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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 8, 2001 ~J ~- -) --- .r-, J o o CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL & PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MARCH 8, 2001 MINUTES The Joint Meeting of the City Council & the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache on March 8, 2001, 7:04 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mayor Mike Gamache, Councilmembers Don Jacobson, Julie Trude, and Ken Orttel. Commissioners present: Chairperson Valerie Holthus, Commissioners Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad, Chris English, Paul Anderson and Dave O'Toole. Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Mike Knight. Also present: Park Coordinator, Todd Haas City Engineer, Scott Erickson Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg Public Works Superintendent, Frank Stone Public Works Supervisor/Parks, Kevin Starr DISCUSSMITIGATION SITES/OO-18/ANDOVER BOULEVARD EXTENSION City Engineer Scott Erickson explained that the City Council and the Park Commission are being requested to review the status of wetland replacements relative to the Andover Boulevard Ext. project. He mentioned that the discussion will revolve around what type of wetland replacement.s would be proposed for Kelsey-Round Lake Park site along with a preliminary review of five other locations looked at last week by city staff and SEH. Todd Blank of SEH provided the Council and the Commission with a handout consisting of the agenda for the Andover Boulevard Ext. wetland mitigation sites. The handout explained the proposed 2 mitigation sites, which are located west of 153rd Lane and the other north of 149th Avenue. . He also stated that construction may begin in May of 200 1 if the proposed site is approved, however if an alternate site were chosen construction would proilllbly not begin until AugustlSeptember of 200 1. () 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 2 ,~ \ '-J Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7: 10 p.m. Councilmember Orttel questioned which site has a creek located behind it. Mr. Erickson stated that that would be site B. Councilmember Orttel questioned how much is invested in the site. Parks Supervisor Kevin Starr explained the amount of investment already in the site. Councilmember Trude questioned if the area has been clearly outlined. Todd Udvig stated that at this point nothing has been done to the site. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the Park Commission on which site they opposed. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Park Commission was under the impression the site would be located in the cornfield. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the Commission if the site isn't located in that area then would there be any objections. '-, ) Chairperson Holthus stated that the Commission never voted on the issue, however she personally has no objection. Commissioner Blackstad stated that now that he understands where it would be located he has no objections. Commissioner English explained that the reason the Commission objected was because they wanted to have the time to review it and then make a decision. Councilmember Orttel questioned how close the site would be to the homes. Mr. Udvig stated that it wouldn't be too close to the homes. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if there would be an advantage to getting the project done now versus waiting until August/September. Mr. Blank explained that the second schedule that's listed on the handout is if an alternate site were chosen, however if the site at Kelsey-Round Lake Park is selected then we could construction still begin in May and be completed this year. Councilmember Orttel questioned what would be the next step in order to get the project underway. Mr. Erickson stated that they would bring it before the City Council for approval at the next meeting and from there continue the process. / \ \j Commissioner English stated that the City just received a $1,000 grant, he wondered if that would help to offset the costs. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 3 ~) ....J Chairperson Holthus mentioned that it's nice to see areas other than parks be considered as possible mitigation sites. Commissioner English stated that prior to the next Park Commission meeting the Commissioners can review the infonnation and make a decision and forward it to the City Council. Mayor Gamache stated that there was some miscommunication between last year's meetings with the Council and the Commission and this year's meetings. He explained that Kelsey Round Lake Park was already chosen back in the fall of 2000 as a mitigation site, therefore staff continued to work on the project. