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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 15, 2001 C) C) r) "-- o o CITY of ANDOVER RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 15,2001 MINUTES The Regular Bi-MontWy Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Madam Chair Valerie Holthus on February 15, 2001, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: David Blackstad, Chris English, Al Grabowski, Valene Holthus, Jim Lindahl, and David O'Toole (arrived at 7:52 p.m.). Paul Anderson. Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Public Works Supervisor, Kevin Starr Commissioner absent: Also present: RESIDENTS FORUM. There were no residents who requested to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the February 1, 2001 regular Park Commission meeting minutes presented. Motion carried on a 5 - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - absent (Anderson and O'Toole), and 0 - present vote. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/ANDOVER JA YCEES. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the scheduled use of recreational facilities by the Andover Jaycees. In addition, the Jaycees would like to start advertising for the Diamond Skills Competition as soon as possible. If approved, it would also be advertised in the March and April newsletters. Susie Thorson, representing the Andover Jaycees, presented their request to use Sunshine Park on April 28, 2001 for the Diamond Skills Competition. She asked for this event to be scheduled prior to designating field use for softball and baseball activity. In response to the Commission, Ms. Thorson stated this is the second year and she has not been asked to pay a fee but had filled out an application and faxed it to staff. Madam Chair Holthus asked how many children were involved in this event last year. Ms. Thorson estimated 20 children and stated this year they are expecting more participants since they will have advanced publication and it will also be advertised on a website. Regular Andover Park and p. .)~reation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 15, 200}- Page 2 u /--" , / Ms. Thorson was asked if they will have a policing committee to assure the area is picked up and litter disposed of. Ms. Thorson stated they will make sure the park is in better shape than when they arrived. Commissioner Grabowski stated he believes this is a good program, however, he is concerned with considering the use of one organization ahead of others. He stated he would not object to the awareness that this is the first request received and consider a preliminary approval. It was suggested preliminary approval be granted for those two fields since the baseball program is still in the registration process and tryouts have not yet been scheduled. Ms. Thorson explained that they are making this request early so they can assure adequate staffing levels. She noted that last year they only used one field. Commissioner Grabowski stated he just wants to assure it does not present a conflict with baseball tryouts. He expressed concern with possibly establishing a precedent. Ms. Thorson stated last year this event took two hours from the time they arrived until they left the field. Also they did not specify a particular field and could do the same this year. Motion by English, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the schedule of recreational facility use by the Andover Jaycees, as presented, and advertisement in the upcoming newsletters. Motion /-j carried on a 4 - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - absent (Anderson and O'Toole), and 1 - present (Grabowski) \- / vote. UPDATE OF FINANCIAL REPORTS. Mr. Haas presented the financial statements through December 31, 2000, noting the fund balances available for projects. He advised that the list of projects would probably increase in the area of trail improvements which would require Council approval and will be discussed on March 8, 2001. DISCUSS SKATEBOARD FACILITY BY TASK FORCE/OJ-5. Commissioner Blackstad stated they had a good discussion with the youth and are thinking about an area by Field # 1. They would like to get things ready so in the spring the field could be rotated and the area used. He stated the youth are compiling a list of other supporters and financial contributors. Commissioner Blackstad stated he believes the location by Field #1 is better than the one at Sunshine Park which has no lighting or telephone. He noted this is a more visible location with City staff being present during the day hours, etc. ( ) Mr. Haas advised that the task force will meet again on February 22,2001 and will make a presentation before the Park and Recreation Commission on March 1,2001. Regular Andover Park and f ..Jeation Commission Meeting U Minutes - February 15, 2001- Page 3 ,,- \ , j Commissioner English noted the equipment estimate was $20,000 but has now been increased to $41,000. He asked if the estimated costs are still reasonable and if the youth are aware they don't have a "blank check." Commissioner Blackstad stated he stressed there are a lot of "pots" (parks) that need money and as much as they want a lot of equipment at the skate park, it needs to be funded. He noted that asphalt would save $20,000 over concrete and the estimate would provide about ten pieces of equipment. Madam Chair Holthus asked what type of fund raising they are considering. Commissioner Blackstad stated they are considering many types of fundraisers including a car wash. He noted there is room for expansion