Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 1, 2001 o o o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -MARCH 1,2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Madam Chair Valerie Holthus on March 1,2001, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Madam Chair Valerie Holthus, Al Grabowski, Jim LindaW, 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 Motion by Blackstad, seconded by English, to approve the February 15,2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, and I-absent (Lindahl) vote. Commissioner Lindahl arrived at 7:03 p.m. PRESENTATION OF BUNKER HILLS PARK PLAN/ANOKA COUNTY PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Mr. Haas introduced Jon Von Delinde, Director of Parks and Recreation for Anoka County, who would be making a presentation. Mr. Von Delinde presented to the Commission the proposed development of Bunker Hills Park and the proposed trail and underpass that most likely will be under construction during 2001. Commissioner Anderson questioned if they are addressing the issue of the public using the roadway as a through street down to Foley Blvd. Mr. Von Delinde explained that those that have a park pass are the ones using the road, therefore there is no way to take that right from them. Commissioner Anderson mentioned that many drivers are speeding when they are using it as a through street. Commissioner English suggested adding stop signs on the road to slow down traffic. u l) '\ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 2 '-----' Madam Chair Holthus questioned ifthere will be two activity centers once the new one is built. Mr. Von Delinde stated that that is correct. Commissioner English thanked Mr. Von Delinde for coming before the Park Commission. He mentioned that Andover is very lucky to have such an outstanding facility available to the residents. Mr. Von Delinde mentioned that the park is the most popular used park in Anoka County. Commissioner Blackstad questioned if they ever thought about dredging the Bunker Lake to make it deeper. Mr. Von Delinde stated that they have discussed it, however nothing has ever developed because of the cost. Commissioner English suggested moving the connection point further to the ..yest or towards the Hanson Blvd. intersection. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the City doesn't want a crossing at the railroad tracks unless there's an underpass or an overpass. ,- \ '- ) Commissioner Grabowski questioned if Anoka County would be putting a trail in that would go in front of the sheriffs department along 116. Mr. Yon Delinde stated that that is correct. Commissioner Anderson questioned if they've ever thought of making the old archery area into a mountain biking area. Mr. Yon Delinde explained that they've already talked about putting in a trail that would connect to the Blaine area. He also mentioned that a mountain biking area would take a larger area than what the park could provide. Commissioner English questioned ifthere has ever been a discussion about installing traffic lights where the "A" road intersects with Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mr. Von Delinde stated that that hasn't been discussed. Commissioner Anderson questioned if they've ever thought of eliminating the entrance "A" roads south of Bunker Lake Blvd. Mr. Von Delinde stated that it was discussed, however it wasn't received well.by the public. . Mr. Yon Delinde stated that the county wouldn't be able to help with the cost of the potential underpass @ Bunker Lake Boulevard and the railroad tracks, however could help with some other issues such as topsoiling, seeding, etc. , , \. J Commissioner Anderson questioned what would be located in the area to the north of the new archery site. Mr. Yon Delinde stated that that' area technically isn't part of the park, however they are looking into it as a possibility. ". o o , -, o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 3 Madam Chair Holthus questioned if the new facility for archery will be used for school activities and/or daytime programs. Mr. Von Delinde stated that the facility will defmitely be used for those types of programs. PRESENTATION OF SKATEBOARD FACILITY BY TASK FORCE/OI-S RECOMMEND ORDERING PLANS & SPECS/Ol-S/SKATEBOARD FACILITY Mr. Haas recommended tabling these two items until the March 15,200 I Park Commission meeting. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Blackstad, to table the presentation ofthe skateboard facility by the task force and the ordering of plans and specs for the Skateboard Facility. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, a-nays, a-absent vote. DISCUSS MITIGATION SITES/OO-18/ANDOVER BOULEVARD, CONT. .\ '--) Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the mitigation sites for the proposed Andover Boulevard Extension west of Crosstown Boulevard. He explained that Frank Stone, Kevin Starr, Scott Erickson, and the City's consulting wetland specialist from SHE have looked at other potential sites for mitigation based on discussions with the City Council and the Park Commission. Madam Chair Holthus mentioned that she was recently on the site and noticed the open area where the trail comes down 1 49th next to the cornfield consists of mostly bushes. DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. Commissioner Grabowski questioned where the Park Commission plans to come up with $248,000 for this year. Mr. Haas explained that that is the reason the Commission is presenting the plan to the Council to explain the need for additional funds. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Commission should be realistic, since the budget has . already been set for the year 2001. Commissioner English stated that if the Commission doesn't ask then for sure the Commission won't receive any additional money. Commissioner Blackstad explained that as he understands it the fmance department is requesting a 5 year capital improvement plan. He stated that the Commission has the items listed that need to be done in the next five years, however there is no money to do them. He (' '~ also mentioned that if the money continues to come but of the park dedication fund the City LJ will just continue to go in the hole. " "- ,j eJ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 4 o Commissioner Anderson questioned if Hidden Creek Park North is coming from a different funding source. Mr. Haas stated that the City could collect up to a maximum of$25,000 from the state for the Hidden Creek North project. The cities share is anticipated to be paid from park dedication fund. Commissioner Blackstad stated that with Hawkridge Park and Wild Iris Park there is $364,000 of improvements to be made to the existing parks. Commissioner Grabowski questioned how much of the $35,000 for the top soil at Prairie Knoll Park would come out of Frank Stone's budget. He also questioned how much would come from the park dedication fund out of $248,000. He questioned if the Commission has decided to do all the items listed on the improvement plan with funds out of the park dedication fund. The Commission stated that that is not the intention. Commissioner Blackstad stated that he's afraid the Commission will have to put the plan into action even if the money isn't there. " "- , \.._ ____J Commissioner English stated that the Commission needs to explain to the Council that all the items on the list won't be accomplished unless the City comes up with additional funding other than park dedication funds. Commissioner Grabowski questioned the reason the Commission wants to falsify the report if the money isn't there. He also mentioned that currently the school ball fields aren't included. Commissioner English suggested the Commission explain to the Council that the school ball fields are holding everything up. He mentioned that in his opinion the school fields shouldn't receive funds from park dedication. Commissioner Grabowski agreed, however stated that that is what will happen. Madam Chair Holthus stated that the Council needs to see the improvement plan as drafted. Commissioner English mentioned that technically park dedication funds shouldn't be spent on neither improvements nor the school ball fields. He questioned how binding the improvement plan is to the Commission. Mr. Haas stated that the plan is strictly a guideline. Commissioner English stated that the COlmnission needs to develop a positive attitude as a team when going before the Council. (J Commissioner Lindahl questioned ifthe COlmnission ever gave approval to the Council to fund the school ball fields. Commissioner Grabowski stated that indeed the Commission gave approval. The remaining COlmnission disagreed stating that no approval has ever been given. u 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March I, 2001 Page 5 / '\ , \. ~' Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council approval of the 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan as presented as a conceptual plan to provide a mechanism for City planning and bonding and to provide a guide path for the Park Commission, however all line items on the plan will be voted on independently as funding allows and the project comes up. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, I -nay (Grabowski), a-absent vote. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that the reason he voted against the plan is because the school project and the WDE site are not included in the plan. DISCUSS REQUEST BY NORTH METRO SOCCER ASSOCIATION Mr. Haas explained that the Commission is being requested to consider a request by North Metro Soccer Association to purchase 8 sets of soccer goals for the following parks: Timber Rivers, Timber Trails, Hawkridge, and Forest Meadows. He mentioned that they have received a quote for $8,000 for 8 sets of goals. Madam Chair Holthus questioned ifthe goals are mobile. Mr. Haas stated that that's correct. C-) Steve Freitag, NMSA Field Director, explained that there was someone using the field on the nights that are specified. He offered to produce a more detailed report including which team was on which field. He questioned if that is what the COlmnission is requesting. Commissioner English stated that the original request is stilI valid and important. Madam Chair Holthus recommended the Commission approve the request