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the issue was never brought before the Commission last fall, however he has no objections with the site after discussing it with Mr. Starr. Mr. Erickson stated that there was a discussion with the Park Commission last fall. ~ Commissioner English stated that all the Commission is asking for is a few weeks to review the material and then to make a decision or recommendation to the Council. DISCUSS ORDINANCE 10, SECTION 9.07/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Chairperson Holthus explained that the Park Board is recommending to increase the residential park dedication fees from $1300 per unit to $2100 per unit for the year 2001. Commissioner O'Toole explained that the reason the Commission is suggesting S2100 is because the City is already behind and furthennore the City doesn't get the money the year the property is evaluated. Councilmember Trude agreed the fee should be paid at the time of fmal plat. Commissioner English explained that the Commission is recommending to set the fee for 2002 now. Commissioner O'Toole reminded everyone that the big plats coming up are already scheduled at a $1300 park dedication fee. ~-) Commissioner English" explained that what the Commission was intending to say on the resolution is that the fee shall be paid at the time offmal plat, therefore the City won't run into developers paying 1996 fees when the fmal plat is approved in 2001. He recommended that the wording in the resolution be revised. () U Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 4 , '1 -'-" Councilmember Orttel questioned what difference it would make if the fee was set at a per unit cost Commissioner Blackstad questioned whether Natures Run would be paying a fee of 5)1100 or $1300, He questioned the reasoning behind the City setting the fee at the time of preliminary plat Councilmember Orttel questioned what the park dedication fees are in Ramsey and Ham Lake. Commissioner O'Toole mentioned that if the City is basing it on land values then it should be based on land values in Andover. He stated that properties in Andover are well over $40,000 per acre, Commissioner English explained that the Commission is basing the fee on how land values have gone up in the past and therefore they're projecting what they will be in 2002, Councilmember Orttel disagreed with land values being at $40,000 per acre, " '\ -_/ Commissioner Blackstad stated that the last land sale was Woodland Estates 2nd Addition in the beginning of2000, which was $35,000 per acre. He mentioned that the ones up for approval this year haven't stated the value per acre, Councilmember Trude stated that there definitely is a need for parks in the City, She mentioned that people are questioning when they will see some of what they've paid in for their property, Councilmember Orttel stated that he is concerned the City could end up overpricing the fee. Commissioner Lindahl suggested setting the fee, which could slow down the building, however it would help the City catch up. Councilmember Orttel stated that if you gouge the homeowner they just end up getting less of a house, Commissioner Lindahl questioned why the City should continue on with the speed of development as in the past Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that he once heard that the parks are the City's biggest enhancement \ " / o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 5 ') J Councilmember Orttel reminded everyone that the City doesn't build neighborhood parks anymore, but instead just regional parks. He mentioned that the more expenses in a house result in a house with a lesser value. Councilmember Jacobson stated that the fee has to be justifiable. Commissioner English stated that later on in the meeting the Council will look at the Commission's capital improvement plan and will realize there is no other source of funds. He mentioned that somewhere along the line the City needs to make a choice and if that means keeping the park dedication fees low then the money will need to come out of the general fund. Councilmember Orttel stated that you have to be able to justify the need for the increase and be able to show that the residents aren't being over charged. He also mentioned the fact that the residents are charged an additional fee for the trails. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the trail fee is a separate issue. ,--\ ) COlmnissioner English stated that since the City hasn't wanted to address the issue of sidewalks the Parks COlmnission ends up getting stuck with the trails. Councilmember Orttel stated that the trails should be funded outside of the parks fund, however if the trail is within the development the residents would have to pay for those. Mr. Erickson stated that that is correct. Councilmember Trude questioned what Councilmember Orttel felt the fee should be set at. Councilmember Orttel suggested the fee be at a 10%, which would be approximately $1700. COlmnissioner Grabowski stated that he can't justify the $2100 either, however recommended the fee be at 51800 or $1900. Community Development Director Dave Carlberg mentioned that today the concern is that the fee is justifiable. He stated that you have to be able to show the reason for the fee. COlmnissioner Blackstad suggested bringing in a third party consultant to conduct an overall study of the parks in the City. He suggested there be more research regarding the 10% theory based on the land value at the time of final plat, which is explained on page 8 of the analysis report of the park dedication requirements for the City ofLino Lakes. ~) (\ -) .J C Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-March 8, 2001 Page 6 :-j '--- - Councilmember Orttel stated that legally there could be problems if the City ends up putting in something the residents don't use, for example in a senior citizen's situation. Councilmember Trude disagreed. COlmnissioner Lindahl stated that Councilmember Orttel is assuming that anyone over 50 is sedentary. Councilmember Orttel