of the skate park if funding is available for more equipment. Commissioner English suggested a goal be set for the youth to raise a certain amount of funding with a match from the Park Fund. Commissioner Lindahl agreed and noted that other pieces of equipment can be budgeted for later. Mr. Starr asked about the insurance risk. Commissioner Blackstad stated if the skate park remains at a Level #1, the insurance rate would be the same. " \ \. / Commissioner Grabowski stated his concern for the estimate being increased to $41,000 and asked if the Park Fund has $20,000 to spare. Mr. Haas estimated a cost of$100,000 to rotate Field # 1 since it is irrigated. Commissioner Blackstad stated Field #1 was anticipated to be rotated at some point in time. Commissioner Grabowski noted that if the parking lot is changed, curb and gutter would be required which may add another $100,000. Commissioner Lindahl stated it might not be fair to assume the skate park is generating all of these costs. Commissioner Blackstad concurred and noted that if the skate park is located at Sunshine Park there would be additional costs for the parking lot, telephone lines, and lighting. He reviewed a site plan identifying the rotated Field #1, location of the skate park, and skate rink. He noted that once the skate park equipment is in place it cannot be moved or it voids the warranty. Mr. Starr suggested looking at the tennis court location since they are at the life span and it would cost $30,000 to rebuild them. He suggested that pad be considered as an alternate skateboard site. CJ ; '\ , l --- / C) C) Regular Andover Park and R?7eation Commission Meeting U~ Minutes - February 15, 2od"-.) Page 4 Commissioner English stated that may be a good site since it is fenced and could be locked after curfew hours. Mr. Starr explained that the fence would have to be taken down to develop the skate park but that cost would be minimal. Madam Chair Holthus asked Mr. Starr to measure that area and inform Commissioner Blackstad. Commissioner English reviewed the estimated costs to develop that site and suggested the Park and Recreation Commission be asked to raise a certain minimum dollar amount, such as $5,000. Commissioner Lindahl stated his support to fund this project at a $40,000 level which would include $20,000 of equipment with the youth raising funds to add more equipment in the future. RECOMMEND ORDERING PLANS & SPECS/Ol-5/SKATEBOARD FACILITY. This item was tabled. RECOMMEND ORDERING PLANS & SPECS/OO-8/SUNSHINE PARK PARKING LOT & BIT. TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS. Since the skateboard park is not going to be located at Sunshine Park, Mr. Haas suggested the Park and Recreation Commission indicate they are not interested in ordering plans and specifications for the Sunshine Park parking lot and bituminous trail improvements, Project 00-8. Commissioner Grabowski noted there is still a great need for parking so he would support moving the project forward. Mr. Starr stated this would also be a good time to install a delivery road. Commissioner Blackstad agreed and suggested it be added as an alternate. Motion by Madam Chair Holthus, seconded by Blackstad, to recommend the City Council order plans and specifications for the Sunshine Park parking lot and bituminous trail improvements, Project 00-8, with the service road being added as an alternate. Motion carried on a 5 - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - absent (Anderson and O'Toole), and 0 - present vote. UPDATE OF CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX #l/NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, CONT. Mr. Haas advised that the Public Works Department is in the process of reviewing the State contract on playground equipment. If the State contract is not sufficient or does not have the equipment and/or price available, staff will provide a list of items to various suppliers for pricing which is to include installation, freight, tax, and the cost to provide handicapped accessibility to the equipment. Regular Andover Park and j?rr:reation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - February 15, 20d......) Page 5 r-\ , . , Mr. Starr stated another plan is being drawn up which will be better for pricing. Once the footprint is identified, they will talk with other vendors and be better able to compare "apples to apples." Mr. Haas stated they will also check out some of the Gametime sale equipment to see if they can find a comparable piece of equipment. He noted that if the cost is under $50,000, the City is not required to go out for bids. Mr. Haas stated staff will bring this information back for the March 1, 2001 meeting. DISCUSS MITIGATION SITES/OO-18/ANDOVER BOULEVARD. Mr. Haas reviewed the project to extend Andover Boulevard along Coon Creek which would impact wetlands. He noted the memorandum from Todd Blank, SEH, regarding the mitigation sites and indication that Kelsey-Round Lake Park is probably the logical location for wetland replacement (one at the north and one at the south end of the park). He advised that staffis still evaluating the possibility of having Prairie Knoll as a borrow site which will allow the site to be graded for soccer field development if the Commission is still interested. He asked the Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner O'Toole arrived at 7:52 p.m. /-, Discussion ensued regarding this and other locations that could be used for mitigation. \. J Commissioner Grabowski asked if there are other low areas that could be dug to create a pond. Haas