for 8 goals, especially since Hawkridge hasn't been used in the past. Mr. Freitag questioned if the Commission would like the complete schedule from Monday through Thursday night beginning at 6 PM and going until 9 PM. Commissioner English questioned ifhe schedules the fields so they are available for everyone to use them on the weekends. Mr. Freitag stated that he schedules from Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM and the rest of the time is open. Commissioner English suggested the Commission vote on the request, however requested Mr. Freitag provide the report the Commission is looking for. He also suggested Mr. Freitag generate a list of items that are needed from the City. (J COlmnissioner Blackstad questioned Mr. Freitag on why there are fields out there that aren't being used. Mr. Freitag explained that he would like to use all the fields that are available. .- r-, \j - ) I... _ / ( '\ \J () 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 6 Commissioner Blackstad questioned the reason they aren't practicing at fields other than where the games are played to help rest the fields. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it would be ideal if they could provide scheduling for three years. He mentioned that it's hard for the Commission to justify new fields if we don't know what you're doing out there. Motioll by O'Toole, seconded by Holthus, to recommend to the City Council approval of purchasing 8 sets of soccer goals for the following fields: Timber Rivers, Timber Trails, Hawkridge and Forest Meadows as recommended by staff for the North Metro Soccer Association. Further Discussion Commissioner English recommended that it be moved on quickly to assure they get the goals by the middle of April. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN, CONT. Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the 5 Year Park Capital Replacement Plan. Madam Chair Holthus questioned what the "new fund" is as written in the staff report. Commissioner English explained that it would be the fund that was renamed at a previous meeting. DISCUSS 5 YEAR TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. Madam Chair Holthus questioned item #3 on the list. She mentioned that what the Commission decided to do was the entire stretch not just a portion. Madam Chair Holthus explained that $117,950 would" allow us to do items 1-4, however we would run out of money for item #5. Commissioner English explained that the items are listed in the order of priority, however if a project weren't approved then we would just move on to the next item. REVIEW ORDINANCE 10, SECTION 9.07/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas stated that included in the staff report is the information the Park Commission requested at a previous meeting. He explained that the fees for the communities researched have substantially increased in the past year. He mentioned that discussions with the Anoka ,-'\ \ / ~,- ') , --~ (J o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-March 1, 2001 Page 7 County Assessor indicate that raw land in the urban area that is prime for residential development is at a minimum of$35,000. Commissioner Blackstad explained that Lino Lakes based their figures on the number of homes going into future developments. He suggested the City hire an outside consulting firm to create a report with all the current parks and determine which ones should be developed and at what cost, therefore the City would be able to justify a unit cost fee structure. Commissioner English questioned how much development the City anticipates for the next 20 years. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the City is expected to double in size. Commissioner Blackstad stated that it's estimated that all current residents have paid approximately $1850 for the parks, therefore why should people developing now pay less? Commissioner English stated that it would make more sense to determine what the growth will be in the next 20 years along with a need. Commissioner Blackstad stated that in order to come up with that information the City would need to hire an outside consulting firm. COlmnissioner Lindahl mentioned that the Commission already knows what the projected costs are for developing regional parks and neighborhood parks, since we already have them. Commissioner English questioned ifthere is an ongoing comprehensive plan and if so why doesn't the COlmnission request the infonnation. COlmnissioner Grabowski mentioned that it's possible the Metropolitan Council would change the MUSA line in the future. Commissioner English suggested the COlmnission meet on a Saturday and do the analysis themselves. Cormnissioner English questioned how many units there will be for the year 200 1. Mr. Haas stated that there will be approximately 350 units. Cormnissioner Grabowski mentioned that those units will be paid at last year's rate. COlmnissioner Blackstad suggested the fee be set at $1,900. Cormnissioner English determined what the amount would be with the park dedication fee at $1900, however he questioned the COlmnission as to what they would tell the Council they would do with that