disagreed, however stated that those residents probably couldn't justify $2100 per unit. Councilmember Trude questioned ifhe is suggesting a different type of policy for multiple housing or senior housing. She suggested there be an easier method for senior type housing. Councilmember Orttel stated that the law requires showing a need for the fee. He suggested they pick a fair amount that isn't the highest fee in the metropolitan area. Councilmember Jacobson agreed with COlmnissioner Blackstad's idea of getting an outside consulting fIrm to do an analysis, which would support the City in a court situation. /-j ~,,-_,l Councilmember Orttel questioned if an analysis wasn't done last year. Mr. Haas stated that the'research done last year was just on the trails. COlmnissioner English suggested the City fIrst look at a planning process and detennine what they want the City's future park system to look like. Chairperson Holthus stated that the last time the Council and the Commission met they discussed using the 10% method or a per unit charge. She stated that the 10% would be the safe harbor, however the per unit charge would add up to being more. Councilmember Orttel questioned how the 10% would be fIgured if that was the fma1 outcome. COlmnissioner English explained that the Commission is trying to stay clear of using the 10% method. He gave reasoning to support their decision. Commissioner B1ackstad explained that the reason cities are going to the per unit charge is because each house has a certain impact on the parks. Counci1member Orttel agreed with the analysis as long as it can be justifIed. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the value of land in the City of Andover is between $38,000 and $40,000, therefore if that's divided by two it becomes $1,900. ,) o U Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8,2001 Page 7 , I \...J Councilmember Orttel suggested the Commission and the Council come up with an amount temporarily until more research has been done. Commissioner English volunteered to conduct further research regarding the park dedication fees. Councilmember Jacobson stated that if the Commission really wants to change the fee it needs to be done this year since plats could come in before the end ofthe year. Mr. Carlberg explained that the ordinance cUlTently states that the fee shall be paid at the time of final plat, however in the past the City has been flexible as a courtesy to the developer that once it's in process the City hasn't imposed any new fees. He stated that the City needs to decide if that policy should be changed to enforce what is written in the ordinance. Councilmember Orttel suggested changing the ordinance that the fee be determined at the time of fmal plat. .- '\ \ ) Councihnember Trude stated that the other problem is that the money isn't going back into the neighborhoods where it's coming from. Councilmember Orttel explained that the reason for that is because the City is now doing regional parks instead. COlmnissioner Anderson stated that the other issue is the maintenance and upkeep that goes along with the neighborhood parks. Councilmember Trude stated that a park doesn't have to require a lot of activity or S30,000 of playground equipment. She suggested something for everyone, for example: basketball hoop, horseshoes, picnic tables, etc. COlmnissioner English recOlmnended the fee be set at S 1700 for 2001 and S I ,800 for 2002, which would give the COlmnission time to do additional research. Mayor Gamache directed staff to reword the ordinance to read that the fee would be paid at the time of final plat, in addition he directed the COlmnission to do additional research to justify the fee. Mr. Carlberg explained that it's already in the ordinance, however the City hasn't been following it in the past. He stated that the biggest thing is for the Council and the Commission to detennine the fee and do the additional research. ~,-) Mr. Carlberg stated that he would bring to the next City Council meeting on March 20 an amendment to the ordinance for the fee to be set at S 1700 for 2001. Mayor Gamache questioned if that is pretty much at the 10%. Mr. Carlberg stated that that is correct. . o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 8 " ') '-_J Commissioner English mentioned that the Council needs to make sure they separate the two issues of replacement parks and new parks. He explained that as long as funds are being spent on replacement parks there isn't money to put in new parks. Commissioner Anderson questioned what size park is desired at Shadowbrook. Councilmember Orttel suggested the residents be contacted to see what they would like. DISCUSS DNR GRANTS Mr. Haas explained that the Commission has requested to discuss with the City Council the 2 DNR grants that were awarded to the City. He stated that one grant was for an underpass at Bunker Lake Boulevard NW and the railroad tracks and the other was at Hanson Blvd. NW at the Andover Elementary School. He recommended that it might be wise to accept at least one of the grants, since if they're both denied it could be difficult to get grants in the future. Councilmember Jacobson questioned where the City would come up with the other S200,OOO. .