stated it has been discussed for years to dredge Strootman but he is not sure that would be accepted as replacement. Commissioner English commented on the importance of protecting wetlands and habitat. He stated he is opposed to setting a precedent. Commissioner Blackstad stated he sees no problem with the north side and maybe partial credit could be gained from Strootman which would reduce what has to be done with the south side. Haas explained that staff would like the project to continue moving forward and request bids which should be good this time of year. In response to Commissioner Lindahl, Haas stated this may appear to be a meadow but it has always been delineated as wetland. Commissioner O'Toole stated the Commission doesn't want to give up the south side of Kelsey Park due to the wildlife so he would recommend investigating Strootman and other sites to see what could be done. Haas stated this item is scheduled on a Council agenda. C) Regular Andover Park and f",\reation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - February 15, 20f.A.J Page 6 Commissioner Grabowski stated he does not think this should go before the Council without a /-\ recommendation from the Commission. , J Commissioner English stated if it is tabled, it should not go before the City Council. Haas stated he can inform the City Engineer of that, noting it can be placed on the March I, 200 I Commission agenda when staff can bring back information on alternate sites. This item was tabled and staff was asked to investigate alternate sites and present that information at the March I, 200 I meeting. DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing a proposed 5 Year Park Capital Improvement Plan. He displayed the changes that were made to the CIP at the last meeting. Commissioner Grabowski noted the projects planned for 2001 and asked where the Commission will come up with $245,000. Commissioner English stated a discussion occurred on how to track costs so the Council sees the need for a CIP as park dedication funds begin to taper off. C) Commissioner Grabowski stated this department is already overworked and there is no planned increase in the staff level. However, this budget results in more equipment and more parks. He stated he will not support an increase in parks or facilities until the level of staff is also increased to assure adequate maintenance. Commissioner Lindahl stated it was discussed to add summer help and in 2002 one full-time person was to be added. Mr. Starr stated that was discussed. Madam Chair Holthus suggested the issue of staff level be discussed with the City Council. Commissioner English asked if a Parks Coordinator is needed. Commissioner Blackstad stated he does not think that position is needed at this time and asked what that position would do that the volunteer associations are not already doing. Commissioner English stated a Parks Coordinator could increase the revenue stream. Commissioner O'Toole reviewed other areas that position would be involved in that would be of benefit. He stated the Parks Coordinator could create revenue from other areas without overtaxing existing park fees. Commissioner Blackstad stated he would not support increasing the current park activity fees to local residents and taxpayers to cover the cost to add a Parks Coordinator. (-) F\ \. ' _/ '~ -) c) Regular Andover Park and P'nreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - February 15, 2orL) Page 7 Madam Chair Holthus reviewed the changes made to the CIP at the last meeting. Commissioner Lindahl asked if the playground equipment estimate was updated. Haas stated he added $5,000 and made the other updates as requested at the last meeting. It was noted that this CIP will be presented to the Council. DISCUSS 5 YEAR PARK CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN, CONT. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing a proposed 5 Year Park Capital Replacement Plan. Madam Chair Holthus reviewed the recommended allocation of$250,000 from 2001 to 2005 and asked each Commissioner to indicate their top five preferences for park development. Following the casting or preferences, she announced the priorities are as follows: Wild Iris, Terrace, Strootman, Shady Knoll, Prairie Knoll, and Hawkridge. DISCUSS 5 YEAR TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to continue discussing a 5 Year Trail Improvement Plan. Madam Chair Holthus advised that $117,950 is available. She reviewed the trail projects anticipated for 2001 and the estimate for each. Mr. Haas used a map to identify the location for each of the potential trail projects. It was noted that all of the trails funded by State Aid would be included. Madam Chair Holthus asked each Commissioner to indicate their top preferences for trail development. Following the casting of preferences, she announced the priorities are as follows: 1. 2. 3. East side of Seventh Avenue south of Bunker Lake Boulevard Trail along the north side of Bunker Lake Boulevard between Hanson Boulevard and Crane Street Trail along entire stretch along 161st Avenue between Hanson Boulevard to White Pine Estates Trail along Andover Boulevard (south side) between Hummingbird Street (Nature's Run) and Hanson Boulevard Trail along Verdin Street NW (west side) between 168th Lane NW and 174th Lane NW (to serve new elementary school) Trail along Andover Boulevard (south side) between Bluebird Street and Xeon Street (for the potential fishing pier at Andover Lake) $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $59,400 4. $10,000 * $40,000 5. *Staffwas asked to research the potential for this trail to be funded from transportation. Regular Andover Park and P'r:reation Commission Meeting (j' Minutes - February 15, 206,_) Page 8 ,~.