money. Cormnissioner Anderson reminded the Cormnission that the money from park dedication is to be for new parks. Commissioner Blackstad stated that park dedication funds are to build parks in the neighborhoods where the money came from or for amenities in regional parks. ~) C) () o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 8 Commissioner English suggested the Commission say to the Council that if the fee were raised to $1900 there would be enough funds to do the ball fields at the high school. Commissioner Blackstad questioned the Commission on when the developer should be required to pay the fee. He suggested it be at the time of final plat approval. Commissioner Anderson stated that that is what the Commission had decided they would suggest to the Council. Commissioner O'Toole stated that if the Commission suggests the fee to be set at $1,800 the City will already be behind for 2002, therefore he suggested the fee be set at $2,100. He agreed that the fee should be paid at the time of fmal plat approval. He stated that the Commission should set the fee for 2002, since there probably won't be any plats up for approval this year. Commissioner English explained that the City can't say that the reason they want to raise the fee is because they're paying more money. Commissioner O'Toole suggested not setting the fee this year for 2002, since there are no fmal plats up for approval. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there could be a fmal plat that comes up at the end of the year. Motion by O'Toole, seconded by Grabowski, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Residential Park Dedication Fees to be set at $2,100 and must be paid at the time of final plat approval. Further Discussion. Commissioner Anderson questioned the Commission if they are prepared to explain to the City Council why they want to raise the fee by $800. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CONSIDER ORDINANCE 229 AMENDMENTIDA VE BLACKSTAD COlmnissioner Blackstad presented an amendment to Ordinance No. 229. He explained that a Councilmember had requested he put this information together. COlmnissioner English stated that he disagreed with the proposed amendment. He questioned if the amendment is referring to 5 or more unexcused absences. Commissioner Anderson questioned what wouid be the defmition of unexcused. Commissioner English questioned why Commissioners should be penalized for emergencies. r~~ \ ,"_I o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 9 Commissioner O'Toole stated that he is not in favor of the proposed amendment. He stated that if the City Council decides to change the ordinance then fine, however there is no point in certain individuals digging up information on others to try and sway the Council. He stated that it was brought up at the interviews for the new positions for the Park and Recreation Commission, therefore the point has been made. He mentioned that everyone on the Commission is there to better the City and Commission members don't miss meetings unless there's a reason. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the problem is that you apply for a position with the expectation that you will attend the meetings, therefore the Council is appointing you with that understanding. He questioned why one would want to be on the Commission if they miss more than 20% of the meetings. Commissioner Anderson questioned what would be an excused absence and whom should the Commissioners call if something comes up. Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commissioners are to call the Chair if they can't attend. '--) '"- Commissioner Anderson questioned if special projects/meetings would be considered in the total number of meetings. He mentioned that he's attended nine additional meetings. Commissioner Grabowski stated that an excused absence would be acceptable if either the Parks Coordinator or the Chair has been called. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he feels the ordinance has worked well all the while he's been on the Commission the past 10 years. He stated that he doesn't see a problem with it now nor was there a problem with it in the past. Commissioner English questioned if changing the language to say unexcused absences would make it any more acceptable to the Commission. Commissioner Anderson questioned what would be an unexcused absence. Commissioner English suggested it be left up to the discretion of the Council. Commissioner Grabowski suggested that the number of meetings acceptable or unacceptable be determined by the City Council. Commissioner English suggested the ordinance be amended to state X for the number of days and for the word unexcused to be included. (J Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would not agree with Commissioner English's amendment since there is no de[mition for excused. o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 10 r-""\ ,-~i Commissioner Lindahl suggested the same policy be used as directed by the human resources department. Commissioner English stated that everyone on the Commission should take the responsibility to call Todd if they can't attend a meeting. Motion