- " Councilmember Orttel stated that the City just doesn't have the money, especially with '- ) the school project. Mr. Erickson stated that at this time there really are no other funding sources available. Mayor Gamache questioned when the City needs to inform the DNR of the City's decision. Mr. Erickson stated that the City needs to let them know as soon as possible, since the deadline was really a month ago. Councilmember Trude mentioned that the underpass would be a huge connection to Bunker Hills Park. Councilmember Jacobson questioned the reason a tunnel would be acceptable in this situation, however it was too dangerous to put a tunnel in over by the school because of the things that would go on at night. He questioned if this is really a priority of the Commission. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Park Commission also looked at the same connection a few years ago, however stated that he is unsure if anyone did any research on the cost before applying for the grants. " \ ,-_I Commissioner English stated that he argues that it's a county problem. He mentioned that the county' isn't doing anything to help connect the park to the surrounding areas. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 9 ''l , , '-~ Councilmember Trude mentioned that Commissioner English makes a good point. She stated that the intersection is extremely hazardous. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the county helped fund the trail that runs along Bunker Lake Blvd. Mr. Erickson stated that it was a 50/50 split. Commissioner English suggested there be an intersection to help control the traffic. Councilmember Orttel stated that the problem is that they want to be able to move traffic at high speeds, and forget to take the parks into consideration. Councilmember Jacobson questioned if the City should accept the grant for $50,000 and then try and come up with $200,000. COlmnissioner Anderson questioned what the value is of residents crossing the road and getting injured. Commissioner English questioned if there would be a possibility of using a bond, and then pay off the bond using the trail fees. Councilmember Orttel stated that that's an interesting concept. He suggested it be discussed with Finance Director Jim Dickinson. o Mr. Erickson stated that he would have Mr. Dickinson look at the idea and fmd out if it would even be feasible and if so how long it would take to pay it off. Councilmember Trude suggested the county highway engineers be contacted as well. Mr. Erickson stated that he doesn't believe the City wouldn't get anywhere. Commissioner English stated that the best idea would be to put in a pedestrian crossing at that intersection, DISCUSS PROPOSED 2001 TRAIL FEE Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission is requesting to discuss the proposed 2001 trail fee with the City Council. She stated that the current trail fee is $350 per unit for residential and the developers of cOlmnerciaUindustrial are responsible for 100% of the cost of the adjacent trail if the trail is proposed as part of the adopted comprehensive plan. She mentioned that they are suggesting the fee be raised to $400 per unit for residential. Mayor Gamache stated that he hears all the time that people come from everywhere to use the trails that are in the City of Andover, , " <J' Councilmember Jacobson questioned if the City would be double dipping on some and none on others, since, there are some that have never paid. a fee. He mentioned that the new residents are paying more than others are. C) 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 10 , \ I '-j Councilmember Orttel questioned if this becomes a transportation issue, and if so should the Park Commission even be involved. Commissioner English questioned if the City requires a developer to put in a sidewalk Councilmember Orttel stated that no the City doesn't require a developer to put in a sidewalk Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the reason there aren't as many sidewalks anymore is because of the cost of maintenance in the winter. Mayor Gamache questioned if all are in favor of the trail fee being set at $400 for 200 I. Councilmember Jacobson stated that something to remember is that the residents have property rights and at what point are we asking too much of them. Councilmember Orttel stated that Andover is becoming a semi rural suburb, which means that the residents who typically live in the newer neighborhoods count on these types of services. o Councilmember Jacobson stated that he doesn't object to the idea as long as people want it and are willing to pay for it. DISCUSS POSITION OF PARK & RECREATION DIRECTOR Mr. Haas explained that the Commission has requested this item be on the agenda to discuss with the City Council the interest of a Park & Recreation Director. Councilmember Olttel questioned what the Park Commission thinks the person should do. Chairperson Holthus stated that the Commission really hasn't come to a consensus on what the responsibilities would be for the position. Councilmember Jacobson suggested the information be gathered and a recommendation made before next year. Conunissioner English stated that strategic planning is critical. He stated that he believes the person could spend a lot more time on researching various grants, and coordinating activities. He stated that if the Commission did present something to the Council it would be based on value. , , 1 '_I Conunissioner O'Toole stated that when the idea came up the City Administrator suggested that an additional fee be charged for activities which would help to fund the position. He stated that he is not in favor of adding any additional fees. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 11 '~\ '-J. Councilmember Orttel mentioned that the position could also involve some responsibilities that engineering currently takes care of. Councilmember Jacobson stated that it wouldn't be a bad idea to add a contribution, which could help pay for the position. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he doesn't know of too many youth organizations that pay a fee. Councilmember Trude stated that if the position existed the person could be responsible for coordinating additional activities that haven't been available in the past, which could help cover some ofthe costs. Chairperson Holthus questioned if the Commission and the Council are considering going away from all Athletic Associations and instead having them go through the Park & Recreation Director. Councilmember Trude stated that often times a position such as this would handle all the smaller children's programs and the athletic associations would work with the older kids. / " Mayor Gamache stated that the City already has people handling both types of programs. The Community Education Program handles all the programs for younger kids, and the athletic associations handle the programs for the older kids. '_/ Councilmember Trude stated that the position could be responsible for programs for kids that don't involve sports. She suggested doing a survey to find out what the residents want. DISCUSS FENCING GUIDELINES FOR BALL FIELDS AT VARIOUS PARKS Mr. Stone explained that there were some concems by the Park Commission regarding fences that were removed by Public Works. He stated that the fences were removed because of liability of the fences being too short. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the League of Minnesota has recomniendations for fences, however there are no guidelines for the fences along the sidelines. Commissioner Blackstad explained that there are fences to first and third base but that's it. , , ,~ Councilmember Orttel stated that if it becomes a liability issue and it has to be done then it has to be done. '\ '_J o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 12 Mr. Stone stated that there is more than just one field that doesn't have a fence. He stated that probably only 20% have fences. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the fencing really should go beyond first and third base, since someone could get injured if a player overthrows. Councilmember Trude stated that she has witnessed that happening. Mr. Stone explained that what he is trying to say is that anytime anything needs to be removed he'll send something to the Commission to inform them of what took place and a copy will go to the Council. Commissioner Grabowski suggested the City do what the insurance carrier recommends. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he would like to see the City not take the fences down unless there are funds to replace them. Mr. Stone stated that ifthe fences are too dangerous they'll take them down light away, otherwise they'll wait until the end of the season. Mr. Starr mentioned that in reality there are a lot more fences that should come down. , \ 'J DISCUSS THE SELLING AND LEASING OF PARK PROPERTY Mr. Haas explained that the Commission has been evaluating 2 parks to sell or lease. He stated that Cedar Crest Estates (Park #6) and Tulip Street (Park #13) are the parks in question. He mentioned that the Commission is interested in leasing Tulip Street to the adjacent property owner, however Cedar Crest Estates they are interested in selling to one or more of the adjacent property owners. Councilmember Trude stated that based on the attorney's opinion the City needs to look at the deeds. Mr. Haas stated that that has already been done. Councilmember Jacobson questioned why the county wouldn't just erase the land since it was tax forfeited. Commissioner English stated that he doesn't think the City should lease any property as long as it's considered park property and is considered inventory. Councilmember Jacobson suggested the designation on Tulip Street be removed since it will need to be done anyway. , '\ <) Councilmember Trude questioned if Cedar Crest Estates is an unbuildable lot. Mr. Haas stated that it is unbuiIdable since one can only build on every other lot. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 13 r\ \.j Commissioner Blackstad stated that if the City decides to get rid of the property he suggested it take place before inventory. Councilmember Orttel stated that he has no problem with Tulip Street. COlmnissioner Lindahl suggested the Council act on the selling and leasing of the properties since the City doesn't have enough staff to care for them and especially since they don't serve a purpose. Mr. Carlberg suggested the Commission and the Council keep in mind the importance of planning for open space. He stated that the City needs natural areas kept as natural areas. Mr. Erickson mentioned that the City lnight have to pay taxes on the Tulip Street property. Councilmember Olttel suggested having someone go around and determine which parks have no value and if so he suggested getting rid of them. r " Councilmember Trude suggested there be a policy in place once the inventory has been '_/ taken, therefore we don't have to worry about what could