested fixing the sliding hill. Motion by Holthus, seconded by Lindahl, to fix the sliding hill and create another soccer field at Prairie Knoll Park. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-abstained (English), and O-absent vote. Commissioner Lindahl requested to see a time schedule on the project. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.