by English, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council approval of Ordinance No. 229D, an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 229 to state: X (number) or more unexcused absences in a calendar year or X (number) consecutive unexcused absences of a member from duly called Commission meetings shall constitute an automatic resignation from Office. Determination that an absence is unexcused shall be at the discretion of the Commission Chair, the Parks Coordinator, and/or as defmed by the personal handbook of the City of Andover. Motion carried on a 3-ayes (English, Blackstad, and Grabowski) 4-nays (Lindahl, Holthus, Anderson, and O'Toole), O-absent vote. , , , ) '-- Madam Chair Holthus also proposed an amendment to Ordinance No. 229. She suggested there be a Subsection H added to the ordinance regarding code of conduct. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he has heard that there are people that believe there is a conflict of interest on the Commission. Commissioner Grabowski explained that when he didn't want to run the softball programs anymore the association offered him money in order to keep it going. Commissioner English stated that he agrees with paragraph #1 and #3, however questions paragraph #2. He questioned how one would draw the line if it's not a compensated position and you're volunteering. Commissioner Blackstad questioned how dual membership is defined. Madam Chair Holthus stated that it would mean having membership on this Commission and on an association board as well. Madam Chair Holthus questioned if anyone on the Commission feels that the athletic associations are underrepresented in the City of Andover. Commissioner English questioned ifhe was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and they went to have a picnic at a City park would he have to resign. , '\ \._) Commissioner Blackstad stated that he wouldn't be able to umpire anymore games if paragraph #3 is approved; '.- o CJ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2001 Page 11 .,...-.... \ ---.1 Commissioner O'Toole mentioned that there was a conflict of interest from the old Council and the citizens as well. Commissioner English questioned if Commissioner Grabowski and Commissioner Blackstad would accept the job of umpire, but refuse any income from the position. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if someone should give up $5000+ a year if there is a need for the position. Commissioner English questioned ifthey would do it without the money. Commissioner Blackstad stated that no he wouldn't umpire any games without being compensated. Commissioner O'Toole suggested staff do some research to detennine what would be a conflict of interest. Madam Chair Holthus stated that other cities such as Ramsey do have a code of conduct in place. ,. " Commissioner Blackstad suggested staff get a legal opinion on the proposed code of conduct ; \.~I amendment. Madam Chair Holthus stated that Todd will check into the issue further, in addition to discussing it with the City Attorney. REVIEW FINAL LIST OF ITEMS FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Motion by English, seconded by O'Toole to strike Item #1 from the agenda of the joint meeting with the City Council and the Park Commission. Further Discussion. Commissioner English explained that his reason for making the motion is because the City Engineer didn't approach the Park Commission on this issue as requested by the City Council. He stated that he won't allow anyone to treat him in this way. C) Mr. Haas explained that the reason for it being on the agenda is because the City Engineer wants a discussion between the City Council and the Commission so everyone has an opportunity to hear the same information. Commissioner English stated that Scott Erickson(City Engineer) should present the issue before the Commission as the Council directed him the other night. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. ~ , ' .' ..~ -, '--) C) o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-March 1, 2001 Page 12 Commissioner English suggested rewording the last paragraph since the Commission has no intention of stepping on Mr. Stone's toes. He stated that the Commission's goal is to stress to the Council the need for planning in order to maintain the parks. Mr. Haas stated that what Mr. Stone wants for the Commission is to look at what the need is out there for parks regardless of the manpower. Commissioner Grabowski stated that if it' s not on the agenda the Council won't take the issue seriously. Madam Chair Holthus questioned the reason #11 is on the agenda, since it would probably be discussed under trails. Mr. Haas explained that it would probably go away once the trails have been discussed. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Mr. Haas requested three commissioners to serve on a co-city focus group to determine if there is a need for a Community Service Center in Andover. Commissioners Lindahl, Blackstad and English volunteered to serve on the cOlmnittee. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by O'Toole, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.