happen. DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN & DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission would like to see the 5 Year Park Capital Improvement Plan as a budgeted item in the general fund for new improvements. Mr. Stone stated which budget items 9 and 10 should come out of in the future. He stated that this year the parks received $40,000 to replace existing equipment, however in 2002 he plans to request S80,000 and by 2003 he hopes to request SlOO,OOO. Councilmember Orttel agreed with the idea to keep the accounts separate to avoid any confusion. He questioned if this would include the park dedication fund. C) Commissioner English stated that technically park dedication funds shouldn't go for replacements or improvements. He stated that what the Commission is trying to say is that there won't be enough money from the park dedication fund to do all that is listed in the next 5 years. He explained that there are three categories to the proposal, which are impr?vements to existing parks, replacements, and new parks. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 14 / , , , j Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission is suggesting the improvements come out of the general budget, and the replacements come out ofthe Mr. Stone's budget. Commissioner English explained that right now they are using park dedication funds for improvements to existing parks, therefore the residents who are paying the fee aren't benefiting from it. Councilmember Jacobson agreed with the Commission's proposal, however mentioned there could be some problems when detennining the dollar amounts. He also mentioned that some of the funds could come from grants, etc. that could be generated by the Park & Recreation Director. Commissioner English stated that the reality is that there is no other fund but park dedication for 2001. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he discussed with Mr. Dickinson the possibility of having a sinking fund that would be established by taking approximately SIO,OOO of what was set aside for replacements and by doing that every year the interest alone could be used to pay for the replacements down the road. '\ / Councilmember Orttel suggested that research be done to determine the age of the residents in the area before upgrading the existing parks to make sure the City is accommodating those residents. DISCUSS 5 YEAR TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PLAN/TRAIL FUND Chairperson Holthus presented the Council with the 5-YearTrail Improvement Plan/Trail Fund. Councilmember Trude questioned the trail system that will work with the new school. She mentioned concerns since there are many young kids who don't remember that there are cars nearby. Mr. Haas reviewed the trails that will accommodate students and others to and from the school. Councilmember Trude questioned the area surrounding Andover Lake where there is no shoulder for kids to ride on. Mr. Haas stated that at this time there is no trail planned for that area, nor is the county talking about reconstructing the roadway in the near future. :J Councilmember Trude questioned if something couldn't be done. o 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8. 2001 Page 15 , , \ _.J Commissioner English suggested using a trail bond to fund some of the trails. He questioned if the trails surrounding the school aren't transportation issues instead of recreation. Councilmember Orttel stated that the trail fund is for transportation issues. Commissioner English stated that he was told the trail fund isn't for trails used for transportation. Councilmember Orttel agreed that the trails for the high school are written down to corne out of the general fund. Chairperson Holthus explained that the Commission prioritized the trails in the order that they should be completed. She mentioned that item #5 shouldn't be used with the trail funds. Mr. Erickson stated that they plan to have the school trails completed by spring of 2002. Councilmember Trude mentioned that there are people that are concerned about what the City plans to do for the students in terms of transportation to and from the school. She stated that the City really can't do much until the school boundaries are drawn. :,) Mayor Gamache suggested there be something similar to what is at Andover Elementary to help keep the students offthe streets. Councilmember Trude stated that once the layout of the school is planned out, the City will need to try and figure out what would make the most sense. Mr. Carlberg explained that staff is almost done with the site plan, therefore they could bring it before the Council even though it's not normal procedure. Councilmember Orttel stated that the City needs to do what is necessary in tenns of transportation. DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OF ANDOVER LAKE Councilmember Jacobson stated that he isn't in favor of the City purchasing Andover Lake, because of the additional maintenance it would involve. He mentioned that it could be extremely expensive. ADJOURNMENT , ) Councilmember Orttel suggested the meeting reconvene at a later date, instead of rushing through the last items. Mayor Gamache agreed. (J 0 Joint Andover City Council & Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2001 Page 16 '\ -) Items #13 and #14 were not discussed. Mayor Gamache adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. :.j ~)