~ , I , / Discussion ensued regarding the need for safe trails around the school property and importance of a trail along Verdin Street. Commissioner Grabowski stated that is more of a transportation issue than a park issue since the school designed this site along a busy street. Commissioner English noted the playground equipment will attract children to the school so it is a park issue. Commissioner Lindahl stated this is more of a City transportation issue and should not be taken from the Park Fund. Mr. Haas noted that Jon VonDelinde will attend the next Commission meeting to present the Anoka County projects. jl,lotioll by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to support all State Aid Funded trails, and then the trails as indicated in the above preference tabulation. Motion carried on a 5 - ayes, 1 - nays (English), 1 - absent (Anderson), and 0 - present vote. REVIEW ORDINANCE 10, SECTION 9.07/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS. Mr. Haas noted the information that was requested at the last meeting in regard to Ordinance 10, Section 9.07, park dedication requirements. He advised that Zoning Administrator Johnson has indicated that none of the parcels discussed have been sold or recorded at the County. C) Discussion ensued regarding the appropriate percentage of park dedication fee, density formulations of buildable acres (minus wetlands), open space requirements, and escalators. Discussion also occurred on unit charges with an escalator for higher density. Mr. Haas stated he does not think the City Attorney will recommend support of a unit charge. Commissioner Blackstad explained how the Metropolitan Council calculates density. Commissioner O'Toole stated his support for 10% with escalators. Madam Chair Holthus recommended 10% for single family with an increase for higher density. Commissioner Blackstad reviewed past Council actions related to the park dedication fee and his research with Commissioner O'Toole on the appropriate numbers. Commissioner Blackstad recommended 10% with an escalator for higher density. Commissioner Lindahl stated another issue to consider is the potential for growth below the MUSA which will impact multiple density. (-) Commissioner English stated he thinks there will be legal issues with a percentage plus escalators and asked why an increased unit charge is not being considered. Regular Andover Park and pn':reation Commission Meeting (-) Minutes - February 15, 206:J \....... Page 9 Commissioner Grabowski noted the case law established for 10% which is considered as a "safe ( '\ harbor." He asked Commissioner Blackstad to find the calculation he had previously presented. '_J Commissioner English suggested language indicating a certain "unit charge not to exceed 10%." He noted this will protect against increased density not paying and yet remain within the "safe harbor." Madam Chair Holthus stated the ordinance language should be amended to indicate that should the zoning change to a higher density, additional park fees are due based on the higher valuation or density. Madam Chair Holthus stated this item will be further discussed at the March 1, 200 I meeting. REVIEW FINAL LIST OF ITEM FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL. Mr. Haas presented the final list of 11 items to be discussed at the Tuesday, March 8, 2001 joint meeting with the City Council. He suggested that a new Item #10 be added to discuss Park Department needs and manpower, resulting in a list of 12 items. Madam Chair Holthus noted the Commission would like to discuss whether the Verdin trail should be considered a transportation issue. Mr. Haas suggested that be raised with Item 9, discuss 5 year trail improvement plan/trail fund. e) REVIEW ISSUES LIST. Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list and advised of additions and deletions that were made. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. Commissioner Grabowski asked when the appreciation plaques would be presented. Haas stated the plaque for Tom Anderson will be presented on February 20th and the plaque for Jeff Kieffer will be presented on March 6th. Commissioner Grabowski stated he was asked why information on registrations for athletic _ activities are not placed on the City memo board. Commissioner Blackstad stated he was told the City memo board was only used to advertise meeting dates and times. Commissioner Grabowski stated his support to request use of the memo board to advertise community events, not just meeting dates. Commissioner English asked if there is a policy for what can be advertised, and ifparks would \~) be considered a "special interest." r-, , '- _I ~) Regular Andover Park and j?n,\reation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 15, 20v.J Page 10 () ..4 Commissioner Grabowski stated three organizations are being advertised now. He noted the schools have been good about advertising recreational activities but the City Hall memo board is an ideal location to advertise recreational registrations. Discussion occurred regarding how readable the electronic sign would be to advertise this registration information. Commissioner English noted the City's website could also be used to advertise this information. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carla Wirth, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. "